Watford manager Chris Wilder was in Rangers end for Viaplay Cup final v Celtic as he shares Old Firm verdict
Watford boss Chris Wilder has revealed he was in the Rangers end at Hampden Park for the Viaplay Cup final in February, with the experience “off the charts.”
Celtic defeated fierce rivals Rangers 2-1 in the clash in Glasgow, with the “special atmosphere” at Hampden not expected for their reunion this weekend.
The two clubs go head to head once again on Saturday (8 April) as Celtic host Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, although safety and security concerns mean only home fans will be in attendance at Celtic Park.
“The fact it was at a neutral ground and there was an even split of fans created a special atmosphere which will be in stark contrast to this weekend with only Celtic fans at the game which is a shame,” said Wilder, according to the Daily Record.
“I was in with the Rangers fans at Hampden and it was an incredible atmosphere, it was absolutely off the charts from any other derby I’ve been to in every aspect. The atmosphere building up to the game and all of the expectations was everything a derby should be and more.
“It was my first Old Firm game but I’d been threatening it for a long time just as many people do so it was a privilege to be there. I have pals who are Celtic fans and pals who support Rangers and they’ve been trying to drag me up to a game for a while.”
Derby day
The Old Firm derby is certainly one that lives up to expectation, with players and supporters alike always more than up for the challenge.
Tempers almost always flare on the pitch and in the stands, although it will only be on the pitch where such a situation occurs this weekend given the absence of away supporters.
It will definitely put a dampener on the special occasion, but there should still be plenty of crunching tackles and heated arguments at Celtic Park as Rangers continue to push Celtic for the league title.
Moreover, Michael Beale’s side will be desperate to enact revenge for the Viaplay Cup final result, with the manager narrowly missing out on some silverware in his brief reign so far at the hands of bitter rivals Celtic.
The fixture is undoubtedly one of the best derbies in world football, and that should still be the case in many years to come, but it definitely needs the return of away fans to claim such a title.
In other Rangers news, the Gers “don’t have the legs” to beat Celtic because the Hoops are just better, according to former Parkhead midfielder Paul Lambert.