After Champions League disasters and fan protests, both sides of the Old Firm are looking for Europa League progression.
Celtic and Rangers get their league-phase campaigns under way this week, with so much at stake at both clubs.
The Hoops supporters remain frustrated with the club’s board and their perceived failure to spend in the summer, with many believing not adding enough to the squad played a part in their play-off exit to Kairat Almaty.
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has defended under-fire Rangers head coach Russell Martin amid criticism from fans, pundits and former Ibrox staff
The fans’ backing of the players has not faltered during their unbeaten domestic start, but there is no doubt they want to see a Celtic team that can challenge in Europe, starting with a result away to Red Star Belgrade.
Rangers supporters have turned their anger on Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart after the club’s worst start to a season since 1978, but would following up their League Cup quarter-final win with a home victory against Genk ease some of the pressure on the head coach?
Will Celtic challenge after Champions League failure?
Image: Rodgers’ Celtic side are unbeaten domestically this season
Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his belief that Celtic “belong in the Champions League” but their failure to even score against a team from Kazakhstan means, for the first time in four seasons, it is the Europa League for the Hoops.
Celtic will face Roma, Braga, Sturm Graz and Utrecht at home, with away trips to Feyenoord, Red Star, Midtjylland and Bologna as they take part in the competition under the new format for the first time.
Image: Celtic failed to score in 210 minutes against Kairat Almaty
The Hoops are unbeaten domestically, but their struggle against Kairat and some unconvincing performances in the Premiership left the support questioning the board’s desire to build a side that can be successful outside Scotland.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s late winner at Kilmarnock and a strong display against Partick Thistle to progress to the League Cup semi-finals has restored some hope after their struggling goalless draw with Rangers at the end of last month.
What those results will not have done is ease the pressure on the club’s hierarchy.
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Rodgers was delighted with the backing the team had as they beat Partick Thistle in the League Cup amid more fan protests against the club’s board
While chief executive Michael Nicholson has said they “take responsibility” for their failing to reach the Champions League, the Hoops support want change at the top.
There was a late-entry protest at Rugby Park, more banners and a delayed kick-off at Firhill with many choosing not to buy the club’s European ticket package for their home games.
The atmosphere inside Parkhead on a European night is usually something special, but it could be a very different experience this season if many do indeed stay away.
Would a strong Europa start ease pressure on Martin?
Image: Nicolas Raskin scored on his return for Rangers after a fallout with Martin
After an impressive victory against Panathinaikos in his first competitive game as Rangers boss, it has mainly been downhill for Martin.
They have yet to win a Premiership game this season and a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in their Champions League play-off has many fans already saying he is not the head coach they need.
Rangers will face Genk, Roma, Braga and Ludogorets at home with trips to Porto, Ferencvaros, Sturm Graz and Brann as they look to at least match last year’s quarter-final achievement.
Image: Rangers fans protested ahead of Saturday’s League Cup quarter-final against Hibs
The Ibrox faithful protested outside Ibrox on Saturday, telling Martin his time was up before watching the side beat Hibs 2-0 to set up an Old Firm League Cup semi-final against Celtic.
It was a result that takes them two wins away from claiming silverware, but probably did not ease any pressure; it is just that none was added.
Rangers in Europe
2024/25: Europa League quarter-finals
2023/24: Europa League last 16
2022/23: Champions League group stage
2021/22: Europa League final
2020/21: Europa League last 16
2019/20: Europa League last 16
The Europa League has been Rangers’ salvation during domestic woes over the last few seasons, but would a strong start against Genk see Martin start to win the fans back over?
Failure to challenge their Glasgow rivals hurts Old Firm fans, a lot. Remember Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked for poor domestic results just months after leading them to the Europa League final.
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has called time on his career following the 2026 World Cup and believes “the time is right to step aside.”
Taylor was one of the English officials selected for the World Cup, and his final game was Spain’s 1-0 win against Portugal in the Round of 16. He has retired from officiating international football, as well as club football.
After 16 seasons refereeing in the Premier League, the 47-year-old is moving onto the next chapter of his career. He is one of English football’s most respected officials and has been handed some of the biggest matches in the sport’s history.
Anthony Taylor Announces Retirement
Taylor called the shots in Real Madrid’s win over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. He has spent two decades in the game, overseeing 831 matches.
The Wythenshawe-born referee announced his decision on Tuesday (July 21st), saying in a statement, “Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense, and the scrutiny is constant. The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career.”
