2021-03-21: Celtic 1-1 TheRangers, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 20202021


Trivia

  • Sunday 12pm
  • John Kennedy is Celtic interim manager.
  • Sevco already sealed league title in last match due to Celtic dropping points in draw with Dundee Utd.
  • So the Game ended 1-1, or 55-55 if you’re one of them lot
  • Celtic squander chances and game ends one each. Penalty should have been given to Celtic.
  • Derek McInnes blamed ‘unprecendented factors’ after being relieved of his Aberdeen duties, ending an eight-year reign
  • Former Rangers manager Walter Smith has undergone an operation and is recovering in hospital.  All the strength in the world to him.
  • Prematch
  • SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and his counterpart at the SPFL, Neil Doncaster, have been instructed to hold crisis talks with the Scottish Government amid fears another repeat of past Sunday’s scenes in Glasgow could have the Scottish football season stopped.
  • FM Nicola Sturgeon called Sevco fans’ celebrations “infuriating and disgraceful”. The First Minister called on the club to tell their fans to go home as thousands congregated across the city on Sunday.
  • Sevco fans congregating at Ibrox after their title win after the DUtd match, the club’s training ground and around Glasgow to celebrate their title victory after the last Celtic match. Cause havoc, damaged memorials in town, and got a lot of easy treatment compared to other club’s supporters.
  • Sevco celebrations included: A guy wanking himself in George Square , a guy shiting himself , a guy pissing himself , guys cutting about with stauners , guys stealing , guys kicking fuck out each other , guys smashing up benches , guys smashing up shops , guys blowing themselves up with fireworks

Different club. Same fans.

  • Council bosses have hit out at social media claims groups of Sevco fans helped with the clean-up operation following gatherings at George Square on Sunday evening.  Talking rubbish.
  • Match has been prematch overwhelmed by Sevco trying to get one over and cover their backs including blaming the authorities for not removing benches etc in George Square, after the square was wrecked including memorial benches.
  • Tried to drag Celtic into it who retorted online via twitter stating:

Celtic: “We’re not half of anything. Not our problem.”

  • Sevco statement: “Police intelligence indicated that some fans would congregate in groups given the fact that this is not only a historic achievement but due to the behaviour from the other half of the Old Firm… in December.” Celtic Reply: “We’re not half of anything. Not our problem.”
  • Concerns both next Celtic v Sevco matches to be cancelled!
  • Sevco out of Europe following controversial second leg v Slavia Prague.
  • Postmatch
  • No Guard of Honour for Sevco, despite lots of calls for it from outsiders from Celtic. Daft request.
  • Scott Brown shows his support to Glen Kamara after the Sevco midfielder suffered alleged racist abuse on Thursday in the Europa League. “It does not matter if it is a Rangers player or Celtic player it should never be part of the game and it just shows we are with them and stand with them” Celtic captain Scott Brown speaking about supporting and standing by Glen Kamara.
  • Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity nominated for FIFA Fair Play Award
  • Morelos finally scores v Celtic. Due to an unnecessary corner conceded. Set pieces and Celtic this season!!! Ridiculous.
  • Sevco have not conceded a penalty all season domestically. Today’s decision by Collum v Eddie shows why.
  • Andrew Gutman completed his permanent transfer to Atlanta Utd in the US.
  • Celtic 1-1 Rangers: Home side denied ‘stonewall’ penalty – Scott Brown
  • A 35 year old Celtic Fan, Kamil Charyszyn was chased and murdered at weekend in Glasgow by 3 men and 1 woman. They slit his throat with a machete. Note his family via a fund raising support site and the police saying this crime is currently not football related despite some early reports stating otherwise. RIP

Summary

(jbcity)

Shambles. Not a great game, and capped by Morelos finally breaking his duck against Celtic after 15 games. However, Celtic had enough chances to close out. Collum booked Eddie for diving when it should have been a penalty. Frustrating for everyone there. Sevco have not conceded a penalty all season domestically. Today’s decision by Collum v Eddie shows why, when that was a def penalty.

