REFEREE Steven McLean has been dropped to the Championship for this weekend's round of fixtures after fierce criticism of his handling of Motherwell's Betfred Cup semi-final win over Rangers and Tuesday's Premiership draw between Hamilton Academical and Partick Thistle.

McLean came under fire after Steelmen striker Ryan Bowman remained on the pitch despite breaking Gers defender Fabio Cardoso's nose while on a booking, while the ref also missed Bruno Alves' kick at Louis Moult that has since resulted in a two-match retrospective ban for the Portuguese.

Jags manager Alan Archibald then criticised McLean for failing to award his side a penalty in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Accies, while opposite number Martin Canning felt his side deserved two spot kicks. 

Read more: Referee Steven McLean in the spotlight again as Hamilton and Partick Thistle share the spoils

The 36-year-old will not feature in a Ladbrokes Premiership fixture this weekend and has instead been handed control of the second-tier Renfrewshire derby between St Mirren and Greenock Morton in Paisley.

Elsewhere, Craig Thomson will be the man in the middle for Rangers' trip to face Hearts while Nick Walsh will handle Celtic's home game against Kilmarnock. 

Motherwell v Hibernian will be officiated by Bobby Madden, John Beaton will take charge of St Johnstone's trip to Partick Thistle, Greg Aitken will be the referee as Dundee host Hamilton Accies and Don Robertson will take the reins for Aberdeen v Ross County.