Hibs vs Hearts referee and VAR duo announced as SFA make decisions on Edinburgh derby officiating team
The refereeing and officiating team for Hibs vs Hearts has been announced.
Don Robertson has been confirmed as the referee for this Thursday’s Edinburgh derby between Hibs and Hearts at Easter Road.
The experienced official was the man in the middle the last time this pair met in Leith, during last term’s post-split derby, when the Jambos won 2-1. Robertson sent off Hibs duo Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack in the match that was won by a late Blair Spittal goal for Hearts. It’s been announced by the Scottish FA that Robertson is back officiating the Edinburgh derby and his assistants are Ross Macleod and Calum Spence. Colin Steven is fourth official while Nick Walsh operates VAR. Chris Graham is his assistant.
Robertson last officiated a Hibs match when they defeated Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox in early August. His most recent Hearts clash was last season’s controversial final game of the season versus Celtic that the Tynecastle side lost Premiership title chances in, home fans invading the pitch after Callum Osmand scored a late winner, sealing Hoops glory. The first derby of the season will be broadcast on Premier Sports with both sides going into it off the back of victory.
What happened in Hearts and Hibs’ recent matches?
Hearts defeated St Johnstone 2-1 thanks to James Wilson’s strike and an Enes Alic own goal to move onto six points from nine available. Hibs followed that up by beating Dundee through the same scoreline, Martin Boyle and Callum Wright efforts proving enough to win that, also on six points but with contrasting European fortunes. Hearts beat Rapid Vienna on penalties to reach the Conference League’s league phase while Hibs exited the competition against Gent.
Vrancken said after defeating Saints: “The most important thing is the three points. We knew for some guys, who played 120 minutes, it would be difficult. The way the first half was going, there was no problem. We were good in the game, but had to score more in the first half and kill the game. This is the most important thing. We know the weight of such games [against Hibs]. It's also a different style of play, so we have to be on our top game and show the quality we have - and the fighting spirit again.”
Gray added following victory at Dundee: "Usually, people say we're looking for a reaction after a disappointing result. It was more about maintaining our standards. The players were outstanding, given the disappointment and everything that went in to Thursday night [losing to Gent]. As a group, I thought we were outstanding and fully deserved the win.