Kennedy Confirms That Celtic Will Not Give Rivals A Guard Of Honour Ahead Of This Weekend’s Glasgow Derby

Two weeks ago, the Scottish Premiership title went to a club other than Celtic for the first time in a decade. Since that revelation, all eyes in the mainstream media turned to the upcoming Glasgow Derby at the weekend, and the question on everyone’s lips has been ‘Will Celtic give the new champions a guard of honour?’

Throughout the week, we have heard from former Celtic players and managers such as John Hughes, Gary Caldwell, Brendan Rodgers. The words ‘class’ and ‘humility’ have been used to suggest that the gesture should be performed, whilst on the flip side, the likes of John Hartson questioned why it should happen and what the value of a guard of honour really is.

As far as supporters are concerned, most do not want to see Celtic bow to their rivals, particularly after the behaviour of the Ibrox club’s fans at George Square a fortnight ago. Whilst some want Celtic to take the moral high ground, most feel it would be bending the knee to a club that they have no time for.

The whole saga has been put to bed today, as John Kennedy told Sky Sports News that the decision has been made and Celtic will not be giving a guard of honour. This decision is in line with that made by Sunday’s opponents, when they refused to give Celtic a guard of honour in 2019. In that sense, the decision has been reciprocated.

The media constantly bill the match as the biggest derby in the world and market it along the lines of unrivalled passion and rivalry. Therefore, it does seem odd that they have been so fixated on the notion that either of the two clubs should politely stand and applaud one another.

Celtic host the Ibrox men at 12pm on Sunday and will be out to restore some pride, whilst laying a marker down ahead of the new season.

About Author

Hailing from an Irish background, I grew up on the English south coast with the good fortune to begin watching Celtic during the Martin O'Neill era. I have written four Celtic books since the age of 19: Our Stories & Our Songs: The Celtic Support, Take Me To Your Paradise: A History Of Celtic-Related Incidents & Events, Walfrid & The Bould Bhoys: Celtic's Founding Fathers, First Season & Early Stars, and The Holy Grounds of Glasgow Celtic: A Guide To Celtic Landmarks & Sites Of Interest. These were previously sold in Waterstones and official Celtic FC stores, and are now available on Amazon.

1 Comment

  1. Nothing in this world is free – and after failing to give us a guard of honour, it stands to reason the favour (or lack of) will be returned. Their press are loving this so best just to shut up, beat them then speak