Martin O'Neill has disclosed that Police Scotland issued a "general behaviour" advisory to Celtic ahead of the upcoming League Cup quarter‑final against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday. The directive comes as part of a broader effort to curb potential disorder surrounding one of Scottish football's most intense rivalries. Authorities have mandated that no Celtic supporters be permitted inside the 50,000‑seat arena, a decision that stems from a lingering dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow powerhouses. The tension over tickets is not the sole factor; it is also a direct consequence of the last Old Firm encounter in March, which took place in Govan and was tarnished by fan unrest.
That match saw Celtic triumph in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter‑final after a goalless 120 minutes, ultimately winning on penalties, but the celebratory atmosphere was marred by violent scenes among supporters. Both clubs have now been ordered to conduct their next home fixtures in the Scottish Cup behind closed doors, a sanction that also includes a hefty £100,000 compensation charge. The fine will be paid to whichever side is drawn as the away team in their respective upcoming cup matches, effectively placing the financial burden on the club whose fans are barred from attending. At 74 years old, the Celtic manager admitted that the prospect of playing without his own fans felt "a bit strange," yet he expressed a mixture of nerves and excitement about the high‑profile fixture.
"It's a great match, and despite the oddity of an empty stand, I'm looking forward to it," O'Neill said, adding that the police visit was a timely reminder of the responsibilities that come with such a heated rivalry. He elaborated on the brief 15‑minute meeting with the police, describing it as a straightforward reminder about conduct. "They just gave us a quick briefing on behaviour – a timely reminder, really. It's a good thing," O'Neill explained.
He emphasized that the police were likely considering both on‑field and off‑field actions, noting that any escalation could lead to further sanctions. "You don't want any punches to start with, and you certainly don't want overly exuberant celebrations that could spill over into trouble," he said. O'Neill also touched on the broader context of recent fixtures, acknowledging that the recent history of fan disturbances has placed extra scrutiny on both clubs.
"Given what's happened in recent games, the police are understandably cautious. I'd love to celebrate a win, but we have to keep our behaviour in check," he added. In addition to the policing issue, O'Neill addressed squad matters ahead of the clash. He confirmed that midfielder Mika Baur, who missed Friday's training due to a knock, would be back on the training pitch on Saturday.
The manager also hinted at a potential goalkeeping reshuffle, as he has yet to decide whether recent summer signing Sam Johnstone will retain his starting spot over Viljami Sinisalo, who began the season as Celtic's first‑choice keeper. Johnstone, an experienced England international currently on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, made his Celtic debut in a 1‑0 Scottish Premiership victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. However, O'Neill remained non‑committal about his role for the upcoming Old Firm match. "I haven't made a final decision yet.
It's about assessing what Sam can bring to the team," O'Neill said. He praised Sinisalo's performances, noting that the Finnish keeper has "done exceptionally well for us," but emphasized that the upcoming game presents an opportunity to evaluate Johnstone's capabilities.
The manager concluded by acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of flexibility in squad selection. "What Sam could do a couple of years ago was fantastic, but his current form might present a completely different picture. We'll let them know soon," he added. Overall, the upcoming Old Firm encounter is set against a backdrop of heightened security measures, financial penalties, and strategic squad decisions.
Both clubs will be keen to avoid further disciplinary action while still striving for victory in a match that carries immense historical and emotional weight for supporters on both sides. Fans of the rivalry will be watching closely, even if they cannot attend in person, as the outcome could shape the narrative for the rest of the season. The match also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between passionate support and responsible conduct, a lesson that both Celtic and Rangers will need to keep in mind as they navigate the remainder of the campaign. (Note: The final paragraph about a promotional "Play Super 6" contest has been omitted as it does not pertain to the core news story.)