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      Celtic 2 Rangers 1 – Rodgers has his fun with Hoops on brink of title as Lundstram sending off thwarts Gers in thriller

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      CELTIC Park in the sun, Celtic scored two, Brendan Rodgers got his fun.The Parkhead boss may have talked down his pre-match comments ahead of this Old Firm crunch.Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the fans at the endWillie Collum shows John Lunstram the red card after a VAR reviewBut crucially his team turned up.The title race is all but over now after this derby victory against Rangers that was pulsating and bursting with drama.Matt O’Riley scored first before John Lundstram turned the ball into his own net.Cyriel Dessers then pulled one back for Philippe Clement’s side before Lundstram was sent off for a wild and crazy tackle just before half-time.Rodgers side missed a second-half penalty and ended up clinging on for the win in a nervy finish.But there could be no doubting they deserved the crucial three points that puts them within touching distance off three-in-a-row.You always felt Rangers had to take the lead here to stand any chance of getting the win they needed.That they had to silence the 60,000 home support. Turn their backing into anxiety.Most read in FootballAnd the Ibrox side had some big moments at 0-0.Fabio Silva twice had opportunities to score before Celtic did.I’m a world famous pop star but playing at Celtic Park was one of best moments of my life until I was sick on the pitch Dujon Sterling also had a big chance early on when he should have done better with a header after jumping above Greg Taylor.Clement will point to those misses and wonder what might have been.But in the cold light of day,  they don’t matter.Not against a Celtic side that did everything asked of them in the definite fixture of the season.It may have ended with only one goal between these sides but Celtic produced a disciplined and controlled performance when they needed one most.And no-one was more influential than Callum McGregor who was the team’s beating heart.He said in the build-up how he adored this fixture and relished its challenge. His performance only underlined that.Scotland boss Steve Clarke must have loved seeing this all-action, non-stop running shift from the midfielder with the Euros so close now.McGregor played a part in the Celtic goal that saw them go 1-0 ahead after 35 minutes.James Forrest, another player so influential in this team lately, slid a neat pass to his captain down the right channel.McGregor then lifted his head to find O’Riley, who did the rest with a near-post finish Jack Butland couldn’t get near.It was the goal the home supporters had been waiting for, one they maybe feared wouldn’t come after a number of close calls. O’Riley could actually have scored twice before he eventually did. Forrest, Kyogo, McGregor all firing off shots too which failed to hit the net.Going ahead gave Celtic a shot of adrenaline that only increased their intensity and within three minutes it was 2-0.This time Daizen Maeda burst down the left to latch onto a long ball forward before playing it across goal.Lundstram stuck out a leg only to score a cruel OG.Celtic fans celebrate at the end of the cinch Premiership match at Celtic ParkCeltic looked good to go on and win comfortably from that moment.But inside a minute of conceding, Rangers managed to pull a goal back.Dessers hadn’t scored an Old Firm goal before and he can be pleased with how he got himself into the right place at the right time to head past Joe Hart.It was a moment that showed Clement’s side at least had a fighting spirit to get back into it.But then came Lundstram’s moment of madness. There is just no other word for it.Sure, the ball was there to be won as he slid into a challenge on Johnston.But players just cannot expect to get away with the type of tackle he made.Referee Willie Collum initially gave Lundstram the benefit of the doubt by flashing a yellow card.But it was a red all day long and a quick quick of the VAR monitor confirmed it.Celtic’s Callum McGregor following the cinch Premiership match at Celtic ParkWith an extra man for second-half, the chances of Rangers getting anything from the game went from slim to none.It would have been difficult enough for Clement’s team to turn it around with a full complement of players out on the park.Rodgers’ side should have made things far easier on themselves in 52 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after O’Riley was tripped inside the box by Mohamed Diomande Collum had a good view of it and pointed to the spot and even after he was invited to take another look by VAR, Steven  McLean, he stuck by his original decision.🟥 “That’s never a red card!”🗣️ “He’s out of control there.”John Lundstram was sent off after a VAR check. Your thoughts? Watch Celtic vs Rangers LIVE on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/WBUOi3KUXA— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 11, 2024

      O’Riley stepped up, looking for his second goal of the game, but it was a tame effort saved by Butland.It was backs to the wall for Rangers.Celtic had wave after wave of attack which saw a VAR check for a handball inside the box turned away as well as a Maeda finish which was disallowed for off-side.There as a half-chance for Clement’s side to make it 2-2 but substitute Ross McCausland opted to control a ball inside the box when he should have tried a first-time volley.That would have been encouraging to the Rangers fans watching at home.Matt O’Riley of Celtic reacts after missing a penaltyWhat wouldn’t have been was the sight of Silva giving assistance to Johnston as he lay on the pitch struggling with cramp.Clement’s side really went for in in the final ten minutes and there were signs of nervousness at the back for Celtic.McGregor had to race back and block a shot from sub Scott Wright. Butland even going up for a last gasp corner.While Adam Idah shot side as he missed a chance to seal it with a third.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the end, though, the final whistle signalled wild celebrations with the title race all but done. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘This happens too often’ – Ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon has tyres SLASHED on eve of Old Firm derby against Rangers

