2024-04-07: TheRangers 3-3 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2023 – 2024

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Trivia

• KO: 12:00; Sunday; League Match 32; Sky TV
• Celtic on top of the league on 75pts with +51GD but Sevco have one game in hand and are on 75pts with +50GD.
• CalMac despite hopes doesn’t start but is on the bench.
• Maeda scores a goal after just 30 seconds, fastest goal ever v Sevco by Celtic; Panenka goal by Matt O’Riley for the second goal. Idah scores a cracker and was unfortunate not to be the winner today.
• John Beaton is referee despite having recently being heavily criticised publicly by Brendan Rodgers! Spite?
• Some very big decisions with VAR today. Celtic get a penalty via VAR (correctly), Sevco get a penalty (wrongly in the eyes of many), Sevco goal ruled out due to foul in attacking phase (correctly). However,  NOT a single Sevco player was booked! Absolute disagrace.
• Celtic speak to Police Scotland after missiles appeared to be thrown at staff during the game.TV pictures showed assistant manager John Kennedy reacting after coins and other objects landed in the dugout area, and then later pictures showed a half bottle of buckfast wine having been thrown at Matt O’Riley.
• Set a new TV audience record for the SPFL era. The Scottish Professional Football League has reported that more than 1.4 million views tuned in for Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Ibrox, with that figure the highest for a Scottish league match since the SPFL formed in 2013. The audience numbers include those watching across all of Sky’s platforms. Viewership peaked at 1.44 million, which overtakes the previous audience record when Sevco defeated Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park in December 2019. True figure is likely much higher due to dodgey feeds etc
• England manager in attendance allegedly to watch Sevco keeper for possible England spot, very unlikely now, maybe he’ll prefer Hart.
• Prior to match Rodgers said first time he’d had his full squad available. Albeit a number are still just back from injury.
• Fracas after the final whistle after Cantwell creates trouble.
• No away fans, the spat between the clubs rumbles on, albeit Sevco more at fault.
• Sevco chief executive James Bisgrove insists he will never allow Celtic to take over the full Broomloan Stand again during his reign despite welcoming the return of away fans at Scotland’s showpiece fixture after it was confirmed last month that both clubs will receive a five per cent allocation for Ibrox and Celtic Park from next season onwards.
• The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with ex-Celt Colin Healy, his family, and friends at this difficult time following the sad passing of Colin’s wife, Kelly Healy
• New hate crime laws that has come into force in the past week. They are very controversial, especially when it comes to Trans & Women’s rights, concerns over police resources and free speech etc.
• “I can guarantee you, next Sunday at Ibrox, I, along with 48,000 will be committing a breach of that hate bill.” Ex-Rangers player & Sevco manager Ally McCoist slams Scotland’s controversial new hate crime laws ahead of Sevco vs Celtic.  The next day: Ally McCoist said he had a ‘change of plans’ and would not be in attendance after previously claiming he would be ‘breaching the hate crime law’ at the match. He walked away!  “He will have to address this one, I thought his comments were slightly odd in truth.”    Chris Sutton slammed Ally McCoist’s ‘reckless, irresponsible and daft’ hate crime law remarks ahead of the game.
• Report: Queens Park Rangers centre-half Jake Clarke-Salter; Monitoring 23-year-old Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, who has 25 caps for Armenia, according to reports in Russia.  Previously linked with Man City, Newcastle, Juventus and Ajax, but stock has fallen since being valued at £13m; Adam Idah possible perm transfer to be decided this summer;  Celtic make an offer for Trabzonspor ‘keeper Ugurcan Çakir.
• Nicolas Kuhn believes that his agent, Christian Nerlinger, will be supporting his side in this weekend’s Glasgow derby despite the former midfielder having played for the now deceased Rangers FC.
• Premier Sports officially take over Viaplay operations next week. The broadcaster plans to continue showing cup ties, Scotland matches and URC games this year.
• Ex-Celt Billy Stark announced his retirement.
• Director of Swedish club Elfsborg, Stefan Andreasson, issues a hands-off warning to Aberdeen in their pursuit of manager Jimmy Thelin.
• “I don’t think the team could have two better people in charge,” says ex Celt Kieran Tierney as he backs Brendan Rodgers and John Kennedy.
• Matt O’Riley admitted he felt some extra pressure before giving himself a shake and refocusing on the task at hand with Celtic after the Scottish champions rejected Atletico Madrid’s bid to take him on a six-month loan with an obligation to buy for a reported £25m this summer.

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Summary

Ex-Celt Chris Sutton @chris_sutton73 · 6h Incredible game. Great advert for Scottish footballCeltic controlled the first half and should have been out of site. The Rangers penalty award rewarding Silva for diving was embarrassing and changed the dynamic. Idah’s goal sensational as was Matondo’s leveller…

“Our mindset is to go and do what we did earlier on in the season, which is to win.”
Manager: Derby clash is an opportunity for us to showcase our talent as a team

Celtic goalscorer Adam Idah, who was playing in his first match v Sevco: “It’s disappointing not to get a winner, but we got a point at the end of the day. We’re happy with the point. We dug deep and we still have to play them at home. I thought the boys did well from start to finish. It was crazy my first time being here and what we did without fans was fantastic. I’m looking forward to playing them at home. When this next game comes, I’m sure we’ll be ready for it.”

