More stories

  • in

    Sick Celtic fan who was spotted mocking Ibrox Disaster against Rangers SACKED from job

    A VILE Celtic fan seen mocking the Ibrox disaster during Sunday’s Old Firm match has been sacked from his high-flying job.Police have also launched an investigation into the actions of Darren Malloch who was filmed mocking the deaths of 66 Rangers fans who died after a stairway crush in 1971.Darren Malloch was caught mocking the victims of the Ibrox DisasterMalloch has been dismissed from his construction jobThe 35-year-old, from the Glasgow area, is a project manager with Advance Construction Scotland who have since announced his employment has been terminated in the wake of the shameful images of their employee.A statement read: “We can confirm that an individual has been dismissed from our employment, following an incident involving completely unacceptable behaviour at the recent Rangers v Celtic football match.“As a company, we hold all employees to the highest standards of conduct, both inside and outside the workplace.“In line with our disciplinary procedures, we will not tolerate or condone this behaviour.“We believe that Police Scotland is also investigating this incident, and therefore, we are unable to make any further comment on the matter.”Footage from the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox showed Mr Malloch holding up his mobile phone towards opposition fans with the number 66 clearly visible on the handset.That is the number of Gers supporters who lost their lives in the Ibrox disaster after a stairway crush at an Old Firm game on January 2, 1971.The warped fan can then be seen putting his phone away before showing the number six twice with his fingers – another reference to 66 deaths – and mimicking falling over with his hands.Most read in FootballIn a further sad twist, a child can be seen copying Malloch’s gestures.Malloch was a highly respected project manager for Advance Construction Scotland.Next season will be Brendan Rodgers’ LAST as Celtic manager says Robert GrieveBut after his image was shared widely on social media, the company dismissed him within hours following a string of complaints.Police Scotland also confirmed they were looking at the footage.A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”Celtic were approached for comment on whether they would ban Malloch for Celtic Park for life.The club said: “We will investigate fully and take any appropriate action.”Multiple attempts were made to reach Malloch himself for commentKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Rangers fans unveil giant ‘rebel scum’ banner with picture of Graeme Souness with shotgun before clash with Celtic

    RANGERS fans unfurled a provocative banner before kick-off against Celtic in the final Old Firm match of the season.The final derby showdown of the season saw Hoops fans return to an away league encounter at Ibrox for the first time in more than two years.The players walked out to a raucous reception at IbroxCredit: PACeltic fans returned to Ibrox for the first time in more than two yearsCredit: ReutersA banner featuring Graeme Souness’ image was unfurled as the players enteredCredit: PAIt read ‘take aim against the rebel scum’Credit: KENNY RAMSAYThat’s after the fan lockout that had prevented away supporters attending matches at their rivals’ stadiums was finally ended before the previous clash at Celtic Park.The last time Celtic supporters were at a derby at Ibrox was to see a thrilling 2-2 draw back in January 2023.As the teams made their way out in front of a raucous capacity crowd, a giant display was unfurled in the Copland Stand.The massive tifo contained a massive image of Gers legend Graeme Souness pointing a shotgun.The positioning of the shotgun itself on the banner appeared to be pointing directly towards where the Celtic supporters were sitting.They’re sat in the opposite corner of the stadium from the display in the corner between the Broomloan and Sandy Jardine stands.The bottom of the banner carried the words: “Take aim against the rebel scum.”The image of Souness used in the banner is a real picture taken back in June 1982 ahead of Scotland’s World Cup clash against New Zealand.Most read in FootballJust over a month ago, Rangers were hit with a suspended stadium closure by Uefa in relation to a previous banner display.The ultras section, within the Copland Stand, unfurled a banner during the Europa League clash with Fenerbahce at Ibrox.It read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”What does Rangers takeover mean for the club – finance expert speaks outRangers subsequently blasted their own fans over the banner that was deemed ‘racist and/or discriminatory’ by Uefa.The club fumed: “It is, however, deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.”Firstly, the club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.”Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.”This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.”Rangers v Celtic player ratingsRANGERS: Kelly 7, Tavernier 7, Balogun 7, Souttar 7, Jefte 5, Diomande 7, Raskin 8, Barron 7, Cerny 5, Dessers 6, Bajrami 5.Gers subs: Hagi 1 (Bajrami, 66), Igamane (1 Cerny, 66), Rice 2 (Hagi, 83), Danilo 1 (Diomande, 90).CELTIC: Sinisalo 7, Ralston 7, Carter-Vickers 7, Scales 6, Taylor 7, Engels 7, McGregor 7, Hatate 7, Forrest 6, Idah 7, Maeda 6.Celtic subs: Bernardo 3 (Engels, 63), Yang  3 (Forrest, 63), Schlupp 1 (Taylor, 79), Kenny 1 (Idah, 84).Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Rangers 1 Celtic 1: Adam Idah equalises for Hoops as linesman’s offside call overturned by VAR

