Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Sun 23 March 2025 10:14, UK

Rangers’ 3-2 beating of Celtic in the Old Firm Derby on Sunday (16 March) has caused plenty of fallout off the pitch.

It may have been a disastrous season for the most part at Ibrox this term but three points at Celtic Park ahead of the international break carried on Barry Ferguson’s strong interim spell.

The victory also pushed back Celtic’s plans to celebrate being Champions of the Scottish Premiership while Hugh Keevins also argued it shed light on some home truths.

Keevins riles Peter Lawwell

There is no doubt that Celtic have been the miles better side than Rangers this term and with 13 points separating them in the league table, there’s no arguing with that.

However, the Gers seem to have come alive against their rivals of late and produced a series of good results against Celtic.

In their three most recent games, the Light Blues have scored nine goals past their opponents which, given the differences in standards this term, is not good enough for their rivals.

Philippe Clement’s side were unlucky to lose the League Cup final as they took it to penalties after a 3-3 draw but Ferguson’s men got their revenge at Celtic Park with a 3-2 win ahead of the international break.

Writing in the Daily Record (23 March), Keevins argued that Rangers have done a favour for Celtic as he highlighted how we angered Peter Lawwell, saying: “But you could argue Rangers have done Rodgers a favour. The weekend defeat only highlighted the lack of strength in depth at Celtic Park and establishing the need for some heavy-duty recruitment in the summer.

“Let me make it abundantly clear at this point that Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has absolutely nothing to do with the club’s transfer business. In or out. I know this for a fact because I had to get out of bed a few weeks ago to take a call from him early one Sunday morning. Peter was irate because of something I had written in that day’s column.

“Not a personal opinion of mine, I have to say, but a reference to a fan on the radio having alleged that the chairman’s hand was “all over” Celtic’s transfer strategy. The wrongly accused chairman assured me, in no uncertain terms, this was inaccurate nonsense. I happily repeat his stance here while stating that whoever is responsible for sourcing new players needs to get the finger out.”

Rangers eyeing better days ahead

After a difficult number of seasons for Rangers, supporters will have been sick of having to sit back and watch their neighbours get all the glory.

However, since the appointment of Ferguson, standards at Ibrox have been raised which did allow his side to go and get three points against Celtic.

With the 49ers Enterprises also looking to complete a takeover of Rangers, this could change the club’s fortunes massively and allow them to compete at the very top again.

While their rivals wouldn’t want to admit it, Old Firm games should be competitive and cause managers to ponder whether they are making the right decisions and what might need to be changed so Keevins can’t be far off with that.

When it comes to Lawwell, he’s very keen not to take any blame but there is certainly still some work to be done in the team whether by him or someone else.

Gers supporters will just have to hope that any new owners they do get in, will be more involved with their success.