Vaclav Cerny, the Czech winger currently on loan at Rangers from Wolfsburg, has made his intentions clear, stating he "definitely wants" to secure a permanent move to Ibrox in the summer. However, as of March 19, 2025, there has been no official communication from Rangers regarding his future amid an ongoing police investigation into his conduct during a heated match against Celtic.
Cerny's loan spell from Wolfsburg has seen him become a key player for Rangers, and he has been notable for his performance, tallying 17 goals this season. Yet, his time in Scotland has taken a controversial turn following an incident during the much-anticipated Old Firm clash on March 16, where he was accused of spraying water at Celtic fans while celebrating a goal. This act sparked outrage among fans and prompted Police Scotland to initiate an investigation.
During the match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Rangers after a dramatic comeback from Celtic, Cerny was notably exuberant in his celebrations. The moment occurred after Rangers forward Hamza Ighamane scored a last-minute winner. Witnesses described how Cerny directed water toward the Celtic supporters, leading to a strong backlash and necessitating intervention from security and law enforcement.
Celtic Football Club has since released a statement responding to the incident, confirming they received complaints regarding the policing operation during the match, particularly relating to events away from Celtic Park. "Celtic Football Club has received complaints regarding the policing operation concerning yesterday’s match, specifically events away from Celtic Park," the statement read, highlighting their commitment to reviewing supporters' concerns and engaging with Police Scotland.
As the police investigation continues, they have stated, "Officers received information and enquiries are ongoing," confirming that they are taking the allegations seriously.
In light of the situation, Cerny has addressed the media while on international duty, expressing his desire to remain with Rangers but acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his future. "I definitely do. But there are so many aspects that I can't control. All I can do is be the best I can and keep up my form and numbers," he shared with Sport, emphasizing his focus on maintaining performance despite the off-field distractions.
When asked if he had considered other options at this stage of the season, Cerny remained committed to his current situation, stating, "I honestly say no. There's no time for that, we play every three days. I don't have an option, that's the only official one. I don't know what will happen." He confirmed that there has been "zero contact" with his parent club, Wolfsburg, regarding his future or the situation at Rangers.
The future of Rangers itself is also filled with uncertainty, as discussions around possible ownership changes are swirling in the media. Cerny commented on the tumultuous nature of the club’s direction, noting, "Rangers will be going through some changes in the summer, there's talk of new owners buying a large percentage of the shares. But nothing is confirmed, it's just being talked about and written about in the media." He cautioned against making too many predictions, recognizing that the scenario could shift rapidly.
Despite the drama, Cerny remains open to future opportunities, stating, "I have some experience, I've experienced something, I won't say any dreams. I'm doing everything I can to open as many doors as possible for me after the season and to be able to choose." He indicated that he would consider options in various leagues, including potential moves to the Premier League, Spain, Italy, or others, maintaining a pragmatic approach to his career.
As Rangers continue their quest for honors this season, it’s essential for the team to navigate these issues effectively. The investigation into Cerny's actions adds another layer of complexity as the club aims to regain stability both on and off the pitch. Fans are eager to see how both Cerny’s case and the management changes at Rangers evolve as the season progresses.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intense rivalries inherent in Scottish football and the pressures faced by players in such high-stakes environments. The coming weeks will not only be crucial for Cerny's future but also for Rangers Football Club as they look to solidify their plans moving forward while learning from the controversies that have emerged.
