I was involved in unseen Celtic Park incident worse than Vaclav Cerny ‘watergate’ row – but it got Rangers fans singing

The Czech winger’s celebration has been a major talking point in Scottish football since derby day.

Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny stirred controversy after sealing a late victory at Celtic Park, celebrating by spraying water toward the home crowd.

Maurice Ross knows firsthand what it’s like to face the wrath of Celtic fans, having had his own heated encounter in Glasgow’s east end during his time with Rangers.

Hamza Igamane’s goal against Celtic on Sunday ignited wild celebrations in the away dugout, with Barry Ferguson and his staff joining in. Meanwhile, Cerny was caught on camera squirting a water bottle toward Parkhead supporters, prompting an angry response that led to police and security stepping in.

The SFA and police are now investigating the incident, which reminded Ross of his own clash with fans that largely went unnoticed back in 2002.

During a thrilling 3-3 derby draw, Ross found himself shielded by security after striking a Celtic supporter with the ball.

Speaking to Open Goal, the former Rangers defender recalled: “This whole water fight thing—my mate messaged me saying, ‘That wasn’t as bad as when you hit that Celtic fan with the ball.’

“At Celtic Park, the pitch is raised slightly above the front wall. The fans were giving me stick, so I thought if I hit the ball against the wall, it would bounce back to me and just give them a scare.

“Instead, I ended up smacking someone right on the shoulder. The fans started climbing over seats, going crazy.

“The security made things worse by surrounding me like I was some kind of criminal.

“That was the only time Rangers fans ever sang my name—’One Maurice Ross.’ Only time.

“Funny thing is, if I had actually tried to hit them, I probably would have missed.”