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Celtic won't give Rangers a Gu...

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Celtic won't give Rangers a Guard of Honour in Sunday's Old Firm derby

98FM
98FM

03:30 19 Mar 2021


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Celtic interim manager John Kennedy has confirmed they will not give Rangers a guard of honour when the sides meet at Parkhead on Sunday. 

The Old Firm derby comes exactly two weeks after Rangers secured their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years.

The Bhoys had set out this season to win a history-making 10th successive season but it wasn't to be with manager Neil Lennon a casualty among the chaos with him resigning last month.

Rangers refused to give Celtic a guard of honour when they played at Ibrox as league champions back in May 2019.

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who won two Scottish Premiership titles with them, urged his former club earlier this week to show "humility and class" by keeping up the tradition.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Kennedy said: "It is something that we have discussed. It is a subject that has been brought up and I have seen several people talking about it.

"It was the same two years ago when we were champions and if I am being honest, I don't think such a fuss was being made about it. I don't see it as a big issue.

"For us, we spoke collectively about it and we won't do it. It is not about lacking class, nothing like that, because we are a club that always shows class and dignity and do what is right."

There has been much speculation over whether or not the game would even go ahead.

Scotland's justice secretary only confirmed on Friday that it was on.

Humza Yousaf urged fans of both sides though to listen to advice from the clubs to stay at home and not break lockdown rules.

A statement from the justice secretary said: "Ministers and officials have had extensive engagement with both clubs, the SPFL, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council ahead of the game.

“Celtic and Rangers have strongly emphasised to their supporters throughout this week that they must stay at home and not gather. I welcome their positive and constructive approach to working with us to ensure the game can safely take place behind closed doors.

“Police Scotland have confirmed there will be a significant police presence in Glasgow to maintain public safety.

“I urge the fans to listen to the messages from their clubs, the police and government to stay at home."


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