Barry Ferguson wants Rangers fans bouncing for 90 minutes this time, as celebrating at the packed Celtic end isn’t an option.

Former Barry Ferguson knows better than most how intense and emotionally draining an Old Firm clash can be. As another showdown between Rangers FC and Celtic FC approaches, he believes the Rangers players must ensure that the painful emotions from last weekend are not repeated. For Ferguson, the key objective this time is simple: make sure the Ibrox crowd is celebrating from start to finish and prevent the visiting supporters from having the last laugh.

Nearly a full week has passed since the last derby meeting, and yet the memories of that dramatic afternoon still feel fresh. Now another clash between the Glasgow rivals is just around the corner. Even for someone with Ferguson’s experience of playing in these high-pressure matches, it remains difficult to fully understand how the previous encounter unfolded the way it did.

Ferguson was present at Ibrox during Sunday’s game and, from what he witnessed in the opening 45 minutes, he could hardly have asked for anything more from the home side. Rangers began the match on the front foot and played with aggression and intensity right from the opening whistle.

Their approach was bold and confident, and the team produced a first-half display that Ferguson felt was among the most complete performances he had ever seen in an Old Firm derby. Rangers looked dominant, organized and hungry to impose themselves on their rivals.

Any tension or nervousness Ferguson might have felt as a spectator quickly disappeared during the early stages of the game. Rangers appeared in total control, and when Youssef Chermiti scored twice to give them a 2–0 lead before halftime, many people inside the stadium probably believed the match was already heading in only one direction.

However, Ferguson never felt that sense of certainty. His experience of playing in these fixtures told him that nothing is ever straightforward when Rangers and Celtic meet. Old Firm matches are rarely predictable, and momentum can shift in an instant.

That lingering sense of doubt remained with him during the halftime interval. Even though Rangers had been excellent throughout the first half, Ferguson couldn’t shake the feeling that the contest was far from finished.

Some supporters might think it sounds strange when players claim that a two-goal advantage can actually be dangerous. Yet Ferguson believes there are times when that statement rings true, and he sensed that Sunday’s game was one of those occasions.

Part of the reason for that feeling was the sheer dominance Rangers had shown in the first half. When a team performs so strongly early in a derby, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain that level of control for the entire match.

Ferguson’s experience told him that Celtic would inevitably enjoy a spell of pressure at some stage. Throughout his playing career, he had never participated in a match against Celtic where they failed to mount a serious response.

When two teams of this quality face each other, it is extremely rare for one side to dominate the entire 90 minutes. Ferguson understood that if Celtic managed to score the next goal, the momentum of the match could swing dramatically.

Once that happens, the key challenge becomes how a team reacts and regains control. Unfortunately for Rangers, that was the moment where they began to struggle after Kieran Tierney scored a goal that seemed to come almost out of nowhere.

Before that moment, Rangers had looked composed and confident. Even at the beginning of the second half, Ferguson was pleased with what he saw from the team.

For the first seven or eight minutes after the restart, Rangers continued playing in the same aggressive manner they had shown during the opening half. That was encouraging because there is always a concern that a team might lose its edge after the break.

Instead, Rangers initially maintained their attacking approach and continued pushing forward with the same intensity. They looked determined to finish the job by keeping Celtic under pressure.

Rangers fans celebrate Chermiti’s goal(Image: Kirk O’Rourke/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)

However, everything began to change once Tierney found the net. From that point onward, Rangers struggled to regain their earlier rhythm, and the match began to shift in Celtic’s favour.

For Rangers manager Danny Rohl, the main focus during the week would likely have been analyzing exactly where things went wrong after that turning point. Preventing a repeat of that second-half collapse will be essential when Celtic return to Ibrox for the upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Rohl may also reflect on some of the tactical decisions he made during the game. Ferguson wondered whether the manager might question if switching to a flat midfield three could have helped stabilize the situation.

That adjustment had previously proven successful when Rangers turned a derby around at Celtic Park earlier in the season. Still, Ferguson emphasized that Rohl should not be overly critical of himself because football does not always unfold exactly as planned.

Managers often make decisions based on how they expect opponents to react. When Celtic’s substitutes saw Mohamed Diomande preparing to come on for Ryan Naderi, they may have assumed Rangers would move into a particular shape.

Perhaps Rohl wanted to keep Celtic guessing by positioning Diomande further forward than expected. Ferguson admitted that he could not know the exact reasoning behind the decision, but he acknowledged that such tactical choices are part of the learning process for any manager.