Good goal by Elyounoussi helped, but Kennys wayward passback awarded Sevco a corner kick that gifted them a goal. Celtic and set pieces has been a bane this season in particular.

The second half was abject after a fair first half. There is little morale in this side.

Likely result that ends any slim hopes that Kennedy had to be Celtic manager! One relief for many at Celtic.

Twitter

A poor result. Club is insipid from top to bottom. No leadership, no desire. Players phoning it in because they don’t really care.

A game we should have won, and our season in microcosm. Didn’t take our chances. Lost a comedy goal. Poor decision making in the final third. Shocking use of subs. And a ref at it for 90 minutes.Far better than recent performances against them, but still not good enough.

Another honest mistake from Collum. A stonewall penalty all day long. Two yellow card challenges from them in first 12 mins. Both ignored. The more things change….. Blatant cheating. Can’t think of any other explanation

That’s 5 consecutive games Celtic have not scored in the second half. Make of that what you will….

I used to think Neil Lennon’s substitutions were poor but Kennedy out did him today. Turnbull off and yet kept Christie on. Bringing Rogic on, perplexing to say the least. Bringing Soro and Griffiths on with 3 minutes left. You bring subs on 87 minutes to waste time not win games.

(Phil Gordon journalist)

I’ve watched leagues all season from Italy, Germany, France, Holland, where all sorts of ‘contact’ forensically analysed by VAR and penalties given for way less than Edouard took. And sometimes reds given retrospectively. They’d all be cringing at Collum’s blunder. #CelticFC


Teams

Celtic:

29Bain

16Kenny

57Welsh

35Ajer

93LaxaltBooked at 66mins

8BrownBooked at 55mins Substituted forSoroat 88’minutes

42McGregor

17Christie

14TurnbullSubstituted forForrestat 78’minutes

27ElyounoussiSubstituted forRogicat 85’minutes

22EdouardBooked at 27mins    Substituted forGriffithsat 88’minutes

Substitutes

    1Barkas

    3Taylor

    4Duffy

    6Bitton

    9Griffiths

    11Klimala

    12Soro

    18Rogic

    49Forrest

Goals: Elyounoussi 23

Assists: Edouard

Sevco

1 McGregor

26Balogun Substituted forPattersonat 56’minutes

6Goldson

5Helander

31Barisic

18Kamara

10Davis

17Aribo Substituted forWrightat 77’minutes

7Hagi Substituted forArfieldat 65’minutes

20MorelosBooked at 61mins    Substituted forRoofeat 77’minutes

    14Kent

Substitutes

    3Bassey

    9Defoe

    11Itten

    15Zungu

    16Patterson

    23Wright

    25Roofe

    33McLaughlin

    37Arfield

Goals: Morelos 38

Assists:

Ref:  Willie Collum

Att: none – covid


Articles

  • Match Report (see below)

Pictures


Match Links


Stats

Celtic

Rangers

Possession

    Home56%

    Away44%

Shots

    Home16

    Away9

Shots on Target

    Home8

    Away3

Corners

    Home10

    Away5

Fouls

    Home16

    Away13


Articles

Celtic 1-1 Rangers: Home side denied ‘stonewall’ penalty – Scott Brown

21 March 202121 March 2021.From the section Celtic

Celtic were denied a “stonewall” penalty kick in their 1-1 draw with unbeaten Rangers at Celtic Park, insists captain Scott Brown.

Odsonne Edouard was booked for simulation after he went down in the first half after a challenge from Rangers’ defender Borna Barisic.

Celtic were leading 1-0 at the time through Mohamed Elyounoussi’s header, before Alfredo Morelos levelled.

“There’s contact, we saw it at half-time,” Brown told Sky Sports.

“There was no need for Odsonne Edouard to go down, he had a shot inside.

“It’s one of those ones, you go in at half time 2-0 up and it’s a total change of game, but they’ve managed to get back in the game.”

Celtic’s interim manager John Kennedy agreed, saying the award would have “changed the game”.

As it was, the deposed champions had to settle for a draw in the third Old Firm game of the campaign.

