Celtic are on the brink of another Scottish Premiership title after emerging from a stormy derby against 10-man Rangers with a vital victory.
A Matt O’Riley strike and an own goal from John Lundstram, who was also sent off, proved enough for Brendan Rodgers’ side to move six points clear of their rivals with two games left and a better goal difference.
An already lively contest burst into life before the break as three goals and a red card came in 12 frantic minutes.
Firstly O’Riley drilled Celtic in front, before Lundstram diverted Daizen Maeda’s cross into his own net three minutes later to put the leaders in control.
However, Rangers’ initial response was excellent.
Borna Barisic crossed for Dujon Sterling, and his header was flicked home by Cyriel Dessers to revive Rangers’ title hopes.
But just as the few in blue at Celtic Park had some renewed purpose, Lundstram flew into a tackle and clattered Alistair Johnston.
After initially only being shown a yellow card, the Rangers midfielder was sent down the tunnel in first-half stoppage time after referee Willie Collum changed his decision following a review.
That made Rangers’ already difficult task severe, and Celtic should then have made life more comfortable for their 60,000 fans, but struggled to bury their visitors.
O’Riley had a tame penalty effort saved by Jack Butland after he was tripped by Mohamed Diomande just nine minutes into the second half, and Maeda had two goals ruled out for offside.
But despite a stack of missed opportunities setting up an extremely nervy finish, Celtic now just need one point from games against Kilmarnock and St Mirren to secure a third straight title.
Player of the match – Callum McGregor (Celtic)
Source – Celtic 2-1 Rangers: Brendan Rodgers’ side on brink of title – BBC Sport
