Celtic came up against Rangers in what was the most significant match of Wilfried Nancy’s time at Parkhead.
A large section of the Celtic support have grown frustrated with Nancy following a sequence of results that saw the Bhoys beaten by Motherwell, Hearts, Dundee United and St Mirren.
With mounting pressure on the Celtic boss, there was a clear need for everyone at the club to be fully locked in to secure a positive outcome against the Ibrox side.
However, when Celtic’s starting XI was revealed, it offered supporters a telling insight into the mindset of those inside the Parkhead boardroom during one of the most volatile spells in the club’s recent history.
Celtic announce starting XI vs Rangers promoting EA Sports FC26:
In typical Celtic board style, the club opted to use the moment to push another commercial initiative by highlighting its partnership with EA Sports.
Celtic’s relationship with the gaming giants began in 2022 when Celtic Park was added to the franchise for the first time.
While contractual obligations may well explain the move, it marked the first occasion the club has rolled out a promotional gimmick in what was arguably the biggest match of Nancy’s Celtic tenure.
The timing of the post felt badly misjudged, particularly with Celtic fans already at odds with the board, as frustration grows over a weakened squad while a steady stream of merchandise promotions continues.
Celtic’s partnership with EA Sports explained:
Celtic’s agreement with EA Sports was created to boost the club’s global profile through the hugely popular football simulation series.
Although the length of the deal remains unclear, Celtic now sit alongside more than 300 clubs featured in the franchise, which was previously known as FIFA.
Now operating under the FC26 branding, Celtic will remain visible to a worldwide gaming audience across the globe.