DERMOT GALLAGHER RESPONDS AS OLD FIRM DRAMA SPARKS CONTROVERSY AND CELTIC FURY AFTER RANGERS VICTORY
There is a pulse that runs through a city when its clubs collide, a tension that refuses to be tamed by time or reason. Glasgow has always understood this. The streets, the bars, and the echoes of terraces carry stories of loyalty, triumph, and heartbreak. At the heart of it, Rangers’ identity has been forged not just in victories, but in resilience, pride, and the unyielding belief that the badge means more than the individual wearing it. These moments are bigger than tactics, bigger than results — they are about legacy, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
For generations, Ibrox has demanded courage and character from those who step onto its pitch. From European nights that tested every nerve, to Old Firm clashes that reverberate far beyond the stadium, Rangers have built themselves on values that cannot be taught in training. Every tackle, every decision, every challenge is measured not only in points but in purpose. It is a club where expectation is inherited, not requested — and where history watches every move with scrutiny.
The latest chapter in this ongoing narrative came on January 3, 2026, at Parkhead. Rangers emerged victorious in a 3–1 triumph over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, a performance that showcased composure, ambition, and clinical execution. Danny Röhl’s side now sits level on points with their Glasgow rivals while remaining six points behind leaders Hearts, but the story of the match extends far beyond the scoreline.
The contest was not without its moments of drama. Just three minutes in, Emmanuel Fernandez became the center of controversy when he made contact with Celtic’s Arne Engels. A raised arm struck the midfielder’s face as he applied pressure from behind, sending him to the ground. The moment sparked immediate debate among supporters and pundits alike. VAR reviewed the incident and the referee, Steven McLean, opted against a sending-off, concluding that the challenge did not meet the threshold for a red card.
Some Celtic fans were incensed, claiming Fernandez should have been dismissed, but former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher offered a measured perspective. Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, he stated:
“I thought yellow card. I don’t think he swings an elbow, he’s almost pushing him off isn’t he? It’s not as if he’s fired it off as a weapon. I do think the referee handled this game really, really well.”
The ruling, Gallagher explained, aligns with the standards of fair play and the referee’s responsibility to distinguish intent from accident. Rangers, he suggested, were simply the better side, and there was no justification for complaints against officiating to overshadow Celtic’s shortcomings on the night.
The performance of Rangers in the second half underscored that point. A brace from Youssef Chermiti and a precise strike from Mikey Moore turned the fixture decisively, showcasing the depth, composure, and tactical intelligence of Röhl’s men. Rangers dominated possession, pressed with intensity, and executed their game plan with ruthless efficiency — a display that left the Celtic defense exposed and, ultimately, the Hoops’ managerial position untenable.
Wilfried Nancy was dismissed following the defeat, bringing an abrupt end to his short tenure after only eight matches. Yet, the result also offered a reminder of what Rangers have consistently done over decades — blend discipline, talent, and leadership into performances that leave a mark far beyond a single fixture.
“Celtic cannot point the finger at the officials for this defeat. Rangers earned every bit of it,” one insider observed, capturing the essence of the night.
Fernandez’s involvement in the early controversy did little to diminish his influence. Calm under pressure, composed on the ball, and assertive in challenges, the 24-year-old demonstrated the poise and leadership that have become hallmarks of Rangers’ emerging generation. The young defender’s ability to manage critical moments reflects not just individual skill but the ethos instilled at Ibrox — resilience, responsibility, and a refusal to be rattled by provocation.
The Old Firm is always more than a match; it is a test of character. Rangers showed they can thrive under scrutiny, adapt under tension, and seize control when it matters most. The city may rumble with debate and anger, but the performance and Gallagher’s verdict reaffirmed what supporters already know: Rangers’ standards are uncompromising, their strategy deliberate, and their belief unwavering.
“There appeared to be no malicious intent in that challenge,” Gallagher added, “and Rangers were fully deserving of their victory. That should put an end to any lingering controversy.”
As the Scottish Premiership progresses, the stakes continue to rise. Rangers now hold parity with Celtic in points, yet their focus extends beyond rivalry. Each fixture is an opportunity to cement identity, display authority, and reinforce a culture where merit, courage, and preparation prevail. The victory at Parkhead was not merely a scoreline — it was a statement.
Fans at Ibrox, steeped in history and tradition, will look back on the match and see what makes Rangers unique: a club where every challenge is met with character, every victory is earned with conviction, and where the lessons of the past shape the ambitions of today. In Emmanuel Fernandez, the city witnessed a microcosm of that philosophy: intelligence, discipline, and composure in moments that matter most. And with Gallagher’s endorsement echoing across screens and terraces alike, Rangers’ triumph in the Old Firm will be remembered not for controversy, but for courage, control, and the enduring power of tradition.
