More stories

  • in

    Watch Charlie Adam’s ‘assist of the season’ for OPPONENTS in horror blunder against old team just weeks after dive row

    CHARLIE ADAM registered one goal contribution during Dundee’s clash with St Mirren on Saturday… for the opposition team.In the fourth minute, Adam, 36, received the ball on the edge of Dundee’s penalty area before completing a Cruyff turn and crossing it into the danger zone.
    Adam made a huge error in the build-up to the opening goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    It was the perfect pass for St Mirren striker Alex Greive, who simply tapped the ball past Harrison Sharp and into the goal.
    Fans took to Twitter to poke fun at Adam for his mistake, with one person saying: “Charlie Adam’s actions just get crazier as the weeks go by.”
    Another added: “Sensational assist from Charlie Adam.”
    One fan even called back to Adam’s loan spell at St Mirren during the 2005/06 season, and said: “Charlie Adam with his first assist for St Mirren since 2006.”
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I’M DONE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Celtic icon Scott Brown RETIRES as a player as he now aims to become manager
    This isn’t the first time that fans have called the midfielder out for his actions on the pitch this season.
    Just a few weeks ago, his dive against St Johnstone was dubbed “sensational” by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker.
    Others joked that it was “the greatest dive Scottish football has ever seen”.
    Adam has scored three goals in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    Dundee are currently bottom of the Scottish Premiership table with 26 points.
    They are five points behind St Johnstone in 11th and 13 points adrift of St Mirren in 10th. More

  • in

    Celtic icon Scott Brown RETIRES as a player as he now aims to become manager

    SCOTT BROWN has revealed he is RETIRING from playing football as he now looks forward to working in management.The Celtic icon has brought down the curtain on a 20-year playing career that also saw him turn out for Hibs and Aberdeen.
    Celtic icon Scott Brown has retired as a playerCredit: PA
    Brown in action for Aberdeen earlier this seasonCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
    In that time, the 36-year-old has made 783 club appearances and scored 68 goals.
    While he has also earned 55 caps for Scotland and captained his country.
    And, of course, during his 14 years at Celtic, Brown won an incredible 22 trophies.
    Those included 10 league titles – nine of those coming consecutively between 2012 and 2020 – six Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
    Now, having been out of the game since leaving Aberdeen back in March, he has decided to hang up his boots.
    Speaking to the Daily Record, Brown admitted he is now focused on his aim to become a manager.
    And he is delighted to see his beloved Hoops on the cusp of clinching another Premiership triumph.
    He said: “It’s been a very difficult decision to call time on my playing career but I’ll be 37 next month and I feel the time is right for me to announce that I’m retiring in order to focus fully on becominga manager.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “It’s the end of one chapter but the start of a new one and I’m excited about what the future might hold.
    “Obviously I will cherish some amazing moments from my time and none better than winning so many trophies during my years at Celtic.
    “So I’m delighted that the club is now about to celebrate winning the title back.
    “I know how it feels to lift that trophy and how much hard work is required to win it.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    “So I have to take my hat off to Ange Postecoglou for the job he has done in such a short space of time.
    “I hope the manager and the players savour every moment.
    “It was always an honour for me going out there as captain, knowing the lads were listening to you in that huddle, with 50,000 fans behind us wanting us to do our best.
    “Yes my last season didn’t go that well but that’s football. You’d take nine out of 10 titles all day long!
    “So I’ll just have to take that one on the chin.
    “But you learn lessons from the tough times too and I think everyone at the club took those lessons on board.”
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Rangers 3 RB Leipzig 1 (3-2 on agg): Lundstram’s dramatic late strike seals Europa League final spot

