Kris Boyd has once again inserted himself into the narrative ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby, stating there will be no guard of honour for the newly crowned champions when Celtic visit Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers’ side sealed their fourth consecutive league title last weekend and arrive in Govan as clear top dogs—but any expectation of a respectful pre-match gesture from Rangers has been firmly binned.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Boyd offered a baffling explanation for the snub, linking it to Celtic’s longstanding refusal to use the term “Old Firm”.
“There won’t be any guard of honour,” he said. “I think Scotland’s a pretty unique place. Respect for both teams went out the window a few years ago. Celtic can’t even refer to it as the Old Firm and in terms of the respect that used to be in the boardrooms, I don’t think it’s there anymore. So I can’t imagine Rangers players clapping Celtic players onto the pitch on Sunday.”
The “Old Firm” branding was dropped by Celtic long before Rangers’ 2012 liquidation. The club has distanced itself from the term for well over two decades, opting instead to refer to meetings between the sides as the Glasgow Derby. While never publicly stated in a formal club declaration, it’s a consistent choice reflected across official communications, publications, and media output.
Boyd’s complaint appears more rooted in sentiment than substance. His attempt to frame a linguistic choice as a breach of respect ignores the wider reality of Celtic’s position and values. The club chooses not to be lumped in with its rivals under a commercial banner that doesn’t reflect their values. That isn’t disrespect—it’s clarity.
Instead of acknowledging Celtic’s dominance this season, the conversation is yet again sidetracked by empty gestures and imagined slights. Boyd’s stance says little about Celtic’s approach and plenty about the current psyche at Ibrox.
No guard of honour will be offered, and none is needed. Celtic will walk out as champions either way.