“It was minimal contact but it was enough to bring Odsonne down and it was a reckless challenge,” Kennedy told BBC Scotland. “Why would he go down?”

Morelos’ first goal in 13 Old Firm derbies ensured champions Rangers remain on course for an unbeaten Scottish Premiership season.

But Brown felt Celtic – who have now failed to beat their Old Firm rivals since the League Cup final in December 2019 – deserved to take the three points.

“I thought in the first half we were exceptional,” he said. “I think today’s performance – we’ve been miles better than we have been this season.

“The last three games we’ve been really good. It shows the lads are still fighting and have a lot of pride in ourselves.”

Match ends, Celtic 1, Rangers 1.

90’+3′

Full Time

Second Half ends, Celtic 1, Rangers 1.

90’+3′

Post update

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).

90’+3′

Post update

Borna Barisic (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90’+3′

Post update

Stephen Welsh (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90’+3′

Post update

Foul by Kemar Roofe (Rangers).

90’+2′

Post update

Offside, Celtic. Jonjoe Kenny tries a through ball, but Leigh Griffiths is caught offside.

90’+1′

Post update

Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross following a corner.

90’+1′

Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Stephen Welsh.

88′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Leigh Griffiths replaces Odsonne Edouard.

88′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Ismaila Soro replaces Scott Brown.

88′

Post update

Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross following a corner.

87′

Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Jonjoe Kenny.

85′

Post update

Tomas Rogic (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

85′

Post update

Foul by Connor Goldson (Rangers).

85′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Tomas Rogic replaces Mohamed Elyounoussi.

84′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Kemar Roofe (Rangers) header from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Nathan Patterson with a cross.

82′

Post update

Attempt saved. Jonjoe Kenny (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

79′

Post update

Offside, Rangers. Allan McGregor tries a through ball, but Kemar Roofe is caught offside.

78′

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic.

77′

Post update

David Turnbull (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

77′

Post update

Foul by Glen Kamara (Rangers).

77′

Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Kemar Roofe replaces Alfredo Morelos.

77′

Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Scott Wright replaces Joe Aribo.

73′

Post update

Attempt missed. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross following a corner.

72′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan McGregor.

72′

Post update

Attempt saved. David Turnbull (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ryan Christie.

71′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

71′

Post update

Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

69′

Post update

Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

69′

Post update

Foul by Connor Goldson (Rangers).

67′

Post update

Diego Laxalt (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

67′

Post update

Foul by Ryan Kent (Rangers).

67′

Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Mohamed Elyounoussi.

67′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Steven Davis (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

66′

Booking

Diego Laxalt (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

66′

Post update

Foul by Diego Laxalt (Celtic).

66′

Post update

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

65′

Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Scott Arfield replaces Ianis Hagi.

64′

Post update

Foul by Kristoffer Ajer (Celtic).

James Forrest replaces David Turnbull.

64′

Post update

Connor Goldson (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

64′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.

64′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mohamed Elyounoussi.

62′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.

62′

Post update

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).

62′

Post update

Joe Aribo (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

61′

Booking

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

61′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

61′

Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).

59′

Post update

Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

59′

Post update

Foul by Nathan Patterson (Rangers).

58′

Post update

Attempt missed. Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Callum McGregor with a cross.

57′

Post update

Foul by Diego Laxalt (Celtic).

57′

Post update

Nathan Patterson (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

56′

Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Nathan Patterson replaces Leon Balogun.

55′

Booking

Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

54′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

54′

Post update

Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

54′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.

52′

Post update

Attempt saved. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ryan Christie with a headed pass.

52′

Post update

Stephen Welsh (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

52′

Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).

49′

Post update

Attempt missed. Stephen Welsh (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross following a corner.

49′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Steven Davis.

49′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Diego Laxalt (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Odsonne Edouard.

47′

Post update

Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

47′

Post update

Foul by Leon Balogun (Rangers).

46′

Post update

Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).

46′

Post update

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

46′

Post update

Offside, Rangers. Connor Goldson tries a through ball, but Alfredo Morelos is caught offside.

Second Half

Second Half begins Celtic 1, Rangers 1.

