Celtic's Old Firm Reminder: Handling Pressure Ahead of Ibrox Clash
Police Scotland delivered what Martin O’Neill called “a timely reminder” to Celtic on Friday – a short, sharp briefing on how to handle themselves when the cauldron of an Old Firm quarter-final starts to boil.
The visit, lasting barely 15 minutes, came ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup tie against Rangers at Ibrox, a return to the scene of last season’s chaotic Scottish Cup quarter-final. Celtic won that one on penalties. The fallout has lingered far longer.
That match, scarred by fan disorder, led to both Glasgow clubs being ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors. The message this week was clear: the authorities will be watching, not just in the stands but on the pitch.
“They reminded us of our behaviour, which I think is a timely reminder,” O’Neill said. He stopped short of detailing every word, but the subtext was obvious.
“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 tension around the fixture has already reshaped the derby landscape. The Scottish Professional Football League has ruled that there will be no away fans at Old Firm league or League Cup games this season. One of world football’s most febrile atmospheres will be stripped of its split-colour backdrop.
For Celtic, this will be their first trip back to Ibrox since that turbulent cup tie, although they did host Rangers in May, winning 3-1 in the Premiership. They have dominated the rivalry in recent months, taking the last three derbies since a 3-1 home defeat in January. Six games into the new league campaign, they sit five points clear at the top.
O’Neill, though, knows the derby ignores form lines when the whistle blows.
“I think the games themselves almost take care of themselves in that sense,” he said when asked about the absence of away support. “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.”
Across the city, Rangers arrive under their own kind of pressure. Derek McInnes has faced criticism from sections of the support after a stuttering start to his tenure, yet his side have stitched together four straight wins to steady the noise. Ibrox, empty of green-and-white but full of expectation, will demand more.
O’Neill knows exactly how that can play out.
“I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious,” he said. “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.”
He expects a “very fine side” and a crowd that can tilt the contest. The police have had their say, the sanctions have been handed down, the stage is set without away fans and without much margin for error.
“We just do our best,” O’Neill said. “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 warning has been issued. What happens next will be written in tackles, tempers and, if O’Neill gets his wish, in Celtic celebrations that stay just the right side of the line.
