DANNY ROHL told player you’ll never play for RANGERS again for swapping shirt with CELTIC star after referee Bias

The fallout from the heated Old Firm clash continued long after the final whistle, with reports emerging that Danny Rohl delivered a brutal message to one Rangers player after he exchanged shirts with a Celtic star in full view of furious supporters.

The controversial incident came at the end of a tense and emotionally charged encounter between the Glasgow rivals, a match already overshadowed by debate surrounding several refereeing decisions that left Rangers fans enraged. Supporters inside Ibrox and across social media questioned multiple calls during the game, with many believing key moments had gone against their side. While there has been no official finding of referee misconduct, the atmosphere around the fixture became increasingly toxic as emotions spilled over after the match.

But it was not only the officiating that sparked anger among the Rangers faithful.

As players made their way off the pitch, one Rangers squad member was seen swapping shirts with a Celtic player and sharing what appeared to be a friendly conversation. The gesture immediately triggered backlash from sections of the support who felt the timing was completely inappropriate given the result and the intensity of the rivalry.

According to reports circulating after the match, Rohl was furious when he became aware of the incident and confronted the player in the dressing room area. Witnesses claimed the manager believed the act showed a lack of understanding about the significance of the fixture and the emotions attached to it.

One source close to the situation alleged that Rohl told the player: “You’ll never play for Rangers again if that’s your mentality after a game like this.”

While the exact wording has not been officially confirmed, the story has quickly gained traction among fans already frustrated by the team’s recent performances and perceived lack of fight in crucial matches.

The Old Firm rivalry is unlike almost any other in world football. Every action is scrutinised, and players are expected to understand the magnitude of representing either club. Moments that may be considered harmless in other fixtures can become major controversies in Glasgow, especially after defeat.

Many Rangers supporters defended Rohl’s reported stance, arguing that players must show greater awareness in emotionally charged situations.

“One of the biggest derbies in football and you’re laughing and swapping shirts straight after losing? Fans will never accept that,” one supporter wrote online.

Another added: “The manager is right. You can respect opponents privately, but there’s a time and place.”

However, others felt the reaction had been exaggerated, insisting modern football culture has changed and shirt exchanges are now common across the game.

Former players and pundits were also divided. Some argued that professionalism and mutual respect between opponents should not be condemned, while others insisted that understanding club culture remains essential, especially in fixtures with deep historical significance.

The controversy has only intensified scrutiny on the Rangers dressing room and the leadership within the squad. Questions have repeatedly been raised this season about mentality, consistency, and whether enough players truly grasp the demands of playing for the club.

Rohl, known for his intense coaching style and high standards, has reportedly been determined to create a stronger mentality within the squad since arriving. Sources suggest he has little patience for actions that could be interpreted as weakness or complacency, particularly in high-profile matches.

The manager now faces a difficult balancing act. While many fans admire strong discipline and accountability, publicly freezing out a player could create further tension within the squad if not handled carefully. At the same time, failing to address the issue risked alienating supporters already demanding greater passion and commitment from the team.

The player involved has yet to comment publicly on the situation, and Rangers have made no official statement regarding the reports. Celtic, meanwhile, are understood to be unconcerned by the controversy, viewing the shirt exchange as a routine post-match gesture between professionals.

Still, the incident highlights the unique pressure surrounding Old Firm matches. Every handshake, every celebration, and every interaction is analysed in extraordinary detail. In such an emotionally charged environment, even a simple exchange of shirts can become front-page news.

Attention will now turn to Rohl’s next team selection and whether the player involved remains part of his plans moving forward. If the reports are accurate, the manager’s message could represent one of the clearest examples yet of his determination to reshape standards and attitudes within the squad.

For Rangers supporters still angry over the result and the refereeing controversies that dominated discussion after the match, the shirt-swapping incident became symbolic of a wider frustration  the belief that too many players fail to fully appreciate what wearing the badge truly means.

Whether the player is ultimately forgiven or frozen out entirely, the debate is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. In Glasgow, especially when Rangers and Celtic collide, nothing is ever forgotten quickly.