Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed accusations of showing Rangers a lack of respect as “without merit”.
Rodgers had said the league leaders “can have a bit of fun” in Saturday’s Old Firm derby, prompting a spiky response from Ibrox boss Philippe Clement.
But Rodgers says the line was used with “no context whatsoever” and repeated his admiration for “one of the most iconic games in world football”.
Celtic are three points ahead of their Glasgow rivals, with just three matches remaining as they seek a 12th title in 13 years.
“I have never referred to these games other than being intense, being competitive,” said Rodgers.
“I love it. It’s one of the reasons I am here, the great pride and privilege I have in managing Celtic in a Rangers game. So the whole emotion, the whole feeling around this game is absolutely amazing.
“I have seen some of the headlines around the ‘disrespect’ and whatever else but it is totally without merit. I would never be that person to disrespect another manager or another team.”