Rangers Face Scrutiny After Controversial Banner and Fan Behavior at Final Old Firm Derby

Tensions flared on and off the pitch during Sunday’s final Old Firm derby of the season, as Rangers drew 1-1 with Celtic in a heated match overshadowed by controversial fan conduct and provocative displays.

In a highly anticipated return, Celtic supporters were present at Ibrox for the first time in over two years following a resolution to a long-standing ticket allocation dispute. Their presence, however, was met with hostility as Rangers fans unveiled a striking tifo in the Copland Stand prior to kickoff. The display depicted former Rangers manager Graeme Souness holding a shotgun, accompanied by the message: “Take aim against the rebel scum”—a slogan that appeared to target the visiting Celtic fans housed at the opposite end of the stadium.

The image and message sparked immediate backlash, drawing criticism from both fans and football authorities. Rangers FC issued a public statement shortly after the match, distancing the club from the display and promising a review of the protocols governing supporter-led tifos. "We acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable," the statement read. The club emphasized its commitment to maintaining standards and preserving its reputation.

Adding to the controversy, a glass bottle was hurled onto the pitch during the game, landing near Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Rangers substitute Neraysho Kasanwirjo entered the field to remove the object. The club condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable behavior” and pledged to identify the individual responsible and pursue the “strongest possible action.”

The incidents come just months after UEFA sanctioned Rangers over a previous banner deemed racist or discriminatory, resulting in a suspended stadium closure. This latest episode could prompt further disciplinary action from the Scottish FA, especially if the match delegate includes the incidents in the official report.

Despite the off-field issues, the game itself provided drama. Cyriel Dessers put Rangers ahead late in the first half, only for Adam Idah to equalize for Celtic after a lengthy VAR review overturned an offside call. Celtic nearly stole victory in added time, but Daizen Maeda’s effort to round the Rangers keeper was stopped.

The match concluded without the traditional Guard of Honour for newly crowned champions Celtic—a decision met with mixed reactions. Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson dismissed the controversy, noting that such traditions have never been consistently upheld between the rivals.

Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the banner, while football pundits have raised concerns about the political and social undertones of such fan behavior. Former referee Keith Hackett warned that the incident could escalate into a broader issue involving both football authorities and the Scottish government.

As the dust settles on the final derby of the season, questions remain about the limits of fan expression and the responsibilities of clubs in managing their supporters—particularly in one of the world’s most intense football rivalries.

_{Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Winston Tjia}