It’s the final Old Firm clash of the season – will Rangers win the head-to-head or can Celtic show why they swept their rivals away in the Scottish Premiership title race?
Brendan Rodgers will take his players to Ibrox on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, fresh from clinching their 13th title in the last 14 years.
Celtic top the table by 17 points, but it is Rangers who have had the upper hand in their league meetings this season with two wins from three.
Sunday 4th May 11:00am
Kick off 12:00pm
The Hoops won the first Premiership clash 3-0 in September, with Rangers then clinching a 3-0 win of their own at Ibrox in January before edging them 3-2 at Celtic Park in March.
There will be Celtic fans back inside Ibrox for this game, but there will be no guard of honour in their first game after wrapping up four titles in a row.
We’ve been hearing from both clubs ahead of Sunday’s midday showdown…
Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson confirms there will be no guard of honour for champions Celtic ahead of the final Old Firm clash of the season, live on Sky Sports.
Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson: “It’s been two really good performances, but they’re in the past now. We have to forget about them. It’s how we approach the game on Sunday.
“We know Celtic will be hurting because the previous results, so we have got to understand that and be aware of that.
“After the disappointing performance we had last week against St Mirren, the boys have responded in the manner that I would have wanted. So, we’re clear on how we’re going to approach it and these are the games, as a footballer and certainly as a manager you can’t wait to be involved in.
“It’s against your fiercest rivals. These are the ones that you don’t need too much motivation, so I don’t need to maybe say as much as I normally would.
“You’re coming up against the champions who have been really dominant domestically, so we need to make sure that we’re ready and we’re prepared as best we can.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looks ahead to the final Old Firm clash of the season and Rangers’ decision not to give the champions a guard of honour.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “Like in any Celtic Rangers game, no matter what you’ve done in the past, you always want to win these games.
“We’ve proved our point over the course of the season in terms of winning the title, how we’ve played, the goals scored, the goal difference, our progress in Europe, but these are games where it’s about pride and the pride of us as a team.
“I feel it’s a game, no matter what we’ve done, these are big games. I know this, as the manager here, how important they are and what it means to so many people around the world, so we want to go and play to our very, very best.
“Subconsciously, what has hindered us in these games is that we have been really comfortable in the league and it shouldn’t, but when we’ve had a win-or-bust game in the League Cup final we’ve won that.
“We’ve arrived into these games with a bit of comfort in the league and I think, subconsciously, maybe it seeps in, but certainly it can’t seep into this one because it’s the last Celtic-Rangers game of the season and we want to carry that through with us into next season.”
Is football ‘losing little traditions’?
There will be no guard of honour for the champions
Ferguson confirmed Rangers will not give Celtic a guard of honour when they emerge from the tunnel to kick off their first match as this season’s Scottish Premiership champions.
“It’s never happened in the past and there’s been this huge clamour about it,” he told Sky Sports News.
“If I put myself in the shoes of a champion, it wouldn’t really bother me. I think if you ask any of the Celtic players, I don’t think it would bother them either.
“It’s always been that way. Let’s just continue that way. But one thing I will do is I will shake Brendan’s hand and say well done for being so dominant as there’s no doubt that’s been the case this year and that’s got to hurt.
“It certainly hurts me and the staff and it’s got to hurt the players as well.”
Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan on having nothing to prove at Ibrox with no expectation of a guard of honour from Rangers on Sunday.
Rodgers “won’t lose sleep” but would rather see the tradition retained.
“The first thing I would say is it’s not a rule,” he added.
“You don’t need to have it. I suppose I always look at the traditions of the game where it was always about that humility for the teams that have lost out on the league that they give that guard of honour for the team that have won it.
“But I also respect up here, the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is a very emotional rivalry.
