Bain defends Hoops’ celebrations after Old Firm win

Scott Bain insists Celtic did nothing wrong with their post-match lap of honour following September’s Old Firm victory over Rangers.

The behaviour of the Hoops squad has come under sharp scrutiny following the publication of a police memo which claimed they had provoked an angry response from Rangers fans after their 1-0 Parkhead win in the season’s opening derby battle.

The document claimed Brendan Rodgers’ team “inflamed an already delicate situation” when they paused to celebrate in front of the 800 Gers supporters minutes after the match.

Public order officers were forced to intervene to “prevent disorder and (the Rangers fans) entering the pitch”, it was claimed.

Former Dundee keeper Bain, however, says he and his colleagues merely carried out their usual postmatch routine.

The goalkeeper said: “We do it after every game, walk round the pitch and thank the fans for their support, for coming out, paying their money and pushing us through games.

“I don’t think we were over-celebrating, I don’t think we were doing anything wrong. We were just thanking our fans. We can’t walk to here and then walk back round to avoid other fans, we were just walking in a circle.”

Bain has been told by boss Rodgers that he will start Sunday’s Betfred Cup final against Aberdeen.

First-choice keeper Craig Gordon will keep the number one slot for tomorrow’s vital Europa League showdown with Rosenborg in Trondheim before Bain takes over at Hampden.

“I think it will be the biggest game that I’ve played in so far,” said Bain.

“Hopefully there are other big ones to come.”

Scott Bain will play in the Betfred Cup final.