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 Rangers on Sunday. The police directive means that, for the time being, no Celtic supporters will be permitted inside the 50,000‑seat stadium, a decision that stems from an ongoing dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow powerhouses. The tension over tickets is in part a fallout from the previous Old Firm encounter in March, which took place in Govan and was tainted by disorderly conduct among fans.
That match ended with Celtic progressing to the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter‑finals after a goalless 120 minutes and a penalty shoot‑out victory. In the aftermath, both clubs were ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors and were slapped with a £100,000 compensation charge. The fine will be paid to the side that is drawn as the away team in each club's subsequent cup tie. At 74 years old, the Celtic manager admitted that the prospect of playing without his own supporters felt "a bit strange," yet he expressed a mixture of nerves and excitement about the high‑profile fixture.
He also commented on the brief police visit, describing it as a short, 15‑minute meeting that served as a timely reminder about appropriate conduct. "We had the police come in today for a quick fifteen‑minute chat, just to remind us about our behaviour. I think it’s a useful reminder and a good thing," O'Neill said. "Overall, we’d love to have something to celebrate, but we need to keep our conduct in check.
It’s really just about general behaviour from us." He added that the police likely considered on‑field actions as well, noting that any escalation could lead to further sanctions. "You don’t want any punch‑ups at the start, and you certainly don’t want overly exuberant celebrations that could be misinterpreted," he explained.
"I’d be delighted to celebrate a goal, but after recent incidents we have to be mindful of how we behave." Beyond the policing issue, O'Neill touched on squad matters. 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 that the goal‑keeping hierarchy remains undecided.
Sam Johnstone, the experienced England international on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, made his Celtic debut in a 1‑0 Scottish Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. However, O'Neill has not yet ruled 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 a final decision yet. It’s about assessing what Sam can offer," O'Neill said. "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’ll let them know soon." The broader context of the Old Firm rivalry adds another layer of intensity. The two clubs have a long history of passionate, sometimes volatile, encounters that attract national and international attention.
The recent disciplinary actions, including closed‑door matches and hefty fines, underscore the authorities' determination to curb any repeat of past disturbances. Fans, players, and officials alike are aware that any misstep could trigger further penalties, making the upcoming quarter‑final not only a test of footballing skill but also of discipline and crowd management.
While the police advisory focuses on fan conduct, the clubs are also working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth matchday operation. Security protocols, steward training, and communication with supporters' groups are all being reviewed to minimize the risk of incidents. Both Celtic and Rangers have pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement and to promote a safe environment for everyone attending the game, even if that means a reduced or absent fan presence for one side. In addition to the domestic drama, the football world has been abuzz with other headlines.
Brentford’s clash with Chelsea, Xabi Alonso’s remarks about needing an "update" rather than a reset at Chelsea, and Thomas Tuchel’s lessons from the World Cup have dominated sports news cycles. Meanwhile, England’s squad selections after the World Cup, including the potential omission of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander‑Arnold, have sparked debate among pundits. Back in the Scottish context, the recent Europa League success of Real Sociedad over Bournemouth, highlighted by goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan, provided a reminder of the continent’s competitive depth. Such stories illustrate the broader tapestry of football in which the Celtic‑Rangers rivalry sits.
As the quarter‑final approaches, O'Neill remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges the unique atmosphere of playing at Ibrox without a full complement of Celtic fans, but he also sees an opportunity for his team to focus purely on the football.
"It will be a different experience, but we’re ready to give our best. The fans will be with us in spirit, and we hope to deliver a performance that makes them proud," he concluded. For those looking to engage with the match beyond the stadium, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available for participants.
This promotion adds an extra layer of excitement for fans following the game from home.