    DAIZEN MAEDA’S wife didn’t deliver.When it came to the stoppage time chance her husband had at Ibrox, neither did he.Adam Idah celebrates his equaliser with Celtic team-matesCredit: PACyriel Dessers after putting Rangers aheadCredit: GettyBut then this was an Old Firm derby at Ibrox that saw both teams labour.Mrs Maeda still hadn’t given birth with the Celtic forward having a wasted trip back home to Japan last week.By time up here, though, both Barry Ferguson and Brendan Rodgers were satisfied enough with the outcome – after 90-odd exhausting minutes – knowing neither of their Rangers and Celtic teams did enough to win it.Decisions and VAR checks could have gone differently, sure they could.But the two goals from strikers Cyriel Dessers and Adam Idah saw a share of the spoils on an afternoon when few could have any real complaints.Idah had a great chance to make it 1-0 to Celtic just 36 SECONDS before Rangers took the lead.The striker was put right through on goal but lacked the conviction in the moment.There was a little slip, sure. Most read in FootballBut that shouldn’t have prevented him from hitting the back of the net.Credit to Liam Kelly who made himself as big as he possibly could have made himself.Celtic fans demand ‘build him a statue’ after Daizen Maeda trolls Rangers during four-in-a-row title partyRangers v Celtic player ratingsRANGERS: Kelly 7, Tavernier 7, Balogun 7, Souttar 7, Jefte 5, Diomande 7, Raskin 8, Barron 7, Cerny 5, Dessers 6, Bajrami 5.Gers subs: Hagi 1 (Bajrami, 66), Igamane (1 Cerny, 66), Rice 2 (Hagi, 83), Danilo 1 (Diomande, 90).CELTIC: Sinisalo 7, Ralston 7, Carter-Vickers 7, Scales 6, Taylor 7, Engels 7, McGregor 7, Hatate 7, Forrest 6, Idah 7, Maeda 6.Celtic subs: Bernardo 3 (Engels, 63), Yang  3 (Forrest, 63), Schlupp 1 (Taylor, 79), Kenny 1 (Idah, 84).But it was a definitely miss more than a save.It wasn’t the first time, either, that Idah wasted a fantastic opportunity at that end of the pitch.Early on, with only eight minutes on the clock, he burst forward and had James Forrest supporting him to his right.A good pass and the winger was in.But that’s not what Forrest got and the chance was gone.Later, Idah would show he’s got something to offer in the penalty box when he did score.But it’s wasted opportunities like those which will make Rodgers believe he has to sign a new No9 in the summer.Celtic would have been kicking themselves that they were behind at half-time.They weren’t dominated by any stretch of the imagination. Rangers were denied the lead by a tight VAR call after 24 minutes when Nico Raskin had stepped half a yard off-side at a free-kick whipped into the box by James Tavernier.But Celtic’s press was making it extremely difficult for Rangers to get out of their own half and they should have made more of it.The home side were also finding it difficult to cope with the movement of Arne Engels who kept getting himself into little pockets of space between the Rangers midfield and defence. At left-back, Jefte didn’t know when to get tight on Forrest and when to drop off.Raskin came onto a game, though. The young Belgian was up for it, alright, and got better and better throughout the first-half.Celtic captain Callum McGregor tried desperately to rile him up – and should have been booked for a late challenge on him after half an hour – but Raskin ignored his taunts.If there was someone out there leading the fight for Rangers then it was him.When it came to Dessers’ goal, his finish was cool, calm and collected.Centre-back Liam Scales won’t enjoy watching it back as he was far too weak and timid in his attempt to stop the striker from scoring.But Dessers deserves top marks for being able to keep his composure, especially when he’s had so little involvement in the game until then.Incredibly, before he scored, he’d had just FIVE touches of the ball in the first-half.The game was literally passing him by.And yet, despite that, he was the man celebrating the opening goal as he took his tally for the season to 25.Celtic had to respond in the second-half, and did.Idah’s equaliser on 57 minutes was initially ruled out by an off-side flag with Daizen Maeda seemingly the guilty man.But a VAR check showed the Japanese frontman wasn’t anywhere he shouldn’t have been when Idah fired past Kelly.It initially looked like the Rangers deputy goalkeeper’s line of vision was impacted by Maeda, who was offside, but that wasn’t the case.With the game level again, it felt like Celtic would go up a gear. Rodgers took off Engels and Forrest and replaced them with Hyunjun Yang and Paulo Bernardo.But Rangers were always dangerous on the counter-attack, especially when Ferguson changed Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny for Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi.Cerny was clearly furious with Ferguson’s decision to take him off with the game in the balance.After trudging off, he elbowed the dugout perspex three times.Had he maybe shown that kind of aggression out on the pitch then maybe he would still have been out there.There was absolutely no doubting the Czech’s ability and quality. But he’s seemingly one who doesn’t seem to understand that these games demand more than that.Rangers were soon taking Hagi back off the park after he was hurt by a tackle inside the Celtic box.The Romanian claimed for a penalty but referee Nick Walsh was having none of it and VAR didn’t get involved either.It was maybe always drifting toward a draw.Yet in the final seconds of seven minutes of stoppage time, Maeda had a terrific chance to win the game.He sprinted forward from his own half and had young substitute Johnny Kenny to his left, but wrongly chose to go it alone.That gave Kelly a chance to smoother the ball and he did.Read More on The SunWithin seconds, the final whistle had gone and it was over.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Steven Gerrard spotted declaring ‘I f****** love Rangers’ on boozy night out in expletive-laden message for Celtic fan

