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      Celtic vs Rangers: Get £50 in free bets, plus 11/2 Bet Builder tips for Scottish League Cup final on Sunday with Betfred

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      THE OLD FIRM meet in a blockbuster Hampden cup final on Sunday as Celtic and Rangers battle it out for the League Cup trophy.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the heavyweight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 11/2.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Celtic vs Rangers tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Celtic to win, over 3.5 goals and Nicolas Kuhn to score.Back our 11/2 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Celtic to win: Rangers have really turned a corner domestically in recent weeks and it looks like the new players are finally settling, while Celtic haven’t quite been at their all-conquering best. But Hoops should still have too much quality.Over 3.5 goals: Philippe Clement can’t afford to just sit in and try and do Celtic on the counter, the Rangers supporters simply can’t watch that unfold again. Could try and take game to Celts and could make it an open encounter.Nicolas Kuhn to score: Has been the standout player in Scottish football this season and up against Jefte, he’ll surely fancy his chances big time. Can show why Germany boss has even commented on his performances this year.Back our 11/2 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Rangers 1 Tottenham 1: Super-sub Kulusevski saves Spurs as Postecoglou leaves Ibrox with crucial Europa League point

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.Hamza Igmane netted the go-ahead goal for RangersCredit: Willie VassHamza Igmane fired past former Celtic stopper Frazer ForsterCredit: ReutersDejan Kulusevski fired Tottenham levelCredit: GettyThe Swede made a positive impact after coming on as a substituteCredit: ReutersBut ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Postecoglou claimed on Wednesday that the injury crisis crippling his squad is the worst he has ever faced “by a fair stretch”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMicky van de Ven and Cristian Romero joining Ben Davies on the treatment table – along with Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison – left him perilously short at centre-back.It meant 18-year-old Archie Gray, a boyhood Celtic fan due to his family’s love of the Bhoys, started in the middle of defence alongside last-man-standing Radu Dragusin.The great-nephew of Scotland legend Eddie Gray is a defensive midfielder by trade.But he has been largely used at full-back by Postecoglou and here was drafted into the middle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGray’s Celtic allegiances did not appear to be widely known among the Gers fans, judging by his reception.But Fraser Forster’s certainly were and he was roundly booed throughout.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenForster, in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, had his best years at Celtic Park, including a magnificent performance to help beat Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in 2012.The 36-year-old has deputised well during Vicario’s absence and made another smart stop early doors here to tip over Nedim Bajrami’s effort.But while Forster looked sharp, his out-field team-mates seemed sluggish.Twice Gray attempted to dribble up field and play a ball round the corner, only to surrender possession with a poor pass.Pedro Porro was equally guilty of giving the ball away, sparking a Gers’ attack with one such lazy delivery which ended with Mohamed Diomande blasting well over.While the less said about Timo Werner’s attempt to trap Fraser Forster’s pinpoint long ball the better.Postecoglou had opted to play his out-of-form captain Son Heung-min through the middle and leave £65million striker Dominic Solanke on the bench,But luckless Son struggled to impose himself on the Philippe Clement’s backline, which lost centre-back John Souttar to injury ten minutes before the interval.This was a throwback game for former England stoppers, with Jack Butland in nets for the hosts and Forster for Spurs.Butland’s kicking out from the back looked suspect but he made a brilliant stop to deny Brennan Johnson from close range, even if the offside flag would have bailed the ex-Stoke keeper out anyway.Spurs were poor but Rangers looked toothless, even if Forster did pull off another decent stop to keep out Vaclav Cerny’s drive just before the break.Postecoglou had a point about his lengthy absentee list but it was not as if the side he put out here was lacking in quality.But the volume of games recently and the inability to rotate had left them looking tired.One player who looked bereft of confidence – and quality, in honesty – was Werner.So it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break with player of the season Kulusevski sent on to breathe some life into Postecoglou’s sleepy side.Yet they failed to wake up in time to stop Igamane coolly slotting home James Tavernier’s delivery two minutes into the second half.That sent Ibrox potty – with a number of the diehard fans literally bouncing behind Forster’s goal.It could have been worse ten minutes later too were it not for Diomande’s low effort deflecting the wrong side of the post.In between, Brennan Johnson had a golden chance to level but steered a cutback wide, much to Postecoglou’s frustration on the sidelines.That proved to be Johnson’s last meaningful action as on the hour as he was hooked as part of a triple sub that saw Dominic Solanke, Pape Sarr and 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall sent on.Spurs looked to be heading for a first defeat for an English team to a Scottish side in 18 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut then when Solanke sent a ball across the box which James Maddison shielded, there was Kulusevski to fire home a leveller.It got Postecoglou out of jail – even if his struggling side were anything but convincing on the ground of his auld enemy. More

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      Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Britain’s most loyal footie fan has been watching Hibernian FC for 91 YEARS

