Please stay at home
Gerrard and Tav issue plea to fans ahead of Old Firm showdown
Steven Gerrard and James Tavernier have urged Rangers fans to stay away from Celtic Park next Sunday.
The Old Firm derby remains under threat of postponement should the Scottish Government receive intelligence of planned gatherings.
There have been fears the regulation breaching scenes witnessed last Sunday after the Light Blues clinched the title for the first time in 10 years could be repeated outside their rivals ground, and in Glasgow’s city centre, as part of a continued celebration.
However, while stressing how much they would love the fans to be with them at games, the Light Blues manager and captain have both reiterated the need to stay home to support the NHS.
In an open letter to the Ibrox fans, Gerrard said: “The best place you can support my players and I this Sunday is from the comfort of your own home.”
Steven Gerrard last night issued an open letter to Rangers fans, pleading with them to stay at home before, during and after Sunday’s Old Firm game.
And his message was backed up by club captain, James Tavernier.
Gerrard wrote: “Firstly, I want to place on record my thanks for everything you have done for me, my management team and my players since I arrived in Glasgow in May of 2018.
“Last week was a huge milestone for Rangers but make no mistake about it – this journey is far from over. We are only just beginning.
“The last year for every single one of us across the world has been different. We have never experienced a year like this in any of our lifetimes so far, and we hope this is now nearly over.
“We must always remember, however, how many lives Covid-19 has taken, and we must remember the family and the friends which have gone because of this terrible disease.
“That cannot ever be forgotten.
“It is a great privilege to be the manager of this great football club, and with that comes great responsibility.
“We must take collective responsibility to ensure we uphold the good name of this 150-year institution which represents far, far more than 11 players on the pitch.
“We must remember who we represent, we must remember who we are, and we must remember what this club stands for.
“Right here and right now, in all honesty, do I want 50,000 fans inside
Ibrox? 100% yes. The players would want nothing more than to hear the fans sing and support us in the ground.
“Sadly, however, right here and right now, you can’t be there with us. You can’t follow us to Parkhead as Champions – and the first time we can say we are Champions in a decade.
“That hurts me, it hurts my management team and it hurts my players.
“Make no doubt about it, we want you there with us, but sadly, right now, you can’t be.
“The best place you can support my players and I this Sunday is from the comfort of your own home.
“We know you are with us here in spirit and we know how much last weekend meant to you when we secured the title.
“We know all of you enjoyed it, but we must stay safe, and stay at home.
“Every time we get knocked back, we stand up and we get going again.
“You have been with us on that journey, the entirety of the way through and we will never forget that.
“Stay safe. Stay at home. Support the NHS. Support Rangers Football Club.”
With the Celtic Park game still under threat of postponement by Scottish Government, the rivals have both urged their followers to abide by Covid-19 regulations.
Tavernier said: “I want to highlight how important it is for you all to stay at home next weekend.
“Please don’t gather in crowds, especially near the stadium or the city centre.”