Barry Ferguson’s Reaction to Celtic’s Title Win Sparks Internet Frenzy and Fuels Ibrox Fixture Tension
The Scottish Premiership title race has reached its crescendo, with Celtic on the cusp of clinching their 13th championship in 14 seasons. As the celebrations loom, interim Rangers manager Barry Ferguson’s candid reaction to Celtic’s impending triumph has set social media alight, igniting debates and amplifying anticipation for the upcoming Old Firm clash at Ibrox on May 4, 2025. Ferguson’s emotional outpouring, coupled with his reflections on Rangers’ struggles, has struck a chord with fans on both sides of Glasgow’s fierce rivalry, making headlines and stirring the pot ahead of a potentially title-deciding fixture.
Ferguson, a Rangers legend and the club’s interim boss since February, has been under immense pressure. His tenure has been marked by a turbulent run, including a record-breaking five consecutive home defeats at Ibrox and a failure to close the gap on Celtic. Despite a morale-boosting 3-2 Old Firm victory at Parkhead last month, Rangers’ inconsistent form—epitomized by a 2-0 loss to Hibernian and a chaotic 2-2 draw at Aberdeen—has all but handed the title to their
In a recent interview, Ferguson laid bare his feelings about Celtic’s looming title win, admitting it’s “painful for me, my staff, painful for the supporters.” His raw honesty resonated deeply, particularly with Rangers fans grappling with the reality of another season in Celtic’s shadow. Social media platforms, especially X, erupted with reactions, as Celtic fans seized the opportunity to gloat while Rangers supporters rallied behind their beleaguered manager. Posts on X from accounts like
@CelticStarMag
and
@celtic_shorts
amplified Ferguson’s quote, dubbing it a “Zombie Pain Admission” and hailing “Celtic Glory,” while others mocked Rangers’ plight with references to past financial woes.
The viral nature of Ferguson’s comments stems from his status as a Rangers icon. A former captain who led the club to multiple titles, Ferguson’s interim stint has been a bittersweet homecoming. His admission of hurt was coupled with a defiant pledge: “If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don’t get the job, I will still support the club.” This statement, shared widely online, has fueled speculation about his future while endearing him to loyal fans who see his passion as a reflection of their own.
Celtic legend Chris Sutton, never one to miss a chance to stoke the flames, added fuel to the fire with a cheeky tweet after Rangers’ loss to Hibs: “How did Bazball go today?” The jab, referencing Ferguson’s tactical approach, further amplified the online buzz, with Celtic supporters reveling in the banter and Rangers fans defending their manager’s efforts under trying circumstances.
The May 4 Old Firm derby at Ibrox looms as a potential flashpoint. While some Rangers fans, like Denis Bruce from Bishopbriggs, have dismissed the game as a “dead rubber” given Celtic’s near-certain title win, the emotional stakes couldn’t be higher. For Celtic, the chance to clinch the championship at Ibrox would be a historic taunt, a moment to rub salt in the wounds of their rivals. For Rangers, it’s an opportunity to salvage pride and delay Celtic’s celebrations, even if only symbolically.
Ferguson’s comments have heightened the narrative around this fixture. His acknowledgment of the pain felt by Rangers’ supporters mirrors the frustration expressed on the Daily Record’s Hotline, where fans vented about the club’s takeover delays and Celtic’s relentless dominance. One caller, Willie Mercer from Dumfries, criticized Ferguson’s tactics in a recent Europa League loss, hinting at the pressure he faces to deliver in high-stakes matches like the upcoming derby.
The Ibrox crowd, already disheartened by a mass exodus during the Hibs defeat, will be desperate for a performance to restore faith. Ferguson himself admitted the sight of fans streaming out of the stadium was “a sore one to take,” emphasizing the need for his players to “dictate to the stands” with a spirited display. A strong showing against Celtic could galvanize the fanbase and bolster Ferguson’s case for the permanent managerial role, especially with a potential Europa League run still alive.
The online storm surrounding Ferguson’s reaction underscores the deep divide in Glasgow’s footballing heart. Celtic fans, buoyed by their team’s supremacy, have taken to X to mock Rangers’ struggles, with posts gleefully highlighting Ferguson’s pain. Meanwhile, Rangers supporters, while frustrated, see his words as a call to arms, a reminder of the club’s resilience despite a season of chaos.
Ferguson’s feelings about the Ibrox fixture reflect a broader truth: in the Old Firm rivalry, every game matters, title or no title. His defense of Vaclav Cerny’s controversial “watergate” celebration at Parkhead—where the Rangers winger sprayed Celtic fans with water after a late winner—shows he’s unafraid to embrace the rivalry’s intensity. “The reaction was, he’s excited because his team-mate has just scored what was to be the winning goal,” Ferguson said, a stance that endeared him to Rangers fans but drew ire from Celtic’s faithful.
As the May 4 clash approaches, Ferguson’s challenge is clear: rally a beleaguered squad, ignite a disillusioned fanbase, and defy a Celtic side on the verge of history. Whether he can turn the pain of Celtic’s title win into fuel for an Ibrox upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his words have ensured that all eyes will be on Govan, both on the pitch and across the internet.
