Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw against Celtic in a low-key Old Firm clash at Ibrox, a match that failed to provide any clear answers to the club’s managerial search. The game saw Cyriel Dessers score the opening goal for Rangers, but Celtic responded through Adam Idah after the break. The match itself was more notable for the off-field discussions surrounding Rangers’ future than the on-field action.
The focus post-match was largely on Barry Ferguson’s strongest public pitch yet to become the Rangers manager. Ferguson, who has stepped into the managerial spotlight after being appointed interim boss, has made it clear he wants the job long-term. “The club need to make a decision really soon,” he said, adding that he is not intimidated by the challenges ahead. Ferguson’s candidness and passion for the club have been evident, but his lack of top-flight managerial experience raises questions about whether he is the right man to lead Rangers through a period of necessary change.
Rangers are undergoing a significant overhaul. The club is nearing a takeover by an American investment group, and the appointment of Kevin Thelwell as the new director of football is expected. The squad will also need to be rebuilt if the club is to challenge Celtic, who are currently 17 points and nearly 50 goals ahead. Ferguson has been vocal about his ability to turn things around, but the question remains whether Rangers should have fired Philippe Clement in February, given that the team has failed to win any of their last six matches and has not triumphed at Ibrox since Ferguson took charge.
Despite Ferguson’s confidence, the match against Celtic provided no clear indication of progress. Both teams appeared content to settle for a point, with Rangers having an early goal disallowed and Celtic’s last-minute chance from Daizen Maeda going begging. Dessers put Rangers ahead in the 25th minute, but Celtic quickly responded through Idah in the 51st minute after a deflection off Rangers’ John Souttar. Initially ruled offside, the goal was allowed to stand after a VAR review.
Ferguson’s frustration was evident as Rangers were denied what he felt was a penalty when Callum McGregor tangled with Ianis Hagi. Rangers had other opportunities to secure a winner, with Nicolas Raskin and Hamza Igamane both missing chances. Celtic, for all their possession, didn’t create many clear-cut chances, with Maeda’s stoppage-time effort being their only real threat.
The game was also marred by the actions of a section of Rangers fans. A banner with a controversial message was unfurled before kick-off, and there were further incidents of missiles being thrown onto the pitch during the match. Rangers condemned these actions, acknowledging that the display had crossed a line and emphasizing the importance of good judgment in supporter displays.
As the dust settles after this latest Old Firm encounter, Rangers face difficult decisions. They need a manager who can inspire change and rebuild the squad, but they must also carefully navigate the club’s internal issues and the challenges posed by the ongoing ownership change. Ferguson may have the passion and drive, but the jury is still out on whether he has the experience to take Rangers back to the top.
