Old firm to hold government talks

03 March 2011 17:30
Celtic and Rangers will attend a summit with Scottish Government and police officials after their stormy cup clash led to questions in the country's parliament. The Scottish Police Federation repeated their call for the fixture to be banned after opposing coaches Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist clashed on the touchline following Celtic's 1-0 Scottish Cup win, which saw three Rangers players sent off. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed both clubs have agreed to attend a meeting next week to discuss the connection between the game and violence in society. Salmond added: "In terms of how people's actions have an impact on society, the fans of football matches are representatives of their clubs, the players at football matches are role models for society, and the management of football clubs have a particular responsibility. "They are people in positions of responsibility and they must - absolutely must - behave responsibly." Strathclyde Police assistant chief constable Campbell Corrigan had written to Salmond's Government to press for a "frank and open" discussion between all the parties involved after 34 were made for a variety of sectarian, racial and breach of the peace offences.

Source: PA