Rangers Back Danny Röhl Despite Growing Pressure Before Celtic Showdown

Danny Röhl is experiencing the kind of scrutiny that inevitably comes with managing a club the size of Rangers FC, particularly with a crucial Scottish Cup quarter-final against fierce rivals Celtic FC fast approaching.

Recent speculation has suggested that if Rangers end the campaign without a trophy, Röhl could find his position under serious threat. Both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup remain within reach for the club, but failing to secure either piece of silverware could intensify the scrutiny surrounding the manager.

Despite those rumours, sources indicate there is currently no expectation inside the club that Röhl is close to losing his job. Reports of immediate danger to his position appear to be exaggerated, with Rangers maintaining confidence in the work he has done since arriving at Ibrox.

The German coach stepped in to replace Russell Martin earlier in the season, taking charge at a time when Rangers were struggling to find stability. Since his appointment in October, he has received widespread praise for turning around the team’s performances and putting them back into contention.

Suggestions that Rangers could already be considering another managerial change have been dismissed. Instead, those behind the scenes are understood to be planning a longer-term project with Röhl leading the club forward.

Rangers Make Clear Decision on Röhl’s Immediate Future

Although speculation about the manager’s future has circulated, Rangers have made it clear they are not actively looking to replace him. Internally, the club remain supportive of the progress he has made in a relatively short period.

Criticism did surface following Rangers’ recent 2-2 draw with Celtic in the league. In that match, Rangers appeared to be cruising toward victory after establishing a 2-0 lead, only to allow their rivals back into the game and settle for a draw.

That result understandably frustrated supporters and observers, particularly given the importance of the Old Firm rivalry. However, the disappointment has not translated into serious doubts within the club hierarchy regarding Röhl’s leadership.

Instead, attention is now shifting to the upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final between the two Glasgow giants. For many fans, the match represents a significant opportunity for Rangers to respond positively and potentially move a step closer to lifting a trophy.

The fixture is widely seen as a defining moment in the season. While some outsiders believe defeat could intensify pressure on the manager, insiders insist the club’s stance remains unchanged.

Rangers currently trail league leaders Heart of Midlothian FC by six points in the Premiership standings. Being knocked out of the cup would undoubtedly make the rest of the campaign more difficult, but the club are not believed to be reviewing Röhl’s position at this stage.

Röhl Credited With Reviving Rangers’ Season

Those close to the situation have emphasised that pressure naturally comes with managing Rangers, one of the most demanding roles in Scottish football.

Every season carries the expectation that the club will challenge for major honours, and that expectation inevitably intensifies when facing Celtic in high-stakes matches.

However, there is recognition that Röhl has done an impressive job since taking charge. When he arrived in October, Rangers were struggling both in results and momentum, leaving their season in a precarious position.

Since then, the team’s performances have improved significantly. Under his guidance, Rangers have managed to climb back into the title conversation, something that seemed highly unlikely just a few months earlier.

Observers within the club believe the progress he has made deserves credit. The improvement in results, structure, and competitiveness has convinced many that Röhl is moving the team in the right direction.

Winning a trophy would clearly strengthen his position even further. Capturing silverware early in his tenure would represent a major achievement and reinforce confidence in the project underway at Ibrox.

Even without that immediate success, the work he has done to stabilise the club has been widely acknowledged as a positive step.

Old Firm Rivals Compete for David Watson

The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is not limited to the pitch this season. Both clubs are also monitoring potential transfer targets as they prepare to strengthen their squads in the summer window.

One player attracting attention from both sides of Glasgow is David Watson, the highly regarded midfielder currently playing for Kilmarnock FC.

Watson’s contract situation has made him an appealing prospect, as he is set to become available on a free transfer when the current campaign concludes.

Sources indicate that both Rangers and Celtic are interested in securing his signature. At this stage, neither club has established a clear advantage in the race, leaving the competition for the player’s services wide open.

The 21-year-old has impressed with his performances for Kilmarnock, attracting attention for his composure and ability in midfield. As a result, interest is not limited solely to the Scottish Premiership.

Clubs from England are also expected to monitor the situation closely once the transfer window opens. That additional competition could complicate matters for both Rangers and Celtic.

Watson is believed to be weighing his options carefully as he considers the next step in his career. One factor that could play a decisive role in his decision is the opportunity to compete in Europe’s top club competition.

