Martin O'Neill disclosed that Police Scotland issued a "general behaviour" advisory to Celtic ahead of the League Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox, where they will face arch‑rivals Rangers on Sunday. The directive comes as part of a broader effort by the authorities to keep the atmosphere under control after a series of incidents involving both clubs' supporters. In a striking development, the police have ordered that no Celtic fans be permitted inside the 50,000‑seat stadium for this fixture. The ban is linked to an ongoing dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow giants, a disagreement that has escalated in recent weeks.
The tension can be traced back to the last Old Firm encounter in March, which took place in Govan and was marred by disorderly conduct from sections of the crowd. That match ended dramatically, with Celtic prevailing on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes to claim a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter‑final victory.
Both clubs have since been instructed to play their upcoming home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors, and each has been slapped with a £100,000 compensation charge. The fine will be payable to whichever team is drawn as the away side for their next Scottish Cup fixtures, effectively penalising the clubs for the disturbances that occurred.
At 74 years old, the Celtic manager admitted that the prospect of playing without his supporters will feel "a bit strange," yet he expressed a mix of nerves and excitement about the high‑profile clash. He also described the brief police visit, saying: "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." O'Neill went on to explain that the police message was not merely a formality. "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," he said, emphasizing that the authorities are looking for a calm, orderly environment both on and off the pitch. He added that the police likely considered what might happen during the game itself, noting that any escalation could lead to further sanctions.
"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," O'Neill explained. "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." The manager also touched on squad matters ahead of the encounter. He confirmed that midfielder Mika Baur, who missed Friday's training due to a minor knock, will be back on the training pitch on Saturday.
However, O'Neill has yet to decide whether newly signed goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will retain his starting spot or be displaced by Viljami Sinisalo, who began the season as Celtic's first‑choice keeper. Johnstone, an experienced England international currently on loan from Wolves, made his Celtic debut in a 1‑0 Scottish Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. When asked about his role for the upcoming Old Firm match, O'Neill remained non‑committal: "I haven't made my mind up at all. It was a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do.
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." He continued, "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." The manager's cautious approach reflects the high stakes of the fixture, where any misstep—whether on the field or in the stands—could have serious repercussions. The broader context of the police warning underscores a growing concern among Scottish football authorities about fan violence and disorder.
After the March incident, both clubs were fined and forced to play behind closed doors, measures that aim to deter future trouble. By restricting Celtic supporters from attending the Ibrox match, the police hope to pre‑empt any repeat of the chaotic scenes that have plagued previous Old Firm clashes. While the ban may disappoint many loyal fans, O'Neill remains optimistic about the quality of the contest itself.
"It's a great fixture," he said, acknowledging the historic rivalry and the excitement it generates, even if the usual roar of the Celtic contingent will be absent. He hopes that the focus will shift to the footballing spectacle rather than off‑field drama. In addition to the immediate concerns surrounding the match, the situation raises questions about how Scottish football will handle future high‑tension games.
The combination of ticket allocation disputes, police interventions, and financial penalties suggests a more stringent regulatory environment moving forward. Clubs may need to invest more heavily in fan education, security protocols, and community outreach to avoid similar sanctions. Overall, the upcoming Old Firm quarter‑final promises to be a unique encounter—one played under the watchful eye of law enforcement, devoid of a full Celtic fan presence, and fraught with strategic decisions about player selection.
As the teams prepare, both on the training ground and in the boardroom, the emphasis will be on maintaining discipline, showcasing quality football, and navigating the complex web of regulations that now surround Scotland's most storied rivalry. Fans can still engage with the excitement through live broadcasts, social media updates, and post‑match analysis. Meanwhile, the clubs will be keen to demonstrate that they can uphold the spirit of competition while adhering to the behavioural standards set by the authorities, ensuring that the Old Firm legacy continues in a safer, more controlled environment.