Hampden stewards wary of ‘physical harm’ as Rangers v Celtic trouble expected
Hugh Keevins has warned that stewards will be wary of “physical harm” ahead of the Premier Sports Cup final clash between Rangers and Celtic.
The Old Firm rivals meet on Sunday (15 December) in what is anticipated to be a fierce contest both on and off the pitch.
Philippe Clement is seeking his maiden victory over the Gers arch-rivals in his sixth attempt as he fights to save his job in the Ibrox dugout.
Writing in the Sunday Mail [page 54, 15 December], Keevins warned of the potential for trouble ahead of the final, saying: “The Old Firm are fighting a losing battle against an anti-social element who have no regard for what’s in the best interests of the game.
“And stewards won’t intervene to protect the incendiary devices being brought into Hampden because they are wary of physical harm.”
Rangers need to trouble Celtic on the pitch
Rather than worrying about scenes off the pitch, the Gers should worry about what happens on the field at Hampden Park.
The club recently issued a statement [Rangers FC, 3 December] warning supporters that pyrotechnics are illegal, dangerous and pose a risk of sanctions for fans and the club.
However, Clement and his players cannot control the actions of supporters but they can control what happens in the contest.
After an encouraging draw with Tottenham in the Europa League, the Light Blues will be hoping to take momentum into the final and finally get one over on their arch-rivals.
Clement will relieve a significant amount of pressure surrounding his future if he manages to beat Celtic in a cup final.
In other Rangers news, it has been revealed that the club have suffered a fresh £6 million financial blow.
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