The final Old Firm match of the season ended in a tense 1-1 draw, but the real drama unfolded off the pitch as Rangers faced backlash for a provocative banner displayed by their fans. As the teams emerged onto the Ibrox pitch on Sunday, May 4, 2025, a massive tifo featuring a historic image of former manager Graeme Souness holding a shotgun was unfurled in the Copland Stand, accompanied by the words, "Take Aim Against The Rebel Scum." This controversial display has drawn sharp criticism from Rangers officials, who deemed it "unacceptable."
Rangers had been looking forward to this match as it marked the first time Celtic fans were allowed to attend an Old Firm derby at Ibrox since January 2023, following an agreement that resolved previous disputes over ticket allocations. However, the atmosphere was marred by the actions of a few fans.
During the match, a glass bottle was thrown onto the pitch, landing perilously close to Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Rangers substitute Neraysho Kasanwirjo, who was warming up nearby, quickly removed the bottle from the field. A Rangers spokesperson condemned the actions, stating, "This behaviour 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."
Following the match, Rangers released a statement addressing the banner and the bottle-throwing incident. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining the club's reputation and the standards expected from their passionate fanbase. The statement read, "Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment. We will reflect on how these displays are managed and engage with supporter groups to ensure the right balance of trust, responsibility, and oversight is maintained moving forward."
Police Scotland confirmed they were aware of the banner and had launched inquiries into the incidents. Potential charges against Rangers could hinge on whether these incidents are included in the match delegate's report.
On the pitch, the game itself was a hard-fought battle, with Rangers initially taking the lead through Cyriel Dessers just before halftime. However, Celtic equalized in the second half thanks to Adam Idah, who scored after a lengthy VAR check overturned an offside decision. The match was characterized by its intensity, with both teams vying for pride in what has been a fierce rivalry.
Despite the draw, Rangers extended their unbeaten run against Celtic to three matches, having previously defeated them in two earlier encounters this season. The tension between the two sides has been palpable, with each match bringing its own set of challenges and controversies.
Interim manager Barry Ferguson expressed disappointment at only securing a point, highlighting the team's commitment but acknowledging that their final pass let them down at crucial moments. Ferguson also hinted at a potential rotation in the squad for their next match against Aberdeen, mentioning that Vaclav Cerny would need to work hard to regain his place after showing frustration over being substituted.
Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised Idah for his performance, noting that he has been a key player for the team this season. With 18 goals to his name, Idah has proven to be a reliable scorer, especially in high-pressure situations. Rodgers also addressed Daizen Maeda's situation, as the forward had recently returned from Japan, where he was expecting the birth of his third child. Rodgers mentioned that he would support Maeda's decision to return to Japan if he felt it was necessary.
As the match concluded, the focus shifted back to the issues off the pitch, with Rangers needing to navigate the fallout from their fans' actions. The club's reputation has been at stake following previous UEFA sanctions related to fan behavior, and this latest incident could further complicate their standing.
In summary, the Old Firm derby showcased the passionate rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, but it also highlighted the challenges both clubs face in managing fan behavior and maintaining their reputations. With the season drawing to a close, both teams will look to build on their performances while addressing the issues that have arisen off the pitch.
