Post by Taxigirl on Nov 18, 2005 8:29:38 GMT
www.sportinglife.com/football/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/11/18/SOCCER_Old_Firm_Fans.html
Celtic and Rangers have joined forces in calling for supporters to behave at Saturday's Old Firm derby at Parkhead.
Sparks look set to fly on the pitch with Ibrox chairman David Murray demanding more fight and improvement after the Light Blues lost at the same ground in the CIS Insurance Cup.
While manager Alex McLeish was left worrying about his future, it did not go unnoticed that 26 supporters - including 24 Rangers fans - were arrested for sectarian offences.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Two of these arrests were from the Celtic support and I can say categorically that if these people are found guilty then they will be banned indefinitely from attending Celtic's home and away matches.
"Last week's pre-match demonstration of Celtic's community activity in fighting against sectarianism and racism was very well received by supporters and the club will continue to focus on projects such as Celtic Education, Sense over Sectarianism, Show Racism the Red Card and the Old Firm Alliance.
"The focus will again be on this weekend's match and we would ask our fans for their continued backing.
"As with all matches at Celtic Park, tomorrow's game will again be well policed throughout the stadium.
"The police have again indicated that they will be monitoring any sectarian behaviour very closely and will deal with this issue very seriously.
"The police will have the full support of Celtic Football Club in dealing with sectarian behaviour should it be identified."
Rangers head of security Laurence Macintyre added: "The police match commander has made it absolutely clear at a meeting attended by Rangers, Celtic and the SPL that his strict enforcement policy, particularly in relation to breaches of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice, will not be relaxed.
"It is clear too that the media will be particularly interested in how both sets of fans behave and fans should avoid adverse publicity for the club and themselves."
But under-pressure McLeish is more concerned about his position having been given an ultimatum by the chairman.
Rangers are 12 points behind Celtic in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and a defeat could see his position become more threatened with crucial games against Porto and Inter Milan in the Champions League coming up.
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan hopes Chris Sutton will be able to come back from an injury behind his knee.
Joint-top side Hearts travel to Aberdeen on Sunday.
Celtic and Rangers have joined forces in calling for supporters to behave at Saturday's Old Firm derby at Parkhead.
Sparks look set to fly on the pitch with Ibrox chairman David Murray demanding more fight and improvement after the Light Blues lost at the same ground in the CIS Insurance Cup.
While manager Alex McLeish was left worrying about his future, it did not go unnoticed that 26 supporters - including 24 Rangers fans - were arrested for sectarian offences.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Two of these arrests were from the Celtic support and I can say categorically that if these people are found guilty then they will be banned indefinitely from attending Celtic's home and away matches.
"Last week's pre-match demonstration of Celtic's community activity in fighting against sectarianism and racism was very well received by supporters and the club will continue to focus on projects such as Celtic Education, Sense over Sectarianism, Show Racism the Red Card and the Old Firm Alliance.
"The focus will again be on this weekend's match and we would ask our fans for their continued backing.
"As with all matches at Celtic Park, tomorrow's game will again be well policed throughout the stadium.
"The police have again indicated that they will be monitoring any sectarian behaviour very closely and will deal with this issue very seriously.
"The police will have the full support of Celtic Football Club in dealing with sectarian behaviour should it be identified."
Rangers head of security Laurence Macintyre added: "The police match commander has made it absolutely clear at a meeting attended by Rangers, Celtic and the SPL that his strict enforcement policy, particularly in relation to breaches of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice, will not be relaxed.
"It is clear too that the media will be particularly interested in how both sets of fans behave and fans should avoid adverse publicity for the club and themselves."
But under-pressure McLeish is more concerned about his position having been given an ultimatum by the chairman.
Rangers are 12 points behind Celtic in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and a defeat could see his position become more threatened with crucial games against Porto and Inter Milan in the Champions League coming up.
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan hopes Chris Sutton will be able to come back from an injury behind his knee.
Joint-top side Hearts travel to Aberdeen on Sunday.