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      FORMER Celtic boss Neil Lennon has had his car tyres slashed – on the eve of the Old Firm derby.Lennon, 52, also revealed that it’s NOT the first time it’s happened to him.Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon’s car has been targeted by vandalsCredit: PAThere was a huge slash in the side of his tyreCeltic and Rangers face off tomorrow in a de facto Premiership title decider at Parkhead.Kick-off is at 12.30pm and no away fans will be present at Celtic Park, something which will change starting from next season.Lennon played for Celtic from 2000 to 2007, becoming captain of the club, and has had two spells as manager from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2019 to 2021.He lifted 21 major honours during his time at the club as a player and manager and became adored by the Celtic support.However, he was once sent bullets in the post by loyalist thugs from Northern Ireland after an Old Firm game and was also often the victim of abuse from Rangers fans during matches.On the eve of tomorrow’s Glasgow derby clash Lennon has once again been targeted.He shared a picture on social media of a deep cut into the bottom of one of his motor’s tyres, which became deflated as a result. The tyre valve dust cap had also been removed.Lennon said it happens “too often” and added the timing of the incident didn’t go unnoticed.Most read in FootballLennon wrote on his LinkedIn account – in a post that has since been deleted: “Tyres slashed again on the eve of a Celtic vs Rangers game. Happens far too often. The timing of it isn’t lost on me.”The Northern Irishman, who has been linked with a return to management with Romanian club Rapid Bucharest, is currently working as a pundit for various media outlets including Sky Sports and PLZ Soccer.Kolo Toure recalls driving past fight between Rangers and Celtic fans in the middle of the road after Old FirmIt’s likely he would have been booked to be in the studio for Sky’s coverage of tomorrow’s derby as one of the panellists alongside regulars such as Chris Sutton, Kris Boyd and James McFadden.SunSport has contacted Police Scotland for comment.The original post as it appeared on LinkedIn before being deletedKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Rangers star targeted by English Premier League club amid Euro interest as Philippe Clement faces battle to keep key man

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      IPSWICH TOWN are ready to make a late move for Rangers ace John Lundstram — hoping a switch to Turkiye falls down.The midfielder is in talks with Trabzonspor about a move to the Super Lig when his Ibrox deal runs out in the summer.John Lundstram is out of contract this summerCredit: GettyIpswich secured promotion back to the English top flight for the first time in 22 years this weekendCredit: GettyFormer Ger George Edmundson is part of the Tractor Boys teamCredit: ReutersBut Ipswich could now offer Lundstram, who played for Sheffield United in the English top flight, a Premier League return.Boss Philippe Clement is eager to keep the 30-year-old on a new deal, but his hopes of retaining the star now look to be fading.Trabzonspor have been linked with a double raid for Lundstram and out-of-contract Croatia left-back Borna Barisic.Gers lost Ryan Kent to Fenerbahce last summer and former Ibrox stars Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller and Allan McGregor have all been lured to Turkiye in the past.But Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, who won promotion back to the Premier League after 22 years, want to add experience for next season and Lundstram’s been a long-term target.The Liverpool-born midfielder has been a virtual ever-present under Clement, having enjoyed success under previous bosses.He scored against RB Leipzig in the 2022 Europa League semi-final, and has won both domestic cups since signing a three-year deal in July 2021.He could be added to a side that includes ex-Ger George Edmundson and who will re-enter the big time next season.Most read in FootballIpswich are also interested in Coventry midfielder Ben Sheaf, who is a wanted man after missing out on promotion.The Tractor Boys have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.They booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season.Ally McCoist picks his best ever Rangers team as he tells those who missed out ‘I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow’Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.But in a remarkable rise, McKenna has guided them to a second place finish in League One last season.And he has now followed it up with a successive runners-up promotion from the Championship.They are first so jump from League One to the Prem in two years since Southampton in 2012.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 37-year-old boss’ sensational work is highlighted by nine of his starting XI today playing in the division below last term.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Aberdeen interim head coach Peter Leven rushed to hospital for emergency treatment