    STEVEN GERRARD bought into life as a Rangers manager big style as he delivered the league title which stopped Celtic recording ten Premiership titles in a row. And some followers of the Ibrox club are clearly keen for him to return as part of the brave new world which will begin this summer under the stewardship of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. Gerrard records the video messageHe’s among the favourites to return to Ibrox as next permanent bossSteven Gerrard pictured in BahrainCredit: GettyWhether that includes Gerrard remains to be seen but the England legend leaves nothing to the imagination in regards his love for the club in a widely-shared video of him taken on a boozy night out.It’s unclear exactly when all of this takes place but Gerrard has clearly been asked by a Celtic fan to record a short message for another supporter and offers an x-rated response, although it’s all good natured fun.In the clip, he says: “Listen Debbie, this f****** mushroom is a Celtic fan.”We f****** love Rangers. F*** Debbie I love Rangers.”The video surfaced at the same time as a clip showing him in the company of a woman who sings ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with Gerrard saying ‘Up the Teddy Bears’.Gerrard has crammed plenty oof highs AND lows into his mangerial career, having followed up his Ibrox exploits with the sack in short order from Aston Villa. He’s currently out of work after leaving his lucrative post in Saudi Arabia at Al-Ettifaq in July 2023.He departed with his side five points above the relegation zone, having won five of 17 matches this season with a boss at the Saudi club saying he sacrficed a cool £10m with the move.Most read in FootballHe’s already been made one of the outright favourites for the role of next permanent Gers manager, even though one pundit in David Prutton reckons he would be better served by following the Frank Lampard route back into the UK game in the Championship.Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade onHe said: “Another stellar player that I would say, if you want to be a manager for 25, 30 years then he’s still kind of working his way to that rhythm, having worked all over the world.“Maybe he’d have taken heed or inspiration from what Frank Lampard’s experienced at Coventry City, and obviously Derby before that.Gerrard shouts ‘Up the Teddy Bears’ over You’ll Never Walk Alone“The Championship is a very smart way to get a decent body of work in to show people what you can do.“And West Brom, yes there might be a bit of turnover of players, take a look at what the ownership are expecting going into next season, but yes the profile works.“It is just whether that works then with regards to the players involved.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Rangers vs Celtic FREE BETS: Get up to £40 bonus to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

