James Tavernier’s final Glasgow Derby appearance ended with another familiar scene for Celtic supporters.

The Rangers captain was caught underneath the ball as Daizen Maeda fired Celtic ahead early in the second half on Sunday afternoon. Kieran Tierney’s low cross flashed into the six-yard box and Maeda darted across Tavernier before guiding the finish beyond Jack Butland.

3EECA9R Celtic’s Daizen Maeda (right) celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday May 10, 2026.

Celtic eventually ran out 3-1 winners after another derby collapse from Rangers. Maeda’s stunning overhead kick later sealed the points and moved Martin O’Neill’s side to within one point of Hearts with two matches left.

As Tavernier walked off the pitch late on, sections of the Celtic support applauded him sarcastically from the stands.


It summed up how many Celtic fans view the Rangers captain after more than a decade at Ibrox.

Despite his attacking numbers from right-back, largely penalties, Tavernier has spent most of his Rangers career falling short against Celtic in the biggest moments. Since arriving in 2015, he has won just one league title. Celtic have dominated domestically during that same period and Tavernier has regularly been criticised for his defending in derby matches.

Sunday brought more problems for him.

Tierney constantly drove into the space behind him during the second half and Rangers struggled badly once Celtic increased the tempo after the break. Yang Hyun-jun moving over to the right side pinned Tavernier back more often and stopped him getting forward.

The goal for 2-1 showed the issue clearly.

Tavernier was slow to react as Tierney burst beyond him into the box. Maeda then attacked the near space first while Tavernier could only watch the ball hit the net.

That moment changed the game completely.

Celtic supporters have long joked that Tavernier has been one of their most reliable allies because of how many painful derby afternoons Rangers have suffered during his spell as captain. The applause as he left the field reflected that feeling again.

3EECGGY Celtic’s Callum McGregor (left) speaks with Rangers’ James Tavernier during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday May 10, 2026.

Rangers had arrived at Celtic Park needing a result to keep pressure on the title race after Hearts dropped points against Motherwell on Saturday. Instead, they faded badly once Celtic settled into the match.

For Tavernier, it was another difficult derby ending in what now looks set to be his final visit to Celtic Park as a Rangers player.