E-Tims @ETimsNet · 6h Their ridiculous penalty in the second half changed the momentum of the game. Sima booking should have stood. No idea why VAR calls Beaton (well I do) as Sima was falling over before he came near AJ. We should have done better and did to go 3-2 up. Worldie made it 3-3.Destiny of league now back in our hands with home game against them to come at Paradise. Would have taken that before the game. Replying to @ETimsNet Their ridiculous penalty in the second half changed the momentum of the game. Silva booking should have stood. No idea why VAR calls Beaton (well I do) as Sima was falling over before he came near AJ. We should have done better and did to go 3-2 up. Worldie made it 3-3. Be an interesting game at home now if no other points dropped before..we will need to win.. they wont.. they can sit deep and kill the game all day long.. all pressure on us.. thats when you need a champions mentality but expect we could hit a record Foul count that day

BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart @mstewart_23 · 6h The officiating is embarrassing our game. They’ve impacted the result in the biggest game of the season. Disgraceful. There is no justification, he [Johnston] wins the ball.” Fabio Silva Rangers penalty call lambasted as Michael Stewart in ‘beyond belief’ Celtic defence

“I think the referee got it absolutely right on the field. He connected with the ball and the player simulates”.
Brendan Rodgers says Fabio Silva’s booking for simulation shouldn’t have been overturned and that Rangers shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty.

El Salto of KDS:
Said it in the VAR thread that our second half downturn could be attributed to the amount of players on yellows for what were nothing offences. Players have this on their mind, they pull out of challenges, we surrender the midfield, and our defending gets nervous, we become passive and our aggressive press deteriorates. Just a theory.
First half we showed them how to play football, while in first gear, we really should have went in at HT four ahead. Even in the second half early exchanges we looked comfortable until the inevitable non penalty for the huns. You were right the first time Beaton, it was a dive, initiated by a player who should have been booked for simulation in the first half, and after AJ had clearly got the ball. He was relieved to be given the chance at the monitor to change his mind. It broke his fecking black heart giving us a stonewaller, and correctly ruling out a hun goal, but overall his performance benefitted one team only. Foul after foul every time they went down, yet our players weren’t given any protection at all, the foul and card count are so skewed it can’t be ignored.
Them celebrating their first point from nine against us sums them up, they are chancers, they wouldn’t be in a title race if it wasn’t for officials and some erratic form from Celtic, but we’ll do them at Celtic Park, I’ve no doubt.
Also, just because we haven’t supposedly won six games in a row, doesnt mean we aren’t going to now, we will.
The title is still ours to lose.
We won’t.

fatboab of KDS:
All afternoon to reflect, and it feels a bit disappointing. From 0-2 and 2-3 in injury time to dropping points is hard to take.
However, as many said before the game, a draw wouldn’t be a disaster and the League Title is still very much in our hands, something that wouldn’t have been the case if we lost today.
We know what we have to do, we have done it before and there’s a ton of pressure on every game , something they’re not great with.
They’ll almost certainly come to CP with the team that finished the game today hoping to take the game to us. If we play the way we can, we’ll batter feck out them.
Our issue is winning the rest of the games, but I get the feeling we are peaking again, just when it matters.
If we do lose this League, it won’t be because of today.
On a different note, I tore a calf muscle when Idah scored. Hopping about y lounge on one leg like a maddy. Strapped up and immobile since. Not even worth it ultimately

merello of KDS:
Positives
If they had won today, the league would be out of our hands and probably over. They had every advantage: home tie, no Celtic fans and a ref and VAR official with season tickets. The first half we dominated so much it was scary (how many of us knew we needed that 3rd goal to nail it?)

Hart stepped up in the first half when needed, Hatate is getting there and we outplayed them when they were meant to be on a high.

Finally – well done Bernardo and Ida for their calmness when panic stations were ringing. Great take, run and pass and the big man knew he had to get it on target with power.

Negatives
The slow and unsure start in the second half was disappointing as a continuation of our play for another 15 minutes would probably have done it for us. Clemente knew that Taylor’s physique would not hold Sima. He caused havoc whereas if we had another AJ, that would have kept him quiet.

Bit of a lack of poise from AJ though hanging a leg out – they dont need much to dole a penalty out (even though I am still not convinced it was a clear and obvious error other than in Beaton’s Crown and Loyal mind.)

Yang letting Matondo score and identical goal to last week is very poor – also Iwata not reading this and closing down the shot did not help.

