Celtic’s first league game against Rangers in four years hasn’t been short of talking points.
The Scottish champions won 5-1, Moussa Dembele struck the first league hat-trick in the fixture in 50 years and Joey Barton failed to back-up his talk going into the game.
Off the field, Rangers supporters trashed toilets in Celtic Park, while there were blow-up dolls with Rangers scarves hung from the stands.
Rangers hit out at 'sickening and shameful sectarian' abuse of their fans at Celtic Park https://t.co/eqQI2C0Prr
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 13, 2016
Rangers released a statement on Monday, saying: “The club’s directors are fully aware of the disgust felt by Rangers supporters who were subject to a sickening and shameful display of outright sectarian hatred towards them.”
While Club 1872, a Rangers supporters group, called for Celtic fans to be banned from Ibrox.
“Club 1872 has today written to the Rangers board requesting that they ban Celtic supporters from Ibrox until Celtic can prove they have taken substantive action against the Green Brigade and other overtly sectarian elements within their support.
“The Green Brigade has been cultivated, encouraged and rewarded by Peter Lawwell and the Celtic board for many years. So much so that at the beginning of this year they received their own standing section within Celtic Park. This is despite regular displays in support of active terrorist groups, anti-Semitic displays and sectarian displays.
Here's @TonyBarrett on Brendan Rodgers, Celtic and why a trip to the Bernabeu was the beginning of the end at #LFC https://t.co/aZC32muztX
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 12, 2016
Celtic, who are preparing to face Barcelona at the Nou Camp in their opening Champions League tie of the season, have responded to the criticism of their fans from the Rangers board by essentially refusing to be drawn on the events.
“Celtic will not become involved in a tit for tat spat regarding all events at Celtic Park on Saturday,” a club statement reads.
“We will deal with all issues arising in a proper and professional manner in line with our well established policies.”
“Saturday was a fantastic event for the club and our fans worldwide. We thank the overwhelming majority of our supporters for the positive backing they gave to the team and for making this such a great occasion.”
The GAA Hour took their show on the road to Castlebar to preview the All-Ireland final with Colm Parkinson, James Horan and some very special guests. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
