In the lead-up to today’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox, Rangers have announced they will not provide a guard of honour for Celtic, who recently clinched the Scottish Premiership title. This decision continues a pattern in the storied rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs, where such gestures are often eschewed due to deep-seated tensions and historical precedents.
Historical Context and Precedents
The tradition of a guard of honour—where one team applauds the newly crowned champions onto the pitch—is customary in many football leagues. However, in the context of the Old Firm rivalry, this practice has been inconsistently observed. For instance, in 2019, Rangers declined to honor Celtic after they secured the title, and similarly, Celtic chose not to provide a guard of honour for Rangers in 2021 following their championship win . These decisions have set a precedent, making the absence of such gestures more of an expectation than an exception in recent years.
Official Statements and Perspectives
Rangers’ interim manager, Barry Ferguson, addressed the decision by stating that such gestures have not been customary in the past and suggested it would not trouble Celtic players either way. He acknowledged Celtic’s dominance this season and expressed disappointment over Rangers’ performance .
On the other side, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers commented that although a guard of honour is a respectful tradition, it is not required and can be challenging emotionally in such a fierce rivalry. He emphasized that respect between the two sides is evident in various forms and doesn’t necessarily need to be showcased through a guard of honour .
Cultural and Emotional Factors
The Old Firm rivalry is one of the most intense in football, characterized by deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious divisions. These factors contribute to the reluctance of both clubs to engage in gestures that might be perceived as conceding superiority or undermining their own club’s pride. The decision to forgo a guard of honour is thus not merely about sportsmanship but is deeply entwined with the identities and sentiments of both clubs and their supporters.
Conclusion
Rangers’ choice not to provide a guard of honour for Celtic in today’s match is consistent with recent interactions between the two clubs. While some may view this as a lack of sportsmanship, others see it as an acknowledgment of the unique and intense nature of the Old Firm rivalry, where traditional gestures are often set aside in favor of maintaining club pride and respecting the sentiments of their fan base.