Twitter:
Tadhg @TadhgHickey Some of the worst Rangers performances you’re ever likely to see; with the exception of Silva [dived & theatrics the entire game[: his one man version of Swan Lake was actually quite good

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Teams

Celtic

Formation 4-3-3

• 1 Hart
• 2 Johnston Booked at 40mins
• 20 Carter-Vickers
• 5 Scales
• 3 Taylor
• 33 O’Riley Booked at 42mins Substituted for Gonçalves Bernardo at 82′minutes
• 24 Iwata
• 41 Hatate Substituted for McGregor at 65′minutes
• 10 Kühn Booked at 20mins Substituted for Yang at 65′minutes
• 8 Furuhashi Substituted for Idah at 69′minutes
• 38 Maeda Booked at 71mins

Substitutes

• 9Idah
• 13Yang
• 17Nawrocki
• 28Gonçalves Bernardo
• 29Bain
• 42McGregor
• 49Forrest
• 56Ralston
• 57Welsh

Goals:

• Maeda (1′ minutes), 
• O’Riley (34′ minutes pen), 
• Idah (87′ minutes)

Assists:

• Gonçalves Bernardo (87′ minutes)

Rangers

Formation 4-2-3-1

• 1Butland
• 2Tavernier
• 6Goldson Substituted forBalogunat 90+7′minutes
• 5Souttar
• 21Sterling
• 42Diomande Substituted forDowellat 78′minutes
• 4Lundstram
• 23Wright
• Substituted forSimaat 45′minutes
• 11Lawrence Substituted forCantwellat 69′minutes
• 7Fábio Silva Substituted forMatondoat 69′minutes

• 9Dessers

Substitutes

• 13Cantwell
• 17Matondo
• 19Sima
• 20Dowell
• 27Balogun
• 28McCrorie
• 31Barisic
• 38King
• 45McCausland

 

Goals:

• Tavernier (55′ minutes pen), 
• Sima (86′ minutes), 
• Matondo (90’+3 minutes)

Assists:

• Dessers (86′ minutes), 
• Lundstram (90’+3 minutes)

Ref:John Beaton
Att:

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Articles

• Match Report (see below)

Pictures

• Match Pictures

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Match Links

• Prior
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Stats

Possession

Home54%

Away46%

Shots

Home12

Away14

Shots on Target

Home5

Away7

Corners

Home3

Away2

Fouls

Home10

Away23

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Articles

Adam Idah on mark for Celtic but Rangers grab late draw in Old Firm classic

Story by Ronnie Esplin
• 5h • 3 min read

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/adam-idah-on-mark-for-celtic-but-rangers-grab-late-draw-in-old-firm-classic/ar-BB1ldv3m
Rangers fought back from a two-goal half-time deficit to draw 3-3 with Celtic as the cinch Premiership title race exploded at Ibrox.

Hoops attacker Daizen Maeda gave the visitors a stunning lead after just 21 seconds which rocked the home side.

The nervy Light Blues fell further behind in the 34th minute when midfielder Matt O’Riley coolly converted a penalty after a VAR intervention.

angers improved after the break and skipper James Tavernier scored from the spot in the 55th minute before striker Cyriel Dessers had the ball in the net two minutes later only for an earlier infringement to rule out a goal.

Substitute Abdallah Sima levelled in the 86th minute but a minute later Hoops substitute Adam Idah drove in for what looked like a dramatic winner only for Rangers replacement Rabbi Matondo to level in added time for a share of the spoils which left Celtic one point ahead at the top.

Rangers have a game in hand against Dundee on Wednesday but have still to go to Celtic Park after the split with more twists likely.

Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz could not prove his fitness and Philippe Clement preferred utility player Dujon Sterling to Borna Barisic, while Tom Lawrence replaced Todd Cantwell.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor was only fit enough for the bench after recovering from an Achilles problem and he would have been as stunned as anyone when the Hoops took an instant lead.

Joe Hart’s long clearance went past hesitant Tavernier who tried to clear under pressure from Maeda but the ball rebounded off the Japan attacker and sped low past keeper Jack Butland.

The Ibrox support was taken aback as were the players who were all over the place in the ensuing minutes.

In the 24th minute a Mohamed Diomande corner was headed over by Connor Goldson before Butland made a great save from a Maeda drive and then Reo Hatate fired just wide from the edge of the box, bringing more jeers down from the stands.

Butland made an even better save from an O’Riley header on the half-hour mark and there was a VAR check for a possible Celtic penalty for a Goldson handball in the next attack.

When referee John Beaton checked his pitchside monitor at the behest of VAR Nick Walsh, he decided the ball had struck the centre-back’s elbow and pointed to the spot.

O’Riley dinked the ball down the middle and Butland dived the wrong way.

Just before the break Rangers forward Fabio Silva, who was having a frustrating afternoon, had two attempts from close range blocked but the boos rang out at the sound of Beaton’s half-time whistle.

Clement replaced winger Scott Wright with Sima for the start of the second half, where Silva was soon booked for diving inside the Celtic box after a challenge by Alistair Johnston.

Beaton, however, was again sent by the VAR check to the screen and again he pointed to the spot – it looked a soft award – cancelling out Silva’s yellow card and Tavernier blasted the ball high past Hart.

Then Dessers slammed in from close range following a goalmouth scramble but Beaton checked his monitor again and ruled Lawrence had fouled midfield counterpart Tomoki Iwata in the build-up.

The mood inside Ibrox had changed as Rangers went in search of an equaliser and it came with four minutes of normal time remaining when Sima picked up a clearance inside the Celtic box and fired high into the net via a deflection.

However, a moment later, Idah, on for Kyogo Furuhashi, took a pass from fellow substitute Paulo Bernardo and fired low past Butland.