The chance to play in the UEFA Champions League is understood to be particularly appealing to the midfielder. That ambition may ultimately influence which club he chooses if multiple offers materialise.

For now, the race remains finely balanced. Both Old Firm rivals are keeping a close eye on developments while focusing on their immediate objectives on the field.

With the Scottish Cup clash approaching and the league title race still alive, the next few weeks could prove pivotal not only for Röhl’s first season in charge but also for the direction Rangers choose to take moving forward.

Green Brigade releases troubling statement regarding Friday night

The Green Brigade have once again spoken publicly, and their statement released on Friday night highlights just how serious and troubling their dispute with Celtic FC has become.

With the supporters’ group still banned from attending matches and the upcoming game against Motherwell FC on March 14 expected to be the 30th fixture affected by the suspension, the ultras used their latest statement to present their own version of events. They outlined a timeline explaining how the situation developed, while also expressing frustration about what they believe has been an unfair and inconsistent process.

Celtic fans during the UEFA Europa League, knockout phase play offs, first leg match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday February 19, 2026.

For several months now, the club’s official stance has been that the conflict stems from an incident during the match against Falkirk FC on October 29. Following that game, Celtic stated that a steward and police officers were assaulted. According to the club, that incident triggered a disciplinary measure which had previously been suspended and was then activated against the Green Brigade. The sanction was formally confirmed on November 7.

However, the issue did not remain limited to that original explanation. In subsequent updates, the club expanded its reasoning for the punishment. Celtic cited additional concerns including alleged intimidation of staff members, certain activity on social media, and broader issues relating to matchday safety and security at Celtic Park.

The Green Brigade have strongly disputed the club’s account and insist they will not accept it without challenge. In their most recent statement, the group argued that approximately 250 supporters have been subjected to what they describe as collective punishment. They claim those individuals were sanctioned without being given a proper opportunity to defend themselves. According to the group, there has been no clear disciplinary process, no right to formally respond to accusations, and no realistic route for appeal. They also criticised the level of communication from the club, suggesting that information has been limited and inconsistent throughout the dispute.

22nd November 2025; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic director Brian Wilson

Another key grievance raised in the statement concerns what the group believes is a shifting justification for the ban. The Green Brigade claim that the reasoning behind the suspension has changed multiple times since the issue first emerged.

To support their position, the supporters outlined a detailed timeline of events. They state that concerns about the security arrangements on matchdays were first raised as early as August with the Celtic Fans Collective. According to the group, these concerns existed well before the incident at the Falkirk match in late October.

The statement goes on to say that after the October 29 events, the group once again raised concerns about the matchday security operation. This time the matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer. Despite that communication, the Green Brigade say that 250 fans were issued with a six-match suspension on November 7.

Several later developments have further intensified tensions between supporters and the club. One of the points highlighted by the group relates to a Safety Advisory Group meeting that took place on November 18. The Green Brigade claim that representatives of the fanbase were not allowed to participate in that meeting, which they argue prevented supporters from properly presenting their perspective.

1st March 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Chris McKay and Michael Nicholson of Celtic

Two days later, on November 20, five Celtic supporters were arrested. The Green Brigade say this incident became another element of the dispute. However, they point out that a police-imposed ban preventing those individuals from attending matches at Celtic Park was subsequently overturned in court. According to the group, that outcome undermines claims that those supporters posed an ongoing safety risk.

Overall, the situation has evolved into a dispute over competing narratives as much as anything else. On one side, the club maintains that the disciplinary measures were necessary because of serious concerns surrounding safety and behaviour. On the other side, the Green Brigade argue they have been excluded without due process and without fair consideration of their position.

From the outside, it is increasingly difficult to ignore the length of time the conflict has been allowed to continue. What began as a six-match suspension has now extended far beyond that timeframe. If the Green Brigade remain excluded for the upcoming match against Motherwell, it will mark the 30th fixture affected by the sanctions.

The ongoing dispute also arrives at a crucial stage of the football season. Celtic FC currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership table, trailing Heart of Midlothian FC by five points with nine matches remaining. With the title race still open, the atmosphere inside Celtic Park could play an important role during the final weeks of the campaign.

Regardless of where supporters stand on the argument itself, there is a growing sense that the situation has reached a point where a resolution is needed. The dispute has lasted months and has created significant tension between the club’s hierarchy and a section of its support.

