CONFIRMED: Rangers May Extend Olive Branch with Guard of Honour for Celtic as Ibrox Showdown Looms

As the final Old Firm clash of the season approaches on 4 May, Rangers could be preparing to take the “moral high ground” by offering Celtic a guard of honour at Ibrox—should the Hoops secure the Scottish Premiership title before then.

Rangers delivered a thrilling 3-2 win over their Glasgow rivals last month at Celtic Park, with Hamza Igamane netting a dramatic late winner. That result boosted interim manager Barry Ferguson’s chances of landing the job permanently, but it did little to close the massive gap at the top of the table—Celtic remain 16 points clear, and the title is mathematically out of reach for the Gers.

According to *Daily Record* journalist Keith Jackson, Rangers might show sportsmanship by applauding Brendan Rodgers’ side onto the pitch if the title is clinched prior to the derby. “Maybe, in many ways, Rangers might take some sort of moral high ground if they did stand either side of the tunnel and applaud Celtic,” Jackson said on *Hotline Live*.

If Celtic avoid defeat against Dundee United on 26 April, they’ll be crowned champions before their trip to Ibrox—setting the stage for this symbolic gesture. Authorities reportedly hope to avoid the title being decided at Ibrox, a scenario that could inflame tensions.

Domestically, Rangers’ season is winding down with little left to fight for after defeats in both the League Cup and Scottish Cup—most notably the latter, where they were stunned by Championship side Queen’s Park. However, European ambitions still burn brightly.

Ferguson’s men remain firmly in contention in the Europa League, holding Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw at Ibrox despite being reduced to 10 men after Robin Propper’s sending off. Stand-in goalkeeper Liam Kelly made a name for himself, saving a penalty after replacing Jack Butland mid-match.

With a clean sheet in the bag, Rangers travel to Spain believing they can upset Ernesto Valverde’s side in the return leg on 17 April. European success could yet salvage pride in a challenging season—and a show of class in early May may send a strong message about the club’s character beyond trophies.