Barry Ferguson Speaks Out on Threats from Rangers Fans Following Celtic’s Success: “They Have Taken Things Too Far”
In a shocking revelation, Rangers interim manager and club legend Barry Ferguson has publicly addressed the barrage of threats and abuse he has received from a section of Rangers supporters in the wake of Celtic’s recent dominance in the Scottish Premiership. The former captain, who has been at the helm since February 2025 following Philippe Clement’s sacking, expressed his dismay at the personal attacks, stating that some fans have “taken things too far” as Celtic clinched their fourth consecutive league title.
The 2024-25 season has been a turbulent one for Rangers. With Celtic securing the Premiership crown in emphatic fashion—most notably with a 5-0 thrashing of Dundee United on April 26, 2025—Rangers have struggled to keep pace. Ferguson’s tenure as interim boss has been marked by inconsistency, with the team dropping points in crucial matches, including a 2-2 draw against St Mirren and a chaotic comeback draw at Aberdeen. Despite notable victories, such as a 3-2 win over Celtic and a Europa League triumph against Fenerbahce, Rangers’ domestic failings have left fans frustrated, and some have directed their anger at Ferguson.
Celtic’s relentless success, coupled with Rangers’ elimination from the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao on April 17, 2025, has intensified the pressure on Ferguson. The former skipper, who led Rangers to multiple titles as a player, acknowledged the pain of watching their rivals celebrate. “I know what it’s like to see Celtic lift silverware—it’s horrible,” Ferguson said in a recent interview. “But that pain should fuel us to come back stronger, not lead to this kind of abuse.”
While Ferguson has always embraced the passion of Rangers’ fanbase, he admitted that the threats he has received in recent weeks have crossed a dangerous line. Sources close to the club indicate that Ferguson has been targeted with abusive messages on social media, as well as threatening phone calls and letters, with some explicitly referencing Celtic’s title win. The abuse reportedly escalated after Rangers’ lackluster performance against St Mirren, which coincided with Celtic’s title-clinching victory.
Speaking to the press, Ferguson did not mince words: “I’m a Rangers man through and through. I’ve given everything for this club as a player and now as a manager. To get threats from our own fans, especially over something as personal as this, is unacceptable. They’ve taken things too far.” He emphasized that while he understands the fans’ disappointment, resorting to threats and intimidation is “not what Rangers is about.”
Ferguson’s comments come at a time when football globally has seen a rise in fan hostility, with managers and players increasingly facing personal attacks. The interim boss called for unity, urging supporters to channel their energy into backing the team as they prepare for a crucial offseason under potential new ownership led by 49ers Enterprises.
Ferguson’s connection to Rangers runs deep. As a midfielder, he made over 400 appearances for the club, captaining them to three Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups. His tenacity and leadership on the pitch made him a fan favorite, but his managerial stint has divided opinion. With a record of four wins, four losses, and two draws in his 10 matches in charge, some fans argue that Ferguson lacks the experience to lead Rangers forward, pointing to his previous managerial roles at lower-tier clubs like Clyde, Kelty Hearts, and Alloa Athletic.
Critics, including pundit Simon Jordan, have suggested that calls for Ferguson to be appointed permanently stem from “disillusioned” fans desperate for a “Rangers man” rather than a proven tactician. Others, however, praise Ferguson’s passion and game management, citing his ability to secure unexpected victories against Celtic and Fenerbahce despite inheriting a squad plagued by inconsistency.
Celtic’s recent success has exposed the gap between the two Glasgow giants. Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have been ruthless, with strategic recruitment—such as the signings of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Matt O’Riley for a combined £11 million—yielding both trophies and significant transfer profits. Rangers, by contrast, have been hampered by financial waste and a squad in need of a major overhaul, issues Ferguson has been powerless to fully address in his interim role.
The impending takeover by 49ers Enterprises and the appointment of Everton’s Kevin Thelwell as sporting director signal a potential new era for Rangers. However, Ferguson’s future remains uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to stay on, either as manager or in another capacity, he insists he will not seek another managerial job elsewhere if Rangers do not retain him. “I want to make this club better, but it needs to be sorted soon,” he said after the Bilbao defeat.
