Calum Murray has been appointed to take charge of the Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Motherwell on May 21.
That appointment is taken as the unofficial ‘referee of the season’ award from the SFA with Murray entrusted with the showpiece fixture of the season.
Murray has been in the headlines as much as any referee this year and recently spoke up against any further disciplining of Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji-Diouf after the Rangers duo turned Murray into a laughing stock during the Scottish Cup replay with Celtic.
Bougherra twice tried to physically prevent Murray issuing cards to Rangers players whilst Diouf laughed off his red card by offering Murray his Rangers jersey before running to the Rangers support to throw his jersey to the crowd.
Both players were expected to be given additional bans but at an SFA hearing Murray claimed that no further punishment was necessary
“This is undoubtedly the highlight of my career,” the whistler told the SFA website. “When I received the news on Thursday I was lost for words.
“It takes a number of years to climb the refereeing ladder and reach SPL level but to receive the Scottish Cup Final appointment is the icing on the cake.
“I’ve been fortunate enough that I’ve had a good spell of games over the last 2-3 years and I like to think that being appointed as referee for the Scottish Cup Final is a reward for the levels of consistency I have reached.
“I refereed the ALBA Challenge Cup Final in 2008 and a number of Old Firm and Edinburgh derbies over the last few years. They are special appointments but to receive the cup final is the highest accolade you can get in Scotland.”
Ignoring the Scottish Cup replay at Celtic Park Murray added: “I was referee when Motherwell went to Tannadice to play Dundee United earlier in the season. The match ended 2-2 but it was as good a game as I have enjoyed all season.
“Similarly, the match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox, which also ended 2-2, was a tremendous game to be part of. Those are two matches which have really stood out for me this season so I expect another good game in the final.
“I’ve refereed two Scottish Cup semi-finals in the past and they have both been great affairs with really special atmospheres but the I think the cup final will be even better.”
John Fleming, Head of Referee Development at the Scottish FA, added: “I am absolutely delighted for Calum and his team. It is just reward for their performances over the last 2-3 seasons.
“Officiating at the national cup final is an honour for any referee. I am certain that the event will be a memorable occasion for all the match officials and their families.
“Calum is a role model for our young and enthusiastic up-and-coming Scottish referees. On behalf of the Scottish FA and in particular the Referee Development department, I would like to wish Calum and his team every success on the day.”
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Joe…It’s nice to know that our players ( if they so wish) can physically remonstrate with Murray …or indeed …tell him to get tae feck…..and nothing will happen…..
Oh….wait a minute…..
Murderwell now have license to put their stamp on the match….
hugh dallas was rewarded with a job as head of officials for his efforts, murray is being short changed!