Match Pictures | Matches: 2021 – 2022
Trivia
- KO: 12:00; Sunday; League Match 32 of 38
- Pivotal match for the title race.
- Celtic go 6pts ahead in the League title race with 16 goals difference advantage ahead of Sevco. League race to many is seen as effectively over as really Sevco need to make up 7pts with only six games left.
- Sevco desperately needed a win, as Celtic were so far ahead on goal difference that the three point lead was almost counted as if a four point advantage and next Derby league game is at Celtic Park.
- Sevco’s first defeat at Ibrox in a long time! They are in the quarter-finals of the UEFA cup.
- Celtic staff member hit by bottle during the game. The man needed urgent medical treatment and had to have stitches in his head. A statement from the club said the matter had been referred to police. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware of a glass bottle being thrown at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, during the Rangers v Celtic match”. The game was held up at halftime for the restart of the second half as there was a full broken bottle thrown by Sevco fans into the box which Celtic were to defend. Absolute disgrace and dangerous.
Post-Note:10/04/2022 – 32 year old man arrested for the bottle throwing; Ange Postecoglou: “I’ve not [had an apology from Rangers]. But they don’t owe me an apology – they owe Danny the apology because he is the victim in this. It’s not about one-upmanship, it’s about providing a safe environment for the fans, players, staff.” Danny Friel was the physio hit by the glass bottle. Ange says he is fine. “To his credit, he handled it really well on the day and has done since. We were concerned for him, I said he should never have been put in that position. He works hard for this club.”
Feb 2023: Alan Crawford, 33, struck Daniel Friel on the head from the west enclosure at Ibrox on 3 April last year. admitted throwing a bottle at a Celtic physio and leaving permanent scarring during the match last year.
Mar 2023: Alan Crawford, 33, was jailed for one year and handed a five-year football banning order for the act of “mindless violence”. - Both to play each other again in Scottish Cup semi final in two weeks time.
- Celtic fans given only 700 tickets for away end. Some demand we hand them back and demand a proper amount. Never was to happen.
- Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou confirms Kyogo returns for the game but was left out by Ange. James Forrest out however. Sevco’s Morelos & Haji out injured.
- Back after the international friendlies & World Cup qualification matches. (Scotland’s match v Ukraine postponed due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict). Big shock Italy knocked out by N Macedonia! Japan defeat Australia to get thru. England recall after 6yrs for ex-Celt Fraser Forster to England squad, didn’t play. Reo Hatate won his first cap for Japan.
- Boli Bolingoli’s loan move to Russian club FC Ufa has fallen through due to the player being unable to secure a work visa due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- UK and Rep of Ireland FAs submitted a joint expression of interest in staging Euro 2028.
- Celtic youngster Ben Doak signed for Liverpool for 600k.
- Celtic signed teenage star Daniel Kelly for three years. Reportedly a host of EPL sides had been linked with a move for the 16-year-old, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
- Reports: Celtic keen on Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Christopher Scott. The 19-year-old has featured for the German giant’s second string this campaign.
- Russia/Ukraine: 4m refugees estimated due to the ongoing invasion.
- Eighth-tier side English side Staines Town have suspended operations after accusing its landlords Downing LLP of “human rights abuses, child labour and murder,” amongst other things!
- Sevco pull out of the Sydney Super cup tournament slated for November. Celtic remain.
- Former Celtic winger Davie Provan retiring from media duties in order to move to Spain.
- World Cup draw: Scotland to face England in Qatar 2022 group stages – if Scotland qualify!
Summary
@Highland_Paddy: “If there’s another team team that can take you so low but lift you so high, I’ve yet to support them. You know it “
“We’ll be going there to play our football and dominate the game,”
Callum McGregor before the game
“I think we’ve grown during the season. In each block we’ve got a little bit better, and now we’re into the final block, so that’s our intent – to play our best football now.”
Ange before the game
Ange “It was going to take some real men to get a result… I really thought we handled ourselves well.”
Ange on Kyogo: “I thought today we could handle it without him. He popped up everywhere in front of me at Lennoxtown to remind he was fit.”
Joebloggscity of thecelticwiki: Incredible performances by CCV, Maeda and McGregor. Celtic practically seal the league title! Juraovic had a tough game, and Hart apart from one fine save didn’t have it too difficult. The team performance to come from behind was great and to control the game when playing in a stadium with only 700 / 50k being Celtic fans. Wonderful.
McGregor created the first goal by a captain defining fighting run into the ibrox box. Maeda harried the Ibrox defence all throughout the game (his heatmap will be pure red), whilst Startfelt/CCV were anchors and solid in defence (albeit with some issues here & there). Jota quieter than usual but excellent in set-pieces (led to the second goal) and Taylor stunned everyone by some world class defending with some of his tackles. Brilliant day & performance.
Greg Taylor – Seems to not have been mentioned enough in other reports but he was immense, overshadowed by his central defensive colleagues. He made some incredibly well-timed tackles which quite frankly were world class. After all the flak he gets from people, he deserves respect. https://pic.twitter.com/s3tfIqdVcK
Sevco’s 2-3m gamble on Ramsay has failed, he may have scored but it was a tap in with work all by Ryan Kent. 40m valued loanee Diallo from Man U couldn’t get off the bench for this match! Some mentioning Ramsay scored. Fair enough but that was a tap in and full credit should be given to Ryan Kent and Bassey for that goal. Ramsay did little else during the game. They’ve gambled the full gains from their Uefa cup run on him and lost it all
TV Commentary:Lets not forget todays piece of Commentary gold from Ally No not “Not a penalty for me” but him daring to say: “At the risk of repeating myself!”; Start of the second half , “They have to go for it”80 minutes played, “They have to throw everything at it “90 minutes, “Goldson up front , Rangers throwing everything at it “Absolutely Ally , Absolutely…..