    JIMMY BELL decided his life to the Rangers shirt.Last night at Ibrox the players who adored him played for the jerseys like never before.
    Rangers secured a spot in the Europa League final with an epic turnaround against LeipzigCredit: PA
    John Lundstram scored the winning goal on a dramatic nightCredit: Willie Vass
    Those light blue tops were left soaked in sweat as Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s side produced the performance of their lives.
    They’re on their way, they’re on their way, to Sevilla, they’re on their way.
    Oh how their legendary kitman would have loved this.
    James Tavernier and Glenn Kamara fired Rangers into a first-half lead but after Christopher Nkunku levelled the tie on aggregate their fate was hanging in the balance.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE SUNSPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FRANKFURT 1 WEST HAM 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Irons HAMMERED out of EL missing out on blockbuster final with Gers
    That’s when John Lundstram stepped forward to send 50,000 Rangers supporters inside Ibrox delirious – as well as countless more all around the world.
    Those fans have spent the season singing he was the best on earth – here he showed why.
    It wasn’t like Rangers went into this game with everything in their favour.
    The Ibrox side have been seriously weakened as an attacking force since Alfredo Morelos was told his season was over.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Kemar Roofe has looked confident in the frontman role as his stand-in.
    Yet the fact he wasn’t able to shake off a knee injury in time for this one was a real boost to Leipzig even before a ball was kicked.
    Roofe wasn’t even able to take a seat on the bench with his manager clearly unconvinced that he’d be able to make any sort of impact whatsoever, even late on.
    It all pointed to this being a step too far for Rangers, that the footballing Gods were now conspiring against them when Van Bronckhorst needed their help most.
    And yet Rangers still believed.
    They dared to dream the dream that this would be the year of their lives. And turn it into a reality.
    Taking the lead after 19 minutes was exactly what Rangers needed.
    John Lundstram celebrates after a famous win for RangersCredit: AFP
    It didn’t just level the tie on aggregate and cancel out Leipzig’s 1-0 lead from last week’s first-leg, it also gave the team a tremendous amount of confidence.
    The Bundesliga outfit didn’t do a lot wrong before falling behind and had looked more likely to be the team to score first.
    Yet conceding rattled them.
    It a terrific goal too from Rangers’ point of view. Kamara did well initially to shield the ball on the touchline before setting Ryan Kent scarpering into the box.
    The winger then lifted his head and played an outstanding cross to the back post where Tavernier smashed the ball into the net.
    It was a simple enough finish in the end but there were hard yards he put in to get up the pitch and score his 16th goal of the season.
    ‘We’re on our way, we’re on our way, to Sevilla, we’re on our way,’ sang the home fans.
    And within five minutes they took another step closer to the Spanish city.
    Going 2-0 ahead after 25 minutes had men, woman and children holding their heads in their hands, almost in disbelief at what they were witnessing.
    But it was real.
    Joe Aribo combined with Scott Wright before Kamara was given a glimpse of goal from outside the box.
    He had not right whatsoever to hit the net from where he was.
    Yet with clinical accuracy the midfielder calmly guided the ball into the corner of the net with a sublime strike.
    If Leipzig didn’t already know they were in a game they did there and then.
    Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst celebrates a brilliant winCredit: PA
    But on the half-hour mark Rangers really should have scored a third goal to virtually make it game over.
    Joe Aribo was in the right place at the right time to get on the end of headed knock-down from Tavernier.
    But with everyone inside Ibrox jumping to their feet expecting him to volley home, the makeshift frontman sliced his effort up into the air.
    There and then everyone feared it would prove to be a massive moment. It was just too big a chance to miss.
    The Germans still carried a threat going forward with Portuguese referee Artur Diaz was becoming increasingly twitchy.
    First-half bookings for defenders Calvin Bassey, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic meant they had to be extra careful when throwing themselves into challenges.
    Rangers were putting their bodies on their line everywhere you looked.
    There was a blow just before the break, quite literally, when Aribo took the full force of a smashed free kick in the face and had to be taken off.
    Fashion Sakala took his place and the Zambian brought a different threat to the Rangers attacks with his energy and tenacity compensating for his lack of quality.
    With half an hour to play Van Bronckhorst made two more changes with Ryan Jack and Wright making way for Scott Arfield and Leon Balogun.
    The alteration saw John Lundstram shift from defence into midfield where his determination to shut people down was needed.
    But it didn’t work.
    Rangers lost their way and  Leipzig started to show their class.
    Midfielder Konrad Laimer ran through on goal and looked all set to score but was denied by a brilliant save from Allan McGregor.
    But within 60 seconds the Rangers No1 was beaten.
    A ball into the box from Angelino was volleyed into the net by Nkunku with Rangers pegged back.
    Suddenly Van Bronckhorst’s side looked jaded and vulnerable but they somehow managed to recover and score a third.
    The Leipzig goalkeeper failed to properly deal with a Kent cross and when the ball fell for Lundstram he fired into the back of the net. More

  • in

    Watch Kris Boyd do his best Gary Neville impression as he reacts to Rangers scoring against Leipzig in Euro clash

    KRIS BOYD involuntarily did his best Gary Neville impression as Rangers scored their second against RB Leipzig.The former Gers striker was in the Sky Sports News studio keeping viewers up to date with goings on in the crunch clash.
    Kris Boyd responded with glee at Rangers scoring
    Glen Kamara sweeps Rangers into an aggregate leadCredit: Getty
    Kamara, 26, celebrates his goalCredit: Getty
    With a place in the Europa League final on the line, tensions were always going to run high for a man of Boyd’s Rangers allegiance.
    And as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side went ahead in the tie, he couldn’t mask his sheer delight.
    Presenters crossed over to the former Scotland international for an update on the the game in the 24th minute.
    Rangers had already levelled the tie on aggregate by this point, via a goal by James Tavernier.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Football Stories.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FRANKFURT 1 WEST HAM 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Irons HAMMERED out of EL missing out on blockbuster final with Gers
    And as Boyd was offering his update, Glen Kamara swept them ahead.
    Boyd momentarily paused as he watched the shot being taken, before producing a guttural roar reminiscent of Neville’s squeaky exclamation when Fernando Torres scored for Chelsea against Barcelona in 2012.
    The former Ger then said: “Two-nil, Glen Kamara!
    “That’s good timing, ha ha! What a finish, he just passes it into the far corner with his left foot.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “It’s been laid back out to him, he’s bent it round, I think it’s one of the defenders, into the far corner.
    “If you thought it was rocking five minutes ago, it is now at Ibrox, 2-0! What a goal!”
    He was celebrating again when John Lundstram netted Rangers’ third goal.
    Boyd, 38, made 215 appearances over two spells with the Ibrox club, scoring 121 goals in the process.
    Rangers made it through to the final against Eintracht Frankfurt with a thrilling win over Leipzig.
    Fernando Torres wheels away after scoring Chelsea’s famous goal at Barcelona in 2012Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Kris Boyd scored 121 goals for RangersCredit: KC Sports Pix More

  • in

    Jimmy Bell dies aged 69 as Rangers kitman passes away suddenly and tributes flood in for Ibrox legend

