Alious
Rangers fans have found a rare moment of cheer following Celtic’s dramatic Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen—an upset that denied the Hoops a domestic treble and handed bragging rights to their rivals across Glasgow.
In a tense showdown at Hampden Park on 24 May, Aberdeen edged out Brendan Rodgers’ side in a penalty shootout. Dimitar Mitov emerged as the hero, denying Alistair Johnston’s decisive spot-kick and sparking euphoric celebrations among Dons supporters.
For Rangers fans, who have endured a subdued end to the season under interim boss Barry Ferguson, Celtic’s stumble has been a welcome distraction. While silverware has eluded the Ibrox side this term, their supporters have taken immense satisfaction in watching their Old Firm adversaries falter at the final hurdle.
### Premature Celebrations Backfire at Parkhead
Adding insult to injury, images surfaced of a dismantled stage at Celtic Park—apparently erected in anticipation of a treble-winning celebration. The premature setup and subsequent teardown have become a source of ridicule among Rangers fans, with the scene symbolizing overconfidence and ending in embarrassment.
The moment has been gleefully seized upon by the Ibrox faithful, who haven’t had many opportunities in recent seasons to enjoy Celtic’s misfortunes. After years of dominance by the green half of Glasgow, the inability to complete a clean sweep this time around has given Rangers fans a much-needed morale boost.
### Shootout Heartbreak and Sutton’s Mixed Message
The penalty sequence at Hampden played out as follows:
**Celtic:**
* Callum McGregor – Miss
* Johnny Kenny – Goal
* Luke McCowan – Goal
* Daizen Maeda – Goal
* Alistair Johnston – Miss
**Aberdeen:**
* Graeme Shinnie – Goal
* Dante Polvara – Goal
* Oday Dabbagh – Goal
* Ante Palaversa – Goal
While Aberdeen clinically converted all four of their penalties, Celtic faltered when it mattered most.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton chimed in on social media after the match, offering a strangely diplomatic response that did little to appease critics. “Well played, Aberdeen and Jimmy Thelin. Mitov was outstanding in the shootout,” Sutton posted on X. “Still an outstanding season for Celtic, but Aberdeen deserve their day.”
His comments, while intended as praise for Aberdeen, struck many as condescending—particularly given the dramatic nature of the upset and the implications for Celtic’s trophy ambitions.
### Rangers Fans Savor Rare High Ground
Despite their own season failing to meet expectations, Rangers supporters have relished this opportunity to poke fun at their bitter rivals. From Hamza Igamane’s recent match-winner at Parkhead to Celtic’s misfired title celebrations, each moment has been savored as a small moral victory.
Looking ahead, optimism is tentatively growing among the Rangers faithful. With the possibility of Davide Ancelotti taking the managerial reins, fans are hopeful for a more competitive campaign next season—and perhaps more reasons to laugh at Parkhead’s expense.
Alious
