Scottish Premiership

A WORLD CUP legend who liked a dive took his seat at Rugby Park.But it was Kilmarnock who went down far too easily yesterday.
Kyogo opened the scoring for the HoopsCredit: Reuters
South Korea National team manager Jurgen Klinsmann was in attendance at Rugby ParkCredit: Getty
Jurgen Klinsmann looked on as the home side handed victory to the Premiership leaders inside 20 minutes.
The ex-Germany and Spurs striker was there to run his eye over Hyeongyu Oh in his role as South Korea’s national boss.
He had to wait till the start of the second half to watch the Hoops striker in action.
But it had been game over long before that thanks to four of the most gift-wrapped goals you’ll ever see.

Killie boss Derek McInnes had started with an attacking line-up, with Christian Doidge and the fit-again Kyle Vassell up front.
Fraser Murray was handed a first league start since November 12 down the left flank.
But it might be a while until the winger is seen again after the part he played in three of those opening goals.

Matt O’Riley scored twice after Kyogo and Daizen Maeda had put the Hoops two ahead by the 12th minute.
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They could even afford to have Kyogo hit the post from the penalty spot and Callum McGregor to uncharacteristically blunder for Killie’s consolation.
It’s now 30 wins from 31 domestic games for the Hoops – and their restored 12-point lead leaves them on track to be crowned champions on Coronation Day on May 6.
Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles’ record return of 106 points remains beatable too.
They coasted to victory despite the fact they missed Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota and Aaron Mooy started on the bench.
Ange Postecoglou had claimed pre-match that was down to a combination of injury niggles and concerns about Kilmarnock’s artificial surface.
But very quickly it was McInnes who had plenty to be worried about.
He could have worked all week on shape and tactics.
🗣️ “It is a lovely header!”Maeda has doubled Celtic’s lead early in the first half! Watch the game live on Sky 📺 pic.twitter.com/o51VAXLKKr— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 16, 2023

But he was powerless in the seventh minute when Murray played a needless backpass from inside the Celtic half towards Joe Wright.
It was hopelessly short and the last person he’d want to have seen in the vicinity was Kyogo.
The Japanese frontman latched onto the loose ball but still had plenty to do.
Wright’s decision to stand off him allowed him to pick his spot and drill past Sam Walker for his 29th of the season.
McInnes simmered in the home dugout as Killie conceded in the meekest of fashions.
But his anger wasn’t about to soothe as the Hoops scored twice more in the space of 11 minutes.
Johnston got the better of Murray then dinked up a ball to the back post which Maeda nodded back in the direction it had come and past a helpless Walker.
It was far too simple again from Killie, as it was for the third. Yuki Kobayashi fed Greg Taylor who had come inside off the left flank.

Former Rugby Park star Taylor played a short pass to O’Riley inside the box and with the home defence again hesitant the midfielder coolly stroked home.
Despite sitting second bottom Killie hadn’t lost any of their previous five home league games.
Yet boos rang out after that third strike as the true extent of the potential damage if this continued started to sink in.
Truth is it could have got a whole lot worse in the 21st minute when Christian Doidge tripped Taylor inside the box for a certain penalty.
But Kyogo’s spotkick smashed off the left upright and Maeda could only poke the rebound past the post.
It was only delaying the inevitable though, especially with the way Killie were repeatedly making a mess of clearing their lines.
Danny Amrstrong’s header fell to Murray standing outside his box but his horror swipe skied the ball back towards his own goal.
O’Riley was there again to control and finish to make it 4-0.

McInnes had to try and stem the bleeding and made a double substitution.
Unsurprisingly Murray was hooked, with Doidge also sacrificed for Alan Power and Jeriel Dorsett as Killie switched to a back five and one up front.
But Power then gifted the ball to O’Riley who found Kyogo and his shot was beaten away by Walker.
The selfless Kyogo then appeared in his OWN box after tracking Kyle Vassell’s run forwards then playing the ball back to Joe Hart.
Armstrong’s fifth minute nutmeg past Carl Starfelt then driven shot at Hart must have felt a long time ago for the home side.
But on the stroke of half-time it was Celtic who handed a goal to Killie.
An even bigger surprise was the fact McGregor was the culprit.
When the skipper delayed on the ball inside his box Liam Donnelly pounced and saw his shot saved by Hart’s legs.
But the Hoops couldn’t properly clear the danger and eventually it was Donnelly who stroked into the net.
🔵 Kilmarnock have one back!Donnelly gives Kilmarnock hope right before half time. More goals in the second half? 🔽 pic.twitter.com/s4gWOIYaMt— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 16, 2023

Incredibly it was the first time Killie had scored against Celtic since Chris Burke netted back in August 2020.
But it didn’t stop more groans coming from the stands as ref David Dickinson blew for the break.
Klinsmann’s trip to watch Oh ahead of January’s Asia Cup was made worthwhile when he was sent on for Kyogo as the teams resumed for the second half.
His main action of note was a booking for a late challenge and sweeping a shot wide of goal after a brilliant cross from Rocco Vata.
There was no doubt the Hoopos let their tempo drop and a reorganised Killie nearly took advantage.
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Hart brilliantly blocked Luke Chambers’ header then Vassell went close with two late efforts.

