Celtic players must keep their discipline today. If we do that, then we win this.

We know that in a fair fight today, we are the overwhelming favourites. On a level playing field, we’d dominate this Ibrox side all over the pitch. But we also know what concerns us. We know what the obstacle is. This isn’t a level playing field—not with John Beaton prowling around the pitch, cards at the ready.

As much as we lament it, this is the reality we face. We’ve accepted it because we have no choice. Acceptance isn’t about resignation; it’s about preparation. To refuse to accept it is to prepare to fail, and failure isn’t an option. We know what Beaton’s impact might be, and we’ll have factored that into our plans. Hopefully, some individual players have as well.

Take our full-backs, for example. Both can be a little rash in the challenge. A couple of our midfielders have also been under scrutiny recently. Reo Hatate and Arne Engels have had their tackles dissected, with some in the media claiming they should have seen red cards. Today, we cannot afford a single moment of indiscipline—not one. Every player must be at his sharpest and most composed.

On the other hand, we know what will happen with certain players on their side—namely Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin. They seem to have free reign on the pitch, able to kick, claw, and scream at the officials without fear of reprisal. Raskin in particular appears to wear an invisible cloak when it comes to fouls—he never seems to get booked.

We all know how frustrating that is. Watching it on TV or from the stands is maddening enough. Imagine how much harder it must be for the players on the pitch. Imagine the sheer effort it takes not to dispense some justice when the officials won’t. But I beg our players: don’t react to provocation.

If we keep our heads and play our natural game, we win this. Even if the officials let them knock us out of rhythm, we can still win. The only way we lose is if we react stupidly to provocation. If we let ourselves get needled, we play into their hands—and that could be costly.

As I said, this will be frustrating at times. They’ll get away with things we won’t. The referee will try to stop the game every chance he gets when we have the ball. Officials can break up a team’s momentum with a few well-timed calls, and I’ve no doubt the foul count will somehow make it look like we were the aggressors. We’ve seen that script before.

This is why the officials worry us. On a cup final day, with passions running high, players can do silly things. One side will get away with it, and the other won’t. It’s against basic human nature to turn the other cheek or walk away when you’re being kicked every time you’re on the ball. But that’s exactly what will win us the game.

Rodgers’ message in the dressing room will surely be this: don’t get riled up. The best way to respond to physical aggression or questionable officiating is to win. Get up the pitch, put the ball in the net, assert your supremacy, and leave them flailing in the dust. That’s what hurts them most. If we sink to their level, the officials become a factor, and that’s when the game can be taken from us.

Those players of ours who have a tendency to pick up bookings must be extra careful. Our centre-backs, particularly in the penalty area, need to time every tackle to perfection. There will be frustrating moments—plenty of them aimed at Beaton himself. But for 90 minutes, our players need to maintain a Zen-like stoicism.

Focus on one thing: the image of Callum McGregor lifting that trophy, with every player walking behind him in triumph.

If we keep our cool and play with discipline, this is ours to lose.