Celtic Faces Police Warning Ahead of Premier Sports Cup Clash with Rangers

Martin O’Neill has revealed Police Scotland delivered a “general behaviour” warning to Celtic ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final with Rangers at Ibrox.

The message was clear. So is the backdrop.

No Celtic supporters will be inside the 50,000-seat stadium, with authorities insisting on a shut-out for away fans as the ticket allocation row between the Glasgow rivals rumbles on. The fallout traces back to March in Govan, when the last Old Firm clash there – a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final – descended into disorder in the stands as Celtic edged through on penalties after 120 goalless minutes.

Both clubs have since been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors. On top of that, each has been hit with a £100,000 compensation bill, to be paid to whichever side is drawn away in their next fixture in that competition.

Police warning sets the tone

Into that tense context walked Police Scotland, straight into the Celtic camp.

“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,” said the 74-year-old Hoops manager.

He knows this fixture needs no extra spark. But he also knows the scrutiny.

“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.”

So Celtic go to Ibrox with no travelling support, a police reminder ringing in their ears, and an Old Firm tie already under disciplinary microscope before a ball is kicked.

“It’ll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in,” O’Neill admitted, “but I’m nervously and excitedly looking forward to it, it’s a great fixture.”

Selection calls and a goalkeeping dilemma

The build-up is not just about behaviour and empty seats in the away end. O’Neill still has a team to pick.

Midfielder Mika Baur is expected to train on Saturday after missing Friday’s session with a knock, easing one concern on the eve of the tie.

The bigger decision sits in goal.

Sam Johnstone, the experienced England international on loan from EFL Championship side Wolves, made his Celtic debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 William Hill Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. He delivered a first glimpse of what he can offer, but O’Neill refused to confirm whether the 31-year-old will keep his place at Ibrox or step aside for Viljami Sinisalo, who began the season as number one.

“I haven’t made my mind up at all. It was a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do,” O’Neill said.

“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.”

One of them will walk out alone into the noise at Ibrox, with no Celtic end to look towards and no margin for error in a quarter-final that already feels bigger than the competition it belongs to.