Rangers and Celtic United by Farce in Europe and Sanctions at Home
Quick summary
The Guardian's Football Daily newsletter examines how both Glasgow clubs Rangers and Celtic have shared disappointing European campaigns while also facing sanctions domestically.
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While it is not uncommon for Scottish Premiership sides to perform their own version of Brexit in August, something of a nadir seems to have been reached this time around. On Tuesday night, Celtic soiled the sheets against Lask in a spectacular act of self-sabotage, somehow contriving not to qualify for Bigger Cup’s league phase from a tie they led 4-0 on aggregate at one stage. While their humiliation was widely viewed as one for all of fitba, fans of Rangers won’t have shed any salty tears. However, their delight at the status of laughing stock visited upon their bitter rivals was hideously diminished when their own representatives from Ibrox travelled to Czechia, apparently under a banner that read “Haud our bevvies!”
Congratulations to the Reader Formerly Known as Phil Taverner on his letter o’ the day ( Thursday’s letters ). Not only did the name change bring him instant brand recognition, but, like ‘Sávio’ joining Spurs, it guarantees that any success from here on will be prizeless” – Justin Kavanagh.
Did Phil Taverner write both letters so he’d have a 100% chance of the prizeless win? If so, can I change my name to Phil Taverner?” – Julie Bebb.
May I be one of the 1,057 readers protesting against the display of not one, but two letters from Noble Francis yesterday. This is outrageous and flies in the face of established editorial standards! Also, in the spirit of Monty Python: I am Noble Francis, and so is my wife” – Rasteen Nowroozi.
Re: Thursday’s opening bombshell – ‘The transfer window isn’t an actual window.’ Mind blown! Thank you Football Daily for uncovering the truth” – Steve Mintz.
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What happened
The Guardian's Football Daily newsletter from August 28, 2026, reflects on a difficult period for Scottish football's two biggest clubs. Both Rangers and Celtic have endured underwhelming performances in European competition, described as farcical, while simultaneously dealing with sanctions in their domestic setup. The piece positions the Old Firm clubs as united by shared struggles, highlighting the broader state of Scottish football's standing in Europe and the regulatory challenges facing both clubs at home.
Chance analysis
When the two dominant forces in Scottish football stumble in unison, the conversation inevitably shifts to systemic issues rather than individual failure. Rangers and Celtic sharing the same narrative of European underperformance and domestic sanctions underlines a league whose coefficient continues to slip, while also exposing the off-pitch governance problems that have plagued both Glasgow clubs in recent years. For Scottish football, the parallel troubles at the top represent a double blow to credibility, both on the continental stage and in how the SPFL is perceived by the wider European game.
Shared European disappointment and domestic sanctions suggest both clubs face credibility and competitive challenges, though no specific match impact is confirmed.