John Collins believes Celtic and Rangers can quash fears of mass gatherings on Sunday - by wielding the banhammer.
Collins knows the ferocity of the fixture having taken part in derby matches between the two clubs during his playing days at Parkhead and later as Ronny Deila's assistant.
He believes after the exuberant celebrations of Ibrox diehards toasting their Scottish Premiership win, there's a need for both teams to be stronger in their messaging to supporters.
Managers John Kennedy and Steven Gerrard plus captains Scott Brown and James Tavernier have urged supporters to stay at home for the powderkeg clash to avoid a repeat in Glasgow's east end, the city centre or elsewhere.
But Collins reckons that's not enough - and said the threat of a year-long ban from attending matches once fans are finally able to return should do the trick.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Collins said: "I think the clubs can do more.
"I think if the clubs made a statement, 'any fan identified outside the football stadium will be banned from the football stadium for a year, and all football stadia'.
"I think that one statement from a club official would really hit home with any fan that loves going along in that stadium.
"It's a really difficult situation the police are in. They're in a no-win situation."
Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton agreed with the former Parkhead star's idea - and offered a concise message to supporters for the weekend.
He said: "I think John is absolutely bang on the money there - that's exactly the type of messaging that would help.
"My message is quite simple - stay at home."
