Police Scotland has issued a warning to Celtic Football Club regarding player behavior and celebrations ahead of their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final match against Rangers at Ibrox.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the warning, stating that police held a brief meeting with the squad to provide reminders about their conduct. "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," O'Neill said. "It is a good thing as well."
The warning comes amid an ongoing ticket row between the Old Firm rivals, which will result in no away fans being permitted at any derby matches for the remainder of the campaign. This dispute stems from a Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox last season that was marred by violence and disorder, leading to a mass pitch invasion where rival fans clashed and police and stewards were assaulted.
A review commissioned by the Scottish Football Association found that the previous incident could have had severe consequences. Consequently, both clubs have been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors and pay £100,000 to their opponents for lost ticket revenue.
O'Neill emphasized that the police warning was general, covering on-field actions and the potential aftermath of the game. He indicated that excessive celebrations or confrontations would be areas of concern.
"I think it's just general behaviour from us," O'Neill stated when asked about the police's concerns. "They didn’t mention this but I would have assumed that one of the things 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."
The upcoming match will be played without away supporters, a situation O'Neill described as strange but acknowledged as a potential measure to prevent further issues. "It will be strange having no away fans but I’m nervously excited by it. I think since we’ve got no fans going to the game at all, there’ll be nothing for people to remonstrate about."
Regarding the match itself, O'Neill acknowledged the potential for the Ibrox crowd to influence the game, especially if Celtic takes an early lead. "I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious," he said. "The crowd will be right behind their team, which you would expect."
O'Neill also addressed his goalkeeping selection for the match. He has not yet decided whether Sam Johnstone, on loan from Wolves, will retain his place in goal after making his debut in a recent league win, or if Viljami Sinisalo, the season's initial No. 1, will start. "I haven’t made my mind up at all. It was a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do," O'Neill commented. "Big Viljami has done exceptionally well for us and it was just, again, an opportunity to see what Sam can do now."