Scott Brown has slammed suggestions players should be held responsible for the actions of ned fans.
The Celtic skipper copped criticism for winding up Rangers supporters in the last Old Firm game with snipers claiming the behaviour of stars on the pitch fuelled violence off it.
But Brown scoffed at the notion and insisted there is no excuse for acting like thugs.
He said: “Football has to remain in the stadium, it can’t be taken outside. The violence after games has to stop as well.
“So you should run out and punch somebody outside the stadium? That’s just people taking liberties.
“There is no excuse for fans running on the park trying to punch someone – and that happened to me as well – or people taking liberties after players win games and enjoy themselves. It’s a football game.
“It’s a job for me. It’s my job to win big games, that’s why I came to Celtic.”
Brown has spent more than a decade at Parkhead but admitted he steers clear of Glasgow to avoid any aggro.
He said: “I stay in Edinburgh for a reason, to stay away from all the football banter and stuff.
“Edinburgh is more Hibs and Hearts and fans of those clubs have pretty much forgotten about me – so I’m quite happy with that. I can go out, enjoy my meal and have a quiet night.”
Brown is determined to savour every second as the club home in on eight in a row in the twilight of his career.
He said: “I’m enjoying every game more, knowing I am coming towards the end of my career does that. There are memories now that will always stay with me.”