Andy Walker: “Interesting referee tactics, he hasn’t used cards to control this game, however there hasn’t been a tackle worth a yellow so far in my opinion” [baffling one!]
Twitter:
AgentScotland on bottle incident: It’s no wonder Rangers play better in empty stadiums, who’d be motivated to play in front of these knuckle dragging neanderthals.
AgentScotland: Ange Postecoglou has driven Rangers so far into the dirt that they’re in danger of bumping into the original Rangers.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been absolutely phenomenal for Celtic, today was just another example of what he gives Ange’s side, he wins almost every ball, he’s a calming influence on his teammates and he’s also good for a goal. If he wants to make his move permanent, it’s a must.
I thought Matt O’Riley would’ve been a sure thing to start today, given his performance against Rangers last time I thought Ange would’ve stuck with the same formula but he went for Rogic and it was a masterful decision, the Wizard of Oz ran the show for the hour he was on.
I thought Greg Taylor had his best game in a Celtic top this afternoon, he lost Aribo once in the first half but recovered fantastically but after that he didn’t put a foot wrong.
Marc Crosas @marccrosas · 2h Glasgow is verde y blanco!
John Hartson @JohnHartson10 · 4h That is one phenomenal Win for Celtic
Trevor Sinclair @trevor8sinclair · 6h Mon the Bhoys in Sevco’s backyard
Twitter Celtic fan Stevie Jackson: Roofe constantly complaining about correctly being called offside was hilarious too
Twitter Mark Livingston: Diallo conspicuous by his absence at ibrox this afternoon. Rangers needed to get a point at least to save their season. Had 3 subs left. Nothing. Good job all round
Teams
Celtic
Formation 4-3-3
- 15 Hart
- 88 Juranovic
- 20 Carter-Vickers Booked at 65mins
- 04 Starfelt
- 03 Taylor Substituted for Ralston at 71′minutes Booked at 88mins
- 18 Rogic Substituted for O’Riley at 62′minutes Substituted for Turnbull at 76′minutes
- 42 McGregor
- 41 Hatate Substituted for Bitton at 62′minutes Booked at 82mins
- 17 Neves Filipe Substituted for Abada at 76′minutes
- 07 Giakoumakis Booked at 64mins
- 38 Maeda
Substitutes
- 06 Bitton
- 11 Abada
- 14 Turnbull
- 16 McCarthy
- 19 Johnston
- 21 Ideguchi
- 29 Bain
- 33 O’Riley
- 56 Ralston
Goals:
- Rogic (7′ minutes),
- Carter-Vickers (43′ minutes)
Assists:
TheRangers
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1McGregor
- 2Tavernier
- 6Goldson
- 26Balogun
- 3Bassey
- 8Jack Substituted forArfieldat 66′minutes
- 4LundstramBooked at 41mins
- 17Ayodele-Aribo
- 16Ramsey Substituted forSakalaat 66′minutes
- 14Kent
- 25Roofe
Substitutes
- 5Helander
- 9Diallo
- 10Davis
- 18Kamara
- 19Sands
- 30Sakala
- 31Barisic
- 33McLaughlin
- 37Arfield
Goals:
- Ramsey (3′ minutes)
Assists:
- Kent (3′ minutes)
Referee:William Collum
Attendance:50,023
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Celtic
- Possession
- Home61%
- Away39%
- Shots
- Home15
- Away11
- Shots on Target
- Home6
- Away5
- Corners
- Home4
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home7
- Away13
Articles
Celtic firm favourites to reclaim title after Carter-Vickers’ winner at Rangers
Cameron Carter-Vickers runs off to celebrate after scoring what turned out to be the winner for Celtic in the Old Firm derby against Rangers.
Cameron Carter-Vickers runs off to celebrate after scoring what turned out to be the winner for Celtic in the Old Firm derby against Rangers. Photograph: Bruce White/Colorsport/Shutterstock
Jonathan Liew at Ibrox
Sun 3 Apr 2022 14.16 BST
Last modified on Sun 3 Apr 2022 21.22 BST
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/03/rangers-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report
At full time a deathly hush seemed to descend over Ibrox: the realisation that a season’s efforts had come to nothing, that the title they spent a decade craving and coveting and finally claiming last year has now all but slipped from their grasp. For, after a performance of extraordinary maturity and resilience in the most hostile of settings, Celtic are six points clear in the Scottish Premiership. Their 700 fans, whooping and celebrating in their cramped little corner of Ibrox, knew as well as anyone that the game is up.
Ange Postecoglou was asked afterwards where this left the title race. “We’re three points closer, mate,” was all he would say, but on this evidence Celtic look like worthy champions in waiting. Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter‑Vickers got the goals but it was at the other end of the pitch that they really distinguished themselves: endless blocks, endless clearing headers, discipline and cohesion and naturally a little gamesmanship when it was required. Their midfield, written off before this game as too slight and technical for a game such as this, was a superb second line of defence, never allowing Rangers to take control of the game despite Aaron Ramsey’s third-minute goal.
