Thousands of furious Celtic supporters clashed with police officers outside Parkhead stadium on Saturday afternoon, following a humiliating 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Rangers in the Old Firm Derby.
From Promise to Collapse on the Pitch
The match on Saturday, January 3, 2026, began promisingly for the home side when Yang Hyun-jun scored a superb solo goal in the 20th minute. However, the game unravelled dramatically for Celtic in the second half. Youssef Chermiti struck twice for Rangers within nine minutes, before Mikey Moore sealed a memorable victory for the visitors in the 71st minute.
The result left Celtic stunned and six points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, intensifying the pressure on manager Wilfried Nancy. His appointment as the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers was announced just over four weeks prior to this defeat.
Protests Erupt Against Board and Manager
As the third Rangers goal hit the net, the familiar chant of 'sack the board' echoed around Celtic Park, met by ironic retorts of 'keep the board' from the travelling Rangers support. Chants also turned directly on the manager, with supporters loudly voicing their displeasure towards Wilfried Nancy.
Thousands of fans exited the stadium early and congregated at the front doors of Celtic Park, demanding the removal of the club's hierarchy. Their anger was further inflamed when, according to the Daily Record, a handful of corporate fans in the Walfrid Suite were seen pointing and laughing at the protesters from a window.
The situation escalated as supporters attempted to charge past police lines, resulting in clashes. Chants of "Dermot, Dermot get to f***" were directed at principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, highlighting the deep-seated frustration with the club's leadership.
Nancy Responds and Pressure Mounts
Speaking after the match, a defiant yet disappointed Wilfried Nancy addressed the media. "It was disappointing because we deserved more today, but again, we needed more goals," he stated.
He praised his team's first-half performance but pinpointed critical lapses. "In the second half we conceded three goals from throw-ins. It's difficult to accept, but it's reality... This is about details, the game is about details."
Nancy acknowledged the fans' disappointment, saying, "I can understand the disappointment, but I also saw what we're able to do." He concluded by emphasising unity: "This is reality, but we have to stay together. We are together with the board."
The protest marks a dramatic flashpoint in a relationship between the Celtic support and the board that has been strained for some time, notably following a heated AGM late last year. With the team's form faltering, the pressure on both Nancy and the hierarchy has reached a critical level.
