Ryan Lee will be the referee for Aberdeen's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park this Saturday. The Scottish FA confirmed the full officiating team for the high-stakes cup clash.
"The Scottish FA has named Ryan Lee as the referee for Rangers versus Aberdeen," the governing body said. He will be assisted by linesmen Jonathan Bell and Scott Anderson, with Ross Hardie acting as fourth official. John Beaton will oversee the Video Assistant Referee system, assisted by Chris Graham.
McInnes returns to former club
Manager Derek McInnes, a former Rangers player, leads his Aberdeen side back to his old club for the second time in a week. The Dons head into the match looking to improve on a league position of ninth in the Premiership, having taken 11 points from their opening 10 games. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five outings, including a 3-2 defeat at Dundee United last Thursday.
That loss at Tannadice, where Nesta Guinness-Walker and Connor Patrick Ronan scored for Aberdeen, highlighted the defensive issues the side must address before facing Rangers. The team's next league assignment is a home game against seventh-placed Falkirk on Wednesday, but all focus is now on the cup.
A victory at the national stadium would provide a significant boost, offering a route to silverware and a positive turn in a season where Aberdeen currently sit 16 points behind leaders Celtic. Kevin Nisbet, the club's top scorer with four goals this season, will be a key figure in their attacking plans.
This story first appeared at glasgowtimes.co.uk
