Jackie McNamara spots Celtic and Rangers niceties and shares theory why derby reds have become a rarity

We're unlikely to see any left hooks through this weekend when the big two collide but Jackie McNamara still reckons Celtic can land a knockout blow on their old foes.

The Hoops legend knows a thing about lobbing haymakers. He famously clocked Mark Hateley on the chin at Celtic Park 26 years ago – and still managed to dodge a red card. But McNamara believes it’s changed days and while the pressure and intensity remains the same in the derby, they are certainly much tamer affairs these days. It’s probably tempting fate and we’ll witness an all out war this weekend, but it’s now a record eight Old Firm games without a red card.

The last one was back in 2021 when Callum McGregor picked up a couple of soft yellows in a defeat at Ibrox. Back in the day the red mist was never far away, and McNamara’s clash with Hateley was only one of a number of running battles back in 1997 that included an infamous rammy between Paolo di Canio and Iain Ferguson. But the Hoops hero reckon there’s now more chance of players helping rivals up than knocking each other down.

McNamara – at Hampden promotion the eScottish Cup – said: “I think it’s different these days, to be honest. I’ve seen games now when players are down and rivals are helping them up!

“I saw someone getting cramp in a recent game and one of the opposition gave them a hand! It’s a bit nicer these days and maybe a bit friendlier. It might be the fact there are more players from outside but it’s not quite the same. I remember that one with Mark Hateley. He got sent off in that game and I got away with it!

“There is VAR these days as well, which is a factor. Players know if there’s anything at all it will get noticed. I’m sure I would have had a few more red cards than I did if