Rangers Ultras Set to Deliver Fiery Reception for Celtic at Ibrox Amid Escalating Tensions
Glasgow’s footballing rivalry is set to reach fever pitch on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as Rangers’ ultras group, the Union Bears, prepare to give Celtic a provocative and taunting reception at Ibrox Stadium. The highly anticipated Old Firm derby, the final one of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, comes on the heels of a controversial statement from Rangers ultras and a series of off-field incidents that have intensified the already fierce animosity between the two clubs. With Celtic on the verge of clinching a fourth consecutive Premiership title, the stage is set for an explosive encounter both on and off the pitch.
The Context: A Season of Rivalry and Controversy
The 2024-25 season has been a challenging one for Rangers. Trailing Celtic by 15 points in the Premiership, they’ve endured a torrid domestic campaign, marked by a shock Scottish Cup exit to Championship side Queen’s Park, a League Cup final loss to Celtic, and a string of home defeats at Ibrox to teams like Hibernian, Motherwell, and Fenerbahce. Despite these struggles, Rangers have shown resilience in Europe, reaching the Europa League quarter-finals under interim manager Barry Ferguson, only to be knocked out by Athletic Bilbao in a controversial tie.
Celtic, meanwhile, are on the cusp of another dominant season. Needing just a point against Dundee United on April 26 to secure the title, Brendan Rodgers’ side have been relentless, boasting a vastly superior goal difference and a 13th Premiership title in 14 seasons within their grasp. However, their recent 3-2 defeat to Rangers at Celtic Park—the first Old Firm win for Rangers at their rivals’ ground since October 2020—has given the Light Blues a psychological edge heading into this clash.
The off-field drama has been just as intense. A recent incident involving the Union Bears sparked outrage when the group was linked to graffiti in Glasgow’s Tradeston area, featuring the inflammatory slogan “No Pope of Rome” and a taunt about the death of Pope Francis. The act, condemned widely, prompted a swift response from Celtic ultras, who painted over the graffiti with their own retort: “No Flags and Drums,” referencing a claim that they had stolen Rangers ultras’ equipment. This tit-for-tat has only deepened the bad blood between the fanbases.
In the buildup to the May 4 derby, the Union Bears released a statement that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football. While the full details of the statement have not been made public, sources close to the group indicate it promises an “unforgettable” and “uncompromising” atmosphere at Ibrox, aimed at unsettling Celtic players and fans alike. The statement is said to call on Rangers supporters to create a “cauldron of noise” and deliver a reception that will “remind Celtic who rules Glasgow.”
This follows a season of provocative actions from Rangers fans, including a banner taunting Celtic during a 2-0 loss to Hibernian at Ibrox, which mocked Celtic fans in reference to an incident involving Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny squirting water toward Celtic supporters after the Parkhead win. Interim manager Barry Ferguson confirmed he had a private conversation with Cerny about the incident but expressed his desire to keep the winger at Ibrox, highlighting the charged emotions surrounding these fixtures.
The Union Bears’ statement also appears to draw inspiration from Rangers’ recent European performances, where the Ibrox atmosphere has been a significant factor. Despite a 2-0 defeat to Fenerbahce, Rangers progressed on penalties, with the crowd’s intensity credited for spurring the team on. The ultras are now intent on replicating—and amplifying—that energy to disrupt Celtic’s potential title celebrations.
Celtic, for their part, have remained composed in the face of the escalating rhetoric. Manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking ahead of the Dundee United match, dismissed the hype surrounding the Ibrox reception. “We’ve played in some of the toughest atmospheres in world football,” Rodgers said, referencing Celtic’s recent UEFA Champions League campaigns. “Ibrox will be intense, but my players thrive under pressure. Our focus is on the football.”
Celtic fans, however, have not been as restrained. On social media platforms like X, Hoops supporters have mocked the Union Bears’ statement, with some pointing to Celtic’s dominant record against Rangers this season—including a League Cup final win and a 15-point league lead—as evidence that the taunts are hollow. “They can shout all they want; we’ll be lifting the trophy,” one fan posted. Others referenced the graffiti incident, accusing Rangers ultras of crossing a line with their “vile” behavior.
The club has also taken steps to ensure fan safety after concerns raised during the last Old Firm match at Celtic Park, where 90 Rangers fans were denied entry for refusing police searches. Celtic have appointed safety advisers to work with authorities and prevent similar issues at Ibrox, signaling their determination to keep the focus on the pitch.
The timing of the ultras’ statement coincides with a period of upheaval at Rangers. The club is on the brink of a major takeover, with American healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and the…
