Rangers FC decided not to perform a guard of honor for the newly crowned champions, Celtic, when the two Glasgow rivals faced off in a spirited 1-1 draw. This match marked Celtic’s first game since securing the Scottish Premiership title the previous weekend, a victory that sees them equaling Rangers’ national record of 55 championships.
Interim Rangers manager Barry Ferguson had previously suggested that offering a guard of honor was not a customary practice in past encounters, and thus, it did not occur before the match at Ibrox. Despite the lack of formal acknowledgment from Rangers, approximately 2,100 Celtic supporters filled the stadium with cheers as their team made their way onto the field. This was the first occasion in over a year that away fans attended a derby at Ibrox, with the last instance being a 2-2 draw back in January 2023.
The focus shifted from the match to some concerning behaviors from Rangers’ fans. During the second half, a glass bottle was thrown into the penalty area of Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Before the game even began, a provocative banner was displayed, depicting Graeme Souness, a former Rangers player and manager, holding a shotgun alongside the phrase “Take aim against the rebel scum.” Such actions sparked criticism from various quarters, including from Rangers themselves.
Rangers condemned these actions, stating, “Rangers Football Club condemns the actions of the individual who threw a bottle during today’s match. This behavior has no place at our stadium. Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed.”
Moreover, the club expressed dissatisfaction with the banner, acknowledging that it crossed a line. Rangers assured that they would review how supporter displays are managed, aiming to maintain a healthy balance of trust and responsibility between the club and its fan base. While acknowledging the passionate support of its fans, the club emphasized its commitment to preserving its standards and reputation.
On the field, Rangers took the lead with Cyriel Dessers scoring just before halftime. However, Celtic’s Adam Idah secured an equalizer in the 57th minute. This result leaves Rangers without a home victory since February, having only won four out of twelve games under Ferguson’s temporary management.