    REVERED Rangers kit man Jimmy Bell has died suddenly at the age of 69.Bell has been a key part of the Ibrox backroom team ever since joining the Ibrox club shortly before the arrival of Graeme Souness in 1986.
    Jimmy Bell watches Rangers win back the titleCredit: The Sun
    Jimmy Bell (second from right) on the bench on SundayCredit: Rex
    Joining initially as the club’s bus driver, he moved onto the kitman role and worked under ELEVEN Rangers managers.
    Current boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst greeted him warmly on his arrival as he remembered him from his playing days.
    Working right up to Sunday’s Old Firm match, the fans’ favourite wielded power behind the scenes at the Ibrox club.
    A Rangers statement read: “Rangers Football Club are today devastated to announce the death of our much-loved, legendary kit man, Jimmy Bell.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Football Stories.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-ybrhvy{width:100%;}.css-18wqsel{display:inline-block;transition-property:color;transition-duration:200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;width:100%;}.css-18wqsel:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7eo7xt{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.css-17v19pt{width:100%;max-height:88px;border-width:1px 1px 1px 0;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);}.css-1v3dtak{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;width:100%;max-height:88px;border-width:1px 1px 1px 0;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);}.css-dtw7ih{height:88px;}.css-1rnk8xe{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;height:88px;}.css-x4dv1g{padding:2px 12px;max-height:75px;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1px;}.css-xqtbmf{padding:2px 12px;max-height:75px;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1px;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}OLD FIRM LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Legendary Gers kit man Jimmy Bell dies, Jota ‘wants Celtic stay’
    “Jimmy, who has served the club for over 30 years and been a friend and confidant to numerous generations of players and staff, will be so sadly missed by everyone at the Rangers Football Club.
    “A former employee of Parks’ of Hamilton, Jimmy initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his current role as First Team Head of Kit.”
    Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: “As a club, we are absolutely devastated to learn of the loss of our colleague and more importantly, our dear friend, Jimmy Bell.
    “Jimmy dedicated his life to Rangers Football Club. Having worked under managers from Graeme Souness through to Giovanni, he experienced some of the greatest days in our 150-year history.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “Of course, he was here during some of the lowest points, and showed selfless dedication, regardless of the challenge ahead of him.
    “Jimmy’s work ethic was second to none. He dedicated countless hours to preparation for each training session and game.
    “No job was too big or too small for him, and he thrived on working for his boyhood club.
    “I spoke with Jimmy regularly, having known him from his time as a mechanic and bus driver at Park’s.
    Jimmy Bell with Paul Gascoigne at the recent Rangers legends matchCredit: Willie Vass
    “He was excited for Thursday night’s game at Ibrox, particularly having experienced a European semi-final before under Walter Smith.
    “Rangers and Scottish football as a whole, have lost a legend and a friend today. He was a family man, a devoted father, grandfather and husband.
    “Jimmy will be sorely missed and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bell family at this difficult time on behalf of Rangers Football Club.
    “Please respect the privacy of the Bell family at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
    Former Rangers star Bob Malcolm led tributes, saying: “Rest in peace Keizer proper club legend thought go out to your family.”
    Barry Ferguson with Jimmy Bell after the club beat Celtic to win the Scottish CupCredit: SNS
    Former Rangers star Ronald De Boer said: “With great sadness the news came to me that Jimmy Bell passed away. You will be missed Jimmy. “The best kitman in the world” RIP.”
    Steven Gerrard posted an Image of Bell placing the strips in the home dressing room, with the words RIP Jimmy 🙏”
    Steven Gerrard posted on Instagram
    Nacho Novo posted an image of him with Bell and the Scottish Premiership trophy with the words: “I can’t believe the sad news this morning 💔💔💔💔💔 RIP jimmy 😭😭”
    Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows wrote: “I am saddened to hear the news about Jimmy.
    “Spent a bit of time blethering with him when he was at Fir Park last week & he was in good form.
    “He’s always been very tight with our kitman, who is gutted.
    Ronald de Boer made this post on Instagram
    “My thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues at this sad time.
    “RIP”
    Former Rangers player and assistant David Weir told The Athletic two years ago: “Jimmy’s a bit like me. If he likes you, he likes you.
    “If he’s not sure about you, you won’t get much out of him but I got on really well with him.
    “There were people he respected and he gave his trust to and there were some he didn’t.
    Jimmy Bell with Walter Smith and Archie KnoxCredit: SNS
    “He was very like that with Barry Ferguson. He loved him.
    “Even when Barry left he wouldn’t let anyone touch his locker. It was like a shrine.
    “He decides who gets them and at the dressing room in the training room he decided who sat where.”
    A cult hero with the fans, Walter Smith latterly preferred Bell to drive the bus to Celtic matches.
    Jimmy Bell hugs James Tavernier after the club’s recent Scottish Cup semi-final winCredit: Willie Vass
    Weir said: “He used to drive the bus for us occasionally. He used to drive to the Celtic games and everyone knows what it’s like driving to those games.
    “Nothing would stop him. Red lights, wrong side of the road. I’m not exaggerating.”
    Former midfielder Ian Ferguson said: “They talk about players being legends but this guy is a legend for all the players who come through that door. He is like a father figure to them and does everything.”
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Celtic vs Rangers LIVE: Leipzig lose on league duty, Peter Lawwell’s son lands scouting job, Jota has ‘eyes elsewhere’

    THE final Old Firm derby of the season. (almost) feels like a distant memory now as focus turns elsewhere for both clubs.Celtic have one strong hand on the Premiership trophy thanks to the draw 1-1 at Parkhead and will be looking to wrap up the title ASAP.
    Rangers have a huge Europa League semi-final on Thursday against RB Leipzig.
    Keep up date with all the latest news right here with our live blog.
    HAVE YOUR SAY

