Celtic's Timely Reminder Ahead of High-Stakes Old Firm Clash

Police Scotland stepped into Celtic’s preparations for Sunday’s Premier Sport Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, delivering what Martin O’Neill called “a timely reminder” about behaviour on and off the pitch ahead of another high-stakes Old Firm showdown.

This is no ordinary cup tie. It is Celtic’s first visit to Ibrox since last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final descended into chaos in the stands, a night that ended with Celtic progressing on penalties – and both Glasgow giants hit with heavy punishment.

Behind-closed-doors backlash

Last month, Celtic and Rangers were ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors after that fractious encounter, a stark sanction even by Old Firm standards. The message from the authorities has been clear: the line has been crossed.

So on Friday, the police brought that message directly into Celtic’s camp.

“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,” O’Neill said.

He did not spell out every detail of the briefing, but he was in no doubt about the implications for those on the pitch.

“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 explained.

“You don't want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don't want excessive celebrations, stuff like that.”

The backdrop is impossible to ignore. Recent Old Firm fixtures have carried a nasty edge, and the Celtic manager knows the meeting would not have happened without that history.

“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.”

Derby dominance and a silent away end

On the pitch, Celtic arrive with the momentum. They have won the last three derbies since Rangers’ 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in January and already sit five points clear at the top of the Premiership after only six games.

Yet this latest chapter in the rivalry will unfold in a strange new atmosphere. The Scottish Professional Football League has ruled that no away supporters will attend Old Firm derbies in the league or the League Cup this season. Ibrox will be a wall of blue, just as Celtic Park has been a wall of green and white.

How much does that matter?

“I think the games themselves almost take care of themselves in that sense,” O’Neill said, before admitting the change will be felt.

“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.”

Pressure on McInnes, pressure from the stands

Across the city, Rangers have already ridden out an early-season storm. Derek McInnes’ start as manager drew sharp criticism from sections of the support after a poor opening run, but four successive wins have steadied the ship and restored some belief heading into Sunday.

That fragile balance is exactly what O’Neill wants his side to attack.

“I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious,” he suggested.

The trick, as he quickly pointed out, lies in turning intention into reality.

“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.”

O’Neill knows what awaits: a Rangers side desperate to land a blow on the champions, and a home crowd that can still tilt a tight contest.

“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 delivered their warning. The authorities have shown their teeth. Now the stage returns to where this rivalry has always burned hottest – 90 minutes at Ibrox, with discipline, control and nerve under as much scrutiny as the scoreline.