“If you’re the team that’s coming up short, then that can be a challenge for your supporters
“I don’t sleep over it, I won’t worry about it, but I always think we’re losing lots of little traditions around the game and this is one of the things that you can hopefully control and still retain.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Baldasso detona Craque Neto após críticas a Vitão, do Internacional: “Zé Ruela”
Reproduções/Band e YouTube e = Ricardo Duarte/Internacional O duelo entre Corinthians e Internacional ainda não terminou, pelo menos na troca de farpas entre seus representantes. Fabiano Baldasso mandou uma resposta a Craque Neto, depois do ex-camisa 10 ter alfinetado o zagueiro colorado Vitão. O defensor disparou contra a arbitragem depois da derrota por 4 a 2 para o Timão na Neo Química Arena no último sábado (3) pelo Brasileirão Série A. “Sempre vai ser assim, é 11 contra 12 nessa porcaria”, desabafou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Craque Neto: “Vitão é uma porcaria de jogador” Nos Donos da Bola desta segunda-feira (5), Craque Neto não poupou Vitão, mesmo que tenha reconhecido que o Internacional foi prejudicado pela arbitragem no lance da expulsão do volante Bruno Henrique. “Zagueiro de lado com cintura de ovo. Você que é uma porcaria de jogador”, detonou. O comentarista […]
Knicks stun Celtics in overtime to steal Game 1 of East semis
BOSTON — In the waning seconds of overtime, New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges ripped a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the hands of Boston Celtics counterpart Jaylen Brown, and the underdogs walked out of TD Garden with a stunning Game 1 victory in their opening-round playoff series, 108-105.The Knicks stormed back from a 20-point, second-half deficit to make a close game of what appeared to be headed for a blowout. Boston's Jayson Tatum (23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) and New York's Jalen Brunson (29 points, 5 assists) both missed opportunities to break a 100-100 tie in the waning seconds of regulation, and both missed their mark — Tatum a step-back 3-pointer, Brunson a layup. But OG Anunoby (29 points) and the Knicks outscored the Celtics 8-5 in overtime.Targeting Karl-Anthony TownsFrom the jump, Tatum attacked Karl-Anthony Towns in the pick-and-roll, […]
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer to Islanders as we pick for every lottery team
The New York Islanders won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, jumping nine spots thanks to the lottery Monday, while Utah Hockey Club went from No. 14 to No. 4.With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks. This is their best attempt to predict what will happen on draft day based on their knowledge of the teams they cover and what those teams covet in players.The 2025 NHL Draft will take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)Believe me, when that last ping-pong ball rose up, I had visions of the Islanders selecting Long Island native James Hagens to start their turnaround. It makes too much sense! But with all the turmoil around […]
Knicks complete 20-point comeback to stun Celtics in OT thriller
<!--> The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in an 108-105 overtime thriller. The Celtics led 72-52 with 6:19 remaining in the third after an Al Horford dunk, but the Knicks closed that quarter on a 23-12 surge to cut the margin to 11. Then they scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter, and eventually tied the game at 86 with 7:21 remaining. The teams traded leads from that point and were knotted at 100 with 53.1 seconds left. Each team had a chance to win it in the final seconds of regulation, but Jayson Tatum missed a fade-away and then Jalen Brunson couldn't convert on a great look at the left side of the basket with 2.1 seconds left. Despite Brunson's miss, the Knicks were able to carry the momentum into the […]
Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz leaves game after hit to head
TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz was removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs goal midway through Monday’s game against the Florida Panthers after briefly being knocked to the ice by a forearm to the head by Sam Bennett.Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz with his team leading 4-1.It wasn’t immediately clear if the Leafs’ starter was removed by the NHL’s concussion spotter. Sam Bennett reintroduces himself to Anthony Stolarz pic.twitter.com/6CYdXQCrFx — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2025Stolarz had stopped eight of the nine shots he faced when Bennett skated by the edge of his crease and clipped him with his right arm at 7:20 of the second period. The officials blew the play dead.Stolarz remained in the game for another two-plus minutes before heading down the tunnel to the Leafs dressing room during the next stoppage in play at 9:48. He appeared to be laughing by […]
Gregg Popovich is still laughing at himself as he steps back from coaching
SAN ANTONIO — It was easy to see Monday morning that Gregg Popovich, despite ongoing effects of a stroke he suffered in November, remains every bit the same “Coach Pop” who won more games than any coach in NBA history — 1,592.The 76-year-old can still laugh at himself. Those who know the San Antonio Spurs’ legendary coach and executive best understand how important that is to a man who loves a joke, often at his own expense.AdvertisementPopovich’s appearance at a news conference at which the Spurs announced Mitch Johnson would be Popovich’s successor was a surprise to most. After opening remarks from Peter John Holt, the team’s managing partner, Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili escorted Popovich to the podium to address the public for the first time since the stroke. A few moments into the event, Popovich […]
