Barry Ferguson Accused of Disrespecting Brendan Rodgers: A Heated Old Firm Fallout
Football, especially in Scotland, is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the fiercest in world football, and every match between the two titans comes with high stakes, passion, and drama. However, beyond the goals and tackles, moments off the pitch can sometimes dominate headlines just as much as the action on it.
One such moment emerged following the recent Old Firm derby, where Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson was accused of showing “zero respect” towards his Celtic counterpart, Brendan Rodgers. The post-match interaction, or lack thereof, has sparked intense debates among fans and pundits, raising questions about sportsmanship, managerial rivalries, and the ever-burning intensity of the Glasgow derby.
The Context: A Heated Old Firm Clash
The latest installment of the Old Firm rivalry took place at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. With Rangers and Celtic locked in a tight battle for Scottish Premiership supremacy, the stakes were immense. Rangers, under the temporary stewardship of club legend Barry Ferguson, were seeking to prove their credentials in the title race, while Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic aimed to reaffirm their dominance.
The match itself was a pulsating affair, filled with controversy, aggression, and moments of brilliance. Rangers secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, a result that not only sent their fans into ecstasy but also reignited debates about the managerial influence of Ferguson.
The Incident: Ferguson and Rodgers at Full-Time
Despite the thrilling nature of the game, it was an incident at the final whistle that stole the headlines. As the final whistle blew and Rangers players celebrated a massive victory, cameras caught an awkward exchange—or rather, a lack of one—between Barry Ferguson and Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers, as per usual, approached to shake hands with his opposite number. However, Ferguson’s response was perceived by many as dismissive. Some reports suggest that he barely acknowledged Rodgers, offering only a brief handshake before turning away abruptly. Others claimed Ferguson completely ignored Rodgers, opting instead to celebrate with his players and the Rangers supporters.
While handshake snubs are not uncommon in football, especially in heated rivalries, the moment quickly gained traction on social media. Celtic fans, in particular, felt that Ferguson’s actions were intentional and disrespectful.
Reactions: Outrage, Defense, and Debate
The reaction to Ferguson’s actions was swift, with pundits, former players, and fans weighing in on the controversy.
Criticism of Ferguson
Many were quick to call out Ferguson for what they saw as unsportsmanlike behavior. Prominent pundit Chris Sutton, never shy to defend Celtic, was among the first to react.
“Barry Ferguson might be enjoying his moment in the spotlight, but a little bit of respect wouldn’t go amiss. Brendan Rodgers has achieved far more in football than Ferguson ever will as a manager, and to snub him like that just shows a lack of class.”
Other pundits echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Ferguson had let the occasion get the better of him. Some pointed to Rodgers’ pre-match comments about Rangers, speculating that Ferguson had taken them personally and chosen to respond with his actions rather than words.
Defending Ferguson
On the other side of the debate, many Rangers fans and former players leaped to Ferguson’s defense. Kris Boyd, a former teammate of Ferguson and a staunch Rangers supporter, dismissed the criticism.
“Let’s be honest—Rodgers hasn’t exactly shown much respect to Rangers in the past. He’s taken digs at the club, at Ferguson, and at what’s happening in our dressing room. If Barry didn’t feel like giving him the warmest handshake, I don’t blame him.”
Some even suggested that the incident was being blown out of proportion, arguing that in the heat of the moment, managers often react instinctively. Ferguson, known for his fiery personality as a player, has carried that same passion into management, and his actions could have simply been a reflection of his emotions after a huge victory.
The Pre-Match Tension: Did Rodgers’ Comments Spark This?
While the handshake incident took center stage, the seeds for this tension may have been planted before a ball was even kicked. In the build-up to the match, Brendan Rodgers had made comments that some perceived as dismissive of Ferguson’s role at Rangers.
Speaking in a press conference, Rodgers was asked about the impact of Ferguson as interim boss. His response was telling:
“I don’t see great change. The squad is the same, the style is similar, and ultimately, it’s still about the players on the pitch. We’ll prepare as we always do.”
To some, this was a standard, measured response. But to others—especially Rangers supporters—it felt like a subtle dig at Ferguson’s managerial abilities. By implying that Rangers were no different under Ferguson, Rodgers may have inadvertently given his rival extra motivation to prove a point.
After the game, Ferguson’s perceived snub could well have been a reaction to these comments, a subtle way of saying, “You see the change now, don’t you?”
A History of Disrespect? Previous Old Firm Flashpoints
The Old Firm rivalry is no stranger to moments of managerial animosity. The tension between Ferguson and Rodgers is just the latest chapter in a long history of controversial post-match incidents between Celtic and Rangers managers.
Neil Lennon vs. Ally McCoist (2011)
One of the most infamous incidents in Old Firm history came in 2011 when Celtic’s Neil Lennon and Rangers’ Ally McCoist had a heated confrontation at full-time. The two had to be separated as temp
