An internet meltdown was going to be the outcome no matter who was selected to be the man in the middle for this weekend's powderkeg fixture between Rangers and Celtic. 

That's according to former Scottish FA official Bobby Madden anyway.

It was announced this morning that John Beaton will take charge of the crucial derby encounter at Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime.

It's undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far when the teams meet on April 7, with the title race looking likely to go down to the wire post-split.

Brendan Rodgers' side hold a slender one-point advantage at the top of the Premiership, with Philippe Clement's side boasting a game-in-hand against Dundee on April 10.

So, the stakes could not be higher heading into the third installment of the derby fixture this weekend.

But Madden is of the belief that no matter which official was appointed to be the referee of the game by the SFA, the internet would 'break' over the matter.

Taking to his Instagram account, prior to the confirmation of Beaton's appointment, the former referee posted on his story: "Old Firm appointment day. Internet will break no matter who is announced at 10.30."

Accompanying the caption, with a photo of one of his derby experiences in the background, was a poll for fans to vote on who they expected to be the ref on Sunday.

Madden also highlighted that neither Nick Walsh nor Don Robertson were eligible to be considered, with the pair having already taken charge of the game this season.

READ MORE: 'Cheeky mask slip' - McCoist slammed after Rangers vs Celtic hate crime tirade

Meanwhile, Ally McCoist has been heavily criticised for his comments relating to the new hate crime act which came into force in Scotland this week.

The Rangers legend made his remarks while looking ahead to this weekend's crucial derby fixture between his former club and Celtic.