In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Rangers captain James Tavernier was reportedly attacked by a group of angry Celtic fans outside a pub in Glasgow on the morning of May 16, 2025. The altercation, which took place in the wake of heightened tensions between the two Old Firm rivals, has reignited concerns about fan behavior and player safety in the fiercely competitive world of Scottish football. While no official statements have been released by Police Scotland or the clubs at the time of writing, eyewitness accounts and social media reports paint a troubling picture of the event.
The incident allegedly occurred outside a popular pub in Glasgow’s East End, an area known for its strong Celtic fanbase. According to witnesses, Tavernier, who has been a prominent figure at Rangers since joining the club in 2015, was recognized by a group of individuals wearing Celtic colors. What began as verbal taunts reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, with the Rangers captain being targeted with insults and, in some accounts, physical aggression. Bystanders intervened to de-escalate the situation, and Tavernier was able to leave the scene, though it remains unclear whether he sustained any injuries. The exact circumstances leading to Tavernier’s presence at the pub are unknown, but the incident has sparked widespread debate about the safety of high-profile players in public spaces.
This attack is the latest in a series of troubling incidents involving Tavernier and rival fans. The 33-year-old defender, who has made over 500 appearances for Rangers and holds the record as the highest-scoring defender in British football history, has often been a lightning rod for criticism and hostility. In May 2024, during an Old Firm match at Celtic Park, Tavernier was targeted with missiles, including a vape and a marijuana grinder, thrown by Celtic supporters as he prepared to take a corner kick. One fan, 21-year-old Colin Crawford, was later sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and banned from football matches for the offense. Earlier incidents, such as a 2019 altercation with a Hibernian fan who confronted Tavernier on the pitch, further highlight the challenges faced by the Rangers captain in navigating the intense rivalries of Scottish football.
The Old Firm derby, pitting Rangers against Celtic, is one of the most passionate and divisive fixtures in world football. While the rivalry fuels incredible atmospheres and unforgettable matches, it has also been marred by instances of violence and sectarianism. The absence of away fans at recent Old Firm matches, a decision made by both clubs to reduce crowd-related incidents, has not fully curbed the hostility. Tavernier himself has spoken about the need to “get on with it” in the face of hostile crowds, but the personal nature of this latest attack raises questions about whether enough is being done to protect players off the pitch.
Fan reactions on social media have been mixed. Some Celtic supporters have condemned the actions of those involved, emphasizing that such behavior does not represent the wider fanbase. Others, however, have pointed to Tavernier’s high-profile status and Rangers’ struggles in the 2024-25 season—trailing Celtic by 14 points in the Scottish Premiership—as factors that may have fueled the anger. Rangers fans, meanwhile, have rallied behind their captain, praising his resilience and leadership while calling for stronger measures to ensure player safety.
This incident underscores the broader issue of fan violence in football, a problem not unique to Scotland but acutely felt in the Old Firm context. Both Rangers and Celtic have faced criticism for failing to adequately address sectarianism and aggression among their supporters. Initiatives such as increased police presence, stricter stadium bans, and community outreach programs have been implemented, but incidents like this suggest that more comprehensive solutions are needed.
As investigations into the attack continue, the football community awaits official responses from Rangers, Celtic, and the authorities. For Tavernier, a player who has endured both adulation and vitriol during his decade at Ibrox, this latest episode is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with leading one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. The hope is that this incident will prompt meaningful dialogue and action to prevent such events in the future, ensuring that football remains a source of passion and pride rather than division and danger.
