Nick Walsh, born on November 30, 1990 in Scotland, is a Scottish football referee who has gained recognition in both national and international competitions. He began his career in the Scottish Professional Football League in 2013 and has been part of the FIFA referees panel since 2018.
Throughout the 2024/2025 season, Walsh has been appointed to officiate prominent matches in various competitions. In the Scottish Premiership, he has refereed key matches, including the match between Heart of Midlothian and Rangers FC on August 3, 2024, which ended in a 0-0 draw. In European competitions, he was in charge of officiating the UEFA Champions League group stage match between Stade Brestois and Sturm Graz on September 19, 2024, which ended 2-1 in favor of the French team.
Walsh's refereeing style is characterized by consistent application of the rules and effective communication with players, allowing him to maintain control during matches. However, some of his decisions have sparked controversy. For instance, in the 2024 Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, he disallowed a goal for Rangers due to an alleged foul on the Celtic goalkeeper, a decision criticized by Rangers' coach Philippe Clement.
Despite the criticism, Walsh continues to be a respected figure in Scottish refereeing, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure matches both nationally and internationally.
Scotland
