SNP’s Humza Yousaf sends another warning about Old Firm clash
Rangers are due to welcome Celtic to Ibrox next week but the SNP continue to send warning messages around the fixture going ahead.
Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney have directed criticism at the Gers this week, despite the club claiming they followed what was asked of them ahead of last weekend’s celebrations.
The government is now worried there will be a repeat of those scenes, and has said the Old Firm could be postponed as a result.
Justice Minister Humza Yousaf gave an update on two platforms to clarify the position Rangers are in currently.
“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 the game should be postponed,” Yousaf tweeted.
He added on BBC Good Morning Scotland: “This is the entire purpose of having the conversation with the clubs, with Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council today.
“I won’t pre-judge the outcome of it but I will be setting out very clearly what the Governments’ expectations are.
“We cannot and simply will not tolerate the scenes we saw last weekend.”
Taking responsibility
Threats around the Old Firm match going ahead continue but we’re convinced it’s more warning than something that will actually happen.
That letter outlined the protocols taken to discourage fans from gathering in celebration of our title victory last weekend.
We are all keen for the Old Firm to go ahead and we are sure both football clubs will look to address the SNP’s concerns.
The fact they still refuse to give us any credit is a little worrying, however, as ministers have instead decided to go to the media to air their concerns.
We need all the parties involved, including Celtic, to take responsibility.
The burden should not just be on Rangers to do the right thing, and even if the club puts out a strong statement that may not be enough some to stop fans arriving at the ground.
That’s then a government problem not a Rangers issue.
Hopefully, the excitement at the title win will have died down by the time we visit Celtic next week and we can focus on getting another famous victory en route to an unbeaten season.
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