DAVIE PROVAN insists he would have blanked any guard of honour for an Ibrox side if they had won the title during his time at Celtic.
The former Hoops and Scotland international winger won four championships at Parkhead after Billy McNeill broke the-then Scottish transfer fee to bring the player from Kilmarnock in exchange for a hefty £125,000 in September 1978.
The club legend got an instant payback when Provan starred in the team’s flag-winning success at the end of season when he starred in the night 10 men won the league with the 4-2 victory over Rangers.
ON THE BALL… Davie Provan takes on Rangers’ Sandy Jardine and Gordon Smith in Celtic’s heroic title win in 1979.
There have been suggestions the dethroned nine-in-a-row title kings should mark the occasion of Steven Gerrard’s team’s first success in a decade by applauding them onto the field when they are scheduled to meet in the east end of Glasgow a week today.
Provan, writing in his Scottish Sun on Sunday column, said: “Rangers never won the league during my time at Celtic, but if they had you wouldn’t have found me in a guard of honour for them.
“And you can bet Steven Gerrard won’t give a toss if John Kennedy orders his players to blank that nonsense on Sunday.
“Gers fans claiming it’s a tradition might be right, but so was taking a lump of coal into your neighbours’ house at New Year.
“Clapping opposition on to the pitch puts you one down before a ball is kicked.”
HIT THE GROUND…Davie Provan slumps to the turf as Murdo MacLeod celebrates his goal in the 4-2 win with Andy Lynch about to join in.
PRIZE GUYS…Davie Provan and Andy Lynch hoist aloft triumphant skipper Danny McGrain following the dramatic 4-2 success.
Provan added: “For long enough, I’ve believed there should be no visiting fans at Old Firm games.
“Spare me the nonsense it would detract from the Glasgow hate-fest.
“Banning away punters would make Police Scotland’s job easier, keep the city centre safer and save taxpayers a fortune.
“I’m no fan of our two-bob politicians, but I wouldn’t blame them if they cancelled next week’s Old Firm clash.
“Recent behaviour of fans has been shameful. Throwing metal barriers at police outside Celtic Park? Trashing memorial benches in George Square?
“Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf reckons tougher messaging from the clubs will make a difference.
“It won’t. Halfwits don’t listen to anyone.”
