26 Feb 2010Old Firm referee plays down controversy

Football Clubs News | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Dougie McDonald has insisted that his handling of this weekend's Old Firm clash will not be affected by the current furore surrounding match officials in the Scottish Premier League.

Celtic confirmed on Wednesday (February 24th) that they met with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to raise concerns over the number of decisions they believe have gone against them this season.

Earlier this month, the SFA's head of referee development Hugh Dallas admitted that the current campaign has been "disappointing" for match officials in Scotland.

However, McDonald told the SFA website that he will not alter his approach heading into the latest clash between Rangers and Celtic, which takes place at Ibrox on Sunday.

"I treat every match the same in terms of my preparation," the 44-year-old said.

"You have to bear in mind the scrutiny you are under in an Old Firm game … but you cannot be overawed by it."

McDonald, who has previously taken charge of four Old Firm derbies, recently returned from the referees' winter training camp organised by Dallas in Spain.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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