Viktoria Plzen’s arrival in Glasgow ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Rangers came with an unexpected slice of local colour, courtesy of a Celtic-supporting customs officer.

The Czech side landed in Scotland yesterday ahead of tonight’s third qualifying round first leg at Ibrox. While blustery winds made their final approach a little bumpy, the reception on the ground was altogether warmer.

According to a report in the Czech press, one member of the Plzen party was greeted with a message of encouragement from a member of staff at passport control. The comment, delivered with a smile, left no doubt about where the officer’s allegiances lie in the city’s football divide.

A journalist claims the exchange took place as the players and staff made their way through arrivals, giving them an unusual, but perhaps welcome, boost before their big European tie.

He said: (Sport.cz), “I hope you beat Rangers, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.

“I’ve been a Celtic fan since I was a kid. Every Rangers loss is really sweet for me.”

The comments show just how fierce the rivalry is in Glasgow, one that goes far beyond football and is part of everyday life in the city. When one team plays, it often sparks strong feelings from supporters of the other, no matter the competition.

For Plzen, the friendly words may be a light reminder of the size of their challenge at Ibrox, where Rangers will be determined to get a strong first-leg result. The Czech champions have plenty of European experience, but coming to Scotland and getting a result is never easy.

A Rangers defeat at this stage would go down very well in the east end of Glasgow, almost as much as it would with the Czech visitors themselves.

As for the customs officer, his open support for Plzen might not decide what happens on the pitch, but it has already added to the edge of one of Scottish football’s most heated rivalries as it spills onto the European stage once again.