Celtic Officials Demand Strict Conditions for Future Matches with Rangers
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Scottish football scene, Celtic officials have confirmed that they will not play any more matches with their fierce rivals, Rangers, unless a set of stringent conditions are met. The two clubs, who share a historic and often volatile rivalry, have faced mounting tensions in recent years, and these new terms come after escalating incidents both on and off the pitch.
According to Celtic’s official statement, the terms for future encounters are as follows:
1. Repair of Broken Seats: One of the most immediate issues raised by Celtic is the damage caused to seats during the last derby encounter. The club insists that Rangers must take full responsibility for repairing broken seats in the stands, citing concerns about safety and the state of the stadium. Any failure to do so will result in a continued halt to fixtures between the two clubs.
2. Undertakings to Control Player Behavior: Celtic has expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of Rangers’ players during previous fixtures. As part of the agreement, Rangers must sign formal undertakings ensuring that their players maintain a higher standard of behavior on the pitch. This includes avoiding reckless challenges, foul play, and any form of aggression that undermines the integrity of the game.
3. Commitment to Fan Conduct: In addition to player behavior, Celtic is demanding that Rangers take full responsibility for the actions of their supporters. The club is requesting formal assurances that Rangers will take steps to prevent any instances of fan misconduct, including the use of offensive chants, flare use, or any other actions that could tarnish the reputation of Scottish football.
Celtic has made it clear that any failure to meet these conditions will result in a financial penalty. A compensation fee of £20,000 will be imposed for each game that is called off due to non-compliance. This move is seen as a response to the growing tensions between the two fanbases and a desire to ensure that future fixtures are conducted in a safer and more controlled environment.
The decision has sparked a mixed reaction. Many Celtic fans have expressed support for the club’s firm stance, citing the need for better behavior from both players and fans alike. On the other hand, Rangers supporters are likely to view these conditions as an unnecessary hurdle to what is already one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in world football.
For now, it remains unclear whether Rangers will agree to these demands. The upcoming weeks will likely see tense discussions between the two clubs as they attempt to resolve these issues before the next match. In the meantime, the Scottish football community waits anxiously to see whether this impasse will continue or if common ground can be found.
Celtic’s bold move signals that they are no longer willing to tolerate what they view as unacceptable behavior, and only time will tell if Rangers will meet these conditions for future derbies.
