Celtic legend wants Old Firm date moved
Celtic legend Harry Hood is backing the ‘Bells not Brawls’ campaign to have the Hogmanay Old Firm match moved to a different date.
The former Hoops player is the founder of Lisini Pub Company, which has a number of venues Lanarkshire.
And he has voiced his concern about Celtic and Rangers meeting on December 31 at Ibrox.
He said: “A Celtic and Rangers game on any other day causes animosity, so holding it on Hogmanay is just asking for problems.
“Hogmanay is supposed to be one of the happiest days of the year, but by having the across game on the same day it is just introducing disruption and trouble.
“Usually on Old Firm day all pubs and bars close early or have locals only to avoid any trouble, but how can you do that on Hogmanay and turn away people who want to spend time with their loved ones?”
Harry (72) played with Celtic for seven years after signing in 1969, and has experienced many Old Firm matches.
He added: “There are always going to be sore losers no matter who wins. I don’t like Old Firm games as they cause too much bother.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12.15pm on Hogmanay and the Bells not Brawls petition has over 950 signatures so far.
Harry’s daughter Siobhan Edwards – who is the marketing and purchasing director for Lisini Pub Company – hopes that something can be done about the date.
She said: “Hogmanay is a sociable time that should be enjoyed by everyone. Having the Old Firm on this day will impact businesses like ourselves. We will need to close our doors for a certain period of time.
“Because it is an early kickoff this will also mean a high level of alcohol consumption.
“We need to look at the wider picture, the after-care of people. We just want them to have the best possible time in a safe, healthy, happy environment and hopefully our voices can influence a change of date.”
Lisini Pub Company venues include Motherwell’s Dalziel Park, Uddingston’s Angels Hotel, The Parkville in Blantyre and The Castle Rooms in Uddingston.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A decision has been made on the timing and fixture of this match as it was deemed to be the most suitable time and day to deliver a safe event and minimise impact on the wider community. Public safety is priority and from now until December 31 we will plan carefully with clubs and authorities.”
A spokesperson for the SPFL also commented: “The date and kick off times were agreed by the police and broadcasters.”
For more information or to sign the petition, check out the Facebook page on www.facebook.com/ bellsnotbrawls.