Kris Boyd insists the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic has reached boiling point off the pitch – and dismissed the idea of a guard of honour when the champions arrive at Ibrox this Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side will head to Govan as newly-crowned Scottish Premiership winners, having wrapped up a fourth successive title in dominant fashion. But while some leagues uphold a tradition of applauding opponents onto the pitch, Boyd says there’s zero chance of Rangers honouring their bitter rivals.
The former Ibrox striker and Sky Sports pundit delivered a typically blunt assessment ahead of the season’s final Old Firm clash – claiming relations between the two clubs are at an all-time low, particularly at boardroom level.
“There won’t be any guard of honour,” Boyd laughed. “I think Scotland’s a pretty unique place. For both teams, the respect went out the window a few years ago.
“Celtic can’t even refer to it as the Old Firm, and in terms of the respect that used to be in the boardrooms, I don’t think it’s there anymore. So I can’t imagine Rangers players clapping Celtic players onto the pitch on Sunday.”
Read more:
-
Neraysho Kasanwirjo marks Rangers injury return with opening goal against Celtic
-
Rangers defender continues injury comeback, starts vs Celtic in Glasgow Cup
Rodgers’ men equalled Rangers’ record of 55 top-flight titles last week, but Boyd believes any form of courtesy between the clubs is now a thing of the past.
“There should still be respect there from both clubs,” he said. “But there are so many problems in the past now that there is absolutely no chance of a guard of honour on Sunday.”
Despite the simmering animosity, Boyd expects a high-stakes encounter on the pitch, with both sides motivated for very different reasons.
“I’m looking forward to the game. It’s a great spectacle for Scottish football and there will be some Celtic fans back in the ground,” he said. “We saw what happened the last time at Celtic Park with the fans – it’s great to see.
“I don’t think it will ever get back to what it was, but hopefully for Scottish football, Celtic will want to come to Ibrox and show why they are champions and put on a performance.”
Boyd also believes the pressure is on Rangers, with several players potentially playing for their futures as the club gears up for a significant summer overhaul.
“Barry Ferguson has already spoken about it – they were very disappointed at the weekend,” he added. “There’s a lot of players fighting for their futures.
“If they want to be part of something going forward, then they are going to have to perform between now and the end of the season. Maybe a lot of players already know that they are surplus to requirements, but it’s still an Old Firm game. You want to put on a performance – and I’m looking forward to it.”
