Celtic title celebrations delayed after Rangers win

In the first Old Firm clash since Rangers’ plunge into administration, Rangers’ win over a nine-man Celtic allowed them to avoid the unwanted record of a fourth consecutive home defeat for the first time in their 140-year history.

Celtic headed into the clash at Ibrox knowing that victory would allow them to clinch the Scottish title at the home of their great rivals.

But Rangers had the best of the chances early on and went ahead after 11 minutes when Sone Aluko showed impressive skill to take the ball past Thomas Rogne and then Charlie Mulgrew before firing home from 12 yards.

Celtic could have been back on level terms within moments but Allan McGregor saved well from Georgios Samaras before the rebound from Anthony Stokes was deflected over the crossbar.

The Rangers goalkeeper then produced another decent save when he tipped an Anthony Stokes volley past the upright as the Hoops searched desperately for the leveller.

Three red cards

Celtic were dealt a further blow after 29 minutes when Cha Du-Ri was shown a red card by referee Calum Murray for hauling down Wallace on the edge of the box.

The atmosphere was noisy, but not intimidating according to Channel 4 News’s chief correspondent Alex Thomson in his half-time blog post.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon was not in the dug-out for the second half, with reports claiming he was sent to the stand at half-time.

The visitors then saw their numbers depleted further when Victor Wanyama was dismissed after 57 minutes for a challenge on Steven Whittaker.

Rangers’ second goal came in the 72nd minute with a range strike from Andrew Little.

Lee Wallace grabbed the third from inside the penalty box giving the home side a comfortable margin with just 13 minutes of normal time remaining.

But a late Celtic fight back began prompted by the sending off of Carlos Bocanegra for a challenge on Samaras.

Scott Brown’s 90th minute penalty looked to be a consolation for Celtic but a their second, a header scored by Rogne in added-on time gave Rangers some nervous final moments.

Magnificent support

Rangers boss Ally McCoist was adamant the opportunity to deny Celtic a title party at Ibrox was not the motivation behind Rangers’ win.

According to McCoist, if there was any extra motivation to win this game, it was the chance to reward supporters for the way they have rallied around since the club was plunged into administration on February 14.

He added: “That’s what we wanted more than anything.

“In the current times, when we are having a struggle with one thing and another, we all feel that our support has been absolutely magnificent in their support of the club and the team in what is a traumatic and very difficult time.

Celtic turn their attention to their next league game against St Johnstone where potentially they can secure the title at home.

Rangers meanwhile continue to seek a new owner with four buyers vying for a club that ran up millions of pounds worth of debts under its previous owners.