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It was after a meeting between the Glasgow giants on January 2, 1971 that tragedy struck when supporters were crushed descending a staircase with 32 teenagers among the dead.
The Rangers’ plans to hold a full memorial service have been put on hold due to restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic and Gerrard has encouraged fans to follow the rules by staying away from the stadium.
“It’s a very special day tomorrow (Saturday), me and the players are aware of that but I would ask all of our fans to stay away,” said the former Liverpool captain, who lost a cousin in the Hillsborough disaster. in 1989..
“I know it’s difficult, but we also have to respect the situation we’re all in right now and stay safe at home.”
Celtic coach Neil Lennon was also in charge of the Hoops for the 40th anniversary meeting between the sides during his first stint in charge, an experience he described as one of the most moving in his nearly 20 years as a player and coach. in the club.
“I was in Ibrox a few years ago to lay a wreath, it was one of the most moving moments I’ve had in my time here,” Lennon said.
“He will never forget. Going to a game and not coming back, I can’t think of anything worse.”
Rangers on a roll
Once the action gets underway, it’s Lennon’s men who have work to do if they want to stay in pursuit of a 10th consecutive league title.
Rangers have a 16-point lead at the top of the table, but Celtic have three games in hand to bridge that gap and could return to the title race if they put an end to their undefeated rivals early in the season. of the league.
Hungry for success for the past decade, the Rangers are on the brink of the club’s first major trophy since it went into liquidation and dropped into the leagues in 2012.
The blue side of the Glasgow division have had their best league start since 1928, taking 59 of 63 possible points in their first 21 games and are on a 13-game winning streak.
In fact, a surprising League Cup outing to St Mirren last month is the only game the Rangers have lost in 32 in all competitions so far this season.
Since Gerrard’s arrival two and a half years ago, the Rangers have proven to be more than just a match against Celtic on rare occasions, but the Hoops have prevailed in the long run.
By winning the delayed 2019/20 Scottish Cup in December, Celtic completed a fourth consecutive triplet of national trophies.
That streak of dominance will definitely come to an end in 2021, as Lennon’s men have already been knocked out of the League Cup by Ross County.
That loss amid a two-win streak in 12 games, which began with the Rangers’ 2-0 win at Celtic Park in October, saw protests from fans asking for Lennon’s head.
However, the Scottish champions have restored some order by winning their last six games to head to Ibrox in the belief that he can derail the Rangers’ serene season thus far.
“The Rangers are in great shape, they’ve been all season, so it’s a huge challenge for us,” Lennon said. “We’ve really found our rhythm. We’re looking forward to it.”
Gerrard, however, was quick to point out that Celtic face a much tougher challenge when faced with their side compared to anyone else in Scotland.
“Celtic have obviously won their last games, against Hamilton, Ross County and Dundee United, but they are playing Rangers and it is a different challenge for them,” said Gerrard.
kca / dj