45’+1′

Half Time

First Half ends, Celtic 1, Rangers 1.

45′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Leon Balogun.

45′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Scott Brown (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross.

44′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan McGregor.

44′

Post update

Attempt saved. Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross.

44′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Leon Balogun.

43′

Post update

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

43′

Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).

42′

Post update

Attempt saved. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ianis Hagi.

41′

Post update

Attempt saved. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Mohamed Elyounoussi.

40′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.

39′

Post update

Foul by Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic).

39′

Post update

Connor Goldson (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

38′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 1, Rangers 1. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) header from very close range to the top right corner. Assisted by Leon Balogun following a corner.

38′

Post update

Attempt missed. Leon Balogun (Rangers) header from very close range misses to the right. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross following a corner.

37′

Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Jonjoe Kenny.

36′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

36′

Post update

Ianis Hagi (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

31′

Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Kristoffer Ajer.

30′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

30′

Post update

Ianis Hagi (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

30′

Post update

Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Diego Laxalt.

29′

Post update

Foul by Odsonne Edouard (Celtic).

29′

Post update

Leon Balogun (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

27′

Booking

Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.

27′

Post update

Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) has gone down, but the referee deems it simulation.

26′

Post update

Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

24′

Post update

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).

24′

Post update

Ianis Hagi (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

23′

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 1, Rangers 0. Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) header from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Odsonne Edouard with a cross.

22′

Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan McGregor.

22′

Post update

Attempt saved. Mohamed Elyounoussi (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross.

21′

Post update

Attempt saved. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross.

16′

Post update

Foul by Odsonne Edouard (Celtic).

16′

Post update

Leon Balogun (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

14′

Post update

Attempt missed. Ianis Hagi (Rangers) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ryan Kent with a cross.

13′

Post update

Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Stephen Welsh following a set piece situation.

12′

Post update

Diego Laxalt (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

12′

Post update

Foul by Ianis Hagi (Rangers).

9′

Post update

Foul by Leon Balogun (Rangers).

9′

Post update

Diego Laxalt (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

9′

Post update

Hand ball by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).

5′

Post update

Borna Barisic (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

5′

Post update

Foul by Jonjoe Kenny (Celtic).

Kick Off

First Half begins.

Posted at 11:51 21 Mar11:51 21 Mar

Post update

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Bbc

By Thomas DuncanBBC Scotland

Last updated on

21 March 202121 March 2021.From the section Scottish Premiership

Highlights: Celtic 1-1 Rangers

Alfredo Morelos’ first goal in 13 Old Firm derbies ensured champions Rangers remain on course for an unbeaten Scottish Premiership season after drawing at Celtic.

The Colombian striker stooped to head in after Mohamed Elyounoussi had done similar earlier in the first half to deservedly put Celtic in front.

In the second half, neither side could create many chances and it ended level, meaning that five matches now stand between Rangers and an undefeated league campaign.

However, their inability to win means Steven Gerrard’s men can no longer match Celtic’s 106-point haul in their unbeaten 2016-17 campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

    ‘Fireworks after derby that fizzled out’

    Unbeaten season ‘sideshow’ for Rangers

    Celtic denied ‘stonewall’ penalty

    Podcast: Reaction to Old Firm stalemate

Both sets of players opted not to take the knee before kick-off and instead stood together against racism, after Rangers’ Glen Kamara was allegedly racially abused by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela in Thursday’s Europa League tie.

In a nice touch, Celtic captain Scott Brown approached Kamara as the teams were warming up to offer his support, as both clubs sent a clear message of unity on the issue.

After the events of Thursday, it was perhaps expected that Rangers would be physically and mentally drained, while Celtic had not played since relinquishing their title a fortnight ago.

However, the home side also started tamely before Elyounoussi’s terrific header sparked them into life.

The goal came down Rangers’ right-hand side – where Leon Balogun was regularly exposed as a right-back before being replaced in the 55th minute – with Callum McGregor’s brilliant through ball finding the lively Odsonne Edouard, whose delicious cross invited Elyounoussi to thump home.

