Sunday’s Glasgow Derby will be given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government provided there are no fan related issues at tonight’s Europa League tie at Ibrox.
The fixture was put under threat after thousands of Ibrox fans broke Lockdown Laws to gather in George Square where they caused thousands of pounds worth of damage with 28 arrests made.
With Police Scotland virtually stepping aside concerns were raised by a number of MSP’s with Sandra White from Glasgow Central the most vocal with her concerns.
Nicola Sturgeon and other Scottish Government Ministers expressed their anger at the scenes in the city centre with both clubs forced into issuing a succession of messages urging fans to stay at home this Sunday.
Concerns about trouble around Sunday’s match seem to have lessened but there is one more test to get through tonight as The Sun reports:
THE Old Firm derby is set to go ahead – if Rangers’ clash with Slavia Prague passes without incident tonight. Sources said the powderkeg fixture is expected to be played as planned at Celtic’s Parkhead on Sunday despite fears of a repeat of Gers’ diehards lockdown-flouting title celebrations.
Insiders said a final decision to give the game the green light is likely to be given after tonight’s Europa League game. It is understood repeated messaging by both sides telling fans not to take to the streets will continue throughout Saturday and Sunday.
A source said: “The match is likely to go ahead. The clubs have been messaging frequently and will continue to do so over the coming days and throughout match day. It is vital they continue to hammer the message through to their fans.”
Sunday’s match kick’s off at 12 noon and will be shown live on Sky Sports. The early kick off should take some of the heat away from the match but depending on the weather and the outcome of the game Police Scotland will be vigilant for reactions throughout Sunday.