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RANGERS Women’s coach Craig McPherson has learned his SFA fate in the wake of his clash with Celtic Women’s head coach Fran Alonso.The compliance officer called the former Morton and Falkirk star to account after he was spotted on the TV cameras aiming a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head.
Craig McPherson
Craig McPherson was caught on camera headbutting Fran Alonso
The incident was caught on the cameras
Police have also have an investigation ongoing into the incident – which came at the end of a fiery Old Firm derby in the SWPL which ended in a 1-1 draw.
But McPherson faced a hearing in front of an SFA panel today where he admitted the charge and was handed an immediate SIX-match ban in all competitions.
The SFA charge under disciplinary rule 77 reads: “A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.
“Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent Conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

Brogan Hay had put the Light Blues in front in the first half, capitalising on a mistake inside the box from Kelly Clark in the 36th minute to tap home.
It looked as though Rangers were heading for the crucial win but Celtic star Caitlyn Hayes scored a dramatic equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time to level the scoring and to secure a point for the Hoops – which handed both sides’ Glasgow rivals Glasgow City a huge boost in the title race.
McPherson previously issued a statement to say that he had apologised personally to Alonso over the affair and was embarrassed by his conduct.
McPherson said: “I know I have severely let myself, our team and the club down.
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“I hold myself to the highest of standards and have never done anything like this before in a long coaching career, and I know I fell way short of that with my actions.
“This club is also built on incredibly high standards, and I have already apologised to the board, the football staff, and our fantastic group of players who I care about dearly.
“I would also like to apologise to the Rangers fans as I am aware of what a privilege it is to represent this club in any capacity, and I am sorry that on this occasion I did not uphold the standards this club demands.
“I also understand how exciting a time it is for the women’s game in Scotland, which I have come to care passionately about, and I apologise for any negativity my actions have brought in our attempts to grow the game.
“Finally, I am also very grateful to Fran Alonso for accepting my apology in full following our lengthy conversation earlier in the week.”
Alonso claimed after the match that he was getting called a “little rat” during the explosive end to the derby.
Addressing the incident on Sky Sports after the match, he said: “As you can see from there [the pictures], someone came in from behind.”
“I never talked to him the whole game. It’s always disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute.
“I totally get it. I was called a little rat, I don’t know why.”
Cops confirmed: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023.
“Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
Celtic issued a statement on the affair, saying: “Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.
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“We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action.”
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TODD CANTWELL has claimed that Celtic “didn’t win” the Old Firm derby this weekend.The Rangers midfielder reckons it was, in fact, the case that his side lost the match.
Cantwell was making his first Old Firm starCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Kyogo struck twice with Jota also scoring as the Hoops secured a 3-2 victory that all but ensures they’ll be champions again this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s men are now 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership table with just seven matches left to go.
January signing Cantwell made his first start in a Glasgow derby showdown having appeared as a substitute in the Viaplay Cup Final defeat in February.
Despite a double from James Tavernier – including his 100th Rangers goal – Michael Beale’s men suffered defeat again in what was likely a decisive blow to their fading title ambitions for this season.

It was a defensive horror show for the Gers, with huge individual errors costing them badly.
A Ben Davies howler gifted possession to Jota in the lead-up to Kyogo’s second, while the Portuguese winger himself capitalised on a horrendous John Souttar back-pass for the third.
And that seems to be Cantwell’s thinking the day after the game.
Taking to social media, the 25-year old insisted things are still looking positive for the Light Blues despite yesterday’s setback.
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Posting on Instagram, Cantwell said: “The disappointment is real, we lost the game they didn’t win it.
“We continue to stick together and build in the right direction, this is a project and a exciting one.
“Stick together as one.”

Rangers look set to demand answers from the SFA after a controversial decision from referee Kevin Clancy.
The whistler disallowed a first-half goal from Alfredo Morelos for a push on Alistair Johnston.
The re-start was delayed while VAR Nick Walsh took a look at the incident, although he decided against intervening and the decision stood.
The call led to Ally McCoist describing VAR as a “laughing stock” while Kris Boyd was also bewildered that the goal wasn’t given.
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CELTIC have all but sealed the Scottish Premiership title – and it came on a PLATE from a Rangers team that couldn’t stop making mistakes.Some fans may point to a disallowed goal for Alfredo Morelos in the first half but in truth, the Light Blues lost this game because Celtic’s players are too good for a defence that makes this many errors.
Kyogo scored twiceCredit: Reuters
James Tavernier scored a stunning free-kick to keep Rangers’ hopes aliveCredit: Getty
Jota celebrates with teammate Callum McGregorCredit: Getty
The hosts weren’t at their best and they too made mistakes but they weren’t capitalised on in the same way.
And now their Premiership lead is 12 points.
Michael Beale was forced into one major change, with Connor Goldson ruled out through injury.
It meant John Souttar was handed his first start in over eight months.