    RANGERS and Celtic meet in the final Old Firm of the Scottish Premiership season on Sunday.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the crunch Ibrox showdown.Rangers vs Celtic: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Rangers vs Celtic: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • in

    Inside the multi-million pound transformation of famous stadium where Celtic won European Cup in Lisbon

    IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage. But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.An aerial view of how the stadium will lookCredit: AFL architects Inside the sleek lounges at the refurbished venueCredit: AFL architects It’s a stylish upgrade to the famous old stadiumCredit: AFL Architects The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days. It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.Most read in FootballOne thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands. This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesThe stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glanceKey features of the proposed refurbishment include: A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences. State-of-the-art media facilities. Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities. Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. Extended toilet and concession areas. Improved sightlines for spectators. Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.Billy McNeill holds aloft the European CupCredit: AFL architects How the covered main stand will now lookCredit: AFL architects Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Victor Wanyama SENT OFF as ex-Tottenham star’s shock Scotland move ends in disaster after just 20 minutes

    FANS called it the most random transfer in history.But Victor Wanyama’s shock move has turned into a NIGHTMARE on his debut for Dunfermline.Victor Wanyama suffered a nightmare debut for Dunfermline as he was sent off after less than 20 minutesCredit: SNSThe Kenyan was shown a straight red for handball by referee Iain SneddenCredit: SNSNew Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon couldn’t believe what he was seeing as his debut match in charge turned sourCredit: SNSThat’s because the Kenyan was shown a STRAIGHT RED CARD just 19 minutes after coming off the bench for his first appearance under Neil Lennon.The 33-year-old former Tottenham player was sent straight off by referee Iain Snedden for a handball.Wanyama’s new side, who play in the second tier Scottish Championship, were already 2-0 down to Ayr United when the midfielder received his marching orders.And Ethan Walker added a late third for Ayr to rub salt into Wanyama and Dunfermline’s wounds.READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIESThe result lifted the hosts back above Livingston into second place in the hunt for promotion to the Scottish Premiership.But Dunfermline remain two points adrift of Hamilton and sit ninth, inside the relegation play-off spot.Wanyama had been unemployed for the last two months following the expiration of his contract with MLS side Montreal Impact.But the cult Premier League hero, who played for Spurs and Southampton in the English top flight, is no longer a job seeker after inking a surprise deal with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline.Most read in FootballA club statement read: “DAFC are delighted to announce the signing of Kenyan international, Victor Wanyama, on a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.”Wanyama’s move to East End Park has stunned footie fans, one of whom said: “Nahhh that’s crazy.”Another said: “What is football?”And another said: “This is surely the most random transfer of all time.” More

  • in

    Dundee vs Rangers: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    RANGERS head to Dundee in the late Saturday kick-off, hoping to carry on their impressive form from before the break.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the Premiership game.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsDundee vs Rangers: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Dundee vs Rangers: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More