FORMER Celtic player Frank McAvennie has told those offended by chants at the Old Firm fixture to “get over it” ahead of the meeting between his old side and Rangers this Sunday.

There were 12 arrests at last year’s Old Firm League Cup semi-final for alleged sectarian breaches of the peace, but McAvennie insists that is all just part of the “banter” associated with the fixture.

“I think we’ve got to give credit to the supporters the last time, they were great,” he said.

READ MORE: Armstrong appeals to Celtic to keep their discipline in Old Firm semi-final showdown with Rangers

“There was a lot of banter, and the only people who were getting annoyed were those that were saying they were offended. I was saying ‘get over it’.

“When has being offended ever hurt anyone? If that’s all you’re going to get out of the Old Firm game, that you’re offended by some of the shouting, then I’d be delighted with that.

“The whole world is watching again. When was the last time outwith the Rangers and Celtic games that the world was watching Scottish football?

"How can people not want these kind of games? I just don’t understand these people who don’t want Celtic and Rangers games, it’s one of the biggest games in the world.

“I’m delighted that they’re now going to have four games a season.”

READ MORE: Armstrong appeals to Celtic to keep their discipline in Old Firm semi-final showdown with Rangers