Police Reminder to Celtic Ahead of High-Stakes Old Firm Clash

Police Scotland paid Celtic a visit on Friday, stepping into the club’s preparations for Sunday’s Premier Sport Cup quarter-final at Ibrox with what Martin O’Neill called “a timely reminder” about behaviour in the latest instalment of Scottish football’s most volatile rivalry.

The meeting was short. The message was not.

Fifteen minutes with the police

“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, laying out the unusual twist to his build-up.

The backdrop is impossible to ignore. Both Celtic and Rangers were ordered last month to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors after last season’s quarter-final at Ibrox descended into disorder in the stands. Celtic won that tie on penalties. The fallout has lingered ever since.

Sunday will be Celtic’s first trip back to Ibrox since that night, though they did host Rangers in May in the Premiership, winning 3-1 on their own turf. The rivalry has not cooled. The authorities know it.

On-field flashpoints under scrutiny

Pressed on what exactly was discussed, O’Neill hinted that the spotlight will not only be on the terraces.

“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,” the Celtic manager said.

“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.”

It is a clear warning. Tempers, tackles, even goal celebrations will be under the microscope in a derby that has already forced the game’s authorities into drastic action.

Old Firm without away fans

The atmosphere will be different again this time. 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, stripping the fixture of one of its most combustible elements.

For O’Neill, that changes the feel, but not the stakes.

“I think the games themselves almost take care of themselves in that sense,” he said when asked about the absence of 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.”

Celtic arrive with momentum. They have won the last three derbies since Rangers’ 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in January and already hold a five-point lead in the Premiership after just six games of the new campaign.

Rangers pressure and Celtic’s plan

Across the city, the mood has been more fragile. Rangers, under new manager Derek McInnes, endured a poor start to the season and have taken criticism from their own support. A run of four straight wins has steadied the ship, but tension still hangs over Ibrox.

O’Neill knows exactly where that tension can be exploited.

“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 league has drawn its lines. The fans – or at least one half of Glasgow – will roar.

Now it comes down to 90 minutes at Ibrox, where discipline, as much as quality, may decide who walks away still standing.