Celtic v Rangers could be postponed if risk of trouble

Celtic v Rangers this month could be postponed if there’s a risk of trouble, the justice secretary has warned.

Humza Yousaf said the clubs had to send out a “clear message” to fans to stay at home on March 21 after the scenes on Sunday as Rangers supporters celebrated their title win.

Thousands of fans breached coronavirus lockdown rules to gather outside Ibrox and in George Square after their side clinched the Premiership.

Police Scotland said officers were assaulted, while memorial benches were damaged during the celebrations.

Yousaf said that if police intelligence suggests supporters will congregate to “square off with each other” then the Scottish Government would consider cancelling the game.

On upcoming Celtic Vs Rangers match, we need clear messaging from everyone that fans must stay at home. If Police intelligence tells us, despite clear messaging, that groups of fans are going to gather to square off with each other, we need to consider if game should be postponed
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 12, 2021

He tweeted “We need clear messaging from everyone that fans must stay at home.

“If police intelligence tells us, despite clear messaging, that groups of fans are going to square off with each other, we need to consider if the game should be postponed.”

Last year, fans gathered outside Celtic Park ahead of the Old Firm game on October 17 and released pyrotechnics.

On Sunday, thousands of Rangers supporters gathered outside Ibrox and then in George Square after the club’s Premiership title win.