    Leipzig shocker
    Just days before their clash with Rangers, RB Leipzig have crashed to defeat against a ten-man Borussia Monchengladbach side.
    Domenico Tedesco’s team , who hold a 1-0 first-leg lead over the Gers in their Europa League semi-final, made five changes from last week’s match at the Red Bull Arena.
    RB Leipzig went down 3-1 to Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: EPA
    Trailing 2-1 at half-time, Leipzig were then handed a man advantage when Nico Elvedi upended Christian Nkunku. 
    But Jonas Hofmann scored his second of the night not long after to extend Monchengladbach’s lead, which proved enough for the three points.
    Sounds familiar
    Just in case you were wondering…
    Mark Lawwell is indeed a relation to former Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.
    He is the recently-departed chief’s SON.
    “Great trust”
    Ange Postecoglou on Celtic’s new head of scouting and recruitment, Mark Lawwell:
    “I was very keen for Mark to join the Club and clearly I am delighted that he has accepted this important role and that we have been able to bring him to Celtic.
    “Mark is someone who I worked closely with throughout my four years at Marinos, through which time we developed great trust and an excellent working relationship. He knows the way I like to work, the way my teams play and the particular player profile which this requires.”
    He continued: “I know he will be a great addition to our team, leading our first-team scouting and recruitment function and delivering on our key objective of identifying and bringing exciting, talented players to the Club.  
    “We have a great team of people at the Club and since joining Celtic I have been hugely impressed by the staff around me who have all worked so hard to deliver success.  
    “I have said before that I didn’t want to make changes just for the sake of it, but we always aim to build and develop everything we do and in bringing Mark in I know we have made an appointment which will be hugely beneficial for us moving forward.”
    Celts announce new recruitment chief
    One of Ange Postecoglou’s former aides has been appointed as the club’s new head of scouting and recruitment.
    Mark Lawwell worked with the Aussie at Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming transfer window.
    A club statement read: “Celtic Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Lawwell as Head of First Team Scouting and Recruitment.  
    “Mark joins Celtic from his position as Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment, within City Football Group’s global structure, having spent the last 10 years there.
    “Mark, who will join the Club in readiness for the summer transfer window, previously worked closely with Celtic Manager Ange Postecoglou on scouting and recruitment throughout Ange’s time as Manager of Yokohama F Marinos.”
    Jota’s not a done deal
    Jota has his eyes on a move ELSEWHERE from Celtic Park, in the mind of one Hoops hero.
    Frank McAvennie would love to see the Portuguese winger return from Benfica on a permanent basis but says it’s worrying that an agreement has already been announced.
    Jota has been a hit at Celtic this season on loan from BenficaCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    When asked if Jota would be a Celtic player next season, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I don’t think so.
    “I would love it to happen. Every time I see him he has been tremendous.
    “He can be a bit hot and cold sometimes but he has been different class since he came back from injury.
    “He’s a talented boy and I hope he likes what is happening at Celtic. It’s a great environment.
    “He’s one hell of a player but I think if he was going to sign then he would have by now.
    “Maybe I’m wrong, I hope I am wrong but maybe he has his eyes on a move somewhere else this summer.”
    HAVE YOUR SAY

    Gers can pull off “greatest achievement for 20 years”
    Reaching the Europa League final would be the greatest achievement in Scottish football for two decades, says former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell.
    Gers trail 1-0 to RB Leipzig going into Thursday’s return leg at Ibrox but Bell reckons the Light Blues have what it takes to progress to the final in Seville – where Celtic played Porto in the Uefa Cup Final 21 years ago.
    He told Go Radio: “These moments don’t happen very often. If Rangers can get to a European final, it would be one of the greatest achievements in Scottish football for 20 years.
    “It’s massive on Thursday night and I genuinely think they’ll do it.”
    “Honoured and grateful”
    Celtic ace Kyogo Furuhashi has spoken of how “honoured” he was to pick up two awards at the club’s player of the year do last night.
    The striker won goal of the season and top goalscorer at the event.
    He tweeted: “I am very honoured and grateful to receive the #CelticFC Top Goalscorer and Goal of the Season awards in my first year at the club.
    “Thanks to everyone who voted for me. None of this would be possible without the effort of the whole team. We will continue to work hard 🍀🙏”
    Euro vision
    Scotland’s champions WILL go straight into the group stages of the Champions League next season.
    It comes as Uefa announced that Russian clubs will not compete in continental competition for 2022-23.
    That clears the path for the Premiership victors to go straight into the tournament proper, regardless of whether Villareal were to lift the trophy this year (a win for the Spanish side could in theory have led to Scotland’s champions missing out).
    As it stands then, Celtic will be back in Europe’s top club competition next season for the first time since the 2017-18 edition.

    Have your say

    EURO TRIP
    Celtic and Rangers face a fixture pile-up in Europe next season due to the World Cup in Qatar.
    November’s tournament means the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League group stages will end early that month.
    The Hoops will book their place in the Champions League when they win the Premiership title.
    While Rangers will start off in the second qualifying round unless they win the Europa League, in which case they’ll go straight into the group stage.
    FINAL THREE
    Rangers and Celtic both have three league games to play before the Premiership season comes an end.
    Here are the remaining fixtures in full:
    Rangers: Dundee United, Ross County, Hearts.
    Celtic: Hears, Dundee United, Motherwell.
    Backwards Billy
    Tony Cascarino believes Billy Gilmour has gone BACKWARDS in his spell at Norwich.
    The Chelsea kid hasn’t featured much in the league’s bottom side but remains a key part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
    He told talkSPORT: “The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start of the season.”He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.
    “We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.
    “Two players have gone there from big clubs have gone backwards at Norwich.”
    In Fashion
    Fashion Sakala added to his Rangers goal tally at Parkhead yesterday.
    Can he be the man Van Bronckhorst trusts in midweek?
    Here’s his numbers in the league this term.

    EYES ON GERMANY
    Rangers will be keeping a keen eye on the Bundesliga tonight with Europa League rivals RB Leipzig in action.
    They face a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach in a key fixture for their automatic Champions League hopes.

