James Tavernier’s Reaction to Celtic’s Title Win Sparks Internet Frenzy and Fuels Derby Anticipation
The Scottish Premiership title race has always been a cauldron of passion, rivalry, and drama, with Celtic and Rangers at its heart. In 2025, as Celtic clinched the championship, the reaction from Rangers captain James Tavernier sent shockwaves across the internet, igniting debates, memes, and heated discussions among fans. His comments, coupled with the looming Old Firm derby, have only intensified the anticipation for one of football’s fiercest fixtures.
Tavernier, a Rangers stalwart since 2015, has been no stranger to the highs and lows of the Glasgow rivalry. With over 500 appearances for Rangers and a record as Britain’s highest-scoring defender, his leadership and resilience have defined his tenure. However, Celtic’s title triumph in 2025, marking another chapter in their domestic dominance, drew a response from Tavernier that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. In a post-match interview following Celtic’s title-clinching victory, Tavernier acknowledged the pain of defeat but vowed that Rangers would “come back stronger.” His words, laced with defiance and determination, were clipped, shared, and dissected across social media platforms, particularly X, where they amassed thousands of retweets and comments within hours.
The internet erupted with a mix of reactions. Celtic fans seized the opportunity to troll Tavernier, referencing past derby humiliations and his viral 2016 tweet praising Alloa Athletic for a guard of honour—a subtle jab at Rangers’ reluctance to offer Celtic the same courtesy. Memes flooded timelines, with some superimposing Tavernier’s face onto scenes of despair, while others mocked Rangers’ trophyless campaign. Conversely, Rangers supporters rallied behind their captain, praising his commitment and pointing to his recent performances, like his goal in a 3-2 derby win at Celtic Park in March 2025, as evidence of his ability to deliver when it matters. The polarized reactions underscored the tribal nature of the Old Firm rivalry, with Tavernier’s comments acting as a lightning rod for both celebration and frustration.
Tavernier’s response also revealed the emotional toll of the title loss. In a 2023 interview, he admitted that early Old Firm defeats felt “like you are going to die,” a sentiment that resurfaced in fan discussions online. Yet, he emphasized learning to manage those emotions, a maturity that Rangers fans hope will translate into the upcoming derby. With Celtic 17 points clear in the 2025 season, the derby at Ibrox looms as a chance for Rangers to salvage pride. Tavernier’s pledge to “make the fans proud” has heightened expectations, with supporters urging him to channel the grit shown in their Europa League run to the 2022 final.
As the derby approaches, Tavernier’s words have set the stage for a fiery encounter. Celtic, buoyed by their title win and Daizen Maeda’s tormenting of Tavernier in past clashes, will aim to rub salt in the wound. Meanwhile, Rangers, under interim manager Barry Ferguson, are banking on their captain’s leadership to spark an upset. The internet buzz around Tavernier’s reaction has only amplified the stakes, ensuring that all eyes will be on Ibrox for a clash that promises to be as emotional as it is explosive.
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Sources: Web IDs 2, 3, 9, 14, 19
Sources: Web IDs 2, 3, 9, 14, 19
