Celtic crumble to Old Firm defeat to leave Nancy on the brink

Rangers roared back from a goal down to win 3-1 at Celtic on Saturday and leave Hoops’ boss Wilfried Nancy’s future in serious doubt.

The Frenchman was only hired just one month ago but has overseen six defeats in eight games.

Rangers have overturned a nine-point deficit to Celtic in that time to move level with their Glasgow rivals and just three points behind leaders Hearts.

Nancy pleaded for time and patience in an impassioned rant on the eve of the game but many in the Celtic support have already lost faith in the 48-year-old.

Celtic had dominated the first 45 minutes and led through Yang Hyun-jun’s solo run and blistering finish.

Nancy’s side were left to rue not making more of their chances as Jack Butland twice denied Johnny Kenny.

However, it was a completely different story after the break as Youssef Chermiti doubled his Rangers tally within nine minutes.

The Portuguese striker has been much maligned for wasteful finishing since his £8 million ($11 million) move from Everton in September.

Chermiti tapped in Nico Raskin’s low cross to level and then sprinted clear of a static Celtic defence to slot past Kasper Schmeichel.

Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore then fired into the far corner to spark fury among the Celtic support.

Thousands headed for the exit, while those that stayed voiced their anger towards the club’s board.

The Celtic hierarchy have been under pressure all season for a perceived lack of investment in the playing squad.

But it is their decision to hire former Columbus Crew boss Nancy in the middle of a packed festive run of fixtures that is now open to question.

With 18 league matches remaining, the Celtic board must decide whether to stick with their Nancy gamble or twist on another managerial change.

Celtic have won 14 of the last 15 Scottish Premiership titles, including the previous four.

But that run is in severe danger with Hearts aiming to end the Old Firm’s 40-year stranglehold and a resurgent Rangers looking to take their crown.