St Johnstone v Celtic: Referee confirmed for Hoops rescheduled trip to Perth

Celtic face St Johnstone on Wednesday evening in the Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill’s side travel to Perth to face the newly promoted Saints in the rearranged game from 22 August. The game was due to take place between Celtic’s home and away UEFA Champions League Playoffs against LASK.

Matthew MacDermid has been handed the whistle by the SFA for the meeting at McDiarmid Park. The 33-year-old took charge of Celtic’s opening night victory over Dundee and will assume the role of man in the middle for the midweek meeting.

MacDermid, who took charge of Celtic’s Scottish Cup Semi Final win against St Mirren, will be assisted by Ross Macleod and David Dunne.

Steven McLean is on VAR duties and the seasoned referee is assisted by Duncan Williams.

Meanwhile, Grant Irvine will monitor the technical area in his capacity as Fourth Official.

MacDermid can be erratic in decision making. Celtic supporters will recall the defeat to Hibs at Celtic Park as the Easter Road side benefited from a red card and a missed penalty call for Celtic.

The game kicks off at 8pm and Celtic will have a sizeable support in attendance after the hosts took the positive decision to prioritise cash over empty seats. This is an encouraging move by The Saints, one that could encourage others to follow suit, given that it gets cash into the coffers of the club and it improves the optics for TV.