Rangers v Celtic: Scottish authorities keen to avoid Ibrox developments already
Rangers clash with Celtic at Ibrox on 4 May for the final Old Firm Derby clash of the Scottish Premiership season.
The Bears denied their bitter rivals from lifting the Premiership title on Sunday, when they snatched a last-second 2-2 draw at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen looked destined for victory when they led 2-0 at half-time, as Ross McCausland was also sent off for the Gers in a dismal first half.
But Barry Ferguson’s men dug deep and salvaged a point despite their numerical disadvantage, with second-half strikes coming from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi.
Police Scotland concerned Celtic could win title at Ibrox
Thanks to their 15-point lead over Rangers, Celtic could win the league title if they avoid defeat to Dundee United on 26 April.
| Scottish Premiership table (top two) | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Celtic | 33 | 75 | 81 |
| 2 Rangers | 33 | 33 | 66 |
However, if Brendan Rodgers’ men lose to Jim Goodwin’s side and Rangers beat St Mirren, then Celtic will look to seal the title at Ibrox on 4 May.
As reported in the print edition of the Scottish Daily Mail [back page, 15 April], that’s a scenario which the authorities, and particularly Police Scotland, are usually keen to avoid due to the potential for fan trouble.
Rangers are vying to reach the Europa League semi-finals
Rangers’ chances of winning the league title are all but over courtesy of their woeful domestic season, which has also witnessed a Scottish League Cup final defeat and an embarrassing exit from the Scottish Cup.
Ferguson’s men will be keen to delay Celtic’s title celebrations once more, though, especially if they can do that via a third Old Firm Derby victory of the season on 4 May.
If Ferguson, who steered the Bears to victory over Rodgers’ side on 16 March, can earn his second derby win in the Ibrox dugout, it will boost his chances of becoming permanent boss.
However, the Gers must now be more concerned by their Europa League run and can seal their spot in the semi-finals with a victory over Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Thursday.
The Light Blues performed admirably well to hold Bilbao to a 0-0 draw on 10 April, despite Robin Propper’s early red card, and will need to be at their very best once more to book their spot in the last four.