But in the third of eight added minutes, Matondo turned inside in the Celtic box and curled the ball high past Hart and Ibrox bounced for the last few minutes, while the final whistle had players from both sides at loggerheads as passions boiled over.

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Celtic make police complaint over missile throwing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr95ny578mo
john kennedy
IMAGE SOURCE,SNS
Image caption,
Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy (left) and other staff appeared to be targeted during the match at Ibrox

Published
5 hours ago
Celtic are to speak to Police Scotland after missiles appeared to be thrown at staff during Sunday’s game against Rangers.

TV pictures showed assistant manager John Kennedy reacting after coins and other objects landed in the dugout area.

The incident came during a dramatic match in which Rangers scored in stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw.

Celtic said it was “totally unacceptable that our staff have once again been targeted in this way”.

A club spokesperson added: “We will be raising our serious concerns with Rangers and we understand that the matter is currently being investigated by Police Scotland.”

Police officers spoke to Celtic staff after coins looked to be thrown from a section of the Ibrox crowd behind the technical area.

There has been a series of incidents of missile-throwing during recent clashes between the Glasgow sides.

In April 2022, a Celtic physiotherapist was hit on the head by a glass bottle and glass was removed from the Celtic penalty area during a match at Rangers’ home ground.

police officer
IMAGE SOURCE,SNS
Image caption,
Police inspected the dugout area after Sunday’s game

The following month, Rangers said its supporters had been left “unprotected” and that elderly and disabled fans had been injured by bottles and other missiles thrown at Celtic Park.

At the time, Celtic said its supporters and stewards were also hit by debris, including seats ripped from the stands.

A Rangers spokesperson confirmed the club were assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries into the latest incident.

Police Scotland said: “We are aware of an object being thrown at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, during the Rangers v Celtic match on Sunday.

“One man was struck but did not require treatment and inquiries are ongoing.”

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Rangers strike late to earn draw against Celtic in gripping Old Firm derby

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/rangers-strike-late-to-earn-draw-against-celtic-in-gripping-old-firm-derby-4582240
Matondo nets in stoppage time as Ibrox men battle back from wretched start
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 7th Apr 2024, 14:19 BST

Comments

Celtic remain one point clear at the summit of the Premiership after a truly epic contest with Rangers that produced six goals and several more talking points.

Honours were shared after the teams traded late goals. Adam Idah put the visitors 3-2 up after 87 minutes but fellow substitute Rabbi Matondo scored what could prove a hugely significant goal to make it 3-3 in time added on.

Rangers can go two points clear at the top if they win their game in hand against Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday. They might be excused some heavy legs in midweek after this breathless affair.
Rabbi Matondo celebrates with Rangers manager Philippe Clement after netting his stoppage-time equaliser against Celtic.
Rabbi Matondo celebrates with Rangers manager Philippe Clement after netting his stoppage-time equaliser against Celtic.

The drama started just 21 seconds in when Daizen Maeda scored a bizarre opening goal after James Tavernier’s attempted clearance rebounded off the Japanese winger and flew past Jack Butland into the net. Celtic established a two-goal lead from the penalty spot after referee John Beaton gave handball against Connor Goldson following a VAR review. Matt O’Riley coolly beat Butland with a chipped ‘Panenka’ effort nine minutes before half time.

Rangers looked down and out. But they roared back into contention after Fabio Siilva won a penalty following Alistair Johnston’s trip having initially been adjudged to have dived by Beaton. His yellow was rescinded and Johnston, who was cautioned in the first half, escaped the booking that would have seen him ordered off. Tavenier scored from the spot.

The home side then equalised through substitute Abdallah Sima with four minutes left after Callum McGregor, another substitute, had given the ball away in midfield on his return to the side. Before this Cyriel Dessers saw a goal ruled for a foul by Tom Lawrence earlier in the move.

The see-sawing emotions continued as Rangers, almost immediately having drawn level, went behind again with three minutes left as Idah, who replaced Kyogo Furuhashi after 69 minutes, drilled past Butland. It looked like being the last word until Matondo unleashed a curler from outside the box in time added on. Advantage Rangers, although the title still remains in Celtic’s own hands.

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Celtic reaction: Story behind Matt O’Riley’s Rangers Panenka, Brendan Rodgers ‘simulates’ call, better football team claim

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-reaction-story-behind-matt-orileys-rangers-panenka-brendan-rodgers-simulates-call-better-football-team-claim-4582293
Celtic manager had been expected the Dane’s effort and believes title hopes are still very high
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 7th Apr 2024, 16:09 BST

Comments

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Matt O’Riley offered his services as a penalty taker months before stunning Ibrox with a chipped ‘Panenka’ to put Celtic 2-0 up against Rangers in the first of two title showdowns between the rivals.

The Celtic manager was also expecting such a cheeky effort, which was worked on in training after studying Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland’s movement.

The visitors saw their two-goal lead cancelled out in the second half and they were later pinned back again after Adam Idah had restored Celtic’s lead with three minutes left. But Rabbi Matondo scored a stunning equaliser in time added on to make it 3-3 and leave the title race delicately poised with six games – seven in Rangers’ case – left.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates Adam Idah’s goal at Ibrox.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates Adam Idah’s goal at Ibrox.

