Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is staring into the abyss after his side capitulated in a dramatic Old Firm derby, succumbing to a stunning 3-1 comeback from arch-rivals Rangers at Parkhead on Saturday.
Hoops' Early Promise Crumbles
The match, played on Saturday 03 January 2026, began brightly for the home side. After an initial period of anxiety, Celtic dominated proceedings and were rewarded in the 20th minute. South Korea international Yang Hyun-jun scored a magnificent solo goal, collecting a throw-in from Benjamin Nygren before slicing through the Rangers defence and firing high past Jack Butland.
Celtic had chances to extend their lead, with Auston Trusty heading wide and Johnny Kenny being denied by Butland. Rangers offered little in response, though Kasper Schmeichel did well to block a Djeidi Gassama chip. The visitors thought they had equalised just before half-time when Mikey Moore tapped in, but the effort was ruled out for offside against provider Youssef Chermiti.
Chermiti Inspires Remarkable Gers Turnaround
The second half, however, told a completely different story. Rangers manager Danny Rohl, who has revitalised the club's league form since replacing Russell Martin, made a key change, introducing Mohamed Diomande for Thelo Aasgaard.
The equaliser arrived in the 54th minute. A move down the right, initiated by Dujon Sterling—standing in for captain James Tavernier—ended with Nico Raskin cutting the ball back from the by-line for Youssef Chermiti to finish from close range.
Just nine minutes later, the £8m striker struck again to complete the turnaround. Chermiti robbed Celtic defender Anthony Ralston on the touchline, raced clear down the left flank, and drove into the box to beat Schmeichel with a powerful shot, with Trusty failing to intervene.
Moore Seals It as Parkhead Erupts in Anger
Celtic tried to respond, but Butland was equal to efforts from Daizen Maeda and Yang. Rangers then delivered the killer blow in the 71st minute. Mikey Moore collected a pass from Gassama and drilled a precise shot past Schmeichel into the far corner to make it 3-1.
The goal sparked fury among the home support. Chants of "sack the board" echoed around a rapidly-emptying Parkhead long before the final whistle, allowing the 2,000 travelling Rangers fans to celebrate a monumental victory that seemed improbable at half-time.
The result leaves Celtic and Rangers level on points in the William Hill Premiership, with the pressure now immense on French coach Nancy. With just two wins in his first seven games, and with fan sentiment turning decisively against both him and the board, his tenure appears to be hanging by a thread following this catastrophic collapse.