Rangers ground staff clear broken glass from the penalty area after half-time. In a separate incident, a Celtic staff member was struck by a bottle.
Celtic staff member needs stitches after being hit by glass bottle at Rangers game
Read more
For the blue half of Glasgow it was an afternoon of regrets and frustrations. Rangers were poor: lacking in finesse and movement, reduced for large periods of the game to a fusillade of abysmal crosses. The seething and screeching of the crowd hardly helped, paralysing every player with the sort of extreme stress that inhibits rather than inspires. There will probably be a lively debate over whether the absent Alfredo Morelos would have made a difference to a toothless attack. Equally the 11 on the pitch could have done so much more.
This, ultimately, is the sort of game upon which this group of players will be judged. John Lundstram, otherwise excellent, also gave away the free-kick from which Celtic scored their winning goal and thus will his derby be remembered. Such is the brutal starkness of the Old Firm. Glasgow on derby day was its usual crock pot of malice and menace, nerves and nonsense. Late on Saturday night three Celtic fans were arrested at Ibrox for attempting to seal shut the turnstiles with expanding foam. Meanwhile the second half was delayed while stewards picked shards of glass off the pitch from a broken bottle thrown at Joe Hart.
Aaron Ramsey celebrates his goal against Celtic
Aaron Ramsey had the home supporters in raptures when he opened the scoring after three minutes, but their joy was short-lived. Photograph: Bruce White/Colorsport/Shutterstock
“It’s disappointing,” Postecoglou said. “I thought the atmosphere was unbelievable. This is a fixture that gets beamed around the world. You don’t need a couple of idiots.”
But for all the shenanigans off the pitch, the songs one can print and the songs one can’t, it was actually a fairly regular sort of game, with very little of the cartoon physicality often seen in these fixtures. Perhaps that suited Celtic, whose brief would have been to neutralise the Ibrox crowd as quickly as possible and let Rangers stew in their own anxiety. In this respect perhaps the turning point of the game came as early as the seventh minute, when Rogic’s equaliser dramatically spiked a Rangers surge that was already threatening to set the terms of the game.
Rangers 1-2 Celtic: Scottish Premiership – as it happened
Read more
Rangers were rampant in those opening minutes under the midday sun, full of energy and promise, scoring early through Ramsey, who for all his early struggles at Ibrox was in the right place at the right time in the right game. It was a lovely flowing move, started by Calvin Bassey with the cross coming from Ryan Kent, who was Rangers’ best player in the first half before fading in the second.
Briefly Rangers threatened to kill off the game there and then, just as Celtic had done in their last meeting in February. Instead, from Celtic’s first attack Rogic bundled the ball in, reducing Ibrox to stunned silence. Slowly and by degrees Celtic got themselves into the game. Three minutes before half-time Rangers failed to clear a free-kick and Lundstram’s hashed clearance was swept in by Carter-Vickers, the American centre‑half on loan from Tottenham.
Broken glass sticks up from the turf
Broken glass sticks up from the turf after being thrown in the direction of Celtic’s goalkeeper Joe Hart. Photograph: Sky Sports
The second half began with another Rangers flurry but, despite a good save by Hart from the substitute Fashion Sakala, it was Celtic who had the better of the chances. The disappointment for Rangers will be that they offered so little in a game that mattered so much. “It’s not over yet,” the Rangers manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, insisted. “But we have to keep going, because there is still a lot to play for.”
Van Bronckhorst was right, of course. There is a Europa League quarter-final against Braga on Thursday, points and pride to be salvaged, perhaps even the chance for a little revenge on Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final in a fortnight. But for now, and probably for this season, Glasgow is green.
How Celtic took seismic step towards title as Rangers are dealt shattering blow in front of home fans
Celtic placed one hand firmly on the cinch Premiership trophy as they came from behind to become the first team to beat Rangers at Ibrox in the league for over two years.
By Stephen Halliday
Sunday, 3rd April 2022, 2:55 pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/how-celtic-took-seismic-step-towards-title-as-rangers-are-dealt-shattering-blow-in-front-of-home-fans-3638641
On what undeniably felt like a defining afternoon in the title race, it was a shattering blow for the defending champions as Ange Postecoglou’s side moved six points clear at the top of the table with just six games remaining.
Even though there is another Old Firm game to be played amid a post-split fixture schedule which is always capable of throwing up unexpected twists and turns, nothing in Celtic’s relentless domestic form suggests they are likely to slip-up now.
For Rangers, a momentous April could not have got off to a worse start as they try to adapt to life without talismanic striker Alfredo Morelos.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad still have much to play for, not least a Europa League campaign which sees them face Braga in the first leg of their quarter-final in Portugal on Thursday night.
But the psychological damage of this result may prove difficult to repair in the coming weeks and months.
Celtic, by contrast, are on a roll as they target the domestic treble in Postecoglou’s increasingly impressive debut season in charge.
They display outstanding character to respond to falling behind to Aaron Ramsey’s early goal, wiping out the deficit before the break through Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Rangers had clearly hoped to replicate the high octane start to the contest which Celtic had executed to such devastating effect against them in the last meeting of the teams at Parkhead in February.
Ramsey’s superb opener inside the opening three minutes seemed to have fulfilled that desire for van Bronckhorst’s men until they were confronted by a resilient and impressive response from the visitors to turn the scoreline around before half-time.
It dampened the mood of a home support who were in a ferment when Rangers made that early breakthrough.
