Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy has refuted any suggestion there was a major bust up in the Celtic Park tunnel following last week’s derby at home to Rangers, The Scottish Sun report.
Derbies in Glasgow are liable to spark off all sorts of social media and group chat rumours, with texts and tweets flying around about plenty of explosive conjecture.
Last week’s match was no different, with plenty of patter surrounding what happened between Celtic and Rangers staff after the full-time whistle of the Scottish Premiership clash.
Kennedy acknowledges he’s heard them himself, but brushed it off, also playing down a touchline spat with Ibrox coach Michael Beale.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said: “I have heard it. I have had a couple of people ask me questions about whether there was fighting in the tunnel.
“There was no such thing. It’s just the usual nonsense.
“Listen, it is an emotional time. I know Michael very well and I have done since before he came to Rangers. We have spoken in the past and there is no issue with us. He was in trouble with the officials, there was a bit of verbals. That’s it, end of.”
Rivalry reaching boiling point
Although there was clearly nothing as dramatic as a tunnel flare-up last week, it is clear the on-pitch rivalry between the two sides is heating up this season.
The competitive nature of the Scottish Premiership this season means that players are becoming more invested and are under more pressure than ever.
Kennedy has played down the verbal spat with Beale, but the Rangers man was sent to the stands, with Alfredo Morelos also sent off. Ryan Christie has today been handed an, admittedly ridiculous, two-match ban by the Scottish FA.
Coupled with gestures towards Hoops supporters and melodramatic club statements, it seems like we’re set to have plenty of drama in the second half of the season.
Celtic will need to keep cool heads to prevail and hopefully we can eventually show our quality and get the upper hand on these occasions once again.
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