Brendan Rodgers was in no mood to entertain the annual Scottish football debate around guard of honour etiquette, as the Celtic manager swatted away the suggestion with minimal fuss.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, Rodgers was asked if he expected Rangers to applaud his team onto the pitch at Ibrox should they clinch the title before the Glasgow Derby clash of the split.
Celtic can officially seal their fourth consecutive Premiership crown with a result at Dundee United on April 26—before they travel to Govan for matchday two of the post-split schedule.
But the Parkhead boss wasn’t biting on the latest round of guard of honour speculation.
“When do we play Rangers? A couple of weeks, right?” Rodgers replied on Celtic TV. “There’s enough time for that. Enough time for that. I’m just focused on St Johnstone. That’s the big focus.”
The exchange follows a familiar script, with the traditional recognition of newly-crowned champions a source of annual discussion whenever the title race is decided before a derby.
The humiliation would be great, but it’s an empty gesture. Rangers will honour Celtic in their own way, when Simply The Best blares from the speakers as the players emerge from the tunnel.
Rodgers’ response made it clear that his attention is firmly fixed on Sunday’s Hampden tie and ensuring Celtic reach another domestic cup final. Whatever happens at Ibrox, the manager is keeping his players focused on lifting silverware.