It was a brilliantly worked goal as Calvin Bassey carved open the Celtic defence with a clever pass inside exposed right-back Josip Juranovic to pick out the overlapping run of Ryan Kent.
The Rangers winger measured his cutback to perfection, presenting Ramsey with a chance he took with relish as he drove home a shot which Joe Hart got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
Celtic looked utterly rattled at this point as Rangers poured forward in search of a quickfire second goal.
But the tone of the contest was dramatically altered when Celtic equalised with their first attack in the seventh minute.
Captain Callum McGregor led by example, driving into the Rangers penalty area beyond Bassey and setting up Rogic for a shot which was blocked. The ball broke to Reo Hatate and when his attempt was weakly parried by Allan McGregor, Rogic was on hand to finish from close range.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 03: Rangers’ Aaron Ramsey makes it 1-0, beating Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart during a cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on April 02, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 03: Rangers’ Aaron Ramsey makes it 1-0, beating Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart during a cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on April 02, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Rangers tried to regain their earlier intensity but the equaliser had steadied a Celtic side who generally looked the more threatening for the rest of the first half.
Both teams had penalty claims ignored by referee Willie Collum – Joe Aribo going down off the ball as Carl Starfelt clipped his heels – while Allan McGregor looked fortunate to escape when Daizen Maeda tumbled under his advancing challenge.
The Rangers goalkeeper had earlier made a perfectly timed intervention to smother the ball at Maeda’s feet and the momentum was very much with Celtic as the interval approached.
Giorgos Giakoumakis should have scored when he sent a free header wide but the visitors did take the lead in the 43rd minute.
John Lundstram was booked for a rash challenge on Giakoumakis and when Jota floated the free-kick in from the left, Leon Balogun’s poorly directed attempt to clear saw the ball bounce off Lundstram into the path of Carter-Vickers who drove it beyond McGregor from around eight yards.
Rangers seized the greater share of possession and territory in the second half but found clear-cut chances difficult to come by against a Celtic defence who dealt effectively with whatever was thrown at them.
Carter-Vickers was as impressive as anyone in the heart of their back four, although the USA international could consider himself lucky not to concede a penalty in the 61st minute when he blocked a Ryan Jack cross with an arm.
Fashion Sakala provided Rangers with an injection of energy and fresh attacking intent when he replaced Ramsey and the Zambian forward came close to an equaliser with a low shot which forced Hart into a good save low to the goalkeeper’s left.
Celtic substitute Liel Abada should have settled the issue with his first touch when he drove a shot wide from an inviting position. The Israeli winger then passed up an even better opportunity when his close range shot was somehow diverted over by McGregor’s instinctive one-handed save.
Rangers finished the match on the front foot but couldn’t source the leveller their second half display merited.
Kemar Roofe, who had been unable to impose himself on the Celtic defence in any sustained manner, missed Rangers’ best chance when he shot over from close range after being picked out by a cross from Connor Goldson who had been thrown into attack in the closing stages.
When Aribo sent a tame effort straight at Hart, the game was pretty much up for Rangers. Celtic comfortably saw out five minutes of stoppage time before greeting the final whistle with expressions of delight they shared with their 700 travelling fans.
Celtic issue statement on second bottle incident at Rangers after staff member suffers head wound and needs ‘urgent medical treatment’
Celtic say a member of manager Ange Postecoglou’s backroom staff needed ‘urgent medical treatment’ after being struck by a bottle during their 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox.
By Stephen Halliday
Sunday, 3rd April 2022, 4:11 pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-issue-statement-on-second-bottle-incident-at-rangers-after-staff-member-suffers-head-wound-and-needs-urgent-medical-treatment-3638718
The incident is understood to have happened as the Celtic players and staff were making their way up the tunnel for the half-time interval after goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers had overturned Aaron Ramsey’s early strike for Rangers.
The Celtic employee, who has not been named, needed stitches and the matter has been referred to Police Scotland.
“We can confirm that a member of our backroom staff was struck by a glass bottle,” said a Celtic spokesperson. “He required urgent medical treatment and stitches to a head wound. The matter is now in the hands of Police Scotland.”
A collection of glass bottles left behind at Ibrox after Sunday’s Old Firm match which Celtic won 2-1 to go six points clear at the top of the Premiership. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
A collection of glass bottles left behind at Ibrox after Sunday’s Old Firm match which Celtic won 2-1 to go six points clear at the top of the Premiership. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Police are also looking into a separate incident which saw another glass bottle thrown into the penalty area in front of the Copland Road Stand before the start of the second half.
There was delay before play could be restarted after Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart alerted officials to several shards of broken glass inside his goalmouth. Rangers groundstaff cleared the debris away before referee Willie Collum could get the match underway again.
Celtic’s victory moves them six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with just six rounds of fixtures remaining.
Celtic captain and ‘best guy’ Callum McGregor in player of the season call after role in Ibrox equaliser
Callum McGregor’s driving right-wing run caught Rangers’ defence on the back-foot and forced a route for Celtic’s early equaliser in Sunday’s Old Firm match at Ibrox.
By David Oliver
Sunday, 3rd April 2022, 4:30 pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-captain-and-best-guy-callum-mcgregor-in-player-of-the-season-call-after-role-in-ibrox-equaliser-3638677
And the burst into the box reminded BBC pundit Pat Bonner of the reasons he is touting the Scotlan midfielder for player of the year.
