The Old Firm derby is a 'bit nicer' and 'friendlier' nowadays than previous classic battles between Celtic and Rangers.
That is the view of former Hoops defender Jackie McNamara who believes the biggest fixture in Scotland is a far cry from the blood and thunder encounters throughout history. Interestingly, the ex-Scotland international's theory is backed up by the fact the last eight derbies have gone off without a single red card. The last time a player for Celtic was sent off was Callum McGregor back in 2021.
And while recent derbies between both sides have had plenty of drama and excitement, McNamara believes the game no longer has the same brutal edge to it. He insists VAR also has a part to play in dumbing down incidents due to the fact players know any slight infringement will be picked up on.
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He 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 we had VAR back then. There are still some good tackles but there’s no left hooks any more!
“You'd see a few early reducers back then. Off the pitch it was different but on the pitch you went to war for 90 minutes for your team. I remember going there and getting two players sent off, with Alan Thompson and Chris Sutton.
"I got sent off at Ibrox as well. There’s a lot of pressure on the game, a lot of people watching and you want to win. It’s about how you handle it. When I was younger I obviously didn’t handle it too well!”
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