Rangers’ 3–1 comeback win over Celtic on Saturday stirred something that goes beyond the standings. The result pushed Rangers ahead in the all-time Old Firm record, 172 wins to 171, and placed Celtic under a level of pressure that had already been building internally. Being level on points in second place matters, but the heavier weight lies in the context and in the fans’ immediate reaction.
On the field, Celtic had a decent first half. They controlled play, created chances and opened the scoring through Yang Hyun-jun. The problems came after the break, when Rangers were allowed to grow into the game. Chermiti scored twice, Moore sealed it, and the derby changed hands in a matter of minutes.
The reaction from fans after the derby
Hours after the match, the most common takeaway among Celtic supporters on social media went beyond the scoreline. Many pointed to issues they say have been repeating themselves throughout the season. One of the most frequent topics was Tisdale holding a decision-making role within the club’s soccer operations, something part of the fan base says they can’t quite understand given his recent track record since leaving Exeter.
Another idea that gained traction was that being a historically dominant club in a smaller league has become a problem. The constant demand to win domestic titles every year, European campaigns against wealthier opponents and the regular sale of players once they stand out create a situation many see as hard to sustain. Fans drew comparisons with other traditional clubs such as Benfica, Ajax and Copenhagen, which are also going through unstable periods.
On the sporting side, squad building came up repeatedly. According to the comments, selling several players wasn’t matched by adequate replacements. The fact that Johnny Kenny started the season as the only real forward option was mentioned many times. The assessment is that he creates chances but struggles to finish, something that was clear in the derby, when Celtic could have put the game away in the first half.
More experienced players were also part of the discussion. James Forrest, at 34, was mentioned as someone who still contributes but shouldn’t be relied on constantly as a solution. Schmeichel became the main target after the match, with fans directly blaming the goalkeeper for goals conceded.
Nancy, the board and Rangers’ moment
Head coach Wilfried Nancy was another name that came up often. He took over on December 3 and has six losses in eight games. Some supporters acknowledge he inherited a tough run, with little preparation time and no transfer window, but they also question the insistence on a style of play the squad doesn’t seem able to execute.
While Celtic debates its problems, Rangers are experiencing the opposite. After their worst start to a Scottish league campaign since 1978, the team erased a nine-point gap, regrouped and put themselves back in direct contention with their rival. For many Celtic supporters, the derby didn’t create the crisis. It simply reinforced issues that were already out in the open.