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SPL postpone Old Firm clash

Match called off after O'Donnell tragedy

By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 31st December 2007

O'Donnell: Mark of respect

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The SPL have postponed Wednesday's Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers as a mark of respect following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.

The former Celtic midfielder collapsed during Saturday's match against Dundee United and died later in hospital.

Motherwell's match against Hibernian and Gretna's game with St Mirren had already been postponed and now the Old Firm clash at Parkhead has been called off following a request by Celtic.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Rangers manager Walter Smith said if it was up to them the game would not be played.

The three remaining SPL games due to be played on Wednesday will go ahead as planned.

Reaction

Strachan admitted his squad had been struggling to come to terms with the death of O'Donnell.

He said: "Phil's second club was probably Celtic friends-wise and the reaction, when the news came through the other day, you knew he had a lot of close friends here, that's for sure.

"I don't think I've seen a reaction like that in football.

"We've had legendary figures dying on us but at an older age. For a young man to be taken away....

"I think we are all trying to get our heads round the fact he has got four kids and a young wife."