Nick Walsh lashes out after being publicly called out by fans following the controversy during the Celtic vs Rangers match, leaving supporters angry and frustrated by his actions.

Referee Nick Walsh has found himself at the centre of a storm following his controversial comments during the heated Celtic vs Rangers clash — comments that have now sparked widespread backlash from both sets of supporters. The Scottish official, known for his firm approach on the pitch, is now facing intense public criticism and mounting calls for disciplinary action.

It all started moments after the final whistle, when Walsh’s post-match remarks appeared to downplay several key incidents that had left fans on edge throughout the match. Viewers were stunned as he defended decisions that many believe directly influenced the outcome of the derby — one of the most emotionally charged fixtures in world football.

Social media erupted almost instantly. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and fan forums with frustration and disbelief, calling out what they described as “arrogant and dismissive” behaviour from the referee. One fan wrote, “He shouldn’t be officiating another match after that!” while another commented, “Wait, did he really just say that on live TV?”

Within hours, hashtags calling for Walsh’s suspension began trending among Scottish football circles. Many supporters of both Celtic and Rangers — usually fierce rivals — found rare common ground in their anger towards the official. They accused him of showing bias, mishandling key moments, and refusing to take accountability for what they viewed as glaring mistakes.

The most controversial part of the incident came when Walsh was asked about a critical decision that led to one of the match’s turning points. Instead of offering a cautious response, he allegedly brushed off the criticism, suggesting fans were “overreacting.” That remark alone poured fuel on an already raging fire, amplifying fan outrage and prompting demands for the Scottish FA to step in immediately.

Across football podcasts and pundit panels, Walsh’s comments have been dissected endlessly. Former players and referees weighed in, with some suggesting that his tone lacked professionalism, while others argued that officials deserve more respect and should be protected from online abuse. Yet, even among those defending him, there was widespread agreement that his words were poorly timed and ill-considered, especially given the sensitivity surrounding such a high-profile match.

Fans, however, remain unconvinced. Many feel Walsh’s actions — both during the game and in his post-match defence — undermined the integrity of the fixture. The sense of betrayal runs deep, particularly in a rivalry where emotions are already raw and every decision is magnified. “You can’t talk like that after a match like this,” one Celtic fan wrote. “It shows no respect for the supporters or the game itself.” A Rangers supporter echoed the same sentiment, adding, “He made mistakes, then acted like it was all fine. That’s not what we expect at this level.”

As the backlash grows, pressure is now mounting on the Scottish Football Association to make a statement. Supporters are demanding accountability, with petitions circulating online urging the governing body to review Walsh’s conduct and consider removing him from upcoming fixtures. Several fan pages have even published open letters calling for reform in referee management and communication transparency.

Despite the criticism, Walsh has reportedly stood by his words. In a brief follow-up interview, he maintained that he made the “correct decisions” during the game and claimed that the intensity of the derby often leads to “heightened emotions and misunderstandings.” Still, his attempt to clarify things has done little to cool the tempers of angry supporters, many of whom see his response as dismissive rather than reflective.

What makes this situation particularly explosive is how it touches on a broader issue in Scottish football — the fragile relationship between referees, fans, and fairness. Every Old Firm match carries an enormous emotional weight, and one wrong call can shift narratives for weeks. When that is followed by remarks seen as disrespectful or tone-deaf, it inevitably leads to a storm of criticism.

As of now, the Scottish FA has not released an official statement. But insiders claim that discussions are ongoing about whether Walsh’s comments breached any professional conduct guidelines. If found to have crossed a line, he could face anything from a formal warning to temporary suspension.

Until then, fans continue to vent their frustration online, using memes, videos, and hashtags to keep the controversy alive. For many, it’s not just about one referee — it’s about what they perceive as a growing pattern of officials failing to take responsibility for poor performances.

Whether or not Nick Walsh will be removed from future matches remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his words have reignited an old debate about accountability, professionalism, and the delicate balance between authority and humility in football officiating.

For now, supporters wait — angry, vocal, and united in demanding action.