More importantly, Ferguson believes Rangers must focus on the many positives they produced during the first half of the match. There were numerous aspects of their performance that demonstrated exactly how effective the team can be when everything clicks.

Reinforcing those strengths should not require extensive training sessions or complicated drills. Instead, the coaching staff can simply review footage with the players, highlighting both the mistakes that must be corrected and the excellent moments that should be repeated.

If Rangers manage to replicate their earlier intensity and maintain it for longer periods, Ferguson is confident they can secure victory in the upcoming cup tie. Doing so would guarantee their place in the semi-finals and deliver a huge boost for the team.

The significance of Sunday’s match extends beyond the cup competition itself. While it is difficult to completely separate the fixture from the wider context of the season, Ferguson believes Rangers should approach it as a single, decisive challenge.

If they concentrate solely on winning this match, the broader ambitions for the season could naturally fall into place afterward. Success in the cup could provide a powerful platform for the remainder of the league campaign.

A victory would also generate a wave of momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Moments like that can transform a team’s confidence and potentially define a manager’s tenure.

Ferguson can easily imagine the emotions Rangers players felt in the dressing room after the final whistle last weekend. Although the match ended in a draw and did not represent a complete disaster, the players would still have felt deep frustration.

From the outside, a draw might appear acceptable. But inside the dressing room, especially after surrendering a strong position, it would likely have felt like a missed opportunity.

That disappointment should now serve as motivation. If Ferguson were addressing the squad, he would remind them that they cannot allow the same feeling to return.

His message would be clear: they must refuse to let Celtic off the hook again. Determination and focus will be essential to ensure history does not repeat itself.

The atmosphere inside Ibrox at halftime during the last derby was electric. Supporters were excited and fully behind the team after witnessing such a commanding performance.

Celtic’s Kieran Tierney scores to make it 2-1

Ferguson believes the players must aim to recreate that energy and carry it all the way to the final whistle this time around. With approximately 7,500 visiting fans expected to fill the away section, the stakes feel even higher.

For Ferguson, the thought of Celtic supporters celebrating at the end of the match is simply unacceptable. Rangers must ensure that the home crowd is the one enjoying the final moments.

The presence of a large away contingent will only intensify the atmosphere inside the stadium. Combined with the visible tension between players after the previous match ended, it promises to create an even fiercer contest.

Ferguson actually enjoys that sense of rivalry and confrontation. He believes it adds an extra edge to the occasion and makes the derby even more compelling.

One player he expects to play a major role is Chermiti. The striker’s confidence should be extremely high after his recent performances, and Ferguson believes he has all the qualities needed to influence big matches.

Celtic’s defenders have already experienced the threat he poses during the last two derby meetings, and they certainly did not find him easy to contain.

Ferguson even suggested that Chermiti’s opening goal in the previous match ranks among the finest Old Firm goals he has ever witnessed.

Many people often reference spectacular strikes such as Scott McTominay’s famous overhead kick against Denmark or the iconic bicycle kick scored by Wayne Rooney in the Manchester derby.

Yet Ferguson felt the connection Chermiti made with the ball was even cleaner. The technique and execution were extraordinary.

Celtic fans celebrate at Ibrox(Image: SNS Group)

Moments like that demonstrate the kind of ability Chermiti possesses. His second goal in the match also reinforced the belief that Rangers have a genuine big-game performer in their squad.

Still, Ferguson insists that the method of scoring will not matter if Rangers manage to find a decisive goal in the upcoming clash. Even if the ball goes in off someone’s backside, it would be just as valuable.

Ultimately, the match will demand players who are willing to step forward and deliver when it matters most. Heroes are often created in derby matches, and Ferguson would not be surprised if Chermiti once again produces decisive moments.

If Rangers combine determination, confidence and the lessons learned from last weekend, they have every opportunity to ensure that the celebrations at the final whistle belong to them and not their greatest rivals.

SFA Expected to Review Missed Penalty in Rangers v Celtic Clash

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the Scottish FA will investigate a controversial penalty incident that referee John Beaton failed to award during Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

While much of the post-match discussion centred on the penalty that was given—eventually converted after a dramatic sequence involving Reo Hatate—attention has now shifted to another moment that went unpunished. Hackett has suggested that Willie Collum, the Scottish FA’s Head of Referees, will likely examine why a separate challenge inside the box did not result in a spot-kick.

McGregor Praises Celtic’s Character in Derby Fightback

Celtic captain Callum McGregor expressed pride in his team’s resilience after they recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw in the latest Glasgow derby.

