Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Sun 8 March 2026 11:50, UK

Keith Hackett has reacted to footage emerging from Ibrox already, as Celtic fans arrive early under heavy police supervision at Rangers.

Rangers are preparing to host their bitter rivals in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday, a week on from their thrilling 2-2 draw in the Scottish Premiership at the same ground.

Unlike the league encounter, Celtic fans have been given a much bigger allocation, with Bhoys supporters set to pack out the Broomloan Stand at Ibrox for the first time in eight years.

More than 7,000 of the travelling faithful will be in the stadium, and going by footage on Sunday morning, they are making their voices heard.

As excitement grows for the latest edition of the Old Firm derby, supporters are being warned to be on their best behaviour.

Rangers and Celtic fans urged to focus on the Old Firm derby

Rangers and Celtic are vying for the league title, but top of the table Hearts are proving a tough nut to crack. On Sunday, they take a break from that title race, as they seek to advance to the last four of the Scottish Cup.

Victory here could be the springboard that Rangers need to propel them to silverware and possibly their first league title since 2021.

But for now, Hackett has stressed the importance of cheering on their sides rather than getting into any sort of trouble.

Indeed, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-PGMOL chief insists it could be an expensive afternoon for any fans who arrived early at the ground for the grudge match, misbehaving.

“With a heavy police presence, let’s hope that fans are on their best behaviour,” Hackett said.

“I have no doubt that those fans who cannot behave will be placed in one of the holding cells, they will miss the match and have to dig deep into their pockets and pay the fines that the magistrates’ court will impose.

“Let’s hope they behave.”

Can Rangers banish questions about their circumspect mentality?

Rangers roared into a 2-0 lead over Celtic last Sunday, thanks to two brilliant first-half goals from striker Youssef Chermiti.

However, the visitors mounted a stellar second-half comeback, and goals from Kieran Tierney and Reo Hatate ensured the shares were spoiled.

This was a big missed opportunity for Danny Rohl’s team, who have recently dropped points against 10-man Motherwell and bottom of the table Livingston.

Concerns have since been raised that this young Rangers side doesn’t have the strength of character to come out on top in the league this season, with questions mounting about manager Rohl for the first time.

To that end, perhaps this cup clash can be a welcome break from the pressure of the title chase, although Celtic will not roll over and have their tummies tickled.

Victory for Rangers could be a season-defining one, but a loss may spell doom for their silverware chances this term.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.