Ferguson’s plea for fans to stop the threats is also a call for perspective. “We’re all hurting, but this club is bigger than any one person,” he said. “We need to stick together, not tear each other apart.” His comments have sparked a broader conversation about fan behavior, with Rangers’ official supporters’ groups condemning the abuse and urging fans to support the team constructively.
As Rangers head into their final five league games with little to play for, Ferguson remains focused on finishing the season strongly and proving his worth to the incoming owners. Whether he secures the permanent role or not, one thing is clear: the threats and abuse have no place in football, and even a club legend like Barry Ferguson is not immune to their impact.
For now, Ferguson is standing firm, embodying the resilience that made him a Rangers icon. But as Celtic’s celebrations continue across the city, the challenge for Rangers—and their fans—is to channel their passion into rebuilding a team capable of reclaiming their place at the top.
SPFL PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS REVEALED WITH THREE CELTIC PLAYER AND ONE SUPRISE RIVAL INCLUSION
Young Player of the Year candidates have also been confirmed
Published: 14:00, 28 Apr 2025
THE candidates for the SPFA’s Premiership Player of the Year have been confirmed.
And it’s no surprise that runaway league-winning Celtic stars are dominating the category for the award.
6
Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are both nominated for Player of the YearCredit: Kenny Ramsay
6
Callum McGregor makes it three out of four candidates from the HoopsCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Daizen Maeda has been pointed as favourite for some months already with his 16 league goals and nine assists having him topping the charts.
Across all competitions he has netted an astounding 33 times this campaign for the champions.
He’s joined by two teammates in the voting, the first of whom is Nicolas Kuhn.
The German winger’s 12 goals have him fifth in the rankings for scorers, and his eight league assists are bettered only by Maeda and Alistair Johnston.
Read more football stories
He was on his hottest form earlier in the season with his two goals in their last match against Dundee United being his first (and second) since February.
Some had wondered if tailing off a little would have ended his hopes of being put up for the award, but we now know that isn’t the case.
The third Hoops star involved is captain Callum McGregor.
Playing deeper in the midfield his goal contribution stats don’t grab as much attention as his aforementioned teammates, with eight netted and two set up in the Premiership. Half of those goals also came in the first six games of the season.
But the skipper has been absolutely crucial in their charge to title glory in other ways having played a full 90 minutes in the vast majority of league fixtures.
The final nominee and the only one not in green and white is a big inclusion as he’s currently battling to pull away from 11th place and a relegation playoff.
Celtic have clinched the Premiership title – now Hatate could leave with SIX players coming in
6
Dundee’s Simon Murray rounds off the categoryCredit: Andy Barr
Dundee striker Simon Murray, despite a season of struggle for his team, is joint top on 16 goals with Maeda.
Joining last summer after a successful spell with Ross County, Murray’s goalscoring has been crucial for the Dens Park side.
He was the difference in a win over Hearts this weekend as he made it eight scored in his last eight league games.
With only four nominees put forward, some are unlucky to miss out.
In an impressive season for recently promoted Dundee United which sees them fighting for third, Wrexham loanee Sam Dalby’s 14 goals have impressed fans who’ll be hoping for a permanent move for the forward.
Despite a disappointing campaign for Rangers Cyriel Dessers still finds himself fourth top scorer with 13 league goals notched, while winger Vaclav Cerny and midfielder Nicolas Raskin have impressed too.
In an even more disappointing season for bottom six Hearts who recently sacked head coach Neil Critchley, left-back James Penrice has been a bright spark after joining from Livingston.
He landed himself a space in the Team of the Year as well as the club’s internal Player’s and Fan’s Player of the Year.
The fantastic four nominated for the SPFA’s Young Player of the Year have also been announced.
6
Celtic’s marquee summer signing Arne Engels is up for Young Player of the YearCredit: Willie Vass
6
Rangers’ Hamza Igamane is the only Gers representativeCredit: Getty
6
Scotland teens Lennon Miller of Motherwell, left, and James Wilson of Hearts are also put forwardCredit: Kenny Ramsay
There is only one Celtic player on this list in the form of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels.
