Today marks the first Old Firm Derby since Rangers returned to Scotland’s top table.
Or, if you’re from a certain section of the Celtic support, the first Old Firm Derby since a new club called Rangers made it to the Scottish Premiership for the first time in their short history.
The Gers squad arrived at Celtic Park early ahead of the lunchtime kick-off, and as former Celtic fan Joey Barton and his Rangers team-mates got off the bus they were greeted with some particularly tuneful Bhoys fans.
If you can’t quite make out the words, they’re singing ‘You’re not Rangers anymore’.
Scenes outside @celticfc Park as @RangersFC come off team bus, Joey Barton smiling (language alert) pic.twitter.com/ZhZZX4XBTX
— Ronnie Esplin (@RonnieEsplin) September 10, 2016
Now, it’s not really in our best interests to get into a semantic debate with this group of supporters, but does the phrase ‘you’re not Rangers anymore’ suggest that this group of players once was Rangers?
Maybe it’s a subtle and creative allusion to Rangers’ over-reliance on former players returning to Ibrox, like Kenny Miller or Danny Wilson. Yes, it’s probably that, right?
Anyway, we’re sure fans of both clubs just chuckled gently at the chants and got on with their day, like anyone would.
"You're not Rangers any more .." but we'll pay double to watch you & obsess about you solidly for 4 years but .. SEVCCOOOO ZOMBIIIIES DEED!!
— Alison (@MulberryPoppins) September 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/_notnA_/status/774552989017276416
@RonnieEsplin @celticfc @RangersFC
You're not Rangers any more?
Why take the time to stand and hurl abuse then🤔— Raskins Beard (@bestplumbererer) September 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Spaztek12/status/774543992562262016
Considering the side-plot involving Joey Barton – and the WWE-style clash expected when he comes face to face with Scott Brown – this is hardly likely to be a quiet one.
Not that an Old Firm game ever is, mind you.
The GAA Hour Hurling Show relives Tipperary’s sensational All-Ireland victory with Paidí Maher. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes.
