Hugh Keevins rages at latest Rangers and Celtic ‘disgrace’ amid embarrassing situation
Hugh Keevins has labelled the latest Old Firm development as “embarrassing” after Celtic rejected tickets for their game at Rangers on 3 September.
On page 62 of the Sunday Mail’s print edition on 20 August, the journalist said it was “undeniable” that the decision was made based on the “fear of violence and serious physical injury”.
He believes the situation between the two Glasglow rivals is a “disgrace” and that “nothing will change for the foreseeable future” as there will be no Celtic fans at Ibrox for next month’s fixture.
“The taxpayer will foot the bill for policing a minimum of four anti-social gatherings between now and May,” said Keevins. “The least we can do is admit that is the case and live the embarrassment, which should be profound.”
Shocking
The fact Celtic have decided to reject tickets for the upcoming Old Firm clash just highlights the problem that everyone associated with the two clubs is aware of.
There is so much hatred and violence between the rival sides and, while away fans could potentially lead to violence on the day, it will massively take away from the atmosphere not having them there.
It’s a sorry state of affairs when people can’t be trusted to go to a football match and behave themselves for a few hours without wanting to abuse someone else or engage in violence.
Those people – although they may only be a minority – ruin what should be an incredible occasion for all those fans that are genuinely just there to watch one of the biggest games in football.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with having rivalries, those are the kind of days you live for as a supporter, but the way things easily boil over at times is pretty shocking and, hopefully, that aspect will change one day.
In other Rangers news, the Gers hierarchy needs to get behind Michael Beale amid the “nuclear fallout” behind the scenes.