NafisaCeltic and Rangers rarely find themselves agreeing on anything, making even the smallest interaction between players from the two clubs enough to spark debate among supporters. With the rivalry as fierce as ever, fans are constantly watching for any social media activity that could be interpreted as unusual.
The summer transfer window has only intensified that attention. Rangers have been busy strengthening Derek McInnes’ squad with a series of new arrivals, while Celtic are also expected to continue adding fresh faces before the deadline as both Glasgow giants prepare for another title battle.
But while Rangers’ latest signing generated plenty of excitement among the Ibrox faithful, it was an unexpected reaction from one Celtic player that stole the headlines.
Reo Hatate surprises fans with Rangers interaction
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has sparked a wave of reactions after appearing to like not one, but two of Rangers’ Instagram posts announcing the signing of Cammy Devlin.
The Light Blues confirmed the arrival of the Australian midfielder on Saturday after he completed a free transfer from Hearts, reuniting with Derek McInnes following their successful spell together at Tynecastle.
Rangers shared two posts celebrating Devlin’s arrival—one showing the midfielder holding up the club’s new home shirt and another featuring a welcome graphic surrounded by images of the new signing in Rangers’ home and third kits.
While thousands of Rangers supporters, teammates and friends interacted with the posts, fans were surprised to notice Hatate’s verified Instagram account among those who had liked both uploads.
The unexpected interaction quickly spread across social media, with supporters from both sides of the Old Firm offering their own theories.
One fan wrote:
“Bizarre from him.”
Another commented:
“Bizarre one. He’s surely not meant that?”
A third supporter reacted:
“Bye bye Reo Hatate.”
Others saw the funny side, with one Celtic fan joking:
“He’s probably just letting Cammy out of his pocket.”
Whether the likes were intentional or accidental remains unclear, but they were enough to generate plenty of discussion given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
Hatate has been one of Celtic’s key midfielders since arriving from Japan in 2022 during Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge.
However, the 28-year-old saw his role diminish towards the end of last season and has recently admitted he hopes to test himself outside Scotland.
Speaking earlier this month while in Japan, Hatate said:
“I would like to challenge myself in one of the top five leagues.
“I’m not saying I’m satisfied, but I have had the opportunity to play in the Champions League and other high-level leagues, but I still haven’t been able to play at such a high level for an entire season.
“I still have that desire to play there. I would like to play in one of the top five leagues, and if possible, in the Europa League or Champions League.
“My goal is to be able to play in a league where I can do that.”
With two years remaining on his Celtic contract, speculation surrounding Hatate’s future is expected to continue throughout the transfer window.
As for the Instagram activity, there is no indication that it reflects anything beyond a social media interaction. Nevertheless, in the emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the Old Firm rivalry, even a simple ‘like’ is enough to set tongues wagging among supporters from both sides of Glasgow.
Nafisa
