Martin O'Neill disclosed that Police Scotland delivered a "general behaviour" advisory to Celtic in preparation for the upcoming League Cup quarter‑final against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday. The directive comes amid a contentious ticket‑allocation dispute between the two Glasgow powerhouses, which has resulted in authorities barring Celtic supporters from entering the 50,000‑seat stadium. The disagreement over tickets is rooted in the fallout from the previous Old Firm encounter in March, when a chaotic scene unfolded at Govan. That match, a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter‑final, ended goalless after 120 minutes and was ultimately decided by a penalty shoot‑out that saw Celtic emerge victorious.
The disorderly conduct of fans during that game prompted both clubs to receive orders to host their next Scottish Cup home fixtures behind closed doors. In addition, each side has been slapped with a £100,000 compensation charge, payable to whichever club is drawn as the away team in their respective forthcoming Cup ties.
At 74 years old, the Celtic manager admitted that playing without his own supporters will feel "a bit strange," yet he expressed a mixture of nervousness and excitement about the high‑profile showdown. He also recounted the brief meeting with police officers, describing it as a 15‑minute session that served as a timely reminder about appropriate conduct. "It’s a good thing as well," O'Neill said, noting that the police likely considered both on‑field actions and off‑field celebrations when issuing their guidance.
"You don’t want any punch‑ups to start with, and you certainly don’t want overly exuberant celebrations that could spill over into trouble. Of course, I’d love to celebrate a win, but the recent incidents have made us all more cautious about how we behave," he added.
The warning underscores the broader context of heightened security and fan‑behaviour management that has become commonplace in Old Firm clashes. Following the March incident, both clubs were required to play their next home Scottish Cup games without spectators, a measure intended to curb potential violence and ensure public safety.
The £100,000 fine each club faces is intended to compensate the opposing side for any revenue loss incurred as a result of the closed‑door policy. Beyond the policing issue, O'Neill also touched on squad matters ahead of the Ibrox fixture.
He confirmed that midfielder Mika Baur, who missed Friday's training session due to a minor knock, would be back on the training pitch on Saturday. The manager also hinted at a possible goalkeeper reshuffle. Sam Johnstone, the experienced England international on loan from Wolves, made his Celtic debut in a 1‑0 Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
However, O'Neill has not yet decided whether Johnstone will retain his starting spot or if Viljami Sinisalo, who began the season as the first‑choice keeper, will reclaim the role. "I haven’t made my mind up at all," O'Neill said.
"It’s a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do. It’s great to have both options. Viljami has performed exceptionally well for us, and now we need to see what Sam can bring to the table. What he could do a couple of years ago was fantastic; what he can do now might be a completely different picture.
I will let them know soon." The upcoming match is poised to be a showcase of Scottish football’s most intense rivalry, even if the stands are largely empty of Celtic fans. The police advisory, ticket‑allocation row, and recent disciplinary actions all add layers of intrigue to a fixture that already carries historic weight. While the absence of a vocal Celtic contingent may alter the atmosphere, the players and coaching staff will still be expected to deliver a performance worthy of the Old Firm legacy. In the broader football world, other news items continue to capture headlines: Brighton’s transfer activity, Aston Villa’s latest rumors, and speculation about Luke Shaw’s future at Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the Carabao Cup continues to produce drama, with Manchester United’s recent 2‑3 loss to Brighton and the fourth‑round draw setting up a Liverpool‑Chelsea clash and Arsenal’s trip to Fleetwood. Everton’s narrow 1‑0 victory over Wolves, secured by a late Charly Alcaraz strike, also adds to the cup narrative. Back in Glasgow, the focus remains on how both clubs will navigate the security constraints and whether the police’s general behaviour reminder will translate into a smoother, more disciplined encounter. The hope among officials is that the match will proceed without any incidents, allowing the sport itself to take centre stage.
For fans, the situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with supporting a passionate rivalry, and for players, it offers a chance to prove that football can thrive even under stringent conditions.