    Freiburg occupy 4th spot and the final spot at Europe’s top table through the league placings with Leverkusen one place ahead having played a game less.
    FC Cologne and Union Berlin are also firmly in the hunt going into the last couple of games.
    But tonight is a massive game for Leipzig – just days ahead of a crucial semi-final showdown at Ibrox.
    MORE FROM ANGE
    “It’s very humbling, and I’m proud.
    “It’s not just representative of my work but all the staff.
    “It’s been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It’s great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you’re going through.
    “It’s not what drives or motivates me [proving people wrong]. I’m not too harsh on people that said the jury was out on me. I understand that.
    “There was no great recognition of what I have done, and when you come from the other side of the world that’s always understandable.
    “People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season.
    “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one.”
    FIRST CLASS
    Ange Postecoglou has heaped praise on John Kennedy and his Celtic coaching staff
    The Aussie boss arrived at Parkhead last summer on his own – in a decision he revealed was made by himself.
    He last night landed the PFA Manager of the Year award with the Hoops on the verge of landing the Premiership title alongside their Premier Sports Cup success.
    He told Sky Sports: “It was my call not to bring anyone in – and just to assess the staff I had.
    “The key to that was then getting them to believe in me. They’ve been outstanding.
    “Led by John Kennedy who has been at the club a long time. He understands what success looks like but all the staff have been great.
    “For us to be in the position we are has taken a massive collective effort.”
    Firm legends
    Ally McCoist shared a picture with Celtic hero Danny McGrain before yesterday’s Old Firm clash.
    The pair posed outside Celtic Park prior to the 1-1 draw.
    Fans from both sides took to social media to laud the ‘legendary’ pair.
    McGrain was at Celtic for 17 years and is widely regarded as one of the best right backs in British football history.

    MORE FROM BOSNICH
    “I have been in dressing rooms before where because of nerves people might be physically sick.
    “Everyone takes it different. Dwight Yorke was one of the most laid-back people before games. I was told just to embrace it.
    “It’s down to the manager to create, as best as he can, the environment, then it’s up to the players.
    “The biggest thing for Ange is to keep a lid on things.
    “It’s a wonderful opportunity, yes. You have to be prepared for every scenario.”
    HE IS THE BOS
    Mark Bosnich has hailed Ange Postecoglou as a winner with a capital W.
    The Celtic boss is on the verge of securing his first Premiership title after Sunday’s draw with Rangers.

    The gap remains at six points with three games to go following the 1-1 draw at Parkhead.
    He told AK Media: “It would be a superb achievement. He’s illuminating a pathway for young Australian coaches.
    “I got to know Ange really well sitting next to him for nearly four years when we worked at Fox Sports together.
    “Knowing the style of football he plays, his approach to football, it will be a fantastic achievement.
    “When he first came there and there were so many doubters, I think that inspired him more. It’s understandable, especially people from Europe.
    “He’ll definitely be on the front foot; he’s a winner with a capital W.
    “The thing that really endeared him to Australian football fans was the style of football he played. The style of football he plays allows fans to be very, very proud of their team. That’s wherever he has gone.”
    BORNA AGAIN
    Borna Barisic has labelled Rangers’ game with RB Leipzig as their ‘biggest game of the season’.
    The Light Blues trail the Bundesliga outfit 1-0 going into the Europa League semi-final second leg at Ibrox on Thursday night.
    He said: “Listen, this is now our biggest game of the season on Thursday.
    “We know what we need to do, we know how they play. We know how they played in Germany will be different at Ibrox.
    “We cannot wait for that game to show energy, to show desire, to try to qualify for the final.
    “We know the fans will help our performance for sure. They’ll be behind us like always.
    “It’s on us now to perform on Thursday. I expect a very, very good atmosphere and we’ll see what happens. We’ll give everything to win the game.”
    ALL HART
    Joe Hart insists Celtic still have work to do in their bid to win the Premiership.
    He said: “Look you’re never going to get me to sit here and say that but I think we’ve worked very hard to be in this position.
    “We’ve come through a lot and we’re pleased with where we are and we’ve got a job to do. And that continues.
    “This league is not set up for us to win it. There is opposition out there, there are other teams trying to do it.
    “Rangers mathematically are still in this fight. They’re never going to lie down.
    “This fixture wouldn’t allow them to lie down and that’s why it’s such a great fixture to be involved in.”
    JOB NOT DONE
    Jota insists Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership title is NOT done and they will be ready to go into battle with Hearts next week.
    He told Celtic TV: The job’s not done. We keep on going. We rest and then next week we go again.

    “It’s game after game. We know how important the next one is, so we keep on, we don’t give up, we get together the troops and we go into battle next week.”
    He continued: “It’s always a tough game against Rangers so we tried our best. We wanted to win but, unfortunately, we didn’t.
    “Our style of game always aims for goals and pressing and keeping after them, but unfortunately we didn’t score again after the first goal.
    “We kept on trying and then we conceded a goal. But the main thing to think about all of this is that we didn’t give up.”
    Big bad John
    John Lundstram’s reputation on the park continues to grow.
    Off it, Rangers fans’ will soar after his latest moment.
    Gers supporters loved a clip circulating social media showing Lundstram staring down jeering Celtic supporters.
    The incident came after the game when the 28-year-old was leaving Parkhead for the coach home.
    Despite a barrage of boos and insults, Lundstram smiled, stared back and kept on walking.

