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Gareth Fullerton

Celtic interim boss John Kennedy confirms Rangers guard of honour decision

Interim manager John Kennedy has confirmed Celtic will not give Rangers a guard of honour this weekend.

The two sides meet on Sunday at Parkhead with Rangers already crowned champions.

There has been much speculation and debate over whether Celtic should respect their Old Firm rivals with a guard of honour.

But speaking to Sky Sports, Kennedy said his players would not be lining up before the game on Sunday.

Kennedy said: "It is something that we have discussed. It is a subject that has been brought up and I have seen several people talking about it.

"It was the same two years ago when we were champions and if I am being honest, I don't think such a fuss was being made about it. I don't see it as a big issue.

"For us, we spoke collectively about it and we won't do it. It is not about lacking class, nothing like that, because we are a club that always shows class and dignity and do what is right.

"But ultimately this same group of players went in as champions and didn't get the respect that time if you want to call it that.

"They are the same players who are being asked to stand there. We have decided collectively as a group. We will just get on with the game, park that, so we will focus fully on the game and just put that to bed."

Earlier this week former Celtic defender Gary Caldwell said the Hoops should honour Rangers, while former Hoops boss Neil Lennon said in 2019 that Celtic would have given Rangers a guard of honour after they won the league, had the shoe been on the other foot.

Lennon said at the time: "It’s a break from tradition. I think we would have done it if the shoe had been on the other foot. But it’s not a major issue.

“It would have been a touch of class if they did it.

“I’m disappointed they are not. Celtic would have done it.”

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