Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has expressed his deep concern that the iconic atmosphere of the Old Firm derby may be "lost" following the chaotic scenes that marred the end of Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final. The Hoops secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers at Ibrox, but the triumph was overshadowed by a significant pitch invasion. Police have already confirmed that nine arrests were made following the disorder, and more are expected in the coming days.
Legendary former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has questioned why fans that marred the latest Old Firm derby, those “wearing masks and punching police”, are being allowed to dictate how long managers spend in any given post. Wilfried Nancy lasted just 33 days in charge at Parkhead this season, while ex-Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou was given only 39 at Nottingham Forest.
The historic Old Firm rivalry erupted into chaos following a dramatic Scottish Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox. What began as a joyous pitch invasion by Celtic supporters celebrating a penalty shootout victory quickly turned violent as Rangers fans breached barriers. Police and stewards were forced to form a human wall to separate the warring factions and restore order.
Martin O'Neill was forced to apologise after his phone went off during his pre-Old Firm press conference on Friday. The Celtic boss was speaking ahead of Sunday's crunch Scottish Premiership clash with rivals Rangers as the pair look to keep on the coattails of league leaders Hearts. However, the 73-year-old was disrupted as his phone rang in his jacket pocket.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain announced his arrival in Scottish football in dramatic fashion, netting a stoppage-time winner on his debut to rescue Celtic’s title hopes. The former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder, who had been training with the Gunners to maintain his fitness before making the move, came off the bench to secure a vital 2-1 victory over Livingston just days after signing a short-term deal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has confirmed that fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young family will be moving with him to Celtic after the 32-year-old signed a six-month contract with the Glasgow giants following his release by Besiktas last summer. Little Mix star Edwards did not move full-time to Turkey with Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the former Liverpool midfielder has confirmed that she will be making the trip across the border for his next chapter.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has sent a glowing farewell message to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the 32-year-old trained with the club ahead of his move to Celtic. The former England international is set to seal his switch to Celtic Park as he prepares to undergo a medical and has been wished well by the Gunners manager.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set for a sensational return to professional football after agreeing to join Scottish giants Celtic on a free transfer. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has been without a club since his contract with Turkish side Besiktas was terminated in August, has been maintaining his fitness by training with Arsenal. Now, a short-term move to Glasgow awaits the Champions League winner.
Celtic are reportedly interested in signing free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is training with Arsenal. The midfielder has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August, and he could now be on the verge of finding a new club. Mikel Arteta has also been asked about the former England star's future and whether he could stay on at Arsenal.
Italian sides Fiorentina and Lazio are interested in making a late push to sign U.S. men's national team defender Auston Trusty during the ongoing January transfer window, sources tell GOAL. Interest in Trusty comes amid several standout performances with Celtic in the Europa League, headlined by two recent goals.
Nottingham Forest and Celtic have been handed demanding routes to the last 16 of the Europa League following the knockout round play-off draw. Martin O'Neill’s Celtic side must overcome Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, while Forest face an intimidating two-legged clash against Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Both British sides face crucial tests in February as they bid to join Aston Villa in the next stage of the competition.
Manchester United are being urged to explore potential routes into the exciting new NBA Europe project that could be worth around $50 billion (£37bn). A potentially lucrative venture is being pitched by the National Basketball Association, with the plan being to create 12 franchises - and four teams that qualify without owning equity - which would be valued at up to $1 billion (£743m) each. Premier League giants United have been advised to join discussions regarding a crossover enterprise.
Mic'd Up: The former West Ham and Newcastle shot-stopper talked pressure of management ahead of an FA Cup slate, and why it was fair to let Wilfried Nancy go at Celtic
USMNT legend Landon Donovan says Wilfried Nancy paid the price for circumstances beyond his control after Celtic’s Old Firm loss to Rangers in the Glasgow derby set off sweeping changes at the club. The Scottish giants dismissed Nancy just 33 days into his tenure and also parted ways with head of football operations Paul Tisdale.
GOAL's writers analyze three big decisions in football, as Enzo Maresca, Ruben Amorim, and Wilfried Nancy all parted ways with major clubs in the last week.
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