CELTIC captain Scott Brown today appealed to fans of the Parkhead club to adhere to Covid-19 lockdown rules during the Old Firm game this weekend after attending a meeting with National Clinical Director Jason Leitch.

The prospect of the Premiership match against Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday being postponed as a result of thousands of the Ibrox club’s fans week flouting protocols and leaving their homes to celebrate their Scottish title triumph were raised by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week.  

Celtic attended a multi-agency meeting on Friday and Brown and interim manager John Kennedy were among a number of Celtic personnel to be briefed by Leitch on coronavirus today.

The former Scotland midfielder has urged supporters to remain indoors when the Glasgow derby match takes place.  

He said: "It was very interesting to hear the latest update and the message was really loud and clear – that we are still in a very difficult situation and that while we have made some good progress, so many people are continuing to contract the virus, so many in hospital and, of course, tragically, people are still dying. So we need to do all we can to look after each other and protect ourselves and our families. 

“We know it has been so difficult for our fans not being part of matches, but they have done brilliantly throughout the pandemic. Our supporters have been great in sticking to the guidelines, even after we have won the league and another treble, so we just need more of the same. 

“Our priority will always be the safety of our fans and that is all we want to ensure, so our message once again is enjoy our matches from home and keep you and your family safe.

“All the players can't wait to have our fans back with us, but for now we send our sincere thanks and appreciation for helping us to meet this challenge and also for the great support we have had all season.”

A club statement read: “Celtic today attended an update meeting with National Clinical Director Jason Leitch, where a number of club personnel, including interim manager John Kennedy and captain Scott Brown were briefed on the latest situation concerning COVID-19 in Scotland.

“Celtic also participated in a multi-agency meeting on Friday, as we look ahead to the club’s match on Sunday, March 21.

“The Scottish government has already made clear to Celtic that it does not in any way associate the scenes last weekend with Celtic or our supporters. Although Celtic and our supporters are desperate to get back to Celtic Park to support the team, the club and our supporters are, of course, mindful of the risks associated with public gatherings at this important time.

“The club will continue to be clear in our messaging to our supporters of the importance of staying at home in line with guidance throughout the pandemic.

“We have communicated regularly around our fixtures and our supporters have worked with the club responsibly – the celebrations after our historic nine-in-a-row title triumph last summer and after our unprecedented quadruple treble Scottish Cup win in December are two key examples of that.

“We will re-emphasise that message for this fixture as we have done during the season and we are sure that our supporters will work with the club while the restrictions remain in place.”