Celtic Fans Stunned by Barry Ferguson’s Post-Match Comments After Tense Old Firm Draw
The latest installment of the Old Firm derby ended in a tense 1-1 draw at Celtic Park, but it was the post-match interview of Rangers boss Barry Ferguson that sent shockwaves through the footballing world. While the match itself was fiercely contested and ended with both sets of supporters walking away with mixed emotions, it was Ferguson’s explosive comments after the final whistle that truly stole the headlines.
Speaking to reporters just moments after the draw, Ferguson launched into a pointed and controversial critique of Celtic’s tactics, attitude, and even the club’s culture remarks that many in the football community have described as deeply disrespectful and inflammatory.
“No one plays the victim like Celtic,” Ferguson said bluntly. “They come into these derbies with all the noise, all the drama, and then act like the world’s against them when things don’t go their way. It’s time someone said it out loud.”
The former Rangers captain and now-manager didn’t stop there. He went on to suggest that Celtic’s management was “manipulating the narrative” and accused certain players of “diving to con the referee.” While Old Firm games are no stranger to post-match tension, few expected Ferguson who had largely maintained a measured tone since taking over at Ibrox to break rank in such a spectacular fashion.
The comments immediately sparked outrage among Celtic fans, many of whom took to social media to express their disbelief and anger. Celtic legend Chris Sutton called the remarks “a disgrace” and said Ferguson had “crossed a line no Rangers manager should ever cross.”
“What Barry said tonight was not just inflammatory it was deeply personal,” Sutton added during a post-match panel on Sky Sports. “He knows what this fixture means. He knows the tension it carries. To throw fuel on the fire like that is dangerous and irresponsible.”
Even within sections of the Rangers fanbase, there was surprise. While some supporters praised Ferguson for showing passion and speaking his mind, others expressed concern that his comments might overshadow the positive aspects of the performance or reignite off-pitch tensions between the rival fanbases.
However, any talk of tactics and turning points quickly took a back seat as Ferguson’s interview dominated the post-match discourse.
Celtic have yet to release an official statement, but sources within the club suggest that they are “deeply disappointed” with the nature of the comments and are considering filing a formal complaint with the SPFL. Meanwhile, the league has confirmed that it is “reviewing the manager’s post-match remarks.”
Ferguson has so far declined to clarify or walk back his comments, instead doubling down in a brief late-night tweet: “I said what I said. No apologies for honesty.”
With another Old Firm clash set for later this month in the Scottish Cup Final, the already fierce rivalry now has an added layer of bitterness. What should have been a shared point on the road to a thrilling title finish has now turned into a full-blown controversy.
