Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that Police Scotland visited the squad on Friday to provide a “timely reminder” concerning player conduct ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sport Cup quarter-final against local rivals Rangers.
The meeting, described by O’Neill as lasting approximately 15 minutes, comes in the wake of significant crowd disorder during last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, a match Celtic won via a penalty shootout. Both Glasgow clubs were subsequently mandated to play their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors.
O’Neill did not disclose the specific details of the conversation but suggested the focus would likely be on on-field behavior to prevent escalation. “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,” he said. “You don’t want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don’t want excessive celebrations, stuff like that.”
The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that no away supporters will attend Old Firm derbies in the league or League Cup throughout the current season. This marks Celtic’s first return to Ibrox since the previous incident, although they have hosted Rangers at Celtic Park this season, winning 3-1 in May.
Speaking on the absence of traveling fans, O’Neill admitted the atmosphere would feel unusual. “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,” he noted. “Nervously looking forward to it, excitedly looking forward to it.”
Celtic enters the fixture with momentum, having won the last three derbies since a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park in January, and currently sits five points clear at the top of the Premiership after six games. Rangers, under new manager Derek McInnes, are on a four-game winning streak despite facing criticism from their own supporters regarding their early-season form.
O’Neill acknowledged the challenge posed by the home support, stating, “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.”
No away fans makes it feel empty. Will the intensity really be the same without that atmosphere?
Five points clear and still nervous about Ibrox? This Old Firm madness never gets old, does it?
Really? Police visiting the squad sounds more like a warning shot than a friendly chat. Hope it works.
Good move by police. Fans need to remember it is just a game, not a war zone.