By On a historic day at Tannadice Park, Celtic Football Club secured their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Dundee United on April 26, 2025. The win marked Celtic’s 13th league title in 14 years, further cementing their dominance in Scottish football. However, the match was far from routine, as it was punctuated by a unique fan protest over ticket prices and a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, whose funeral took place on the same day in Rome.
A Dominant Display on the Pitch
Celtic’s victory was never in doubt, with the team showcasing their superiority through goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah, who both scored twice, alongside an own goal by Dundee United’s Ryan Strain. Winger James Forrest also made history, collecting a record-breaking 26th winners’ medal, surpassing the legendary Bobby Lennox of the 1967 “Lisbon Lions” European Cup-winning squad.
The win left Celtic 18 points clear of rivals Rangers, who sit in second place, with the team recording 27 victories in the campaign—seven more than their closest competitors. Manager Brendan Rodgers, now with 11 major trophies at Celtic, expressed his pride in the squad’s mentality. “We want to be the most successful team we can be,” Rodgers told Sky News post-match. “Our mentality has been so, so good. It’s not our fault we’re 18 points clear and scoring goals.”
With this title in the bag, Celtic now turn their attention to the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen next month, where they have the chance to complete their sixth treble in nine seasons—and Rodgers’ third.
Tangerines on the Pitch: A Protest Against Ticket Prices
The game was briefly halted around the 11-minute mark when Celtic fans, among the 13,500-strong crowd, threw dozens of tangerines onto the pitch. This act was a symbolic protest against Dundee United’s decision to charge visiting adult fans up to £42 for tickets—a stark contrast to the £10 charged to home supporters. Celtic had previously raised concerns with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) over the pricing disparity, especially as it became clear the match could see the Hoops clinch the title.
The choice of tangerines was a pointed jab at Dundee United, whose nickname is “The Tangerines” due to their traditional orange kits. Celtic supporters accompanied the fruit-throwing with chants about the prices and a banner that read, “Enjoy the fruits of our labour.” Players, including Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, joined stewards in clearing the pitch to resume play.
The protest didn’t end there. Early in the second half, with Celtic leading 4-0, fans in the same stand behind Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton’s goal threw around 20 footballs onto the pitch as he prepared for a goal kick. Another banner unfurled, this time declaring, “Stop pricing fans out of football,” underscoring growing frustrations among supporters about the rising costs of attending matches across the sport.
A Moment of Reflection for Pope Francis
Before kickoff, the match took on a somber tone as both teams and fans observed a minute’s silence to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. His funeral was held earlier that day at the Vatican, and Celtic fans paid their respects with Vatican flags, banners, and chants of “Papa Francesco.” The tribute held special significance for the club, which has deep historical ties to the Catholic community. A Celtic delegation, including Rodgers and his squad, had met the Pope in a private audience in Rome following a match against Lazio in December 2023.
Despite a few early shouts, the silence was well-observed, with the Green Brigade—a prominent Celtic fan group—displaying a banner in the shed end to mark the occasion. The moment highlighted the club’s cultural and spiritual roots, resonating deeply with many supporters in attendance.
A Legacy of Dominance in Scottish Football
Celtic’s latest triumph reinforces their stranglehold on Scottish football, a dominance that has been a hallmark of the “Old Firm” rivalry with Rangers for decades. According to historical data, Celtic commands a 36.5% share of spectators in Scotland, the highest of any club, compared to Rangers’ 27.4%.
The two clubs have long been the powerhouses of the Scottish Premiership, with their rivalry often deciding the fate of the championship. For Celtic fans, anything less than a title-winning season is a disappointment—a sentiment echoed in the intensity of their celebrations at Tannadice.
Yet, the protests over ticket prices cast a shadow over the day’s festivities, raising broader questions about accessibility in football. As Celtic continue to set records on the pitch, the actions of their supporters serve as a reminder that the sport’s future depends on ensuring fans—the lifeblood of the game—aren’t priced out of the stands.
Looking Ahead
With the Premiership title secured, Celtic now have their sights set on more silverware in the Scottish Cup final. Rodgers, who reaffirmed his commitment to the club, saying, “I will be here next year, 200%,” is already looking to break more records. “It’s important to keep the motivation and the hunger at this stage of the season,” he said. “We know what we want to achieve.”
For Celtic fans, the day was a mix of triumph, protest, and reflection—a fitting encapsulation of a club that remains deeply connected to its community, its history, and its ambitions. As the Bhoys march on, their legacy in Scottish football continues to grow, one title at a time.
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