Former Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny lands back at Celtic Park on Thursday night, setting the stage for an inevitably frosty reception 18 months on from his most infamous moment in a Light Blue shirt.

The Czechia international, who spent a stellar 2024-25 campaign on loan at Ibrox scoring 18 goals and providing nine assists in 52 appearances, returns to Glasgow as part of the Besiktas squad facing Celtic in the UEFA Europa League.

Former Rangers heroes Vaclav Cerny and Ridvan Yilmaz return to Celtic Park

The highlight of Cerny’s time in Scotland came during a thrilling 3-2 victory for Rangers at Celtic Park. Having been substituted in the 83rd minute for Hamza Igamane, Cerny watched from the bench as goalkeeper Jack Butland inexplicably set up Igamane for an 88th-minute winner.

Unable to contain his jubilation, Cerny sprinted down the touchline toward the celebrating Rangers away end. Along the way, he was filmed squirting a water bottle directly toward furious Celtic supporters.

The gesture sparked widespread outrage in the East End of Glasgow and prompted an official investigation by Police Scotland, though the winger ultimately escaped criminal charges and SFA disciplinary action.

Cerny arrived in Scotland on Wednesday evening alongside the Besiktas travelling squad, as captured on video by STV Sport. However, his return comes amid a frustrating period in Istanbul.

Despite remaining a regular starter under head coach Vincenzo Italiano, Cerny has registered just two goals and a single assist in domestic action this term. Having started on the bench in Besiktas’ recent 2-2 Europa League draw against Crystal Palace, it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the starting XI at Parkhead tonight.

Adding further intrigue to the clash, former Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz has also travelled as part of the Turkish side’s squad. Meanwhile, current Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin will be keeping a close eye on proceedings; the Belgian was subject to an 11th-hour transfer collapse to Besiktas in the summer and continues to be linked with a potential January move to join international colleague Leandro Trossard in Istanbul.

For Celtic supporters, however, all eyes tonight will be on the touchline, and whether Cerny gets another chance to cross paths with the Parkhead crowd.