Barry Ferguson has confirmed Rangers will not form a guard of honour for Celtic when the champions visit Ibrox on Sunday.
The caretaker boss, overseeing the final stages of a bruising season for the Ibrox side, dismissed the notion of a public tribute to Brendan Rodgers’ side, despite Celtic clinching their 55th league title with a 5-0 rout of Dundee United last weekend.
“I don’t know why there’s always a big clamour about a guard of honour, it’s never happened in the past, whether it’s Celtic, whether it’s Rangers. I think it’ll always just remain that way.
“Celtic are champions for a reason, because they’ve been the most consistent throughout the season. But in terms of a guard of honour I don’t see it.
“It’s never happened in the past. So why should it happen going forward?” [RecordSport]
His comments end any speculation about whether the traditional gesture would take place, a subject that has resurfaced in recent seasons each time the title has changed hands. Ferguson acknowledged Celtic’s success, but insisted the rivalry has never lent itself to such displays.
However, he did say that he will have a private moment with Brendan Rodgers ahead of the match: “One thing I will do is, I will shake Brendan’s hand and as, ‘Well done for being so dominant’.
“There’s no doubt that’s been the case this year. That’s got to hurt. There’s no doubt it’s hurt me and the staff and that’s got to hurt the players as well.”
Celtic make the short trip to Govan as champions, having secured the title with games to spare. For Rodgers, who has already said he’s “relaxed” about the guard of honour debate, the focus remains on performance and preparations for the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden later this month.
Celtic will be without Alistair Johnston and Jota for this match, with the latter out until Christmas time after picking up an ACL injury. Johnstone is hoped to make it back in time for the cup final against Aberdeen.
