As the SPFL title race enters its final laps, Celtic has emphatically grabbed the steering wheel, leaving Rangers eating their dust—an apt change of gears considering the past few months.
Rangers had a golden opportunity to steer the title race in their favour when Celtic came to town eleven days ago, but ended up spinning their wheels, settling for a 3-3 draw. As for the the post-match of the game, it was more farce than football, at least from a Celtic supporter’s perspective.
The scene at Ibrox was one for the books. Imagine the scene: a packed house, the air thick with anticipation, the confidence was sky high then the whistle sounded. The Ibrox club did look dead and buried until a dubious spot kick was awarded. Credit to them, they fought back. However, in a display of dramatic irony, they celebrated a draw with the enthusiasm usually reserved for a victory. Plenty of pomp but lacking the Premiership trophy. Now, with just five games remaining, Celtic are three points clear at the top, and the mood in the green half of Glasgow? A mix of gleeful taunts and cautious optimism.
Celtic fans, ever the jesters on social media, have been relentless. Following Rangers’ further slip-ups against Ross County and Dundee, the online banter has been as unforgiving as a Scottish winter. The Ibrox faithful must’ve felt the sting especially when Dundee stadium DJ chose tracks to compound their evening. Kris Boyd, often seen as a biased beacon for Rangers, managed to surprise even his sternest critics following the soggy saga at Dundee. The match, twice postponed due to a waterlogged pitch—Boyd delivered a memorable quip in the Sky Sports studio. After Rangers dropped crucial points, he cheekily remarked, “Rangers have ’99 problems but the pitch ain’t one’.” Even as a steadfast Celtic supporter, I must admit, Boyd’s timely humour cracked the usual facade of frustration, earning a rare chuckle from myself.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m here to douse the flames of over-excitement with a cool splash of reality. Yes, Celtic is in pole position, but this race is far from over. The remaining fixtures are not mere formalities; they are battles. Celtic must navigate these treacherous waters with the precision of a seasoned captain. The ghosts of upsets past linger, reminding us of our vulnerabilities.
Take the next match at Dundee, for example. If Rangers found themselves in a quagmire there, Celtic must approach with a blend of caution and courage. Yes, the pendulum has swung in our favour, but it wouldn’t take much for it to swing back. The Tynecastle game earlier this season a reminder how things can unravel when officiating falls below amateur standards.
Home games can’t be taken for granted either. At halftime against Hearts, with Celtic down 2-0, some fans showed that their frustration knows no season—poor Santa got booed as he made his merry way across the pitch! It’s quite a journey we’ve made, from giving Santa a frosty reception to being just five games away from securing three consecutive titles. Here’s to hoping the big man in red has forgiven us—sorry, Santa, it looks like we were just a bit too naughty on that chilly December day!
Under Brendan Rodgers’ calm guidance, there’s a renewed sense of stability. Contrast that with the apparent unraveling of Rangers’ boss Clement, whose honeymoon period has ended in a rather public display of pressure. His post-match antics and excuses are telling signs of a ship struggling in choppy waters.
Should Celtic clinch the title, it will not just be a victory; it will be a saga of redemption, resilience, and ultimately, gratification. After a season of heart-stopping twists and emotional roller coasters, securing the SPFL trophy would not just be a win—it would be a triumph for every supporter.
So, to every Celtic supporter: stay grounded, stay cautious, but also, allow yourself a smile. We’re leading the race, and while the finish line isn’t crossed yet, we can see it off on the horizon. It’s in our hands, let’s finish the story.
