In perhaps one of the most unusual preludes to a Glasgow derby in memory, both Rangers and Celtic supporters find themselves united in discontent—not over each other, but over their own clubs’ recent failures on the European stage and mounting internal issues.
European Embarrassment Sparks Fan Fury
- Rangers suffered a calamitous exit from the Champions League qualifiers, losing 6-0 to Club Brugge and crashing out 9-1 on aggregate. The result was widely described as humiliating—equalling one of the club’s worst ever European results.
- Celtic were also knocked out of Europe unexpectedly, falling to Kazakhstan’s FC Kairat on penalties—a shock given Kairat’s relatively unknown status in continental competition.
Fan Outrage Spreads Across Club Lines
Supporters from both clubs are vocally angry. Journalist analysis emphasises that such a backdrop is nearly unprecedented in over 400 derbies since 1888, with both sides suffering simultaneous failures. Rarely have both sets of fans felt so disenchanted with their own clubs at the same time.
At Rangers, backlash was heightened:
- Fans displayed banners at Ibrox calling for manager Russell Martin’s resignation, including slogans like “Martin and Co must go” and “we deserve better”.
- A provocative display of stolen Celtic fan gear with a defiant slogan further illustrated growing tensions.
- Rangers’ board has responded with public support for Martin, but the crisis continues to simmer beneath the surface.
- Players like James Tavernier have acknowledged the disaster in the dressing room and urged collective accountability ahead of the derby.
Meanwhile, Celtic fans’ dismay has a different flavor—focused more on managerial unease, board decisions, and operational frustrations. There’s mounting unease about how their club is run, especially after the unceremonious European exit.
A Derby Like No Other
As The Guardian and The Irish Times note, the timing of these simultaneous crises makes the derby atmosphere uniquely bitter. Neither side can take solace in the other’s failure for long—this is anger turned inward.
What to Expect
- Atmosphere: Expect tension, frustration, and passionate reactions from both sets of fans. This isn’t just rivalry—this is disillusionment on both sides.
- High stakes: For Russell Martin, this derby may offer a lifeline or become the final nail in the coffin, depending on Rangers’ showing.
- Temporary reprieves: Whether a win for either side can truly repair faith is doubtful—fans’ demands for long-term accountability will remain even if the derby result goes their way.