    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Russian teams BANNED from Champions League and Europa League next season in boost for Celtic and Rangers

    RUSSIAN sides have been banned from European competitions next season… in a boost to Scottish teams.The ejection of Russian clubs is one of a number of penalties placed on the country by Uefa following the invasion of Ukraine.
    Celtic will go straight into the Champions Leaguer group stageCredit: Getty
    Rangers have also received a Euro boostCredit: Getty
    Replacing Russia’s automatic spot in the Champions League group stage will be the Scottish Premiership title winner.
    Celtic effectively need just three points from their remaining three games to claim the league title, as well as a group stage place.
    Rangers would join their bitter rivals in the group stage should they win the Europa League.
    Even if they fail to triumph in the competition, however, they will be guaranteed Europa League group stage football at a minimum.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Football Stories.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hoops miss chance to all but wrap up title as Light Blues fight for draw
    Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side would enter the Champions League in the third qualifying round.
    Third-placed Hearts are also guaranteed group stage football.
    The Jambos will enter the Europa League in the play-off round.
    So even if Robbie Neilson’s side were to lose, they would fall into the Europa Conference League group stage.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Scotland’s fourth place side, currently Dundee United, will enter the Europa Conference League in its third qualifying round.
    While its fifth placed team, a position held by Ross County with three games remaining, will enter in the UEL’s second qualifying round.
    Motherwell are also in contention to finish in the European places, sitting a point behind Ross County.
    Should Rangers win the Europa League, they would go into the Champions League group stage draw in Pot 1.
    Celtic, meanwhile, will likely be in Pot 4.
    EURO BID BAN
    Russia have also been banned from bidding to host Euro 2028 – in a further boost for the FA-led British Isles bid.
    Uefa’s ruling executive committee announced that Russia had been ruled ineligible to bid in one of a remarkable 12 major punishments against Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.
    And with Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin keen for the five nation bid to win it is likely that the last remaining rival, Turkey, will soon depart the field to allow confirmation of the tournament being played across the five British Isles nations.
    In a statement, Nyon chiefs said: “The Uefa executive committee declared the bid submitted by the Football Union of Russia to host Euro 2028 or Euro 3032 as not eligible.
    “Regulations state that each bidder shall ensure that it does not act in a manner that could bring Uefa or European football into disrepute.”
    Uefa also cited the February 28 suspension of Russia by itself and Fifa to add: “Given the uncertainty as to when the suspension will be lifted, the acceptance of a bid would also go against that decision.”
    The Fifa ban saw Russia kicked out of their scheduled World Cup semi-final play-off against Poland while club sides were booted out of European competitions.
    Uefa added punishment by confirming Russia will not be allowed to play in this summer’s Nations League games and will be “automatically relegated in 16th place in league B”, while no Russia sides will be allowed to enter any European competition next year.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’LIKE FLATMATES’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Helen Flanagan reveals she hasn’t shared bed with fiance Scott for 7 YEARS
    And Russia’s women’s team have now suffered a similar fate with Uefa declaring they will not be allowed to play in this summer’s Euros and instead be replaced by Portugal and have also been rejected from the qualification round for next year’s Women’s World Cup.
    Similar bans will apply to youth and futsal tournaments run by Uefa. More

  • in

    Celtic vs Rangers LIVE: Gilmour ‘gone backwards’, Lundstram staredown, Postecoglou on surprise Rod Stewart visit

    CELTIC are in a really strong position to win the Premiership title after sharing the points with Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.Jota had fired the home side into the lead before Fashion Sakala netted a second half equaliser in the final derby of the campaign.
    The Light Blues striker smashed a low effort off Joe Hart’s post as the away side pushed for the winner on derby day.
    However, things turned sour at the end of the game as fans lobbed missiles at one another.
    Both clubs released statements of their own and eight arrests were made by cops.
    FINAL THREE
    Rangers and Celtic both have three league games to play before the Premiership season comes an end.
    Here are the remaining fixtures in full:
    Rangers: Dundee United, Ross County, Hearts.
    Celtic: Hears, Dundee United, Motherwell.
    Backwards Billy
    Tony Cascarino believes Billy Gilmour has gone BACKWARDS in his spell at Norwich.
    The Chelsea kid hasn’t featured much in the league’s bottom side but remains a key part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
    He told talkSPORT: “The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start of the season.”He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.
    “We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.
    “Two players have gone there from big clubs have gone backwards at Norwich.”
    In Fashion
    Fashion Sakala added to his Rangers goal tally at Parkhead yesterday.
    Can he be the man Van Bronckhorst trusts in midweek?
    Here’s his numbers in the league this term.

    EYES ON GERMANY
    Rangers will be keeping a keen eye on the Bundesliga tonight with Europa League rivals RB Leipzig in action.
    They face a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach in a key fixture for their automatic Champions League hopes.

    Freiburg occupy 4th spot and the final spot at Europe’s top table through the league placings with Leverkusen one place ahead having played a game less.
    FC Cologne and Union Berlin are also firmly in the hunt going into the last couple of games.
    But tonight is a massive game for Leipzig – just days ahead of a crucial semi-final showdown at Ibrox.
    MORE FROM ANGE
    “It’s very humbling, and I’m proud.
    “It’s not just representative of my work but all the staff.
    “It’s been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It’s great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you’re going through.
    “It’s not what drives or motivates me [proving people wrong]. I’m not too harsh on people that said the jury was out on me. I understand that.
    “There was no great recognition of what I have done, and when you come from the other side of the world that’s always understandable.
    “People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season.
    “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one.”
    FIRST CLASS
    Ange Postecoglou has heaped praise on John Kennedy and his Celtic coaching staff
    The Aussie boss arrived at Parkhead last summer on his own – in a decision he revealed was made by himself.
    He last night landed the PFA Manager of the Year award with the Hoops on the verge of landing the Premiership title alongside their Premier Sports Cup success.
    He told Sky Sports: “It was my call not to bring anyone in – and just to assess the staff I had.
    “The key to that was then getting them to believe in me. They’ve been outstanding.
    “Led by John Kennedy who has been at the club a long time. He understands what success looks like but all the staff have been great.
    “For us to be in the position we are has taken a massive collective effort.”
    Firm legends
    Ally McCoist shared a picture with Celtic hero Danny McGrain before yesterday’s Old Firm clash.
    The pair posed outside Celtic Park prior to the 1-1 draw.
    Fans from both sides took to social media to laud the ‘legendary’ pair.
    McGrain was at Celtic for 17 years and is widely regarded as one of the best right backs in British football history.

