Celtic Fans’ Fury Over Greg Taylor’s Deleted Instagram Post Amid Rangers Rumors
Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has found himself at the heart of a fierce controversy following a now-deleted Instagram post that has sparked outrage among some Hoops supporters. The 27-year-old Scotland international, whose contract with Celtic is set to expire in the summer of 2025, is facing calls from a vocal section of the fanbase to “never play again” for the club. The uproar, amplified by speculative links to arch-rivals Rangers, has ignited intense debates on social media platforms like X and in fan forums, raising questions about Taylor’s future at Celtic Park and the deep-seated emotions tied to the Old Firm rivalry.
The controversy erupted when Taylor reportedly shared an Instagram post that some Celtic fans interpreted as a sign of disloyalty or ambiguity about his future with the club. While the exact content of the post remains unclear due to its rapid deletion, fan reactions on X suggest it may have contained a cryptic message or imagery that hinted at his openness to new opportunities, potentially fueling speculation about a move elsewhere. Screenshots of the post circulated quickly, with some fans accusing Taylor of lacking commitment to Celtic, especially at a time when the club is chasing a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and competing in the UEFA Champions League.
The backlash was swift and severe. One X post, which garnered significant attention, declared: “Greg Taylor’s out here posting nonsense when we’re fighting for trophies? He’s done at Celtic. Never play him again.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing: “If Taylor’s even thinking about Rangers, he’s no place in the Hoops. That post was a disgrace.” The intensity of the reaction underscores the passionate loyalty Celtic fans demand, particularly in the context of the fierce rivalry with Rangers.
However, not all supporters have joined the calls for Taylor’s exile. Some have urged restraint, arguing that the post may have been misinterpreted or taken out of context. A more measured X post read: “Taylor’s been a solid servant for Celtic. One deleted post doesn’t mean he’s off to Rangers or betraying us. Let’s focus on the pitch.” This division among fans highlights the complex dynamics at play, with Taylor’s contributions to Celtic’s recent successes pitted against the emotional weight of the Rangers speculation.
The controversy has been exacerbated by rumors linking Taylor to Rangers, Celtic’s bitter rivals, as his contract nears its end. Pundits, including Kris Boyd and Michael Stewart, have suggested that Rangers could pursue Taylor on a free transfer in the summer, citing his quality and status as a Scotland international. Stewart, speaking on Premier Sports, noted: “From a Rangers perspective, it’s a free transfer, he’s in the Scotland squad, so it’s another Scottish player which is a huge asset. He’s a quality player.” Such comments have poured fuel on the fire, with some Celtic fans viewing the mere suggestion of a move across the Old Firm divide as unforgivable.
The idea of Taylor joining Rangers is particularly inflammatory given his history and the rarity of direct transfers between the two clubs. No first-team player has moved directly from Celtic to Rangers since Robert Campbell 119 years ago, making the speculation a lightning rod for fan anger. A Celtic blog, ACSOM, dismissed the rumors as absurd, stating: “Greg Taylor would never in a million years join Rangers. He’s got a young family, and it just would not be worth the abuse that both he and they would get.” Yet, the speculation persists, with Ally McCoist adding to the debate by suggesting Taylor could thrive at Ibrox, though he doubted Rangers would prioritize a left-back.
For Celtic fans, the Rangers link is not just about losing a player but about the symbolic betrayal of crossing the divide. Taylor’s past association with Rangers’ youth academy, from which he was released for being “too small and too slight,” adds another layer of complexity. While Taylor has since proven his worth at Celtic, winning 11 trophies since joining from Kilmarnock in 2019, his early Rangers connection has resurfaced in fan discussions, with some questioning his “allegiances.”
To understand the depth of fan frustration, it’s essential to consider Taylor’s journey and his role at Celtic. Since signing for £1 million (plus add-ons) from Kilmarnock in 2019, Taylor has been a mainstay under managers Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou, and Brendan Rodgers. With 209 appearances, 9 goals, and 32 assists, he has been a reliable presence at left-back, contributing to three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles, multiple Scottish Cups, and League Cups, including the 2023/24 cup double. His inclusion in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year for 2022/23 further underscores his consistency.
Taylor’s on-field contributions extend beyond statistics. Known for his tenacity and link-up play, he has earned praise from Rodgers, who described him as a player who “competes in his duels, wins headers, and makes it difficult for the opposition.” His leadership in the dressing room, highlighted in a Celtic documentary, has also endeared him to teammates, with moments like his playful swipe at Rangers after a title win showing his embrace of the club’s culture.
Yet, Taylor has not been immune to criticism. Some fans have long viewed him as a limited defender, with calls for an upgrade at left-back persisting throughout his tenure. The anticipated return of Kieran Tierney, a Celtic academy product and fan favorite, on a pre-contract from Arsenal has further fueled speculation that Taylor’s time at Celtic is drawing to a close. For some supporters, the Instagram post was the final straw, crystallizing frustrations about his perceived shortcomings and contract situation.
The deleted Instagram post raises questions about whether Taylor’s actions were a genuine misstep or a misunderstanding amplified by the rumor mill. Young athletes often use social media impulsively, and Taylor’s quick deletion suggests he recognized the potential for backlash. Without the full context of the post, it’s challenging to judge his intentions, but the incident highlights the scrutiny players face in the emotionally charged world of Scottish football.
Some fans have pointed to Taylor’s professionalism as evidence that the post may have been overblown. His performances, including a man-of-the-match display in a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in April 2025, show no signs of wavering commitment. Moreover, his decision to celebrate with his baby daughter on the pitch rather than conduct a post-match interview was interpreted by some as a personal moment, not a snub or hint at departure.
The Rangers rumors, meanwhile, appear largely speculative. Celtic sources and fan blogs like The Celtic Star have dismissed the idea of Taylor joining Rangers as “ridiculous,” citing his family priorities and the likelihood of him seeking a move outside Scotland, potentially to clubs like Dinamo Zagreb. Rodgers himself has expressed hope of retaining Taylor, suggesting the club’s decision to let him go is not purely financial but tied to his desire for a new challenge.
As Celtic push for another Premiership title and navigate the Champions League, Taylor remains a key figure on the pitch. However, his contract situation and the looming arrival of Tierney suggest his six-year stint at Celtic Park is nearing its end. The Instagram controversy has complicated his relationship with some fans, but it’s unlikely to lead to him being sidelined, given Rodgers’ reliance on his experience.
For Taylor, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for Celtic, particularly amid the Old Firm rivalry. Whether he stays in Scotland, moves abroad, or improbably joins Rangers, his next steps will be closely watched. For now, his focus will likely be on adding to his trophy haul and proving his loyalty through performances, hoping to mend ties with disgruntled supporters.
For Celtic fans, the episode reflects the raw passion and high expectations that define their support. While the calls for Taylor to “never play again” may fade, the incident underscores the unforgiving nature of the Old Firm divide, where even a deleted…
