Paul Ince didn’t hold back with his biting critique of the atmosphere at Ibrox during the recent Old Firm derby showdown between Rangers and Celtic. The match, a crucial fixture in the Scottish Premiership title race, started on a sour note for Rangers, conceding an early goal within seconds and going on to struggle throughout the first half.
As tensions rose and the home crowd grew increasingly restless, Ince was vocal in his disapproval of the fans’ reaction, particularly their booing during the halftime break. He expressed his disappointment with the negativity displayed by the Rangers supporters in a candid chat with Gers winger Rabbi Matondo on talkSPORT, highlighting how the absence of away fans seemed to add extra pressure on the team.
Ince’s criticism of the fans was met with a response from Matondo, who defended the supporters’ actions as stemming from a desire to see the team perform at their best. According to Matondo, the fans’ reactions reflected their passion for the club and their expectations in such a high-stakes match.
Ultimately, despite the differing perspectives on the fan reaction, both Ince and Matondo acknowledged the challenging circumstances that contributed to the tense atmosphere at Ibrox.
Rangers are on the verge of potentially securing a historic victory in the Scottish Premiership title race. Manager Philippe Clement is eyeing the opportunity to claim the team’s second top-flight championship in over a decade.
In the upcoming fixtures, Rangers are scheduled to play Dundee followed by a match against Ross County in the Scottish Highlands. The objective is clear: accumulate maximum points to solidify their position before the league divides into two.
The impending clash at Celtic Park promises to be a pivotal moment in the season, with the Old Firm derby poised to be one for the history books. The intensity is amplified by the close race for the title. If Rangers maintain their winning streak and manage to secure a result at Parkhead, they could clinch the championship for only the second time since their relegation to the fourth tier of Scottish football in 2012.