The days leading up to an Old Firm Derby are rarely calm. Emotions run high, social media explodes with banter, and every word spoken by players is dissected by rival fans looking for any hint of disrespect. But this time, something as simple as an Instagram comment has sparked a storm that no one saw coming.
What appeared to be a casual interaction between two players quickly ignited outrage across the blue half of Glasgow. A comment from Celtic forward Daizen Maeda on a post by Youssef Chermiti — a player closely associated with Rangers supporters’ discussions online — has suddenly become the latest flashpoint ahead of the biggest fixture in Scottish football.
Within minutes of the comment appearing online, screenshots spread across X (formerly Twitter), fan forums, and supporter pages. And by the time Rangers fans realized what had been said, the reaction was explosive.
Some supporters called it “disrespectful.” Others labelled it “classless.” A few even demanded an apology before kickoff.
But what exactly did Maeda say that caused such fury?
A Social Media Post That Lit the Fuse
The controversy began when Youssef Chermiti uploaded a post to Instagram just hours before the highly anticipated clash between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C..
Chermiti’s post itself was fairly simple — a motivational image captioned with a message about “big moments and big games.”
Normally, a post like this might attract some supportive comments from teammates and fans. But when Daizen Maeda appeared in the comment section, things quickly took a different turn.
Maeda responded with a short message accompanied by laughing emojis and a remark that many interpreted as mocking Rangers ahead of the derby.
Though brief, the comment was enough to spark outrage.
Fans began reposting screenshots alongside angry captions such as:
- “This is disrespectful before a derby.”
- “Celtic players already laughing at us?”
- “He better back this up tomorrow.”
Within hours, the comment had turned into a full-blown controversy across Scottish football circles.
Why the Comment Hit a Nerve
To outsiders, the reaction might seem exaggerated.
After all, footballers tease each other on social media all the time. Banter is part of the game.
But the Old Firm Derby between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. is not like other rivalries.
It is widely considered one of the most intense football rivalries in the world.
The fixture carries more than just sporting importance. It is deeply connected to history, culture, and identity in Glasgow, making every interaction between players extremely sensitive.
Because of this, even the smallest comment can be interpreted as a deliberate psychological jab.
And that is exactly how many Rangers supporters viewed Maeda’s remark.
For them, the timing — just before the derby — made it feel like a deliberate provocation.
Rangers Fans React With Fury
Once screenshots of the comment began circulating online, the reaction from Rangers F.C. supporters was immediate and intense.
On fan forums and social media platforms, thousands of comments poured in.
Some fans expressed disbelief that a Celtic player would publicly comment on a rival-linked post just before the biggest match of the season.
Others accused Maeda of trying to “wind up” the Rangers squad and their supporters.
One fan wrote:
“If you’re going to laugh before the game, make sure you’re not crying after it.”
Another said:
“Remember this comment when the whistle blows.”
Meanwhile, several Rangers supporters urged their team to use the comment as motivation going into the derby.
Celtic Fans See It Differently
While Rangers supporters were furious, the reaction from Celtic F.C. fans was completely different.
Many Celtic supporters dismissed the outrage as overreaction.
Some argued that Maeda’s comment was nothing more than harmless banter.
Others even praised the Japanese forward for showing confidence ahead of such a massive match.
One Celtic fan wrote online:
“If Rangers fans are rattled by an emoji, wait until they see Maeda running at their defense tomorrow.”
Another added:
“Derby mind games. Love it.”
This split reaction only intensified the debate.
The Psychology of Derby Mind Games
Psychological battles have always been part of the Old Firm Derby.
Players, managers, and fans frequently try to gain a mental edge before kickoff.
Sometimes that happens in press conferences.
Sometimes through interviews.
And increasingly, through social media.
Modern footballers now interact with fans online in ways that were impossible just a decade ago.
But that also means every comment is under a microscope.
A single emoji or phrase can suddenly become headline news.
And that is exactly what happened here.
Who Is Daizen Maeda?
For those unfamiliar with him, Daizen Maeda has become one of the most energetic and relentless players in Celtic’s squad.
The Japanese international is known for his:
- Incredible work rate
- Lightning-fast pressing
- Ability to score crucial goals in big matches
Since arriving at Celtic F.C., Maeda has developed a reputation as a fan favorite thanks to his tireless performances.
But his fiery playing style also means he often finds himself involved in heated derby moments.
Now, his Instagram comment has added another layer of tension to the upcoming clash.
The Spotlight on Chermiti
Meanwhile, Youssef Chermiti has unexpectedly found himself at the center of the controversy.
His original post was meant to highlight the excitement around the derby.
Instead, it has become the trigger for a social media storm.
Ironically, Chermiti himself has remained silent since the incident began circulating online.
But that hasn’t stopped fans from debating what the interaction really meant.
Will This Affect the Derby?
The biggest question now is whether the incident will have any impact on the match itself.
Derby games are already emotionally charged, but moments like this can raise the stakes even further.
Rangers players will almost certainly be aware of the controversy.
And if anything, it could add extra motivation for them to prove a point on the pitch.
At the same time, Celtic supporters believe Maeda’s confidence reflects the mindset inside the dressing room.
Either way, the atmosphere at kickoff promises to be electric.
Social Media: Football’s New Battleground
Incidents like this highlight how much football culture has changed.
In the past, rivalries played out mainly on the pitch.
Today, they unfold online as well.
Instagram, X, and TikTok have become new arenas where:
- Fans clash
- Players exchange banter
- Controversies explode in seconds
A single comment can reach millions of people within minutes.
And in a rivalry as intense as Celtic vs Rangers, that can quickly escalate.
The Final Word
As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain.
The comment by Daizen Maeda on Youssef Chermiti’s Instagram post has already added another layer of drama to the upcoming Old Firm Derby between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C..
Whether it was harmless banter, mind games, or simply a misunderstood joke depends on who you ask.
But one thing is undeniable:
Rangers fans are furious.
Celtic fans are amused.
And the derby just became even more explosive.
When the players finally step onto the pitch, all eyes will be on Maeda.
Because in football, especially in the Old Firm, words mean nothing unless they are backed up by performances.
And now, after that controversial comment, the pressure on Maeda to deliver has never been greater.
