The presents a dramatic situation in Scottish football, where Rangers manager Danny Röhl is said to have made explosive remarks about Celtic, calling them “thieves,” and revealing that the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Association (SPFA) withdrew its support. This alleged statement has, according to the report, left fans and media alike in shock and disbelief.
At the heart of this story lies the intensity of the Rangers–Celtic rivalry, arguably one of the most passionate and divisive rivalries in world football. The Old Firm derby has always carried emotional and cultural weight beyond sport, and any public comment that deepens hostility is guaranteed to draw widespread attention. Röhl’s supposed accusation that Celtic are “thieves” suggests he believes they acted unfairly or unethically, though the context of this claim is unclear. Nevertheless, such a statement would be considered highly controversial, challenging both Celtic’s integrity and the broader standards of professionalism expected in Scottish football.
The report also claims Röhl explained why the SPFA withdrew its support — an even more unusual revelation. The SPFA represents players’ welfare and interests, not managers, so for it to distance itself from a head coach suggests a serious dispute. This could point to disagreements over player treatment, contractual issues, or public behaviour. Whatever the cause, the suggestion that the SPFA withdrew support adds another layer of tension, raising questions about unity within Scottish football’s governing and professional bodies.
For the Scottish media, these developments would be sensational. Röhl’s alleged comments would instantly dominate headlines, sports talk shows, and social media debates. Reporters would analyse every word, seeking clarification or apology, while rival fans would react according to loyalty and bias. Celtic supporters would likely condemn the statement as baseless and disrespectful, demanding disciplinary action, while some Rangers fans might defend Röhl’s passion or view him as someone unafraid to speak his mind.
The reaction of fans, described as “total disbelief,” reflects how unexpected and provocative the remarks are. Supporters often expect managers to show intensity, but calling another club “thieves” crosses the usual boundary of competitive banter. It transforms a football rivalry into a moral accusation — something that threatens to damage relationships not only between clubs but also between their fan bases.
If Röhl truly made these statements, the consequences could be far-reaching. He might face fines, suspensions, or public pressure to apologise. His reputation as a young, intelligent manager would be questioned, as professionalism and respect are valued qualities in modern football leadership. The SPFA’s involvement would also prompt scrutiny of how managers and player bodies communicate, highlighting the fragile balance between passion and professionalism.
