Police Scotland Issues Reminder Ahead of Old Firm Clash
Police Scotland have stepped into Old Firm week, paying Celtic a visit on Friday to deliver what manager Martin O'Neill called “a timely reminder” about behaviour ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sport Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
The message was clear: emotions will run high, but they cannot spill over.
Police reminder after fan disorder
Both Celtic and Rangers are already under scrutiny. Last month, the Scottish FA ordered each club to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors, punishment for the fan disorder that scarred last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, a tie Celtic eventually won on penalties.
Celtic have not been back to Ibrox since that night. They did, however, host Rangers in May in the Premiership and won 3-1, part of a recent surge in this fixture that has tilted the balance in their favour.
This time, the backdrop is even stranger. The Scottish Professional Football League has ruled that there will be no away fans at any Old Firm derbies in the league or League Cup this season. One of football’s fiercest rivalries will be played in front of one-colour crowds.
O'Neill confirmed that, against that tense setting, officers had come in to speak to his squad.
“We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting to remind us of our behaviour, which I think is a timely reminder,” he said.
Pressed on what was discussed, he joined the dots himself.
“They didn't mention this, but I would have assumed that one of the things that would be considered is what happens in the field of play, because these things can be taken further.
“You don't want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don't want excessive celebrations, stuff like that.
“But I think it's just the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures. I think that the conversation with the police wouldn't have taken place had not recent events been brought up to us.”
No away fans, no comfort
The atmosphere will be different, even by Old Firm standards. No away end. No pocket of travelling support to cling to when the game starts to tilt.
O'Neill admitted that absence will be felt.
“I think the games themselves almost take care of themselves in that sense,” he said when asked about the impact of having no Celtic fans at Ibrox.
“It'll be strange in many aspects not to have any away fans in our area. I always felt as if it would give you a crumb of comfort in some description.
“Nervously looking forward to it, excitedly looking forward to it.”
On the pitch, Celtic arrive with the upper hand. Since Rangers’ 3-1 win at Celtic Park in January, the Scottish champions have taken control of the derby, winning the last three meetings and opening up a five-point lead in the Premiership after just six games of the new campaign.
Rangers under pressure, Celtic wary
Rangers, under new manager Derek McInnes, have endured a stuttering start that has drawn criticism from their own support. The mood has been volatile at times, but a run of four straight wins has at least steadied the surface.
A bad start on Sunday, though, and the tension could return in an instant. O'Neill knows that dynamic well.
“I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious,” he suggested. “Talking about getting in front and getting in front are two different things. The crowd will be right behind their team, which you would expect.
“We just do our best. We know that we're up against a very fine side. We're up against a crowd that can make a difference. I'd be delighted to be celebrating something in the game.”
The police have had their say. The stands will be one-sided. The stakes, as ever, are enormous. Now it’s down to 90 minutes at Ibrox to decide whether Celtic’s recent grip on this derby tightens again, or whether Rangers finally find a response under McInnes.
