Kris Boyd Blasts Refereeing in Old Firm Derby as Calls Grow for Accountability
In the aftermath of Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 10, 2026, former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd delivered a scathing assessment of the officiating, focusing on what he described as a clear red card incident involving Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.
The match, refereed by Nick Walsh with John Beaton on VAR, saw Rangers take an early lead through Mikey Moore before Celtic fought back with goals from Yang Hyun-Jun and a brace from Daizen Maeda, including a stunning overhead kick. However, the talking point dominating post-match discussion was a challenge by Johnston that Boyd insisted warranted a sending-off.
Boyd, never one to mince his words, was uncompromising on air. After reviewing footage from multiple angles, he declared the tackle “a red card all day long,” claiming Johnston caught his opponent above the ankle in a manner that endangered safety. He called for VAR intervention, arguing the decision was a clear error. Fellow pundit James McFadden agreed that Johnston was “very fortunate” to escape with only a yellow card.
The graphic circulating on social media captured the heated sentiment among sections of the Rangers support, claiming Boyd “completely destroyed” the referee while alleging the Premiership FA (SPFL/SFA) issued an official apology for “huge referee and VAR error.” While no formal apology statement has been confirmed by the Scottish FA at the time of writing, the incident has reignited long-standing debates about consistency in Scottish refereeing and VAR’s effectiveness in high-stakes Old Firm clashes.
Boyd’s forthright style resonated with many Rangers fans frustrated by the result and perceived officiating inconsistencies. Celtic, meanwhile, moved closer to retaining their title hopes, keeping pressure on league leaders Hearts heading into the final stretch of the season.The controversy underscores the intense scrutiny officials face in Glasgow derbies. Whether the SFA’s Key Match Incident panel will review the decision remains to be seen, but Boyd’s comments have amplified calls for greater transparency and accountability in Scottish football’s biggest fixture.