Humza Yousaf will demand Rangers and Celtic "do as much as they can" to prove the upcoming derby should go ahead.
Holyrood's justice minister concedes clubs have limited power to stop fans gathering but wants the Glasgow rivals to send a clear message to punters.
The March 21 clash is under threat after Rangers fans broke lockdown to gather in large numbers to celebrate their Premiership title win at the weekend.
Government officials were left dismayed as supporters descended in droves on Ibrox and George Square.
Yousaf will hold talks with the clubs and police before any decision is taken but warned a call-off is very much on the table.
He said: "There is only so much - in fairness to the clubs - they can do.
"But I will ask them to do as much as they can.
"I will then take an assessment, and as a government we will take an assessment from the intelligence we receive from Police Scotland, and if there is a serious question or likelihood of disorder or fans gathering then we would have to consider whether or not it's wise for the match on 21 March to go ahead."
Yousaf promised he will be fair to both clubs in making his assessment but insists public health has to remain the priority.
He added: "I'm a football fan and I enjoy a Celtic vs Rangers match as much as the next person.
"I enjoy the passion, and the banter afterwards. But let's be really clear here, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. We have a strain of the virus that is far more transmissible than the previous variant.
"People have missed weddings, funerals, have not seen their family, parents, grandparents in care homes. So we are not going to allow people to gather - and in the case of the game on March 21 - potentially create disorder while the vast majority of citizens obey the rules.
"I will not be unfair, I will ask the football clubs to very clearly put out messaging from the respective managers, their players, their club ambassadors to say very clearly that fans must stay at home."