    MORE FROM BOSNICH
    “I have been in dressing rooms before where because of nerves people might be physically sick.
    “Everyone takes it different. Dwight Yorke was one of the most laid-back people before games. I was told just to embrace it.
    “It’s down to the manager to create, as best as he can, the environment, then it’s up to the players.
    “The biggest thing for Ange is to keep a lid on things.
    “It’s a wonderful opportunity, yes. You have to be prepared for every scenario.”
    HE IS THE BOS
    Mark Bosnich has hailed Ange Postecoglou as a winner with a capital W.
    The Celtic boss is on the verge of securing his first Premiership title after Sunday’s draw with Rangers.

    The gap remains at six points with three games to go following the 1-1 draw at Parkhead.
    He told AK Media: “It would be a superb achievement. He’s illuminating a pathway for young Australian coaches.
    “I got to know Ange really well sitting next to him for nearly four years when we worked at Fox Sports together.
    “Knowing the style of football he plays, his approach to football, it will be a fantastic achievement.
    “When he first came there and there were so many doubters, I think that inspired him more. It’s understandable, especially people from Europe.
    “He’ll definitely be on the front foot; he’s a winner with a capital W.
    “The thing that really endeared him to Australian football fans was the style of football he played. The style of football he plays allows fans to be very, very proud of their team. That’s wherever he has gone.”
    BORNA AGAIN
    Borna Barisic has labelled Rangers’ game with RB Leipzig as their ‘biggest game of the season’.
    The Light Blues trail the Bundesliga outfit 1-0 going into the Europa League semi-final second leg at Ibrox on Thursday night.
    He said: “Listen, this is now our biggest game of the season on Thursday.
    “We know what we need to do, we know how they play. We know how they played in Germany will be different at Ibrox.
    “We cannot wait for that game to show energy, to show desire, to try to qualify for the final.
    “We know the fans will help our performance for sure. They’ll be behind us like always.
    “It’s on us now to perform on Thursday. I expect a very, very good atmosphere and we’ll see what happens. We’ll give everything to win the game.”
    ALL HART
    Joe Hart insists Celtic still have work to do in their bid to win the Premiership.
    He said: “Look you’re never going to get me to sit here and say that but I think we’ve worked very hard to be in this position.
    “We’ve come through a lot and we’re pleased with where we are and we’ve got a job to do. And that continues.
    “This league is not set up for us to win it. There is opposition out there, there are other teams trying to do it.
    “Rangers mathematically are still in this fight. They’re never going to lie down.
    “This fixture wouldn’t allow them to lie down and that’s why it’s such a great fixture to be involved in.”
    JOB NOT DONE
    Jota insists Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership title is NOT done and they will be ready to go into battle with Hearts next week.
    He told Celtic TV: The job’s not done. We keep on going. We rest and then next week we go again.

    “It’s game after game. We know how important the next one is, so we keep on, we don’t give up, we get together the troops and we go into battle next week.”
    He continued: “It’s always a tough game against Rangers so we tried our best. We wanted to win but, unfortunately, we didn’t.
    “Our style of game always aims for goals and pressing and keeping after them, but unfortunately we didn’t score again after the first goal.
    “We kept on trying and then we conceded a goal. But the main thing to think about all of this is that we didn’t give up.”
    Big bad John
    John Lundstram’s reputation on the park continues to grow.
    Off it, Rangers fans’ will soar after his latest moment.
    Gers supporters loved a clip circulating social media showing Lundstram staring down jeering Celtic supporters.
    The incident came after the game when the 28-year-old was leaving Parkhead for the coach home.
    Despite a barrage of boos and insults, Lundstram smiled, stared back and kept on walking.

    SURPRISE AT THE DOOR
    Ange Postecoglou has also revealed the time Rod Stewart rocked up at his door and gave him a hug.
    The Celtic-daft rocker is a regular at Parkhead and showed his appreciation and love for the current Hoops gaffer.
    He revealed the surprise visit as he opened up on the Celtic fans’ adaptation of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! to include his name.
    He added: “My wife was horrified.
    “My kids actually think that is how the Christmas song goes.
    “They have never heard George Michael’s version so it was horrifying for my wife hearing my two boys signing that song at Christmas time with my name in it. It is all a bit surreal.
    “Before one of the recent games I had a knock on my door and Rod Stewart came in and gave me a hug. That goes to show you how well worlds change.”
    DRINK TO THAT
    Ange Postecoglou admits he isn’t looking too far ahead and is taking each game as it comes in Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership.
    Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Rangers leaves the Hoops six points clear at the top with just three games left to play as they close in on the league crown.
    Postecoglou says it will be a special moment when the time comes and he intends to crack open some of his Scottish whiskey selection in celebration.
    Speaking on ABC TV’s Offsiders programme, he said: “It is the whole one game at a time sort of headset I have got on at the moment.
    “I am not looking too far ahead.
    “We still have a couple of steps to go. It will be special.
    “I have already got a fairly decent collection of some fine Scottish whiskey.
    “If it does happen then I will break open a couple of the special ones and have a couple of the quiet ones.”
    More from Commons
    Commons believes Celtic were there for the taking and were LUCKY to get a point.
    He added: “Celtic were there for the taking.
    “In the end, they were lucky to draw. Fashion Sakala could quite easily have had a hat-trick on a different day.
    “Ryan Kent also missed a good chance, while Joe Hart produced a great save to deny Scott Arfield in the second half.
    “Don’t get me wrong, Celtic missed a few chances of their own. But if we’re talking about how Postecoglou can improve this team, the defence looks to be an obvious starting point.
    “There’s no doubt Carl Starfelt has improved over the course of the season from the player who first arrived in Glasgow last summer.
    “He can look good at times and, in fairness, he dealt with a lot of danger really well yesterday. But he still makes me nervous.”