Many observers believe it would be in the best interests of everyone involved—including the club’s leadership, its broader fanbase, and the Green Brigade themselves—to find a workable solution before the end of the season. With nine games remaining and the championship still within reach, having the full backing of the supporters could be vital.

If Celtic are to close the five-point gap on Hearts, the atmosphere at Celtic Park during the run-in may prove crucial. For that reason, there are increasing calls for the club to reconsider its approach and bring an end to what critics describe as collective punishment.

Ultimately, the situation has reached a stage where sensible decisions and meaningful dialogue appear necessary if the long-running dispute is to be resolved.

Full Green Brigade statement below

SFA panel delivers verdict on major Rangers and Celtic decisions, along with Hearts vs. Aberdeen grievances

Celtic were awarded a penalty when Daizen Maeda’s header was deflected by the arm of Rangers defender Dujon Sterling onto Jack Butland. | Getty Images

The Scottish Football Association’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel has released its latest review of refereeing decisions from the past week in the Scottish Premiership, assessing a number of controversial moments involving clubs including Rangers, Celtic, Heart of Midlothian and Aberdeen.

The three-person panel, which meets every week and is made up of experienced figures from within the Scottish game, examined ten incidents from matches played between February 28 and March 4. After reviewing each situation, the panel concluded that the match officials handled every one of them correctly.

One of the most discussed incidents came during last Sunday’s Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. Late drama unfolded in the 89th minute when Celtic appealed for a penalty after a header from Daizen Maeda struck the arm of Rangers defender Dujon Sterling before diverting toward goalkeeper Jack Butland. At that stage of the match, Rangers were leading 2–1.

Referee John Beaton was advised by VAR official Steven McLean to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, Beaton determined that the ball had struck Sterling’s arm and awarded Celtic a penalty.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate stepped up to take the spot kick, but Butland initially denied him with a save. The goalkeeper also managed to block the rebound attempt, yet Hatate eventually forced the ball across the line at the third attempt, ensuring Celtic secured a dramatic late equaliser. Following its review, the KMI panel unanimously agreed that the decision to award the penalty was correct.

Another talking point involving Celtic occurred in their 2–1 victory over Aberdeen on Wednesday. The Glasgow side believed they should have been awarded a penalty when a cross from Sebastian Tounekti appeared to strike the arm of Aberdeen defender Jack Milne inside the penalty area.

Celtic’s Liam Scales fouls Aberdeen’s Toyosi Olusanya inside the box conceding a penalty during the Premiership match at Pittodrie on Wednesday. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Despite strong appeals from Celtic players, referee Nick Walsh decided against awarding a spot kick. VAR official Chris Graham checked the footage but concluded that the situation did not warrant an on-field review.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed frustration after the match, stating that the incident appeared to be a clear handball and that his team should have been given a penalty. However, the KMI panel disagreed with that assessment. After examining the footage, the panel confirmed that the referee’s original call was correct and unanimously supported the on-field decision not to award a penalty.

The same match also featured a penalty awarded to Aberdeen when Celtic defender Liam Scales was judged to have fouled Toyosi Olusanya inside the box. Walsh awarded the penalty during the game, and the decision was subsequently checked and upheld by Graham on VAR. The KMI panel reviewed the challenge and agreed that the officials had made the correct call in awarding the spot kick.

Another point of contention from the match concerned Celtic’s winning goal, scored by substitute Benjamin Nygren after a cutback from James Forrest. Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven argued afterwards that Nygren appeared to be in an offside position when the pass was delivered. However, that particular incident was not included in the KMI panel’s list of cases reviewed for the week.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen also had complaints during their 1–0 defeat against Hearts at Tynecastle the previous Saturday. In that match, midfielder Stuart Armstrong went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Hearts defender Michael Steinwender. Leven insisted after the game that the incident should have resulted in a penalty for Aberdeen, claiming it was an obvious foul.

The KMI panel, however, reached a different conclusion. After studying the challenge, all three members agreed that the referee had made the correct decision in allowing play to continue. Aberdeen also appealed for a separate penalty in the same match for an alleged handball by a Hearts player, but that claim was also rejected by the panel.

In total, the KMI panel reviewed ten key incidents from the Scottish Premiership fixtures played across the specified dates. Their final verdict was that match officials made the correct decisions in every case examined, meaning no errors were recorded for the period under review.