Keith Hackett sends major Rangers v Celtic warning, calls for added security
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive Rangers columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Keith Hackett has sent a major warning to Willie Collum and his officials ahead of Rangers against Celtic on Sunday afternoon.
The ex-FIFA official insisted the Old Firm was one of the special games in the world, and expects a “cauldron” at Ibrox this weekend.
Hackett even called for added security at pitchside to prevent dangerous acts such as missiles being thrown onto the field of play.
“There are special derbies and then there is the Scottish derby,” he exclusively told Ibrox News. “I think this is one of the special games that’s played around the world, I think over the years, I’ve seen some remarkable referees.
“All of a sudden, you have to step into a cauldron, and I think it produces a special kind of referee. I think it’s a huge challenge for the match officials because, at that level, they’re not refereeing just a game, but an event.
“It’s pressure, but there is the potential of added interference, sadly we’ve seen coins thrown, and therefore that’s one of the things they’ve got to prepare against.
“I think in that situation, behind the patrol path, there should be added security, stewarding to make certain that the game takes place in a safe manner, and this is just not for the referee and officials, but the players.”
Huge.
With away fans finally back at Ibrox, this is going to be a huge occasion.
The Scottish Premiership has not been this tight in years, possibly even decades, and it is brilliant to see, although we preferred cruising to the title last season.
Collum will know what to expect here, he has been in this situation countless times, but this one feels different.
The added pressure and ecstasy that three points would bring could cause carnage, something the players will expect.
Would added security help? Who knows, but it certainly wouldn’t do any more damage to have them there.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has shared his reaction to a ‘huge’ development at Ibrox in the past month