Tom Rogic knocked in a rebound after his shot was blocked and another from Reo Hatate was saved, cancelling out Aaron Ramsey’s opener in the third minute.
Cameron Carter-Vickers then scored just before the interval to give Celtic the lead and they held on to take a six-point advantage in the league with six games to go.
Celtic’s Callum McGregor celebrates at full time. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Celtic’s Callum McGregor celebrates at full time. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
But it was the build-up to the Ibrox equaliser which caught the eye of former Celtic goalkeeper Bonner.
PLAYER RATINGS: How the Celtic players scored in 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox
“It came from the run of Callum McGregor,” he said on BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound. “That shows a real responsibility and a real captain, who has grown into it. He has had an unbelievable season.
“We were discussing yesterday the manager of the season, or player of the season at Celtic and I think Callum McGregor has been the best guy.”
Celtic’s Callum McGregor pre-match before the cinch Premiership Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. Celtic legend Pat Bonner has touted the captain for player of the year after his role in the match. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic’s Callum McGregor pre-match before the cinch Premiership Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. Celtic legend Pat Bonner has touted the captain for player of the year after his role in the match. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
“He has grown into it,” added Charlie Adam. “Consistently every week he’s fit, available, and wants to play. He had a big thing to come in after Scott Brown and boy has he stepped up to the mark.”
Celtic staff member hit by bottle during Old Firm game
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60976595
Cameron Carter-Vickers celebratesImage source, SNS Group
Image caption,
The incident happened during Sunday’s Old Firm game
A member of Celtic’s backroom team suffered a head wound after being hit by a glass bottle during the Old Firm game.
Celtic said the man needed urgent medical treatment and had to have stitches in his head.
A statement from the club said the matter had been referred to police.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware of a glass bottle being thrown at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, during the Rangers v Celtic match.”
He added: “One man has sustained injuries as a result of this and required treatment. Inquiries are currently ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The match was won by Celtic 2-1, allowing the team to move six points clear of their rivals.
Related Topics
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/how-celtic-players-rated-in-2-1-win-over-rangers-at-ibrox-taking-a-six-point-lead-in-the-spfl-premiership-table-3638635?page=4
1. Joe Hart – 7
Didn’t have an awful lot to do but his reflex save to deny Sakala in the second half was crucial.
Photo: Laszlo Szirtesi
Photo Sales
Didn’t have an awful lot to do but his reflex save to deny Sakala in the second half was crucial.
2. Josip Juranovic – 7
Was badly exposed for Rangers’ goal. Not as attack-minded as usual but stood firm under intense pressure in second half.
Photo: INA FASSBENDER
Photo Sales
Was badly exposed for Rangers’ goal. Not as attack-minded as usual but stood firm under intense pressure in second half.
3. Greg Taylor – 8
Was very solid in defence and was willing to offer an attacking outlet when needed. Unfortunate to leave pitch injured – committed display
Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Was very solid in defence and was willing to offer an attacking outlet when needed. Unfortunate to leave pitch injured – committed display
4. Carl Starfelt – 8
Like his partner Carter-Vickers, blocked and headed everything that came his way. The Swede had an excellent game.
Photo: Alan Harvey – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Like his partner Carter-Vickers, blocked and headed everything that came his way. The Swede had an excellent game.
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers – 9
A colossal performance. Scored the winning goal and made numerous important clearances. Celtic need to make his loan permanent.
Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group
Photo Sales
A colossal performance. Scored the winning goal and made numerous important clearances. Celtic need to make his loan permanent.
6. Reo Hatate – 6
Looked a rabbit in the headlights very early on, but managed to recover his composure thereafter as Celtic started to dominate the ball. Replaced by Bitton
Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Looked a rabbit in the headlights very early on, but managed to recover his composure thereafter as Celtic started to dominate the ball. Replaced by Bitton
7. Callum McGregor – 7
Helped Celtic wrestle back control of the match when behind and his surging run led to the equaliser.
Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Helped Celtic wrestle back control of the match when behind and his surging run led to the equaliser.
8. Tom Rogic – 8
Oozed class whenever going forward and was in the right place to equalise from rebound. Ran a fine race before giving way to O’Riley.
Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group
9. Daizen Maeda – 7
Ran his socks off on either flank and was a willing outlet on the break. His pace must be a nightmare to play against.
Photo: Paul Devlin – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Ran his socks off on either flank and was a willing outlet on the break. His pace must be a nightmare to play against.
10. Giorgos Giakoumakis – 7
Missed a good header but put in a monster shift up front and made some key defensive contributions at set-plays.
Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Missed a good header but put in a monster shift up front and made some key defensive contributions at set-plays.
11. Jota – 7
Was a threat to Rangers throughout the first half with his vision and running. Faded in the second half and was replaced by Abada.
Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Was a threat to Rangers throughout the first half with his vision and running. Faded in the second half and was replaced by Abada.
12. Ange Postecoglou
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou left Ibrox with a crucial 2-1 victory.
Photo: Steve Welsh
13. David Turnbull – 3
Made little impact in the time he was on pitch.
Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Made little impact in the time he was on pitch.
14. Anthony Ralston – 4
Had to stand up to late pressure when came on – picked up a yellow card.
Photo: Alan Harvey – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Had to stand up to late pressure when came on – picked up a yellow card.
15. Nir Bitton – 5
Came on to shore up the match. Used his experience well.