Rodgers believes his side, who remain one point ahead of Rangers with a game to come at home against their rivals, are now well placed to retain the title. “It puts us in a really strong position,” he said. “We still have a lot of work to do, still six games to go. But when you have your nearest rival still to play at home in front of 60 odd thousand, and you know you’re going to be stronger again to that moment, I’m very happy with that.”

Comeback pair Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate traded places after 65 minutes, with the former replacing the latter, who had started. The visitors’ dominance had begun to fade after a strong opening 45 minutes but on top of their three goals they still had several chances to score. Rodgers stressed that he was proud of his team.

“We leave here – yes, some may be disappointed we did not win but I thought we were much the better football team in terms of how we were trying to approach the game,” he said. “With a bit more precision with our passes we might have scored more goals. And now we can take that into the rest of the season, with these players coming back I am very excited.”

Asked if his heart was in his mouth when O’Riley stepped up at the penalty nine minutes before half-time, he said: “It wasn’t actually. He came into my office a few months back and said, ‘Listen if you want to change penalty takers, I am here.’ He has been practising. He asked the coaches, we know where he (Butland) is going. He showed that composure and practised the other day…”

Rodgers was prepared for O’Riley impudent effort. “He had practised that,” he said. “He said he was going to dink it down the middle and he did that.”

Rangers were grateful for a route back into the game near the start of the second half after referee John Beaton was invited by VAR to reassess his decision that Fabio Silva had been guilty of simulation at a penalty appeal while trying to evade Alistair Johnston. Beaton rescinded Silva’s booking and awarded a penalty to Rangers, with James Tavernier scoring to cut the hosts’ deficit to 2-1. “I thought the referee got it absolutely right on the field,” said Rodgers. “He connected with the ball, the player simulates and it was right. So clearly then they score the penalty. It gets to 2-1 and then you expect something from Rangers.”

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BBC

By Nick McPheatBBC Scotland

Last updated on

4 hours ago4 hours ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Watch the full time scenes after classic Old Firm derby

Rabbi Matondo’s stunning stoppage-time equaliser prevented Celtic extending their Scottish Premiership lead as Rangers came from behind twice late on to draw a six-goal Old Firm classic.

It had looked like Adam Idah’s clinical finish six minutes earlier was going to put Celtic four points clear, the goal coming just 71 seconds after fellow substitute Abdallah Sima’s deflected strike dragged the hosts level from two goals down.

But Matondo completed the scoring in a scarcely-believable eight-minute finale to leave the teams separated by just one point, with Rangers having played one game fewer.

Celtic had cruised into a commanding lead after a sensational first-half display, during which Daizen Maeda scored after 21 seconds when James Tavernier’s clearance crashed off him and fizzed past Jack Butland.

In a VAR-affected contest, Matt O’Riley dinked in a composed penalty – awarded by referee John Beaton after an on-field review showed Connor Goldson had handled – to send the away side into the break two goals ahead.

But Tavernier, who endured a torrid first half, slammed in a spot-kick of his own after Beaton reversed his decision to book Fabio Silva for diving under the challenge of Alistair Johnston.

Cyriel Dessers then thought he had prodded in a leveller a minute later, only for Beaton to rule it out after another visit to the screen for a foul by Tom Lawrence on Tomoki Iwata.

Rangers then huffed and puffed until bedlam ensued in a wild ending – including a bout of pushing and shoving – to leave it as you were at the summit.

What has changed in title race after Old Firm epic?
What did Old Firm fans make of derby draw?
Podcast: ‘Celtic still have Rangers at home – that’s critical’
All the latest Rangers news, views & analysis
Everything you need to know about Celtic

It’s hard to think of a better Old Firm in recent memory.

In the last decade and more, derbies by the time clocks have sprung forward have often held little significance. Not this one.

Time was standing still in Glasgow for a pivotal fixture in the tightest title race between the pair since 2011. By the full-time whistle, heads were spinning.

Billed a must-not-lose for both, pressure was on Rangers to prove they could hurdle the mental barrier of defeating Celtic in a meaningful league encounter.

Not since August 2021 have they managed that, but this point will feel like three given the way the first half went.

A fever-pitch Ibrox was bordering on turning toxic. Rangers were poor; Celtic were sublime and should have been out of sight.

Despite the visitors hitting the back of Butland’s net twice, the Rangers keeper kept his side in the game with England coach Gareth Southgate watching on, denying Maeda before tipping over O’Riley’s header.

At the other end, Goldson ought to have scored with a header of his own and Silva was thwarted twice by Joe Hart. But make no mistake, Rangers were well off it.

The second half was a different story, though. Even despite Dessers’ disallowed goal and Idah’s instant response, Clement’s side still managed to find a way to salvage a point from an absolute classic.

One point remains the margin, good luck to you if you want to predict how it unfolds from here.
Player of the match – Jack Butland (Rangers)
Jack Butland
Not even sure it is possible for a goalkeeper to concede three goals and still be player of the match, but the Rangers man, who perhaps could have done better for Celtic’s third, may need thanked again come May by his team-mates for that game-changing first-half performance
Strap in, folks – analysis

Where do you begin? An Old Firm derby for the ages.

