The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Call for passion and respect on eve of Betfred Cup semi-finals at Hampden
Celtic manager appeals to fans to behave ahead of Rangers showdown at Hampden
Brendan Rodgers has urged the two sides of Glasgow’s Old Firm divide to show both passion and respect when their teams face off at Hampden tomorrow.
The Celtic boss has been struck by the intensity of life north of the border since taking over at Parkhead earlier this summer.
But he insists he has experienced none of the nastiness the fixture is capable of provoking while out and about in the city.
And he hopes it stays that way when his team take on Rangers in the Betfred Cup semi-finals at Hampden.
Last month’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash between the sides was marred by the conduct of both supports, with the Celtic faithful criticised after effigies were hung from the Parkhead stands while the Gers fans were guilty of trashing a toilet.
Police Scotland have already warned those attending the game to be on their best behaviour after confirming extra officers will be on duty during the match.
Speaking ahead of his first ever visit to the National Stadium, Rodgers said: “I’ve never had any trouble since I’ve been up here. I’ve enjoyed my football life and my social life outside of here.
“Any Rangers supporters I’ve met on my journey up here have been very respectful. I understand that when you manage or play for Celtic that it is a really privileged position.
“But I think it’s important whether you are a Rangers supporter or a Celtic supporter, you can be really passionate about your club. You can love your club – it can be your life.
“But we have to live together and respect each other’s passions. Going into this weekend’s game, give all your support but respect what the result is and move on afterwards.”
Gers have been doing their best to move on from the 5-1 pasting they received at Celtic Park.
It was a painful defeat which brutally exposed the weaknesses in Rangers boss Mark Warburton’s side.
Since then, though, Rangers have won three out of five and Rodgers acknowledged there have been improvements made by Celtic’s fiercest rivals.
“I have seen a little bit of them,” said the Northern Irishman, who has the luxury of a fully fit squad for the Hampden clash.
“I saw a bit of the Inverness game and they look a little bit happier in how they are working. They have some really talented individual players and they want to work the ball and create chances.
Meanwhile Rangers have suffered a major injury blow with playmaker Niko Kranjcar struck down with a serious knee injury, Press Association Sport understands.
The Croatian could be sidelined for months to come if the injury is as bad as Gers chiefs fear.
Former Portsmouth and Tottenham midfielder Kranjcar damaged knee ligaments in a freak training ground accident on Tuesday.
Ibrox medics are now waiting for the swelling to go down before they are able to fully assess the problem but he could be ruled out for six months or more if the issue turns out to be a ruptured cruciate ligament.
His loss is a huge setback for Light Blues boss Mark Warburton, who has been seeing more from the 32-year-old in recent weeks after a sluggish start to his Glasgow switch.
Warburton welcomes Jordan Rossiter (calf) back into his squad but has concerns over Danny Wilson (thigh), while Joey Barton is still serving a club suspension.
We have to live together and respect each other’s passions. Give all your support but respect what the result is and move on afterwards. BRENDAN RODGERS