He joined in the summer from German side Augsburg with a big £11million price tag attached and has appeared in every single game for Brendan Rodgers’ team.
The Gers have a name in the voting for the youngster category as Moroccan forward Hamza Igamane’s 11 goals (plus another four in the Europa League) land him a spot.
The Old Firm players are 21 and 22 years old respectively while the other two nominees are in their teens.
Motherwell’s Lennon Miller needs little introduction as he’s seen as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Big European clubs have been sniffing around the 18-year-old who has played the role of captain at Fir Park at points this season.
The final nominee is Hearts’ James Wilson in what has been a breakthrough season for the teenager.
Read more on goldengallonmood.com.ng
It took until December for the forward to get a proper chance in the senior side and he’d played in every game since until his recent red card suspension.
Steve Clarke also handed him a Scotland debut against Greece last month which made him a record breaker as youngest ever player for the national team.
Another trophyless season has left Rangers in Celtic’s shadow for yet another season as the Parkhead club’s domination of Scottish football continues.
As Celtic outmuscle Rangers on and off the park, the general consensus is that the Hoops are miles ahead of their Glasgow counterparts.
However, according to Derek Ferguson, the gap between Celtic and Rangers is not as big as some people make out as Brendan Rodgers looks to win the club’s six domestic treble in the last nine years.
Derek Ferguson admits he’s going to be laughed at with upcoming Celtic comments
Being Rangers boss Barry Ferguson’s brother, Derek will of course try to defend the club he played for many decades ago.
But now a professional pundit with the BBC, the former Rangers man’s comments will certainly raise the eyebrows of Celtic supporters.
Ferguson said on BBC Radio Scotland, “I don’t think they’re streets ahead, and you’re going to laugh at me here, on the park. I think that can change very quickly in a close season.
“I think where Rangers are lacking throughout the club, but I think as for Celtic are far superior. But you know, of the 49ers, as we await them coming in and if you have a good close season in terms of the signings you bring in, and you’re quite strict and who you’re going to keep, listen, I think that the gap on the on the field is not as big as what everybody thinks.
“I think that can be cut back pretty sharply. And, you know, it depends who comes in, obviously the signings.
“So, I think it’s not as big as everybody makes out.”
Tom English and Stephen Craigan are having none of Ferguson’s Celtic comments
It was quite a bizarre comment to make considering the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table has increased since Barry Ferguson came into the Rangers role.
But comments like this has just opened Ferguson up to ridicule trying to defend his brother’s club.
And even Tom English and Stephen Craigan couldn’t agree with him.
English: “Oh Derek, I have to disagree. How many points are they behind in the league never mind the last two games.
“I think there’s a massive gap. And I know Rangers have done well recently, but they’re doing well from a position of they know they’re not going to win the league, so the pressures are off a little bit.
“Yes, they are capable of beating Celtic. They’re also capable, and have lost to a bunch of other teams way down the league. This is the problem.
“These players are not good enough to challenge a Celtic. That’s why a load of them have to be moved out, and a whole new team, I feel has to be created. I just can’t get with you on this. Derek, sorry.”
Quite a definite verdict from English, but what does Craigan think? The former Motherwell man was just as critical of Ferguson’s comments.
Craigan: “I think when you when you think about an underdog, they can win one off games. They can win big games occasionally. They can’t do it over a sustained period of time.
“And the way Rangers are performed in those games, they’ve been underdogs in them. Old F-rm games and the European games, and it suited them, but they’ve shown that they can’t go over a full league season of 38 games and challenge this Celtic team that have been dominant.
“So I would tend to agree with Tom, I think there is a gap and it needs improving.”
Anyone can see that the gap between Celtic and Rangers is vast both on and off the park, to claim otherwise is just daft.
But it seems that as Ferguson remains in denial, Celtic can get on with the business of strengthening the squad for next season and hopefully not keeping the gap the same, but increasing it even more.
