Referees for 2025/2026 Scottish Premiership
The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership (branded as the William Hill Premiership) kicks off on August 2, 2025, marking the 13th season of this format.
Referee Overview
| Referee Name | Debut in SPL | Notable Achievements / Recent Info |
|---|---|---|
| Steven McLean | May 1, 2010 | Veteran referee; served as fourth official in 2024 Cup finals and first FIFA VAR official in 2025. |
| John Beaton | March 31, 2012 | Regular SPL official with calm demeanor in high-stakes games. |
| Don Robertson | August 9, 2014 | Trusted referee frequently assigned to key Premiership matches. |
| Nick Walsh | April 9, 2016 | FIFA-listed referee; officiated 2024 Scottish Cup Final; critiqued for VAR decisions; notable for stern disciplinary handling in 2024–25. |
| David Dickinson | March 6, 2021 | Consistent young referee known for firm and fair match control. |
| Matthew MacDermid | August 20, 2022 | Emerging referee praised for match flow control; featured early 2025/26 appointments. |
Opening Weekend Appointments 2025/26
- Matthew MacDermid – Kilmarnock vs Livingston, Aug 2 (Referee)
- Steven McLean – Motherwell vs Rangers, Aug 2 (Referee)
- John Beaton – Falkirk vs Dundee United, Aug 3 (Referee)
- David Dickinson – Dundee vs Hibernian, Aug 3 (Referee)
- Don Robertson – Celtic vs St Mirren, Aug 3 (Referee)
- Nick Walsh – Hearts vs Aberdeen, Aug 4 (Referee)
Season Highlights & Insights
- **Steven McLean** continues to be a cornerstone of officiating, now stepping into a VAR role on top of his long-standing on-field duties.
- **Nick Walsh** remains prominent in major fixtures, though not without controversy—his VAR decisions in 2024/25, including the Scottish Cup final and a Europa League match, sparked
- **Emerging referees** like David Dickinson and Matthew MacDermid are increasingly visible, with strong early-season appointments signaling trust from officiating authorities.
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