Photo: Paul Devlin – SNS Group
Photo Sales
Came on to shore up the match. Used his experience well.
16. Matt O’Riley – 4
Came on for Rogic but had to be replaced himself due to injury.
Photo: Rob Casey – SNS Group
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60890355
By Thomas DuncanBBC Scotland
Last updated on
3 hours ago3 hours ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Cameron Carter-Vickers scores for Celtic against Rangers
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ goal for Celtic before the break proved to be the winner in a crucial derby
Celtic took a giant stride towards reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title after battling back to beat Rangers at Ibrox and move six points clear of their rivals.
Aaron Ramsey’s opener was cancelled out inside seven minutes by Tom Rogic’s close-range strike, before the leaders took control when Cameron Carter-Vickers forced home after a free-kick.
The second half was delayed to remove broken glass from the pitch but, when play eventually resumed, Rangers could not find a leveller.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side tried to fight their way back as they faced a potentially knockout blow in their title defence, but were met with stiff resistance as Celtic clung to a vital victory, with Joe Hart only forced to make one key save.
Substitute Liel Abada also passed up two chances to seal it for the visitors, with Allan McGregor pulling off an incredible stop to deny the Israeli’s second attempt.
With a six-point lead and a 16-goal advantage with six games to play, Ange Postecoglou’s men are in a commanding position to win the league, even with one more derby to come at Celtic Park.
Furthermore, marks a 12-point swing since the winter break, which Rangers themselves went into six points in front.
Celtic employee hit on head by bottle
Reaction and as it happened
It marks Rangers’ first domestic home defeat in more than two years, and was secured in gritty fashion in the second half when Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt were outstanding in heading clear repeated crosses into their box.
With Alfredo Morelos absent with injury, Kemar Roofe started up front for Rangers but he fired wide both of his side’s best chance from inside the box.
Both sides also had penalty claims waved away in a match of relentless running, with players also struggling with cramp in the closing stages.
But it was Celtic who stood firm and claimed the vital three points, extending their unbeaten domestic run to 31 games.
Man of the match – Cameron Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers celebrates
Tom Rogic was outstanding in the first half, but Carter-Vickers got the winning goal and was generally fantastic in his defensive work after the break. The centre-back won eight of his 10 duels, and made nine clearances and three interceptions in a commanding display.
What did we learn?
Celtic have been praised for their attacking play and intensity this season, which was evident in their 3-0 derby win last time.
What is less heralded is the fact they have the best defensive record in the league, and this victory was ground out in the second half through a relentless work-rate, good defensive positioning, and commitment to protect in their own box.
After a poor start from the visitors, Tom Rogic was the player who showed the most composure amid the madness in midfield, and his movement and passing ability caused Rangers problems.
But there should be kudos too for captain Callum McGregor, whose driving run set up the first goal from nothing when Celtic were toiling in the opening minutes, and Daizen Maeda, who ran constantly from the front.
There is still work to do, but no side has shipped a six-point lead at this stage of the season this century.
As for Rangers, their lack of fluency in attack in recent months domestically was evident again. Celtic seemed content to give up the wings and defend crosses, and the home side reverted to that tactic too often rather than looking for space inside.
That was even more surprising given how well they crafted the opening goal by pulling Josip Juranovic wide and freeing up Ryan Kent to run inside and cross for Ramsey to score.
They have a Europa League quarter-final to look forward to and a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic to come, but the league now looks a long shot even if they will keep fighting to the end.
Van Bronckhorst has got performances from the team in Europe, but a lack of a clear attacking identity continues to hamper Rangers domestically. Last year’s league triumph feels a long time ago.
What they said
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Sky Sports: “It’s not over but this result makes it more difficult for us.
“We started the way we wanted but the [equaliser] was a big blow because we were playing so well. Second half, we tried to play in their half. We created good chances but in the end we failed.”
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “It was an enormous effort. We didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and for this group of players to turn it around in that fashion, and the resilience this group have shown – I’m super proud.
“Everyone knows this isn’t an easy place to come to. They’re a good side and they’re undefeated here this year and, knowing the consequences and the significance of three points to the league today, it was always going to be a battle for us.”
What’s next?
Rangers cannot afford any more slip-ups as they travel to Paisley to face St Mirren next Sunday (12:00 BST) after Thursday’s trip to Braga (20:00) in the last eight of the Europa League.
Celtic host St Johnstone on Saturday (15:00) with no European football to distract them from their title quest.
-
Match ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
-
Full Time
Second Half ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. Leon Balogun tries a through ball, but Kemar Roofe is caught offside.
-
Post update
Foul by Calvin Bassey (Rangers).
-
Post update
Liel Abada (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Kemar Roofe (Rangers) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Calvin Bassey with a cross.
-
Post update
Calvin Bassey (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by David Turnbull (Celtic).
-
Post update
Attempt saved. Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Rangers) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by James Tavernier.
-
Booking
Anthony Ralston (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
-
Post update
Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Post update
Foul by Anthony Ralston (Celtic).
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by James Tavernier with a cross following a corner.
-
Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Carl Starfelt.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Kemar Roofe (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Connor Goldson with a cross.
-
Post update
Attempt blocked. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Fashion Sakala.
-
Booking
Nir Bitton (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
-
Post update
John Lundstram (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
-
Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan McGregor.
-
Post update
Attempt saved. Liel Abada (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. David Turnbull (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Daizen Maeda.
