Chris Sutton makes remark on Rangers fans as they arrive at Celtic early
Rangers supporters are eagerly anticipating the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park after their memorable night in the Europa League in midweek.
Barry Ferguson added a significant string to his bow with Thursday’s penalty shootout win over Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce at Ibrox (13 March).
Just three days on and it’s Ferguson’s first Old Firm derby as a manager, having featured in dozens as a player – often donning the captain’s armband.
Sutton discusses Rangers fans v Celtic
Ferguson’s managerial stint so far has already been eventful, as he prepares to try and emerge victorious and slow down Celtic’s inevitable title charge.
Each side has one 3-0 win from their previous meetings this season, and Rangers will take confidence against Celtic from their passage into the Europa League quarter-finals.
Former Hoops forward Chris Sutton, speaking on Sky Sports News (16 March, 10:31), has commented on how positive it is that 2,500 away fans are now being let back in for Glasgow derbies after two years without.
“We’ve got some Rangers fans in already, nice and early,” Sutton said.
“That’s a big thing about it. It’s been too long where away fans have not been let inside both grounds.
“It’s good in a way to see Rangers fans back in Celtic Park.”
Rangers and Celtic had previously endured a stand-off in which supporters at both Ibrox and Celtic Park had been banned from attending derby clashes.
Discussions have since taken place to introduce measures to reintegrate away fans back to the Old Firm on both sides, in a universally beneficial move for Scottish and wider football.
Ferguson will enjoy underdog mentality
The thousands of away fans will play a huge part in motivating Rangers on the field at Celtic Park, but realistically the motivation will be at an all-time high regardless.
The Gers players have had it drilled into them the significance and history of the Old Firm, by a coaching department now heavily made up of pure Ibrox DNA, led by the former skipper.
| Old Firm derbies – 2024-25 | |
| 1 September 2024 | Celtic 3-0 Rangers |
| 2 January 2025 | Rangers 3-0 Celtic |
Ferguson will relish the siege mentality from the visitors against Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish Premiership leaders, for whom the pressure and expectancy is on.
Overcoming Fenerbahce will provide plenty of welcome confidence for the clash, with Rangers appearing to play without the shackles on when they are away from home.
Ferguson himself admitted there is an issue with playing at Ibrox of late, but they must approach the derby on Sunday lunchtime with a quiet belief they can cause a surprise.