At the break, those Rangers fans were watching a repeat of their most-watched horror movie.

Celtic asserted their derby dominance and were everyone’s safe bet for the title when both sides headed down the tunnel at the interval.

But Clement has instilled a resilient mentality in this Rangers side, which was needed firstly to come from two down, then required again just a minute later when Idah drilled in.

Rangers will reclaim top spot by winning their game in hand at Dundee on Wednesday, so naturally there will still be talk of pendulums swinging and momentum shifting in the aftermath of this one.

But that fixture only highlights the unpredictability of this title race. Strapping yourself in tight may be the best advice.
What they said
Rangers ‘more the winners’ in frantic Old Firm draw

Rangers manager Philippe Clement: “I don’t know if it was classic, but my boys did something special. It was the worst way to start the game. But we showed our real quality and personality.

“We get a well-deserved point. We are more the winners of the day. Everybody sees this team is totally different from five months ago. It could have been more, but I think the result is also good.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We’re disappointed not to win, but to leave here with everything in our hands is what we wanted.

“We’ve played well, showed quality and heart in really tough conditions. There’s still a lot to play for. There’s a long way to go. We’re in a really good position.”

Rangers 3-3 Celtic: Where does Old Firm epic leave Scottish Premiership title race?

By Tom EnglishBBC Scotland chief sports writer at Ibrox

Last updated on

2 hours ago2 hours ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Watch the full time scenes after classic Old Firm derby

Forty minutes into an Old Firm derby that made you feel like you were riding a rollercoaster rather than sitting still watching a classic of its kind, Fabio Silva went down under a challenge from Alistair Johnston.

The Portuguese reacted like he’d just had 100 volts shot through his body. He twisted and turned on the deck, he flipped over, he beat the ground.

Johnston was correctly yellow-carded, but Silva’s histrionics were a desperate over-reaction on a day, to that point, of utter under-performance.

Rangers were trailing 2-0 at the time – and they were lucky. In all departments in that opening half, they’d been routed.

Celtic were sharp, hard-working and way too good. Daizen Maeda was giving James Tavernier an afternoon of his nightmares.

As the teams left the park at the break, the Rangers players were booed by their own people. At Ibrox, the vibe was not good.

You’d have bet the house on Celtic winning and, thereby, taking a four-point lead at the summit.

Rangers earn late draw in six-goal Old Firm epic
What did fans make of derby draw?
Podcast: ‘Celtic still have Rangers at home – that’s critical for me’
All the latest Rangers news, views & analysis
Everything you need to know about Celtic

Nothing would have been decided, but in psychological terms this would have been an awful jolt to the Rangers machine, a reminder that Brendan Rodgers is still the kingpin in this fixture no matter who Rangers put up against him.

As all those thoughts were forming, Philippe Clement was down in the dressing room talking to his players and telling them that they were not the team he’d been seeing for the last five months.

Perhaps he had regrets about going with some of the personnel he went with – his wide attacking players were non-existent – and you could imagine him being a little shocked at the passive nature of his midfield in the face of a Celtic team who came to play, but also to battle.

His words must have been compelling because what we saw in the second half must place this game among the most memorable between these teams for a terribly long time.

In a half where everything changed, then changed again, then changed again, nothing has really changed, not at the top.

That’s the irony. Celtic still lead and say their destiny is in their own hands, which it is. Rangers have a game in hand and say their destiny is also in their own hands, which is also true.

After a game that put the heart sideways at times, and made you dizzy with the frantic nature of the goals and the controversies, it seems bizarre to say that nothing has changed, but it hasn’t. Not really.
‘The show moves on in Glasgow circus’

This was arguably the biggest Old Firm game in a dozen years. Now the next one will be. The show moves on.

And what a show. Rodgers said the game could have been done by half-time and he was right. The dominance of the away team, even with Callum McGregor starting on the bench, was almost absolute. It was 2-0 going on 3-0.

Given the momentum Rangers had going into it, the one-sided nature was bamboozling. It was like the old days in Rodgers’s first incarnation, when Celtic turned up with the only question being how many they’d win by.

Ten minutes into the new half, Silva dived in an attempt to win a penalty and up in the Ibrox gantry that great Rangers soldier of the past, Stuart McCall, shook his head in despair.

A minute later, Silva went over again. And that’s when the trumpet blasted and the drama started.
Rodgers questions VAR intervention on penalty

Booked for simulation. But, hang on. Here comes VAR. Cancel the yellow and let’s have a penalty instead.

Rodgers said later that he firmly believes Silva dived. Every Rangers fan will say that there was contact. That’s the Glasgow football shuffle right there.

James Tavernier banged away the penalty with aplomb for his 49th goal of the season, or maybe it just feels that way.

Where stood the title race now? Still Celtic’s advantage. And still Celtic’s lead after Cyriel Dessers’ goal being ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Ibrox heaved.

Celtic faltered and on came McGregor, the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option who hasn’t played since the end of February.

Rodgers needed him to calm things down, to restore the composure of the first half that had been lost in the face of Rangers pressing high, chasing hard and finally believing in themselves.

