SHOW RESPECT
Rodgers pleads for peaceful occasion
CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has urged fans from each side of the Old Firm divide to show both passion and respect when their teams clash at Hampden tomorrow.
Last month’s Premiership derby was marred by the conduct of both sides, with Celtic fans condemned after effigies of Rangers supporters were hung from the Parkhead stands while visiting fans destroyed a stadium toilet.
Fearing the incendiary nature of the fixture, police have already warned those attending Sunday’s Betfred League Cup semi-final to be on their best behaviour after confirming extra officers will be on duty. And although Rodgers claimed he has never personally experienced the unpleasant side of the fierce rivalry, he called on fans to keep the peace this weekend.
‘I’ve never had any trouble since I’ve been up here,’ he said. ‘I’ve enjoyed my football life and social life outside of here. Any Rangers supporters I’ve met on my journey up here have been very respectful.
‘When you manage or play for Celtic, that is a really privileged position. But I think it’s important, whether you are a Rangers or 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.’ Rodgers insists Celtic have the psychological edge after last month’s 5-1 demolition of Rangers in the Premiership. While expecting a closer game, he believes it has left his players confident they can beat their rivals again this weekend. He said: ‘To have the first Celtic v Rangers game at home and win 5-1 was a dream. When you play as well as we did, then psychologically it gives you big confidence. ‘When you’ve scored five — and you could have had more — you know you can beat the team well. It doesn’t necessarily make it any easier but you know you’ve done it. ‘Sunday will be a different game, but if we play as well again we will have a great chance of getting to the final. But we only made that last victory because of the hard work we put in and that can’t let up this weekend. ‘Are we as far in front of Rangers as the 5-1 score suggests? That’s not for me to say. If we win 1-0, I’d be happy.’ Rodgers has his players practising penalties but hopes to avoid a repeat of the Capital Cup shootout in September 2014 when 30 spot-kicks were required before his Liverpool team overcame Middlesbrough to win the competition. ‘We are prepared for penalties,’ he said. ‘As long as it doesn’t go to a 14-13 like when we beat Middlesbrough. We were getting bored after a while. It was unbelievable. But I expect a tight game and you prepare for it being that way.’ Rodgers is sweating over the fitness of Kolo Toure, whose two errors helped Borussia Monchengladbach to a 2-0 Champions League victory at Parkhead this week. If the 35-year-old doesn’t make it, Jozo Simunovic will step in. ‘Kolo had stiffness in his groin and we’ll see how he is,’ said Rodgers. ‘I gave Kolo a hug on Friday morning but he’s fine. You all saw the mark of the man when he spoke to the media straight after the game to hold his hands up. Kolo is a proper man and you’d want him on your side.’