The sly digs at Rangers contained in Celtic's cryptic 16 word Twitter statement explained

The Glasgow giants published an ambiguous message on the social media website earlier this evening that read as follows:

“Celtic Football Club Statement:

“We’re not half of anything.

“Not our problem.”

#OneClubSince1888

There is also a rolling eyes emoji.

The post is a direct reference to a line in the letter that Rangers chairman Douglas Park sent to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday in response to public criticism of the newly-crowned Scottish champions.

READ MORE: Lessons must be learned to prevent any repeat of shameful Covidiocy in remainder of Rangers' season

Both the Scottish government and Police Scotland were scathing about the alleged lack of action from the Govan outfit after thousands of their followers flouted Covid-19 lockdown rules and took to the streets to celebrate their Premiership victory on Saturday and Sunday.

Park hit back with a strongly-worded missive – and in it he referred to the disturbances which took place outside Celtic Park at the end of November and start of December.

A large group of Celtic fans gathered outside the ground following a defeat to Ross County in the Betfred Cup and a draw with St Johnstone in the league to call for then manager Neil Lennon to be sacked.   

In his letter Park wrote: "Police intelligence indicated that some fans would congregate in groups given the fact that it is not only a historic achievement but also due to the behaviour from the other half of the Old Firm outside Parkhead in December.”

Celtic are obviously unhappy they have been mentioned in the wake of the shocking scenes that took place outside Ibrox, in George Square and elsewhere in Glasgow over the weekend and are keen to distance themselves from the controversy.

Hence the line that reads: “Not our problem.”

The 16 word post also aims a sly dig at the use of the term “Old Firm” in Park’s letter.

READ MORE: Former Rangers manager Walter Smith reflects on his 'massive error' after Charles Green-led Ibrox takeover

Celtic and their fans have refused to refer to the match with Rangers in the traditional manner since their age-old adversaries suffered their financial meltdown in 2012 and now insist on describing it as the “Glasgow derby”.

Hence the line that reads: “We’re not half of anything.”

Hoops supporters are adamant the Gers are a “new club” because a new company was formed after the old company entered the liquidation process - and talk goadingly of their "unbroken history". 

Hence the line that reads: “#OneClubSince1888.”  

The next match between Celtic and Rangers is due to be played at Celtic Park on Sunday week – but there are now doubts it will go ahead due to the mass gatherings which were held at the weekend.

Ms Sturgeon stated at her daily coronavirus briefing today that she needs to receive "assurances" before allowing the match to go ahead and revealed that .

She confirmed that “a variety of discussions” will be happening over course of the week.