Much of the pre-match narrative circled around McGregor’s fitness, but he wasn’t the only one deemed not fit enough to start. Abdallah Sima was another.

With eight minutes of normal time left, he found the Celtic net courtesy of a rare mistake by McGregor and a fortunate deflection. All level at 2-2.

We readied ourselves to acclaim Clement for the steel he’s instilled in this team, for the comeback that few saw coming, for getting a draw that ensured that a win over Dundee on Wednesday would get their noses in front of Celtic again.
Rangers ‘more the winners’ in frantic Old Firm draw

Mentally, how would Celtic cope with losing a 2-0 lead? In the context of the title, was this draw a better draw for Rangers than it was for Celtic? You had to say yes, it was.

Then those thoughts went into the bin as Adam Idah scored to make it 3-2, a lovely finish planted in the corner of Jack Butland’s goal.

For weeks and months leading up to the January transfer window, Rodgers had called out for quality recruits, an experienced cavalry to join the charge for the title.

Idah was welcomed into Celtic’s bosom but it’s fair to say that the fans were expecting more. When the Irishman banged in that goal with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, they wouldn’t have swapped him for anybody.

Celtic’s rapid-fire response looked decisive. Again, the record books were being thumbed.

Rodgers’ grip on this game was already vice-like and this was another story to tell. Celtic four points ahead again with Rangers to come to their place post-split. Ominous.

There was one last twist, one more plot shift. A week ago, Rabbi Matondo cut in from the left and rifled a shot high into the right-hand corner of Hibs’ goal. Here, he cut in again and scored again.

Just as spectacular, just as jaw-dropping. Even more so, in fact. Ibrox shook to its foundations.

Clement said later that Rangers were more the winners on the day and, having trailed 2-0 and 3-2, you couldn’t argue with him.

Rodgers, for his part, didn’t look all that perturbed. He knows that this was just the preamble with the biggest stuff yet to come.

Toe-to-toe they go into the business end. Thrillingly so.

• Match ends, Rangers 3, Celtic 3.

• 90’+9′

  Full Time

  Second Half ends, Rangers 3, Celtic 3.

• 90’+8′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Todd Cantwell.

• 90’+7′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Rangers. Leon Balogun replaces Connor Goldson.

• 90’+6′

  Post update

  Foul by Kieran Dowell (Rangers).

• 90’+6′

  Post update

  Paulo Bernardo (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 90’+5′

  Post update

  Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 90’+5′

  Post update

  Foul by Liam Scales (Celtic).

• 90’+3′

• Goal!

  Goal! Rangers 3, Celtic 3. Rabbi Matondo (Rangers) right footed shot from the left side of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by John Lundstram.

• 90′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by James Tavernier with a cross following a set piece situation.

• 90′

  Post update

  Todd Cantwell (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 90′

  Post update

  Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).

• 87′

• Goal!

  Goal! Rangers 2, Celtic 3. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Paulo Bernardo.

• 86′

• Goal!

  Goal! Rangers 2, Celtic 2. Abdallah Sima (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Cyriel Dessers.

• 86′

  Post update

  Attempt blocked. Rabbi Matondo (Rangers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Dujon Sterling.

• 86′

  Post update

  Todd Cantwell (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 86′

  Post update

  Foul by Tomoki Iwata (Celtic).

• 83′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. John Lundstram (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by James Tavernier with a cross following a set piece situation.

• 82′

  Post update

  John Lundstram (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 82′

  Post update

  Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).

• 82′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Celtic. Paulo Bernardo replaces Matt O’Riley.

• 80′

  Post update

  Attempt blocked. Rabbi Matondo (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

• 80′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Callum McGregor following a fast break.

• 78′

  Post update

  Delay over. They are ready to continue.

• 78′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Rangers. Kieran Dowell replaces Mohamed Diomande.

• 76′

  Post update

  Delay in match because of an injury Dujon Sterling (Rangers).

• 75′

  Post update

  Foul by John Lundstram (Rangers).

• 75′

  Post update

  Tomoki Iwata (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 74′

  Post update

  Delay over. They are ready to continue.

• 74′

  Post update

  Delay in match because of an injury Yang Hyun-Jun (Celtic).

• 72′

  Post update

  Foul by Mohamed Diomande (Rangers).

• 72′

  Post update

  Matt O’Riley (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 71′

  Booking

  Daizen Maeda (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.

• 71′

  Post update

  James Tavernier (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 71′

  Post update

  Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).

• 69′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Rangers. Todd Cantwell replaces Tom Lawrence.

• 69′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Celtic. Adam Idah replaces Kyogo Furuhashi.

• 69′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Rangers. Rabbi Matondo replaces Fábio Silva.

• 68′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

• 68′

  Post update

  Foul by Yang Hyun-Jun (Celtic).

• 66′

  Post update

  Abdallah Sima (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 66′

  Post update

  Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).

• 65′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Celtic. Yang Hyun-Jun replaces Nicolas Kühn.

• 65′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Reo Hatate.

• 63′

  Post update

  Delay over. They are ready to continue.

• 62′

  Post update

  Delay in match because of an injury Mohamed Diomande (Rangers).

