adminFresh footage from the latest Old Firm derby has drawn significant attention after Rangers manager Derek McInnes was seen stepping in to protect winger Djeidi Gassama from Celtic supporters at Celtic Park.
The incident happened during Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Celtic on Sunday, September 20, as Gassama found himself close to the home supporters after challenging for the ball.
Gassama was competing with Colby Donovan when his momentum carried him beyond the playing area and into the advertising boards in front of the Celtic crowd. According to footage from the match, some supporters then pushed the Rangers winger away from the boards.
The Rangers player subsequently turned towards the supporters, creating the possibility of a confrontation.
However, McInnes reacted quickly.
The Rangers manager immediately moved towards Gassama, physically guiding him away from the supporters before directing him back towards the pitch. The moment was captured in Rangers’ Away Days coverage and later circulated online, prompting discussion among supporters.
McInnes Quickly Steps In
The footage provides a different perspective on an already heated Old Firm contest.
Rather than allowing the situation to develop further, McInnes appeared determined to remove his player from the area and prevent the incident from escalating.
The moment has attracted attention partly because of the intensity surrounding the fixture. Rangers had already defeated Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup just seven days earlier, before securing another victory at Celtic Park.
This time, Ryan Naderi scored the decisive goal as Rangers claimed a 1-0 victory.
The result gave McInnes two victories over Celtic from his first two meetings with the club, a start that has generated considerable attention around his Rangers tenure. BBC Sport reported that Rangers had also moved to within two points of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership following the win.
Gassama Played an Important Role
Although Gassama did not score in the match, his performance provided Rangers with an attacking outlet.
The winger repeatedly attempted to run at Celtic’s defence and was involved in several attacking situations. He also struck the top of the post during the first half, coming close to adding another goal to Rangers’ impressive performance.
His involvement in the match made the incident involving the Celtic supporters even more noticeable after the final whistle.
The footage shows that the situation could have become more serious had McInnes not intervened quickly.
Rangers’ Remarkable Week Against Celtic
The incident came during a remarkable seven-day period for Rangers.
First, McInnes’ team defeated Celtic 3-0 in the League Cup at Ibrox. One week later, they travelled to Celtic Park and produced another victory, this time winning 1-0.
Naderi’s goal ultimately separated the teams, but Rangers’ overall performance earned praise for its organisation and energy. BBC Sport described the victory as Rangers’ sixth consecutive win and noted the transformation in the side’s performances under McInnes.
The back-to-back victories have therefore given the Rangers manager plenty to celebrate, both tactically and in terms of results.
Footage Creates Fresh Discussion
The newly circulated footage has now given supporters another talking point from an already eventful derby.
While the match itself was decided by Naderi’s goal, the confrontation involving Gassama and the home supporters has become one of the moments attracting attention after the game.
McInnes’ immediate intervention ensured that Gassama was moved away from the supporters and back towards the playing area.
For Rangers supporters, the footage also provides another glimpse of the manager’s involvement beyond tactical decisions and touchline instructions.
After two consecutive victories over Celtic, McInnes has already made a significant impact in the Old Firm rivalry.
And with footage of him protecting one of his players now circulating widely, the latest Celtic-Rangers meeting continues to generate discussion well beyond the final whistle.
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