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      FOOTIE-mad Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fan — having watched her beloved Hibernian FC from the stands for 91 years.Pat, 96, was first taken to their Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh as a thrilled five-year-old by her dad Angus.She feared her days watching Hibs were over when she moved into a care home.But staff arranged a VIP hospitality experience with the club, including four-course fine dining, for the Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren on November 9.Her first question to anyone new she meets is “are you a Hibby?”And she said of her emotions at the match: “I’m crying because I am so happy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS”I never thought I would be back to watch a game.”“It brought back lots of memories of my dad, when it cost two and six to get in and we had to stand.”Aren’t I lucky to still be having adventures at 96!”Pat, who lives at Lauder Lodge in the city, was also ­presented with a new Hibs scarf and had a chat with the club’s sporting director Malky Mackay about the game.Most read in FootballBut there were no such favours from St Mirren — who beat bottom-of-the-table Hibs 2-1.Hibernian FC fan Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fanBizarre moment football fans turn up to cup final with human skull of grandfather and say ‘we take him everywhere’ More

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      Hearts forced to launch investigation after image of notorious UDA killer beamed to fans at Celtic clash

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      HEARTS have issued an apology after a picture of a notorious loyalist killer was displayed on their stadium’s big screen.The Tynecastle club have launched an internal probe after the snap of UDA member Michael Stone was displayed during birthday messages before Saturday night’s clash with Celtic.The image of Michael Stone displayed on the big screen at Tynecastle prior to kick-offHearts will now launch an investigationCredit: Kenny RamsayThe snap, beamed to thousands of fans, showed Stone leaving a prison gate along with the words: “My mate Michaels first game in years, here’s a old photo of him coming through the turnstiles.”A club insider said that the Gorgie outfit always posts messages during matches and this time they were “deliberately” targeted.They said: “Every week there are birthday messages posted on the big screen.“It is impossible for the club to know if the pictures are genuine or not.“In this case it appears that someone deliberately targeted that game and used a picture of Stone.“It is quite childish really.”Stone is one of the most notorious killers of the Troubles.Originally a member of a street gang in Braniel estate before being associated with the UDA and Red Hand Commando, Stone was well known in loyalist circles as a gun for hire.Most read in FootballHe first hit the headlines in March 1988 after launching a gun and bomb attack in the Milltown cemetery in west Belfast, killing three people.His targets were mourners at the funerals of three IRA members shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar.Children in Need hero gets message from CelticHe was sent to the Maze prison for three counts of murder before being released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Once inside the prison, he became one of the five leaders of the ‘Ulster Freedom Fighters’ prisoners.In November 2006 he carried out a foiled attack on Stormont which he claimed was ‘performance art’.After the attack he was charged with the attempted murder of Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.More recently, he has made headlines for his artistic endeavours which started while he was in prison, with one of his paintings recently fetching £4,500 in an eBay bid before the sale was cut off.A spokesperson for Hearts said: “Our fans’ social service was abused by someone online, leading to an image appearing on the stadium’s big screens, and we apologise for any offence caused.“We will review our procedures internally to ensure this type of misuse is not repeated.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCeltic won the match 4-1.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson turns up at Champions League clash despite supporting hosts’ fierce rivals

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted at Celtic Park on a Champions League night despite being a boyhood fan of Rangers.The legendary manager was snapped in the seats as Celtic pulled off a stunning victory over RB Leipzig.Sir Alex Ferguson was at Celtic Park to watch Celtic beat RB LeipzigCredit: Kenny RamsayCeltic pulled off a brilliant victory against their German rivalsCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, looked smiley as Brendan Rodger’s side pulled off a 3-1 victory over their German foes.The former Manchester United manager was a boyhood fan of Celtic’s fierce rivals, Rangers.He was even made the most expensive player in Scotland when the club signed him back in 1967.However, his time at the club was marred by sectarianism.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen asked if he had married his wife Cathy in a catholic church by a Rangers director, he said that it was a registry office instead.Ferguson has admitted that he is still annoyed about the moment and should have told the director to “bugger off”.While he is still fond of the Rangers, he only supports the club when they play against the Celtics.He told the Belfast Telegraph: “The only time I really support Rangers is when they play Celtic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The big one. Jason [Ferguson’s son] is a Celtic fan. I love phoning him up when Rangers have beaten them.”Christoph Baumgartner had given Leipzig the lead at Celtic Park before the hosts fought back.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn fired a brace in for Celtic before Reo Hatate netted the killer blow in the 72nd minute.Manager Rogders’ hailed the result as a “great night for the club”.He said:”The result, the performance, the energy in the stadium.”The supporters will go away feeling really good about their team.”But we played our way in to the game, showed a maturity to get the ball working again and then we get the goal.”Over the course of the game I thought we were really dominant, both in our pressing of the game and our hunger for the second goal.”We got that and then I thought in the second half we managed the game really well.”Meanwhile, Fergsuon has kept himself busy in retirement and has been attending plenty of football matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust last week he was spotted sitting next to former England cricketer Michael Vaughan during Man United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.And on the weekend he was seen leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in hysterics at Old Trafford for the Premier League draw versus Chelsea.Sir Jim Ratcliffe encountered Ferguson at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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      Rangers star Ianis Hagi ‘attracts keen transfer interest’ from European club with major links to English giants