• 62′

  Post update

  Foul by Tom Lawrence (Rangers).

• 62′

  Post update

  Reo Hatate (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 61′

  Post update

  Foul by Mohamed Diomande (Rangers).

• 61′

  Post update

  Matt O’Riley (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 58′

  Post update

  VAR Decision: No Goal Rangers 1-2 Celtic.

• 57′

  Post update

  GOAL OVERTURNED BY VAR: Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) scores but the goal is ruled out after a VAR review.

• 56′

  Post update

  Foul by Tom Lawrence (Rangers).

• 56′

  Post update

  Tomoki Iwata (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 55′

  Post update

  Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 2. James Tavernier (Rangers) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner.

• 53′

  Post update

  VAR Decision: Penalty Rangers.

• 51′

  Post update

  Penalty Rangers. Fábio Silva draws a foul in the penalty area.

• 51′

  Post update

  Penalty conceded by Alistair Johnston (Celtic) after a foul in the penalty area.

• 51′

  Post update

  Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).

• 51′

  Post update

  Mohamed Diomande (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 48′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.

• 47′

  Post update

  Corner, Celtic. Conceded by John Souttar.

• 45′

  Substitution

  Substitution, Rangers. Abdallah Sima replaces Scott Wright.

• Second Half

  Second Half begins Rangers 0, Celtic 2.

• 45’+3′

  Half Time

  First Half ends, Rangers 0, Celtic 2.

• 45’+1′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Fábio Silva (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

• 45’+1′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Fábio Silva (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Cyriel Dessers.

• 45′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Kyogo Furuhashi.

• 44′

  Post update

  Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).

• 44′

  Post update

  Mohamed Diomande (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 43′

  Post update

  Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Joe Hart.

• 42′

  Post update

  Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Alistair Johnston.

• 42′

  Booking

  Matt O’Riley (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

• 42′

  Post update

  Foul by Matt O’Riley (Celtic).

• 42′

  Post update

  Mohamed Diomande (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 41′

  Post update

  Attempt blocked. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.

• 40′

  Post update

  Foul by Alistair Johnston (Celtic).

• 40′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

• 40′

  Post update

  Delay over. They are ready to continue.

• 40′

  Booking

  Alistair Johnston (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

• 39′

  Post update

  Delay in match because of an injury Fábio Silva (Rangers).

• 39′

  Post update

  Foul by Alistair Johnston (Celtic).

• 39′

  Post update

  Fábio Silva (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 39′

  Post update

  Foul by John Souttar (Rangers).

• 39′

  Post update

  Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 38′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom right corner.

• 36′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Greg Taylor with a cross.

• 35′

  Post update

  Offside, Rangers. Scott Wright is caught offside.

• 34′

  Post update

  Goal! Rangers 0, Celtic 2. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the centre of the goal.

• 33′

  Post update

  VAR Decision: Penalty Celtic.

• 31′

  Post update

  Penalty conceded by Connor Goldson (Rangers) with a hand ball in the penalty area.

• 31′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Nicolas Kühn with a cross following a corner.

• 31′

  Post update

  Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jack Butland.

• 31′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Nicolas Kühn with a cross.

• 29′

  Post update

  Scott Wright (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 29′

  Post update

  Foul by Tomoki Iwata (Celtic).

• 28′

  Post update

  Foul by Mohamed Diomande (Rangers).

• 28′

  Post update

  Reo Hatate (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 27′

  Post update

  Attempt blocked. Tom Lawrence (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Mohamed Diomande.

• 26′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Nicolas Kühn.

• 26′

  Post update

  Attempt saved. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.

• 24′

  Post update

  Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from very close range is just a bit too high. Assisted by Mohamed Diomande with a cross following a corner.

• 24′

  Post update

  Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Alistair Johnston.

• 23′

  Post update

  Scott Wright (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 23′

  Post update

  Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).

• 21′

  Post update

  Foul by Fábio Silva (Rangers).

• 21′

  Post update

  Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 20′

  Booking

  Nicolas Kühn (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.

• 20′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 20′

  Post update

  Foul by Nicolas Kühn (Celtic).

• 17′

  Post update

  Attempt blocked. Nicolas Kühn (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.

• 16′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

• 16′

  Post update

  Foul by Nicolas Kühn (Celtic).

• 15′

  Post update

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

• 15′

  Post update

  Foul by Matt O’Riley (Celtic).

• 12′

  Post update

  Fábio Silva (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 12′

  Post update

  Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).

• 11′

  Post update

  Delay over. They are ready to continue.

• 11′

  Post update

  Delay in match because of an injury Fábio Silva (Rangers).

• 10′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 10′

  Post update

  Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).

• 8′

  Post update

  John Souttar (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

• 8′

  Post update

  Foul by Nicolas Kühn (Celtic).

• 6′

  Post update

  Dujon Sterling (Rangers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

• 6′

  Post update

  Foul by Nicolas Kühn (Celtic).

• 4′

  Post update

  Foul by Liam Scales (Celtic).

• 4′

  Post update

  Tom Lawrence (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.

• 1′

• Goal!

  Goal! Rangers 0, Celtic 1. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal.

• Kick Off

  First Half begins.

• Posted at 11:4711:47

  Post update

  Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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