Pat Bonner noticed the angst among Celtic fans in the early stages of Saturday’s clash with Rangers.
Rangers travelled to Celtic Park to take on the Hoops in a crucial Scottish Premiership game at the top of the division.
Wilfried Nancy has been under pressure since arriving at Celtic, and Danny Rohl will have been eager to take advantage of that unrest.
But unfortunately for Rohl and Rangers, the contest didn’t get off to the start they wanted, with Hyun-Jun Yang scoring the early opener.
Bonner‘s claim may now have the Bears wishing they were the ones who took the lead first in the match.
Pat Bonner notices Celtic fans were particularly nervous vs Rangers
There is always animosity between Celtic and Rangers fans regardless of what’s at stake.
But this one had more riding on it than usual, with just three points separating the sides before kick-off.
If Celtic win they will have a six points gap on Rangers
This would be Rohl’s sixth loss as Gers boss
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Bonner revealed how surprised he was at the uncertainty he felt inside Celtic Park in the opening throes.
Bonner said: “Not for a long time, if ever, have I heard the Celtic fans [like this]. They’re usually willing their team on, and the noise is raucous. There’s so much uncertainty here today.”
Rangers fans were allowed into the stadium before anyone else before the showdown kicked off, and chants from the away end may have unsettled Celtic fans.
The Gers struggled to create much in the first half, and it’s now given Rohl a January truth with one player in particular.
Djeidi Gassama needs to be sold on basis of Celtic display
Djeidi Gassama has been linked with a move away from Rangers in recent weeks, with Spanish side Villarreal interested.
The Frenchman had the Gers’ best opportunity in the first half, and wasted his effort, as his strike went straight at Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal.
The goal-scoring chance could have had Rohl’s side in a much better position heading into the second half, and the German head coach now has a decision to make in January.
At first, it seemed like a reunion from their days at Sheffield Wednesday together was destined for success, but that hasn’t been the case.
Rangers need players who can provide attacking output, and right now, the forward is not up to the level.