Martin O’Neill’s side endured a torrid first half as Rangers stormed into control. The home side were ruthless, with 21-year-old Portuguese striker Youssef Chermiti netting twice to give Rangers a commanding advantage. At that stage, Celtic appeared to be facing an uphill battle, and the atmosphere inside Ibrox suggested a long afternoon for the visitors.

However, the match took a dramatic turn after the break. Celtic returned with renewed intensity and gradually clawed their way back into contention.

Second-Half Revival Turns the Tide

The comeback began in the 56th minute when left-back Kieran Tierney rose to head home, cutting the deficit and restoring belief among his teammates. The goal injected momentum into Celtic’s performance and unsettled Rangers, who had previously looked comfortable.

As the match edged toward its conclusion, Celtic pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Reo Hatate became the central figure in chaotic scenes. Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland initially saved Hatate’s penalty, then denied him again on the rebound. Yet amid the scramble, Hatate managed to bundle the ball over the line to level the score.

The late equaliser secured a valuable point for Celtic, though the result arguably favoured William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts. With nine games remaining, Rangers sit six points behind the Edinburgh club and two ahead of Celtic. Crucially, the Hoops have a game in hand, which they will play away to Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

Late Goals Highlight Growing Resilience

Celtic’s dramatic equaliser continued a recent pattern of late heroics. The Hoops have also scored crucial goals in the closing stages against Dundee, Livingston, and Kilmarnock in recent weeks. McGregor pointed to this trend as evidence of the squad’s growing mental strength.

He acknowledged that over the past month the team’s fighting spirit has become increasingly clear. Football rarely unfolds according to plan, he noted, and teams must often respond to unexpected adversity. Preparation can only take a side so far; in challenging moments, character and personality become decisive.

According to McGregor, situations like the one at Ibrox demand leaders willing to take responsibility, demand the ball, and guide the team back into the contest. Doing so in such a hostile environment made the achievement even more significant.

He stressed that the draw demonstrated Celtic remain firmly in the title race. With a game in hand offering the chance to close the gap, the captain believes his side can attack the final nine fixtures with renewed confidence and purpose.

Sending a Psychological Message

McGregor also suggested that Celtic’s refusal to surrender sends a powerful message to their rivals. While he admitted the team would prefer not to fall two goals behind, he emphasised that no match is ever perfect.

The crucial factor, he explained, is maintaining belief and resilience. Sunday’s equaliser underlined the squad’s determination and reinforced their ambition to retain the title. On the surface, the draw may appear to be a single point gained, but psychologically it could prove far more significant.

At full-time, a couple of thousand Celtic supporters celebrated the comeback. Next Sunday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox will see an even greater away presence, with around 7,500 travelling fans allocated seats in the Broomloan stand in line with competition regulations.

McGregor believes that enhanced backing, combined with the siege mentality shown on Sunday, could influence the cup tie. He stated that the squad wants to build on the momentum generated in the league encounter and carry it into the knockout fixture.

Having a full stand of supporters behind them could provide the marginal gains required in a high-pressure match. Small details, he suggested, can shift momentum and tilt outcomes in tightly contested games. Above all, he reiterated that the players displayed immense character and that the draw ultimately represented a strong result given the circumstances.

Hackett Urges Review of Missed Spot-Kick

Despite the focus on the penalty that was awarded to Celtic, Hackett has called attention to an earlier incident involving Dujon Sterling and Sebastian Tounekti. Sterling appeared to grab Tounekti’s shirt before bringing him down inside the area, yet no penalty was given.

Hackett has told Football Insider that he expects Willie Collum to review the matter. In his view, the defender’s actions constituted holding and impeding an opponent with contact—an offence that should have resulted in a penalty kick.

He expressed hope that Collum would question both the on-field referee and the VAR officials to understand how such an incident went unpunished. According to Hackett, the evidence suggests a clear foul that warranted a spot-kick.

Title Race Implications

The draw leaves both Rangers and Celtic chasing Hearts at the top of the table. While neither side claimed maximum points, Celtic’s game in hand means the balance of the title race could still shift dramatically.

Had either side secured victory at Ibrox, it might have had season-defining consequences. Instead, the derby delivered controversy, drama, and a renewed sense of belief for Celtic.

As the campaign enters its decisive phase, scrutiny of refereeing decisions is likely to intensify. For Celtic, the focus will be on sustaining their resilience and capitalising on their game in hand. For the Scottish FA, attention may turn to reviewing contentious moments to ensure confidence in officiating remains intact.