Edouard was booked for diving shortly after the opener but, that aside, the French striker turned in a fine performance, and only two terrific saves from Alan McGregor stopped him scoring.

But Celtic were pegged back against the run of play in typical fashion, as their set-piece frailties were exposed.

Balogun – marked by the much smaller Brown – flicked on Borna Barisic’s corner to the back post, where Morelos was lurking to nod into the net, ending four years of personal frustration in this fixture.

Rangers were far from their best and created few other chances, the best of them a spectacular volley from Ryan Kent from a tight angle which Scott Bain pushed away before the break, and the Celtic goalkeeper almost kicked the ball in off Stephen Welsh later on.

Celtic looked the more threatening in a tight second half, with Edouard, Elyounoussi and Welsh all heading over. But it wasn’t to be for the once dominant force of Scottish football, though they did at least prevent a fourth straight derby defeat.

Man of the match – Odsonne Edouard


What did we learn?

It’s difficult to take much from a dead-rubber derby. From a Celtic point of view, Edouard’s link-up with Elyounoussi was the source of their best play, but it faded in the second half, like many of their performances this season.

There were encouraging signs, for sure, but they still lack conviction in the final third, at times in this game overplaying rather than making more direct runs and passes, or having a shot. Defending set-pieces is an issue that pre-dates this season, but was once again exposed.

As for Rangers, their job for the season is done having clinched the title with plenty to spare, and a draw suits them in their quest for an ‘invincible’ league campaign.

After the tumultuous scenes on Thursday and the emotional toll it must have took on the whole squad, it is perhaps unsurprising that Gerrard’s side were below par.

One issue of continued concern is right-back, as Balogun was again unconvincing. With James Tavernier injured and Nathan Patterson facing a lengthy ban for a Covid breach, the Rangers boss may need another solution in that area.

Celtic boss Kennedy rages at non-penalty as Gers run goes on

Celtic 1 Rangers 1

Celtic player Mohamed Elyounoussi

morelos

Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard (centre) goes to ground

Steven Gerrard

Celtic player Mohamed Elyounoussi

Ronnie Esplin

March 22 2021 06:00 AM

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/celtic-boss-kennedy-rages-at-non-penalty-as-gers-run-goes-on-40222897.html

Interim boss John Kennedy claimed referee Willie Collum denied Celtic a clear-cut penalty in their 1-1 draw with champions Rangers at Parkhead.

Hoops attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi headed in an Odsonne Edouard cross in the 23rd minute of the Scottish Premiership encounter but minutes later the French forward was booked for diving in the box after a challenge by Gers defender Borna Barisic.

Alfredo Morelos levelled in the 38th minute with his first goal against Celtic and, although the home side had the best of the game, Steven Gerrard’s men made it 33 league games unbeaten to keep the 20-point gap between the teams intact.

Kennedy said of the penalty claim: “It had a massive say in the game. I’ve seen it back and I’ve spoken to Odsonne.

“If you get any sort of contact in the box, when a player comes flying at you at that speed, comes recklessly in, knocks you off balance, touches you enough to go over – that’s what happened there.

“If he doesn’t go over, he is on the ball, he scores the goal.

“There is no need for him to go down, he is a goalscorer, he wants as many goals as possible. He is not that type of player.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak to the referee. In games like that, these decisions are massive, really important.

“Willie will have his opinion on it, other people might think differently but we are sure it’s a penalty.

“So we feel aggrieved that we didn’t get a penalty kick, we have to accept that and look at the bigger picture of the performance which was good.

“It was a high level performance. I thought we were dominant most of the game and scored a really great goal, which we were pleased with and disappointed with the goal we conceded. Overall pleased, and the attitude was terrific.”

The Celtic players put Old Firm rivalries aside before the game. Rangers players had decided not to take the knee before kick-off in support of Gers midfielder Glen Kamara and the Celtic players did likewise.

The Finland international claimed he had been subject to a racist slur by Ondrej Kudela during the Europe League defeat by Slavia Prague at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Celtic skipper Scott Brown had a quick word with Kamara in the build-up and substitutes, management and backroom staff of both clubs stood along the touchline in a show of solidarity.

