In the lead-up to tomorrow’s highly-anticipated Glasgow Derby at Ibrox, Rangers have managed to stoke discontent among their own fanbase with an email sent out to supporters. The correspondence, intended as a routine pre-match communication, opened with the line: “Rangers are DELIGHTED to welcome Celtic to Ibrox Stadium on Thursday, 2 January.”
While seemingly innocuous, the phrasing has sparked outrage from a section of the Rangers support, who feel the tone is wildly inappropriate given the current state of affairs. Celtic arrive at Ibrox a commanding 14 points clear at the top of the Premiership, with Brendan Rodgers’ men dominating the league and the recent history of this rivalry. For Rangers fans, the word “delighted” in reference to their bitter rivals has struck a nerve.
Thin Skins on Display
From a Celtic perspective, the uproar is amusing. The Bhoys have been relentless this season, and the 14-point gap reflects the gulf in quality between the two sides. If anything, this overreaction from Rangers fans highlights the pressure and frustration bubbling under the surface at Ibrox. With no away support present tomorrow, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged, but the cracks in the home camp are already beginning to show.
While the email was clearly nothing more than standard PR boilerplate, Rangers’ fans have jumped on the wording as evidence of a lack of awareness—or worse, complacency—within their club. Social media has been awash with criticism.
The Bhoys Keep Calm
On the other side of Glasgow, Celtic fans are simply enjoying the spectacle. The Hoops have been clinical all season and head to Ibrox confident, their focus firmly on securing another three points.
Celtic know what it takes to win at Ibrox. With no away fans in attendance, the team will need to rely on their own discipline and quality to silence the home crowd. But as the reaction to this email shows, the pressure of facing the runaway league leaders is already playing on the minds of Rangers fans and, perhaps, their club itself.