Seething Scottish Premiership manager blames VAR for encouraging playacting after a ‘ridiculous’ ruling

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin during a press conference at the The University of St Andrews Sports Centre, on March 02, 2026, in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has intensified his criticism of Scottish Premiership officiating after what he described as a “ridiculous” VAR decision handed Motherwell a decisive advantage in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Fir Park. The United boss insists a penalty was awarded for “nothing” and claims the current use of VAR is fuelling frustration throughout the game, even encouraging players to exaggerate contact in the hope of winning decisions.

The flashpoint came late in the first half of the Premiership encounter when referee Nick Walsh was instructed to review an incident on the pitchside monitor. Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise had fallen to the ground following apparent contact from Vicko Sevelj’s elbow inside the penalty area. After reviewing the footage, Walsh pointed to the spot and cautioned Sevelj. Maswanhise converted the penalty to put Motherwell ahead before going on to score again early in the second half, taking his tally for the season to 21 goals and sealing a comfortable victory for the hosts.

Goodwin was outspoken immediately after the match, branding the decision “ridiculous,” and he remained equally forthright when addressing the issue ahead of Tuesday night’s home clash with St Mirren. Having had time to reflect, the United manager showed no sign of softening his stance.

Referee Nick Walsh checks with VAR before awarding a penalty to Motherwell in their 2-0 win over Dundee United at Fir Park. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

He stressed that the debate over officiating and VAR involvement has been a recurring theme throughout the campaign. According to Goodwin, the sense of dissatisfaction extends well beyond his own club. Managers, players and supporters alike are growing weary of what they perceive to be excessive interference and inconsistent judgments, whether from on-field officials or those operating the VAR system from Glasgow.

In Goodwin’s view, the penalty incident at Fir Park exemplified the problem. He argued that VAR need not have intervened at all, maintaining that Sevelj’s action did not warrant a spot-kick. The defender, he suggested, was merely attempting to fend off an opponent who had been grappling with him moments earlier. Goodwin contended there was no meaningful force in Sevelj’s movement and described the decision as a pivotal moment that dramatically altered the course of a challenging away fixture.

The United manager also pointed to what he believes was missing from the replay footage considered by VAR. He claimed that in the six or seven seconds leading up to the incident, Maswanhise had been tugging and pulling at Sevelj, provoking the reaction. That context, Goodwin implied, was overlooked when officials reviewed the slowed-down images. He suggested that when incidents are freeze-framed and examined in isolation, they can appear more severe than they seemed in real time, leading to judgments that do not reflect the overall passage of play.

Expanding on his broader concerns, Goodwin warned that the current approach risks encouraging players to go to ground too easily. If footballers know that minimal contact could be scrutinised repeatedly on video, he argued, they may be tempted to exaggerate situations in order to draw attention from VAR officials. In his opinion, this trend undermines the spirit of the game and contributes to widespread discontent about how matches are being controlled.

Despite the setback at Motherwell, Goodwin insisted he stands firmly by his initial reaction. He reiterated that he does not believe the challenge met the threshold for a penalty and lamented the timing of the decision in what was already a demanding contest. Travelling to Fir Park is never straightforward, he noted, and conceding under such circumstances made an uphill task even steeper.

The defeat leaves Dundee United facing a significant challenge in their pursuit of a top-half finish before the league split. With five matches remaining, they sit 12 points behind sixth-placed Falkirk, albeit with a game in hand over the Bairns. Results elsewhere at the weekend did little to aid United’s cause, and Goodwin acknowledged that the margin has widened once more.

Even so, the manager refused to concede defeat in the race for the top six. He accepted that the situation is far from straightforward and recognised that Falkirk require only one more victory from their remaining four fixtures to guarantee their position. Nonetheless, Goodwin emphasised that as long as qualification remains mathematically achievable, his side will continue to battle.

While the arithmetic may be daunting, he insisted there is no room for surrender. The squad’s focus, he suggested, must remain on their own performances and accumulating as many points as possible in the run-in. For Goodwin, the controversy surrounding VAR is a separate but pressing issue, one he believes must be addressed for the good of Scottish football.

In the meantime, Dundee United must quickly regroup ahead of their next assignment. With emotions still running high after the events at Fir Park, Goodwin will hope his players channel their frustration into a positive response on the pitch. Whether or not the debate over VAR subsides, United’s immediate priority is clear: keep fighting for every point while a top-half finish remains within reach.