Related
Baldasso detona Craque Neto após críticas a Vitão, do Internacional: “Zé Ruela”
Reproduções/Band e YouTube e = Ricardo Duarte/Internacional O duelo entre Corinthians e Internacional ainda não terminou, pelo menos na troca de farpas entre seus representantes. Fabiano Baldasso mandou uma resposta a Craque Neto, depois do ex-camisa 10 ter alfinetado o zagueiro colorado Vitão. O defensor disparou contra a arbitragem depois da derrota por 4 a 2 para o Timão na Neo Química Arena no último sábado (3) pelo Brasileirão Série A. “Sempre vai ser assim, é 11 contra 12 nessa porcaria”, desabafou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Craque Neto: “Vitão é uma porcaria de jogador” Nos Donos da Bola desta segunda-feira (5), Craque Neto não poupou Vitão, mesmo que tenha reconhecido que o Internacional foi prejudicado pela arbitragem no lance da expulsão do volante Bruno Henrique. “Zagueiro de lado com cintura de ovo. Você que é uma porcaria de jogador”, detonou. O comentarista […]
Knicks stun Celtics in overtime to steal Game 1 of East semis
BOSTON — In the waning seconds of overtime, New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges ripped a potential game-tying 3-pointer from the hands of Boston Celtics counterpart Jaylen Brown, and the underdogs walked out of TD Garden with a stunning Game 1 victory in their opening-round playoff series, 108-105.The Knicks stormed back from a 20-point, second-half deficit to make a close game of what appeared to be headed for a blowout. Boston's Jayson Tatum (23 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) and New York's Jalen Brunson (29 points, 5 assists) both missed opportunities to break a 100-100 tie in the waning seconds of regulation, and both missed their mark — Tatum a step-back 3-pointer, Brunson a layup. But OG Anunoby (29 points) and the Knicks outscored the Celtics 8-5 in overtime.Targeting Karl-Anthony TownsFrom the jump, Tatum attacked Karl-Anthony Towns in the pick-and-roll, […]
NHL Mock Draft 2025: Matthew Schaefer to Islanders as we pick for every lottery team
The New York Islanders won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, jumping nine spots thanks to the lottery Monday, while Utah Hockey Club went from No. 14 to No. 4.With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks. This is their best attempt to predict what will happen on draft day based on their knowledge of the teams they cover and what those teams covet in players.The 2025 NHL Draft will take place in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)Believe me, when that last ping-pong ball rose up, I had visions of the Islanders selecting Long Island native James Hagens to start their turnaround. It makes too much sense! But with all the turmoil around […]
Knicks complete 20-point comeback to stun Celtics in OT thriller
<!--> The New York Knicks overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to stun the Boston Celtics in an 108-105 overtime thriller. The Celtics led 72-52 with 6:19 remaining in the third after an Al Horford dunk, but the Knicks closed that quarter on a 23-12 surge to cut the margin to 11. Then they scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter, and eventually tied the game at 86 with 7:21 remaining. The teams traded leads from that point and were knotted at 100 with 53.1 seconds left. Each team had a chance to win it in the final seconds of regulation, but Jayson Tatum missed a fade-away and then Jalen Brunson couldn't convert on a great look at the left side of the basket with 2.1 seconds left. Despite Brunson's miss, the Knicks were able to carry the momentum into the […]
Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz leaves game after hit to head
TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz was removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs goal midway through Monday’s game against the Florida Panthers after briefly being knocked to the ice by a forearm to the head by Sam Bennett.Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz with his team leading 4-1.It wasn’t immediately clear if the Leafs’ starter was removed by the NHL’s concussion spotter. Sam Bennett reintroduces himself to Anthony Stolarz pic.twitter.com/6CYdXQCrFx — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2025Stolarz had stopped eight of the nine shots he faced when Bennett skated by the edge of his crease and clipped him with his right arm at 7:20 of the second period. The officials blew the play dead.Stolarz remained in the game for another two-plus minutes before heading down the tunnel to the Leafs dressing room during the next stoppage in play at 9:48. He appeared to be laughing by […]
Gregg Popovich is still laughing at himself as he steps back from coaching
SAN ANTONIO — It was easy to see Monday morning that Gregg Popovich, despite ongoing effects of a stroke he suffered in November, remains every bit the same “Coach Pop” who won more games than any coach in NBA history — 1,592.The 76-year-old can still laugh at himself. Those who know the San Antonio Spurs’ legendary coach and executive best understand how important that is to a man who loves a joke, often at his own expense.AdvertisementPopovich’s appearance at a news conference at which the Spurs announced Mitch Johnson would be Popovich’s successor was a surprise to most. After opening remarks from Peter John Holt, the team’s managing partner, Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili escorted Popovich to the podium to address the public for the first time since the stroke. A few moments into the event, Popovich […]
Be the first to leave a comment