He added: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two assistants Gary and Adam, my refereeing colleagues and everyone connected with the game for all their support over the years. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the immense sacrifices this career has demanded.”
Taylor began his career refereeing local leagues before taking to the Northern Premier League in 2002. He made the transition into full-time elite refereeing in 2012, having previously worked as a prison officer at HMP Styal.
His Premier League debut came in February 2010, and he earned a permanent promotion to Select Group 1 ahead of the 2010-11 campaign. In 2017, he made history when he became the first referee to call two FA Cup finals since Arthur Kingscott.
Taylor became a FIFA referee in 2013 and has officiated several famous matches, including the UEFA Nations League final in 2021. He was heralded for his composure during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch.
Over the course of the 2026 World Cup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a fair few headlines with his punditry. His comments after the final between Spain and Argentina are perhaps the most explosive yet.
In defeat, Argentina were less than gracious losers, with Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala among the angriest. Their poor behaviour has sparked a firm response from Ibrahimovic, who slammed one man in particular.
Ibrahimovic Tears Into Argentina Midfielder
Daniele Mascolo via Reuters
TV broadcasters showed replays of Paredes targeting Eric Garcia, grabbing the former Manchester City man by the throat, before clashing with Gavi. The Argentine appeared to throw a punch at the Barcelona midfielder and toss him to the floor before Lionel Scaloni and others rushed over to break up the fight.
Ibrahimovic, however, was actually critical of the rest of the Spain squad who didn’t rush in to respond more violently to Paredes’ actions. He claimed he would have ‘headbutted’ the 32-year-old if he was on the pitch, explaining:
“Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behaviour from him.
“I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their team-mate.”
It’s trademark fiery analysis from Ibrahimovic, but fans shouldn’t get used to it as the Swede announced his retirement from punditry duties soon after. Having worked for Fox Sports across the World Cup, he explained:
“I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. Alexi [Lalas], Thierry [Henry], Rebecca [Lowe], thank you. It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you. I also thank Fox, the United States and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio. For me, this was the first and last time.”
Paredes Faces FIFA Punishment Despite Avoiding Red Card
Mike Segar via Action Images/Reuters
The incredible thing is that although Paredes appeared to rightfully be sent off for his behaviour, FIFA have since claimed that no red card was actually given. Reports claim that, contrary to reports, no disciplinary action was taken against the player at the time.
As such, despite his obvious head loss, the Argentine did not become the seventh player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final. That does not mean he will avoid retrospective disciplinary action, though, as FIFA have now begun their investigation.
Speaking for the first time on social media after the event, Paredes avoided talking about the scrap and instead thanked Argentina fans for their support. He added: “Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves – but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!
“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”
Celtic have agreed a £10m deal with Ipswich Town to sell forward Daizen Maeda, according to the Daily Record.
The Glasgow giants secured a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title last season, beating Hearts 1-0 on the final day of the season to overtake them in the table, and are now planning a major squad rebuild to be able to go again.
That means a number of first-team stars are expected to leave despite being key to their recent success, and the first exit has now been agreed to kickstart that chain of events.
Celtic Agree £10m Maeda Deal
Maeda, who has been described as ‘sensational’ by Martin O’Neill, enjoyed a fine campaign in 2025/26 with 17 goals in all competitions, but he has been keen to make a move away from Celtic Park this summer for a new challenge, having spent four-and-a-half years with the club.
Now it has emerged that Premier League new boys Ipswich Town have agreed a deal worth £10m to sign the Japan international and take him to England.
The deal is worth an initial £8m plus a further £2m in add-ons for the 28-year-old, with the player now not expected to return to Celtic for pre-season after being given extra time off following his World Cup exploits.
Ipswich are currently in Spain on a warm-weather training camp for pre-season, and any deal is not expected to be completed until they return. However, Maeda is now scheduled to undergo a medical later this week.
The Japanese forward was close to a move away to the Bundesliga last summer before a deal collapsed, and he has made it clear that he wishes to play in England’s top-flight, describing it as ‘the best league in the world’.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Celtic Starting a New Era
O’Neill has been given a one-year contract in order to oversee the rebuild in Glasgow this summer, and he will take the team into a new era following his league title win.
Without Maeda, and strong interest in players like Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels, the club will need to be busy in the transfer market to see off a resurgent Rangers side and a hungry Hearts team, to ensure the squad isn’t weakened, and that any exits are of an adequate level.
After 79 goals in 212 games, plus five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups, Maeda’s time at the club is now over, and Celtic must use those funds to bring in some top talent.