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      IANIS HAGI has only just returned to the Rangers first team.But he’s already being eyed for a January transfer, according to a report.Ianis Hagi is back in the mix at IbroxCredit: Willie VassHis return to the Gers first team ended with a sending-offCredit: PAHagi’s Rangers career looked over.Having spent last season on loan in Spain with Alaves, he returned to the Gers this summer.However, he was sent to train with the B team and his exit only seemed a matter of time.But the summer transfer window came and went and the 26-year old remained on the books at Ibrox.That was despite Gers boss Philippe Clement hinting there was no way back for him at the club.It emerged a clause in Hagi’s contract that would’ve led to Rangers paying more money was at the centre of the situation.Then, at the start of this month came the out of the blue revelation that Hagi was back training with the first team.The club struck an agreement with the Romania international and he was brought back into the top team’s fold.Most read in FootballJust five days after he return to training on October 1, he made a rather dramatic return to the Rangers side.He came on as a half time substitute during the Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone. Philippe Clement breaks silence on Ianis Hagi’s return to Rangers first-team training as he opens up on star’s future Hagi made an instant impact, assisting Vaclav Cerny’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win for Rangers.His big return ended on a sour note, however, as he was sent off for ugly challenge on Saints’ Benji Kimpioka.As a result, he hasn’t been available for selection since but could return to the squad for tonight’s clash with Aberdeen.But despite his return to the Rangers fold, the transfer talk hasn’t gone away.In fact, a new club has emerged as a potential suitor for Hagi.French outlet Only Mercato are reporting that Strasbourg are ‘showing a keen interest’ in signing him in January.The report claims Strasbourg chiefs are pondering a loan move for the midfielder.The club are currently sitting 9th in Ligue 1 but are just four points off the Champions League places.Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same company that owns Chelsea and is run by Todd Boehly.They’re managed by former Hull boss Liom Rosenior and have a number of players on loan from their London counterparts.Last season’s first choice Chelsea goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, is currently with Strasbourg.Before his future was resolved, Hagi spoke of his ‘love’ for Rangers as he vowed to return to the first team.He said: It’s all down to me, I know what I’ve been through for the last six weeks.”I did the training with the second team, I did the physical training. The Romania coach knows how much I pushed myself to be present here. This is my passion.”I’m going back to Rangers. I have one year left on my contract there.”I gave two public messages, everyone knows them. I love the club, I’m ready to fight for the fans, for what that huge club means in Europe.”I’m there, I’m back, I’m fighting for the coach, for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know who I am as a person, as a footballer. Tomorrow, I go back to Glasgow and start all over again. I fight.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Millionaire rapper Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Celtic after seeing Wrexham success plus ‘their mascot is a hound’

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      SNOOP DOGG wants to invest in Scottish champions Celtic.The millionaire rapper has been inspired by the recent success of Wrexham under their Hollywood owners.Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Scottish champions CelticClub mascot Hoopy the Hound is a key factor in Snoop’s desire to invest in the BhoysCredit: GettyActors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Red Dragons in 2020 and have since transformed their fortunes.Following back-to-back promotions, Wrexham are back in League One this season for the first time in 19 years.Snoop is now ready to get into club ownership himself with his beloved Celtic.As well as Wrexham’s fortunes, he is also keen to get involved due to the Bhoys’ mascot Hoopy the Hound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hip-hop icon told the Daily Record: “I love what Ryan has done with Wrexham – it’s just a great story.”Investing in a sports team has been something I have been looking at for a long time – if the chance came to invest in Celtic, I would be crazy not to take a look at it.”I have watched so much soccer in Europe but I have never seen fans like the Celtic fans. There is something so special about them.”There is a reason why their fans are talked about across Europe – the best players and coaches in the world tell you there is nowhere like Celtic Park and I want to be a part of that.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Their mascot is a hound – you couldn’t make that up. Snoop Dogg becomes Hoopy the Hound – that’s gotta be a match made in heaven. The headlines write themselves.”Snoop has made no secret of his passion for the Hoops in the past, having been recognised as one of the club’s most famous fans.‘I’m not sure that was pragmatic enough for some’ says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as he responds to doubters after Atalanta draw As well as proclaiming they “are my boys”, he has been pictured in their famous green and white several times.However, he appeared to switch sides last September as Celtic began their Champions League campaign.The 53-year-old performed in a Feyenoord shirt at a concert in Rotterdam on the same night Celtic faced the Dutch side.Snoop will be hoping for more success for his team this Sunday, though, as Brendan Rodgers’ side visit Motherwell.A win would take the Hoops back to the top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference ahead of Aberdeen.Wrexham’s success under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds has inspired SnoopCredit: Getty More