    ‘Glass jaw’
    Celtic’s defence has been pinpointed as an area of concern for Ange Postecoglou by former star Kris Commons.
    He branded the key part of the side as Celtic’s ‘glass jaw’ despite having the meanest defence in the Premiership this season.
    He told the Daily Mail: “There have been some games this season where they have enjoyed well over 80 per cent of possession. It’s incredible to watch when they are in full flow.
    “But there’s still a nervousness and a fragility to their defence against teams with a bit more quality and bravery to engage them higher up the pitch.
    “We’ve seen it all season. In conceding 15 times across six games in the group stage of the Europa League, Postecoglou’s side shipped more goals than any other team in the competition.
    “Bodo/Glimt then ran riot in the Europa Conference League, beating Celtic 5-1 on aggregate over the two legs.
    “There’s a glass jaw to this Celtic team and we saw it once again against Rangers yesterday. Plainly, Rangers will be kicking themselves that they didn’t leave Parkhead with three points.”
    AWARDS SEASON
    Liel Abada reacts after winning Celtic’s Young Player of the Year award.
    He said: “I am really happy.
    “This is really a grand moment for me.
    “I really want to say thank you to the fans, coaches and players who voted for me. Thank you everyone for the support.”
    “I am really happy to be here.”
    ‘WONDERFUL’
    Michael Stewart labelled Fashion Sakala’s Rangers leveller against Celtic as ‘wonderful’.
    The Light Blues hitman superbly brought the Ibrox men level at Parkhead with a low-drive beyond Joe Hart.

    It earned a share of the spoils on derby day and earned the plaudits of pundit Michael Stewart in the Sportscene studio.
    Describing the goal, he said: “That is the danger when it is only 1-0.
    “Just when Celtic looked as if they were finding a little form in the second half
    “Rangers inject the pace into the attack, it’s really good play, one-touch, overload the wide area.
    “It’s a wonderful finish from Sakala, he gets around the outside of Kent, the overload is there, bang, first time right in the bottom corner from Sakala.
    “It is passed Joe Hart before he can react and get down.”
    Hart: ‘We dominated’
    By Robert Grieve
    Rangers fans will insist they deserved to win yesterday, but then Celtic also had chances in the first half after they had taken the lead.
    Hoops stopper Joe Hart felt his side ‘dominated’ their Ibrox rivals.
    He said: “I felt like we dominated but they are a hard team to put away.
    “They are resilient, they are dangerous on the counter- attack and I think, with our aggressive style of play, if we are not two or three goals ahead people have always got a chance.
    “But we stick by those foundations, stick by that  way of playing football. It has won us more games than it has drawn us. It is what it is and we have another three big ones coming up.”
    Unlucky says Boyd
    By Colin Duncan
    Kris Boyd reckons the result of the final Old Firm game didn’t matter for Gers, but he still believes they should have won it.
    The Premiership’s record goalscorer insisted that Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala should have converted golden chances.
    He said: “Kent’s was an easier chance than the one Jota took to get his goal.
    “He has got to score. Anthony Ralston’s body shape is the exact same as Borna Barisic. He has no clue Kent was there.
    “It was a great second half for Rangers and they were the better team, but Sakala had a great opportunity to win it.
    “His goal was a fantastic finish, but he was unlucky not to get a second. Rangers were very unfortunate not to win.”
    Hart breaker
    By Robert Grieve
    IT was a moment in the match to give their supporters palpitations.
    But Celtic’s Hart didn’t skip a beat.
    Joe Hart made a crucial stop for Celtic
    Rangers star Scott Arfield must have thought the shot he had struck from Scott Wright’s cutback was destined for the net.
    But there was no ordinary Joe between him and a goal. Joe Hart just isn’t sure how he managed to claw the ball away.
    “Look, it is mayhem out there.
    “I love playing football, love being in goal and sometimes you do things that you ideally don’t want to do, that you know you are better than.
    “And sometimes you do things where your body and your instincts take over.
    “I don’t know actually what happened, I just know it stayed out.”Joe Hart
    ‘Gers kept momentum’
    By Colin Duncan
    Kris Boyd insisted avoiding defeat was all that mattered for Rangers ahead of their showdown with RB Leipzig on Thursday.
    The ex-Gers hitman is convinced it was all about maintaining momentum with the league already out of their reach.
    Boyd feels his old side would have been content to avoid any further injury set-backs.
    He said: “Thursday is a massive game and the title was over anyway for Rangers. The most important thing was not getting beat. It was vital to leave with no injuries, and hopefully they will have Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe back.
    “That little blip after Christmas cost them the league — losing a two-goal lead to Motherwell then losing to Celtic.”
    CALMAC LEADS THE WAY
    Last but not least for The Hoops – Callum McGregor has been given the title of Player of the Year!
    The captain has been a colossal figure in the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s side this season.
    And he’s now been given individual recognition for his efforts too.
    The 28-year-old picked up both the players and club POTY award, rounding off the night of awards for the Celts.
    Award for Abada
    Celtic have named Liel Abada as their Fans Young Player of the Year.
    The tricky forward has 15 goals and nine assists to his name so far this season.
    Hoops fans voted in the award and named the 20-year-old as their best performing youngster.
    His season highlights include a dramatic 90th minute winner against Dundee United in January, and a strike against Rangers the month following.
    Load more entries… More