Celtic Faces Police Warning Ahead of Old Firm Clash
Martin O’Neill has revealed Police Scotland issued Celtic with a “general behaviour” warning ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
The latest Old Firm showdown will be played in front of 50,000 Rangers supporters only, with no away allocation for Celtic fans after the long-running ticket row between the clubs. The fallout stretches back to March’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final in Govan, a bad-tempered affair off the pitch despite a goalless 120 minutes that Celtic eventually edged on penalties.
That tie has had serious consequences. Both clubs must play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors and have been hit with a £100,000 compensation bill, payable to the away side drawn in their next fixture in that competition.
Police warning and “timely reminder”
Against that backdrop, O’Neill confirmed officers visited Celtic’s camp this week to speak directly to players and staff.
“We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting with us, just reminders of our behaviour, which I think is actually a timely reminder. It’s a good thing as well,” the 74-year-old said.
He made it clear the message was broad rather than specific.
“I think it’s the overall picture. Gosh, it’d be nice to have something to celebrate. I think it’s just general behaviour from us.
“They didn’t mention this but I would have assumed that one of the things that they considered is what happens on 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 too excessive celebrations, stuff like that, if that was the case.
“I mean, I’d be delighted to be celebrating something in the game. But it’s the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures.”
The absence of Celtic fans will add a different edge to a fixture that normally crackles from both ends of the ground.
“It’ll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I’m nervously and excitedly looking forward to it, it’s a great fixture,” O’Neill admitted.
Selection calls and the goalkeeping question
On the team front, O’Neill confirmed midfielder Mika Baur is expected to train on Saturday after missing Friday’s session with a knock, easing one fitness concern before the trip across the city.
The bigger decision comes in goal. Sam Johnstone, the experienced England international on loan from Wolves, made his Celtic debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 William Hill Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. He is now pushing Viljami Sinisalo, who started the season as number one.
O’Neill is keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I haven’t made my mind up at all. It was a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do.
“It’s great to have the two of them. Big Viljami has done exceptionally well for us and it was just, again, an opportunity to see what Sam can do now.
“What he could do a couple of years ago was fantastic, what he can do now might be a totally different picture. I will let them know first.”
No away fans, a police warning still ringing in players’ ears, and a goalkeeper call that could shape the tie: Celtic head to Ibrox walking a disciplinary tightrope, but with a chance to celebrate something more than just good behaviour.
