Soccer: SPL appeal for calmer old firm clash

The Scottish Premier League have pleaded with Celtic and Rangers to bury the hatchet ahead of Sunday’s eagerly-awaited Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

The Scottish Premier League have pleaded with Celtic and Rangers to bury the hatchet ahead of Sunday’s eagerly-awaited Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

The CIS Insurance Cup final was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game as both players clashed and three players received their marching orders.

With emotions running high going into the fourth and most important Glasgow derby of the season fears are high that feelings could boil over again, which could rub off on both sets of supporters.

The SPL, however, have moved quickly to calm the situation and have called for Scotland’s two giants to put their differences behind them.

A spokesman for the Bank of Scotland SPL said: ‘‘The Old Firm game is widely regarded as one of the foremost club matches in the world, and as such, the demand from fans and TV audiences worldwide is enormous.

‘‘However, it is incumbent upon everyone involved in Sunday’s game players, officials and fans alike to realise that their actions surrounding the game can have huge consequences.

‘‘SPL officials have been involved in ongoing discussions with Strathclyde Police on various aspects of Sunday’s game.

‘‘And our director of football administration and finance Iain Blair will watch the game from the police control box at Celtic Park, as usual, in order to help ensure that the match goes as smoothly as possible.

‘‘These matches are not played in isolation, and whilst passion and energy are essential to football, those involved in the game have a responsibility to the wider community to ensure that everything good about Scottish football is on display.’’

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