Referee Steven McLean has been appointed to officiate Rangers’s crucial clash with St Mirren on Sunday.
Rangers are under pressure to return to winning form in the Scottish Premiership after their painful exit from the Scottish Cup at the hands of fierce rivals Celtic.
Despite dominating large periods of the 120 minutes at Ibrox Stadium, Danny Rohl’s side were eliminated in a penalty shootout. The dramatic ending was followed by chaotic scenes as clashes broke out between supporters from both clubs.
McLean’s controversial history in Rangers matches
McLean has previously been involved in several controversial decisions in Rangers fixtures throughout his 15 years officiating at the top level.
In February’s 1-1 draw against Motherwell at Fir Park, the referee made a number of contentious calls that frustrated both teams.
One moment saw McLean initially show Lukas Fadinger a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Mikey Moore before VAR intervened. After reviewing the incident at the pitchside monitor, the official upgraded the punishment to a red card.
Later in the match, McLean also waved away penalty appeals from Youssef Chermiti after the forward was brought down in the box.
Ironically, Motherwell were then denied a penalty of their own when Ryan Naderi clumsily challenged Callum Slatteryshortly after coming on as a substitute.
Rangers’ record under McLean
With the league title now their only realistic target, Rangers will be determined to secure three points against St Mirren and continue chasing leaders Heart of Midlothian.
McLean’s history with the club has also drawn attention in the past. Back in 2019, former Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom criticised the referee after he phoned Steven Gerrard to apologise for an error in a 1-1 draw involving Rangers.
Following that controversy, McLean did not officiate another Rangers game for eight months.
Overall, the referee has taken charge of 58 Rangers matches since the 2010–11 season. During that time, the club have recorded 35 wins, nine draws and 14 defeats.
That record suggests the Glasgow side have often performed well when McLean is in charge. However, Rangers will know that focusing on the match itself is the only way to keep their title hopes alive.
Anything less than victory against St Mirren could significantly damage their chances in what remains a tight three-way battle at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
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