Kilmarnock might feel like gatecrashers at Ibrox.
The stadium will host an outpouring of emotion, as supporters veer between expressing their devotion and venting their fury. The Rangers players, too, will be caught up in the occasion, while their opponents face the prospect of becoming also-rans. "It will be a bit like a gladiator's arena," says Lee Johnson, the Rugby Park midfielder.
The visitors begin at a disadvantage, since they must cope with the situation while the home players are roused by it. There must be a psychological impact to the Ibrox club going into administration and a staff review beginning that may yet lead to redundancies. In the early days of this upheaval, though, individuals can be swept up in the emotional response. It is following this weekend, when the reality of administration starts to be felt, that moods will swing.
"It's going to be passionate and highly charged," says Johnson. "It's hard to fully understand how their fans are feeling, there's no doubt it will be hurting them. It could galvanise Rangers and work for them, but we're trying not to worry about that. We don't want to be a sideshow, so it's a case of standing up and being counted.
"I have never played against a team in administration, so I don't know what to expect. All I can do is put myself in their shoes and think what it would be like if I was a player there. All you can do is try to focus on the football."
Johnson only moved to Rugby Park eight days ago, having been released by Bristol City, and is hoping that he makes his debut at Ibrox. He is not disturbed by the prospect, having joined Hearts under Graham Rix and spent seven months at Tynecastle when turmoil was customary. Kilmarnock are a less volatile club although Johnson is a player in need of rejuvenation.
"I loved my time at Hearts, it went a bit crazy and it is a bit crazy," the 30-year-old says. "It was eventful, but as a player I wouldn't have changed it for the world. The fans were so passionate.
"I know people are saying there are problems in Scotland, but my football instincts brought me back here. It is a bit worrying for Scottish football as a whole, but it might be what the game needs, to change the whole ethos of the country. It would be good to start bringing more kids through.
"This is a chance for someone to come in between the Old Firm and make a bit of history. It's exciting in many ways."
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