-
Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Carl Starfelt.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Liel Abada (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Giorgos Giakoumakis.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. David Turnbull replaces Matt O’Riley because of an injury.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Liel Abada replaces Jota.
-
Post update
Foul by James Tavernier (Rangers).
-
Post update
Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. Fashion Sakala tries a through ball, but Kemar Roofe is caught offside.
-
Post update
Attempt saved. Fashion Sakala (Rangers) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Scott Arfield.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Anthony Ralston replaces Greg Taylor because of an injury.
-
Post update
Attempt blocked. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Calvin Bassey.
-
Post update
Attempt saved. John Lundstram (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Scott Arfield.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Rangers. Scott Arfield replaces Ryan Jack.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Rangers. Fashion Sakala replaces Aaron Ramsey.
-
Booking
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
-
Booking
Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
-
Post update
Ryan Jack (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic).
-
Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Matt O’Riley replaces Tomas Rogic.
-
Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Nir Bitton replaces Reo Hatate.
-
Post update
Attempt blocked. John Lundstram (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Aaron Ramsey.
-
Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Leon Balogun.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Ryan Kent (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Calvin Bassey.
-
Post update
Kemar Roofe (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. John Lundstram tries a through ball, but Aaron Ramsey is caught offside.
-
Post update
Foul by Connor Goldson (Rangers).
-
Post update
Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
-
Second Half
Second Half begins Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
-
Half Time
First Half ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
-
-
Goal!
Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 2. Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner following a set piece situation.
-
Booking
John Lundstram (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
-
Post update
Foul by John Lundstram (Rangers).
-
Post update
Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Kemar Roofe (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Aaron Ramsey.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Aaron Ramsey (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Kent.
-
Post update
Foul by Kemar Roofe (Rangers).
-
Post update
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Jota with a cross following a corner.
-
Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by James Tavernier.
-
Post update
Attempt blocked. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
-
Post update
Leon Balogun (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).
-
Post update
Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Jota (Celtic).
-
Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Daizen Maeda.
-
Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Giorgos Giakoumakis.
-
Post update
Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
-
Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. John Lundstram tries a through ball, but Ryan Kent is caught offside.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Giorgos Giakoumakis.
-
Post update
Attempt missed. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the left.
-
Post update
Kemar Roofe (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
-
Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
-
Post update
Foul by Ryan Jack (Rangers).
-
Post update
Tomas Rogic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
-
Post update
Foul by John Lundstram (Rangers).
-
Post update
Tomas Rogic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).
-
Post update
Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.
-
Post update
James Tavernier (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
-
Post update
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
-
Post update
Attempt saved. Ryan Jack (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Kemar Roofe.
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. James Tavernier tries a through ball, but Connor Goldson is caught offside.
-
Post update
Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
-
Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
-
Post update
Attempt saved. James Tavernier (Rangers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
-
Post update
Offside, Rangers. Joe Ayodele-Aribo tries a through ball, but Aaron Ramsey is caught offside.
-
-
Goal!
Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 1. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal.
-
Post update
Attempt saved. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
-
Post update
Attempt blocked. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Callum McGregor.
-
-
Goal!
Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 0. Aaron Ramsey (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ryan Kent.
-
Post update
Calvin Bassey (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Post update
Foul by Jota (Celtic).
-
Kick Off
First Half begins.
-
Post update
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Rangers 1-2 Celtic: Title lead looks handsome under ‘sure touch’ Ange Postecoglou after ugly derby day win
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60977604
By Tom EnglishBBC Scotland
Last updated on
4 April 20224 April 2022.From the section Scottish Premiership
Watch the best of Celtic’s win over Rangers
On a day of ugliness at Ibrox, it was more a case of infirm rather than Old Firm for the defeated champions. Rangers threw the kitchen sink at Celtic, ineffectively. Some people among the Rangers support threw missiles, scandalously.
The police are investigating. While they’re at it, they might organise a search party for anybody who still believes that this title is going anywhere other than to the east of the city. The league isn’t over, but the band is playing and the lady’s about to sing.
Celtic didn’t show much of the elan that blew Rangers away the last time around, but they were still too good for a team who are now six points behind with six games to go.
To put that into context, Celtic have dropped six points in five months. The idea that they’re going to drop the same number in the run-in is a bit of a long shot.
How title swung Celtic’s way in seven months
Celtic staff member struck by bottle
Watch: Highlights as Celtic beat Rangers
Celtic come from behind to beat Rangers
Celtic have built a handsome lead at the top while struggling to to field their strongest team all season. That’s quite something. That day is coming, though. Kyogo Furuhashi is on his way.
There wasn’t just defeat for Rangers, there was also the aroma of £30m of Champions League loot drifting away in the breeze to contend with. And disgrace, too. The throwing of glass on to the pitch and the reported launching of other missiles at Celtic players and staff, one of whom was cut and needed stitches, was shocking.
In a stadium with advanced security cameras, it’s to be hoped that the miscreants will be found and punished. Rangers would want that to happen as much as anybody else.
The Scottish Professional Football League say they are awaiting the match delegate’s report. Given that the governing body of the league doesn’t issues sanctions in the wake of sectarian singing – it says that it’s not in its power to do so – is it unrealistic to expect it to do something about the safety of players and coaches being compromised? Scottish football needs to be a whole lot better in dealing with its moronic element.
Celtic have asked questions, Rangers found no answers
The game, well, it was no epic, but that’s the way of things sometimes when the stakes are so high. Rangers took the lead with a terrific goal that suggested they might do to Celtic what Celtic did to them in February, but that clinical edge disappeared in short order.
