Willie Collum says that the build up to refereeing a derby match between Celtic and Rangers was always tougher than once the game got underway. 

Collum was recently appointed Head of Referees at the Scottish FA, bringing an end to his time officiating on the field, and instead instructing the next generation of referees. 

Throughout his time as a whistler, Collum worked at Euro 2016, the 2015 UEFA Super Cup, in four Scottish Cup finals, two Scottish League Cup finals.

He also clocked up experience in the Champions League and Europa League, plus World Cup and European Championship Qualifiers.

But arguably the most intense feeling was knowing he was in charge of Scotland’s showcase match, joking after reffing one, you’d be crazy to do another, given the backlash you are guaranteed to receive.

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Speaking as a guest on Clyde 1 SuperScoreboard, the veteran whistler said: “I suppose as you get experienced I used to say once you’ve refereed one, if you want to referee another, you’re crazy. But they’re great occasions.

“The atmosphere is unbelievable. I suppose the build-up was always difficult for me. I think there was a nervousness about the build-up to the match, but the actual match often took care of itself.

“You were involved there, and when you went into that mode, you just got on with the game.”

In other news, during Rangers' 6-0 victory over Ross County at Hampden Park on August 24, referee Ross Hardie was heard instructing Tom Lawrence "not to tackle" a Ross County player, according to newly released audio from the match.

The moment, when Rangers were just 1-0 ahead, was highlighted during Collum's VAR review released by the SFA on Wednesday, and featured Rangers midfielder Lawrence chasing Connor Randall.

Hardie was caught on his mic repeatedly shouting, "Don't tackle there, Tom!" Despite the warning, Lawrence attempted a challenge, after which Hardie explained to the pleading Ross County players that Lawrence had "played the ball."

The incident has sparked debate on social media, with some fans criticising Hardie for what they see as "coaching" the player rather than waiting to intervene if a foul occurred. Others have defended the referee, noting that such communication is common across all levels of football.

Discussing that specific incident which happened 50 seconds prior to Dessers doubling Rangers’ lead, Collum stated: "It's a clear foul for me. It's a reckless tackle, dangerous play, he catches the Ross County player. You hear the referee saying that the ball's been won, but the ball's not been won."