Celtic secured a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals after a penalty shootout victory at Ibrox and the pain of that win was clearly showing on David Tanner that day.
The match ended in chaos as hundreds of Rangers supporters breached the pitch immediately after the final whistle as Celtic fans celebrated with players.
Police Scotland confirmed that multiple arrests were made following the disgraceful scenes and extreme violence at the stadium, but it was David Tanner’s description of the events that rankled with some Celtic supporters.
The David Tanner meltdown and the Celtic fan blessing obsession
Broadcaster David Tanner focused a part of his commentary on a Celtic supporter during his coverage of the massive security breach.
He bizarrely reported on a Celtic supporter blessing himself as if the religious gesture were a point of concern.
Stewards and officers were forced to form a human barricade to protect the players from the incursion of hundreds of fans.
One female officer was kicked to the ground and Celtic defender Julian Araujo was targeted by an individual who pushed the player during the unrest.
The commentary has been widely criticised by Celtic supporters as Tanner bizarrely focused on a religious gesture that even Rangers players take part in when inside Ibrox.
Seventeen days of Tanner Celtic silence
David Tanner has now reached 17 days of silence since he was first asked to explain his remarks. Fans have consistently used social media to demand an explanation for why a common religious sign was highlighted during a riot.
@DavidTannerTV Hi David. Can you elaborate on what your were alluding to when you mentioned Celtic fans blessing themselves please? Do you think it's wrong to bless yourself?
— Dan (@McCormack_90) March 23, 2026
Day 15 of waiting for a response from you.
The refusal to address the comment highlights a lack of accountability in Scottish sports broadcasting. This issue is particularly relevant given the high stakes of the Glasgow Derby and the scrutiny placed on the visiting support.
Legal Reality Versus Hyperbole
The legal status of religious gestures in Scottish football was settled two decades ago. The Crown Office confirmed in 2006 that the sign of the cross is not a criminal offense regardless of the setting.
Tanner’s shock at the gesture ignores established legal precedent and the basic rights of all football supporters. Framing a standard act of faith as a provocation is a desperate tactic used to protect the image of the host club.
The failure of media figures to justify their hyperbole proves that the Celtic double standard in Glasgow is alive and well.