Callum McGregor helped relieve them of their lead, driving at their guts and creating the confusion that fellow midfielder Tom Rogic capitalised on with a cool finish. Centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers scored the goal that decided it. Celtic deserved their victory.
The fact they achieved it without hitting the heights they know they are capable of will only make it sweeter. For Rangers, it was their first league defeat at home in two years and it looked remarkably like the changing of the guard.
There are two versions of Rangers right now. There’s the Rangers in Europe, where they go up against, and beat, teams that they’re not really expected to beat. This season, in the Europa League, they’re revelling wonderfully in their guise of scalp-taking underdogs.
Then there’s the domestic Rangers who exist in a pressure cooker. Expectation is on them like a deadweight on their shoulder – and they haven’t coped that well. Celtic, recast dramatically under Ange Postecoglou, have asked questions and Rangers have found no answers.
Rangers have tried to strengthen their starting line-up from last season, but they’ve toiled. Midfielder James Sands, forward Fashion Sakala and winger Amad Diallo all started on the bench on Sunday. Juninho Bacuna was signed in the summer but has since left the club. Fellow midfielders Aaron Ramsey and John Lundstram started against Celtic but didn’t have the impact that their manager needed them to have.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou has hit the bullseye in the transfer market. Give him a technicolour mohawk and he’s Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, such is his sure touch.
This was not a game where his creative players lit it up, though. Stout defending and good characters got them through.
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers celebrates at Ibrox
On-loan Tottenham Hotspur centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers’ career has been revived by Celtic
‘A different world under Postecoglou’
It’s a team that’s been built with breakneck speed and unerring accuracy by Postecoglou, a team that settled and bonded quickly. That’s a fine feat of management.
Eight of the starting line-up on Sunday weren’t at the club 10 months ago. Rogic was there, but he looked like his best years were behind him. Greg Taylor was also there, but the left-back was deemed by some among his own support to be substandard.
Both played well on Sunday. While most others were running around with their hair on fire in that opening half, Rogic was one of the few that showed composure on the ball.
In the stories of two others who delivered big performances, we see Postecoglou’s influence. Joe Hart had to make one save – and he made it. It was a huge moment.
The former England goalkeeper has bounced around unhappily from club to club over the last six years. Carter-Vickers, who defended excellently as well as scoring the winner, has a similar tale to tell. From Tottenham Hotspur to Sheffield United, to Ipswich Town, to Swansea City, to Stoke City, to Luton Town, to Bournemouth – he’s been a one-man travelling roadshow for years.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates at Ibrox
Ange Postecoglou has transformed Celtic in a short time frame
Hart and Carter-Vickers have found stability under Postecoglou at Celtic. The Aussie’s management has not just been about finding gems in Japan, it’s been about reviving players that others had given up on.
What Postecoglou has done in signing brilliantly and in re-energising players already at the club is a reminder of what Brendan Rodgers did in his first season with Celtic when he brought in Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair and resurrected the careers of Scott Brown and James Forrest.
He’s done it from a position of weakness – miles behind Rangers last season and shambolic in the transfer market with a disgruntled support watching on.
Celtic failed in their pursuit of Eddie Howe as manager last summer. If the footballing gods exist then perhaps they were sending the club a message. It’s like a different world under Postecoglou and Sunday was the latest manifestation of it.
So much has happened so quickly on his watch. The sense of him only getting started in the job must be an intoxicating one for the supporters. It’ll take something remarkable to stop them now.
Rangers fan jailed for one year after throwing bottle at Celtic physiotherapist during Old Firm game
A Rangers fan has been jailed for a year after throwing a bottle at a Celtic physiotherapist during an Old Firm game, leaving him scarred for life.
https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/rangers-fan-jailed-for-one-year-after-throwing-bottle-at-celtic-physiotherapist-during-old-firm-game-4083988
By Lucinda Cameron
Published 29th Mar 2023, 11:54 BST
Updated 29th Mar 2023, 11:55 BST
Alan Crawford, 33, was also handed a five-year football banning order for the act of “mindless violence”, when he was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday. Celtic physio Daniel Friel needed four stitches and was left with a scar after he was hit on the head by a bottle in the incident at Ibrox on April 3 last year.
When he appeared at the court earlier this month, Crawford, from Grangemouth, admitted throwing a bottle towards Mr Friel, which struck his head “to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement”.
Sentencing Crawford on Wednesday, Sheriff Tony Kelly described it as an act of “reprehensible conduct”.
He said: “You assaulted the complainer by throwing a bottle which struck him on the head. The assault happened during a football match between Rangers and Celtic.
“The complainer was employed as Celtic Football Club’s physiotherapist. He was seated in the away team dugout. When he made his way from the stand he felt a thud on the left hand side of his head and saw a small bottle.
“He was bleeding and was treated by the club doctor. This was an attack on a person in the course of his employment. The throwing of the bottle was an act of mindless violence.
“This had consequences for the person you injured and these consequences will stay with him for the rest of his life.”
Celtic won the game 2-1. Defence agent Harvie Diamond said Crawford, a father, feels remorse for his actions and he had urged the sheriff to consider alternatives to custody.
He said: “He feels extremely bad about having done what he did.
“In three seconds of his life he picked up a bottle, threw it and unfortunately hit the physiotherapist.
“I think he has learned his lesson.”