Former Celtic defender Kennedy said: “It is important. This is not about derbies, rivalry, opposition.

“This is about unity coming together, and trying to make a difference.

“It has gone on too long. It seems to happen more and more even though there is more education.

“It is not acceptable. You give someone, or whoever it may be, a punishment for it and that will quickly eradicate it.”

Gerrard was pleased to see Colombia striker Colombia striker Morelos get his first goal against Celtic at the 15th time of asking.

He said: “I think it will be relief for him, first and foremost.

“He has had a lot of attempts to try and score here so for his own personal point of view, a positive moment for him and it helped us get a decent result.

“He has been magnificent in terms of his contribution, certainly of late, he has scored big goals at key times. So we are really happy with Alfredo.

“Normally he is travelling all round the world for internationals but he is staying behind and he will get some time with his family and be ready for the next game.”

While Rangers are only five league games away from being unbeaten through the whole league season – as Celtic did in 2016/17 when they won the domestic treble – Gerrard described it a “sideshow”.

He said: “We know people are talking about it on the outside.

“I will give you a little glimpse of what is on the inside – it is all about the next game. It is a sideshow really.

“We will try to do it, we will do everything we can and that means we want to try and win every game. It will be tough, there are a lot of challenges out there.

“The priority now is the Scottish Cup, we want to try and do a double, try to win another trophy but it is also an opportunity for us to try certain players and try different things, give people game time. We will try and get both right.”

Subs Not Used: Barkas,Taylor,Duffy,Bitton,Klimala.

Rangers: McGregor, Balogun (Patterson 56), Goldson, Helander, Barisic, Kamara, Davis, Aribo (Wright 77), Hagi (Arfield 65), Morelos (Roofe 77), Kent.

Subs Not Used: Bassey, Defoe, Itten, Zungu, McLaughlin.

Referee: William Collum (Scotland).

Man of the match: Odsonne Edouard

Match rating: 7/10


Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity nominated for FIFA Fair Play Award
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/november/23/scott-brown-s-gesture-of-solidarity-nominated-for-fifa-fair-play-award/

Share

The nominations for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 have been announced, and Scott Brown’s gesture of solidarity with Glen Kamara before the Glasgow derby back in March is one of the three moments in the running for the award.

The Rangers midfielder had suffered racial abuse in a Europa League match against Slavia Prague, and as both sets of players warmed up before the derby clash, Scott Brown walked into the Rangers’ half, shook Glen Kamara’s hand and put his arm around his back. The Finland internationalist reciprocated as the two players spoke for a few moments.

It was a gesture of solidarity from the then Celtic captain, on behalf of the club to Glen Kamara, one that was appreciated at the time and one which has now been acknowledged by FIFA.

The other two nominations for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 are:

The Danish medical team and players who responded heroically after Christian Eriksen collapsed during their Euro 2020 match against Finland, giving Eriksen immediate and life-saving CPR, creating a circle with team-mates to shield the player from cameras and comforting Christian Eriksen’s wife.
Claudio Ranieri, who, as a gesture of goodwill to the recently-crowned Serie A champions, Inter Milan, got his Sampdoria side to form a guard of honour for the Inter players ahead of the game, a tradition he brought from his time in English football and, specifically, when his Leicester City side won the Premier League in 2016.
Since 1987, FIFA has recognised exemplary fair play with the FIFA Fair Play Award. The honour is bestowed on a player, coach, team, match official, individual fan or fan group in recognition of exemplary fair play behaviour, either on or off the pitch, such as:

Playing by the rules and promoting the Laws of the Game; and/or
Respecting team-mates, opponents, match officials and/or fans; and/or
Acting against discrimination.
In 2003, the Celtic supporters were awarded both the FIFA Fair Play Award and the UEFA Fair Play Award for their exemplary behaviour at the UEFA Cup final in Seville and their unwavering support of the team.

The winner of the FIFA Fair Play Award 2021 will be selected by a panel of experts representing both FIFA and external football stakeholders.