Also making their Old Firm debuts were Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell and in truth, all three had days to forget in terms of their contributions on the pitch.
Ange Postecoglou meanwhile welcomed back Aaron Mooy after acknowledging the team would miss Reo Hatate due to injury.
It was a fiery start, with Celtic Park filled only with Hoops supporters.
Kyogo thought he’d set the stadium alight after just five minutes as he sneaked in behind the new-look Gers back line and chested the ball down before firing home.
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But the linesman rightly had his flag up as the Japanese striker had strayed offside.
Celtic, as is their modus operandi, immediately set out their stall to play out from the back on every occasion and a few times early on Rangers were inches away from nicking the ball and punishing them as they weren’t their usual composed selves.
The visitors also looked particularly dangerous on the counter but weren’t able to capitalise on any mistakes early on, with Tillman wasteful on a couple of occasions.
At the other end, Jota flashed a shot at Allan McGregor’s goal that had the Hoops faithful off their seats.
🎙️ “Never a free-kick… There is no foul there”Morelos has the ball in the net, but Kevin Clancy says no goal. Was it a foul? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aYBGnAnH7C— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 8, 2023

If there were any Rangers fans in the ground they would have been off their seats moments later – for a similar few seconds.
Morelos stuck the ball into the net but referee Kevin Clancy ruled it out for a foul on Alistair Johnston.
VAR looked at it but didn’t overturn the original decision to rule the goal out.
Any anger for those in Light Blue would be multiplied moments later.
Kyogo’s turn and shot on 26 minutes was devastating and McGregor had no chance.
His movement to find himself in space for Matt O’Riley’s cross was even better.
But Celtic never kicked on from there and gradually, Rangers pushed themselves back into the game.

The home side continued to look shaky at the back and even the experienced Callum McGregor got all hot and bothered in some handbags with derby debutant Nico Raskin.
Then two minutes from half-time, after decent work from Kent, Tillman beat O’Riley to a 50-50 and the Hoops midfielder brought him down with a sliding tackle.
Up stepped Tavernier to score an absolute stunner of a free-kick from 25 yards out that belted in off the crossbar.
Beale’s men carried that momentum into the start of the second half and if not for Mooy’s rugby-style intervention, had men over just minutes after the restart as Morelos tried to break away.

The Colombian then had a shot saved by Joe Hart from inside the box off of a loose ball.
Cantwell also had a volley fire just wide as Gers piled on the pressure.
Barisic has been a rather maligned figure on derby days recently, particularly at Celtic Park, and it was in some ways cruel that his terrific goal-line clearance from Kyogo’s close-range shot on 56 minutes counted for nothing as Jota had been caught offside in the build-up.
As it happens, the striker would be presented with another golden chance all by Rangers’ own doing.
Davies inexplicably chose to try and head the ball back into play as it dropped from the sky following Souttar’s scuffed clearance, rather than just let it go out for a corner.
He completely fluffed his lines as his header hit off Jota and into the path of Kyogo who made no mistake from five yards out.

Davies then got caught under the ball and almost let Kyogo in again from Greg Taylor’s deep cross on the left but in fairness to the Englishman he recovered to block the shot.
Celtic all but wrapped up the game – and the title – when Davies’ co-partner in defence made a terrible error.
Souttar sold McGregor short with a slack backpass and Jota leapt onto the ball and worked it round the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
“Champions again, ole ole,” came the cries from the Parkhead stands.

It was all over.
Or was it?
Tavernier crept in at the back post to score his second of the day, nodding home Barisic’s cross.
It was also his 100th goal for Rangers and he was literally centimetres away from making it 101 just seconds later as the two full-backs linked up again but this time the skipper’s header bounced wide.
A mistake from Johnston allowed Kent to drive at goal but neither he, Morelos, Jack or Fashion Sakala pulled the trigger and eventually the Hoops were able to snuff the danger out.
Barisic had a late, late free-kick that may have given Gers a tiny bit of hope but it ballooned over.
Both sides go at it again in a few weeks’ time in the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
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Celtic will be eyeing a Treble while Rangers know the competition is their last chance to win a trophy this season.
🔥 “100 goals… That is a remarkable achievement”Tavernier joins the 100 club and keeps Rangers in the game! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vafpC7Euym— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 8, 2023

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