CELTIC have ruthlessly hit back at Rangers and distanced themselves from being part of the Old Firm with a damning statement.
Ibrox chairman Douglas Park infuriated Parkhead chiefs after bringing up the behaviour of Hoops fans in a letter to Nicola Sturgeon.
Rangers chairman Douglas Park’s letter to Nicola Sturgeon referenced the behaviour of Celtic fansCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Rangers have faced stinging criticism from the Scottish Government and Police Scotland after thousands of fans descended the streets of Glasgow following the club’s title win at the weekend.
Supporters brazenly defied strict lockdown rules with mass gatherings at Ibrox, George Square and the club’s Auchenhowie training centre.
First Minister Sturgeon and Deputy FM John Swinney both blasted the club’s handling of the situation and insisted they could have done more to prevent fans throwing illegal parties.
In a letter, Ibrox chief Park insisted that cops were aware that fans would congregate across the city following the ‘behaviour’ of Celtic supporters in December, where thousands protested outside the stadium to demand Neil Lennon’s removal.
Park wrote: “Police intelligence indicated that some fans would congregate in groups given the fact that is not only a historic achievement but also due to the behaviour from the other half of the Old Firm outside Parkhead in December.
“Additionally, I want to note a letter you have yet to reply to from our managing director on 8th December 2020 which asks why Rangers were included with Celtic in relation to fan behaviour during a press briefing.
“Given the fact that John Swinney has failed to mention a wide range of other public gatherings that you did not take such a strong line on, leaves you open to criticism that there is an unbalanced approach from the Scottish Government when it comes to Rangers Football Club, which happens to be one of the largest employers in your constituency.”
But tonight, Celtic have fired back and distanced themselves from the chaotic scenes which erupted over the weekend, and even aimed a subtle dig over their Glasgow rivals’ liquidation in 2012.
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Celtic tweeted: “Celtic Football Club Statement: We’re not half of anything… Not our problem. #OneClubSince1888.”
The tweet has exploded social media into life, with both sides of the divide reacting in their thousands.
One Hoops fan wrote: “Brilliant response Celtic.”
Another posted: “Go on Celtic that’s what we wanted.”
While a third added: “The intent is good but it should be more direct and it should be from Lawwell or Bankier delivered straight to @NicolaSturgeon door.”
Rangers fans also got involved as they poked fun at their rivals for blowing ten-in-a-row.
One Gers punter said: “No amount of salty tweets will recover your painfully humiliating season.”
While another commented: “Hahahahaha that’s when you know you are heartbroken.”
Nicola Sturgeon says Rangers ‘could have done more’ as she blasts ‘disgraceful and selfish’ Covidiot fans
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
