Rangers v Celtic postponed
Newsroom Staff
CELTIC’S match with Rangers this Saturday, May 9, 2009 has been postponed as a mark of respect for Darren Fletcher.
Celtic made a formal request for the postponement following the tragic sending off of the Manchester United midfielder and Celtic fan in the Champions League semi-final 2nd leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
SPL Company Secretary Iain Blair said: “These are never easy decisions but we recognise that, as a boyhood supporter, Fletcher was part of Celtic’s extended football family.
“After consultation with Rangers, we agreed to postpone the Old Firm fixture on the 9th of May.”
Speaking earlier today, Celtic Captain Stephen McManus said: “Having met this evening as a group for the first time since Darren's sending off, the Celtic team, management and backroom staff feel very strongly that our match on Saturday should be postponed as a mark of our sincere respect for Darren Fletcher, a great player and a great man.
“A number of our squad have very close connections to Darren, having played with him for Scotland and feel it would be inappropriate to proceed with this match at such a time, following such a tragic event.
“We understand sincerely the inconvenience and frustration a postponement would cause supporters of both teams, particularly those who travel long distances to games - and we fully respect the views of all fans on this matter.
“However, we feel that this would be the only correct decision. I hope that supporters would understand our position in such circumstances."
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has reacted angrily to claims this is being done to ensure Scott Brown can play in the Old Firm match.
The Scottish PFA player of the year was due to serve the 2nd match of a two game ban, and will now miss the visit of Dundee Utd to Celtic Park next Tuesday night.