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      PETER LEVEN will miss Aberdeen’s Premiership clash with St Johnstone later today after being rushed to hospital. The Pittodrie stand-in gaffer had to have an emergency operation on Friday night. There’s shock news coming out of Pittodrie this morningPeter Leven, Interim Manager of AberdeenCredit: GettyLeven, who is taking the reins until new boss Jimmy Thelin arrives next month, will remain under medical supervision this afternoon.So coaches Scott Anderson, Craig Samson and Stuart Duff will take the side along with player-coach Jonny Hayes. But they say the operation was a success and expect the interim boss to make a full recovery.The Dons said in a statement: “Interim head coach Peter Leven was last night admitted to hospital where he underwent an emergency procedure.”The operation was a success, and we expect Peter to make a full and swift recovery.”Scott Anderson, alongside Craig Samson, Jonny Hayes and Stuart Duff, will lead the team for the match this afternoon against St Johnstone.”Peter, who prepared training all week, will be in contact with his staff throughout the afternoon.”Everyone at AFC sends their best wishes to Peter and we look forward to seeing him back at the training ground next week.”Most read in FootballThe health shock came with Leven’s exploits as Aberdeen interim boss reportedly bringing him to the attention of an ambitious League One side.Promotion hopefuls Barnsley dispensed with the services of their Scottish boss Neill Collins last month and Leven was linked as a potential replacement.Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers loses the plot with kitman Stevie Wright for interfering with his team talk against AberdeenThe former Kilmarnock, MK Dons and Chesterfield midfielder has earned plaudits for the manner his side has played TWICE against Celtic.The highly-rated Leven has also been assistant manager at Kilmarnock, Dynamo Brest and Orenburg.The plan was for him to revert to first team coach for incoming Aberdeen boss Thelin – alongside his Elfsborg assistants Christer Persson and Emir Bajrami.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Champions League giants battling host of EFL clubs for Aston Villa wonderkid after ‘brilliant’ League One loan transfer

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      ASTON VILLA are facing a fight to keep young keeper Viljami Sinisalo with Celtic interested in signing the Finnish international.The Glasgow giants need a new keeper for next season as former England no1 Joe Hart has retired from the game.Celtic are interested in VIlajami SinisaloCredit: GettyCeltic boss Brendan Rodgers is looking at a number of targets and has been impressed by £3million-rated Sinisalo who spent last year on loan at Exeter.A number of Championship clubs are also looking at the 22-year-old who has one year left on his current deal at Villa Park, having joined the club five years ago.Sinisalo spent the entire season on loan at Exeter in League One and played 50 games.He helped them reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, knocking out Luton on the way.Read More on FootballHe said: “It’s been the best year of my footballing life. It’s been brilliant.”Celtic, meanwhile, have also looked at Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but he is likely to land a move to a Premier League club.Reports claim Kelleher wants to leave Liverpool this summer in a bid to take his career to the next level.The 25-year-old has been deputy to Alisson since breaking into the first team in 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReds boss Jurgen Klopp blocked him joining Wolves last summer even though the goalkeeper wanted to make the switch.But with the manager leaving Anfield this at the end of the season, a move could be made possible.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysLiverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Arsenal.Meanwhile, Aston Villa are fourth with 67 points. More

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      World’s longest football club scarf include 74 English teams and took more than 500 HOURS to make

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      THE world’s longest football club scarf has been created – featuring the crests of 74 teams from across the country.The 100-metre-long scarf features badges from EFL teams from Accrington Stanley and Wycombe Wonderers, to Harrogate Town and Oxford United, as well as Scottish favourites Celtic and Rangers.The world’s longest football club scarf has been madeIt is the result of more than 500 combined hours spent on design, knitting, and sewing with each club element hand-sewn by a team of specialists in Manchester.The impressive accessory was created to mark the launch of Kellogg’s Football Camps [www.kelloggsfc.com] which are being held across the UK in partnership with the EFL, Manchester City, Rangers and Celtic.Ex-pros came together at Birmingham City’s stadium, St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park, with EFL legends of the game including Jermaine Beckford and Michael Dawson, and children from local schools to showcase the football merchandise.Former Hull City and England defender, Michael Dawson, said: “For me, football camps during school breaks were where I had the most fun, kicking the football around with your mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The EFL has such an advantage being part of so many different communities up and down the country.”And to have Kellogg’s on board this summer to give so many kids the same opportunity I had when I was younger, is really exciting.”It comes after research found 59 per cent of parents struggle to entertain their children throughout the school summer holidays.While 86 per cent want their child to experience less screen time during the break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe same percentage also believe team sport is hugely important to learn valuable life skills.Kellanova, the company that owns Kellogg’s, is giving away 30,000 free places on the camps ahead of this summer’s kick off.Can you work out which sports star lives in this dream countryside mansion?Managing director Chris Silcock said: “Run by FA qualified coaches, the camps aim to be fun and to give girls and boys the opportunity to get onto the pitch and follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes.” More

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      Dundee chief blames CLIMATE CHANGE for latest Rangers postponement

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      DUNDEE club secretary Eric Drysdale has pinned the blame on the Dens Park’s five postponements this season on climate change. There’s barely disguised fury around Scottish football after the Dens men’s fifth call off of the campaign plunged the end of the Premiership season into chaos. Eric Drysdale has revealed that rainfall in the area is massively upDens Park was ultimately deemed unplayableA third attempt at getting the match played will now take place on Wednesday April 17.But Hibs aren’t happy on ‘sporting integrity’ grounds as that’s after they and the rest of their top six rivals will have finished their pre-split fixtures. And Rangers aren’t happy either as it means they will have to go through the whole rigmarole again a week later, just days before they’re in Scottish Cup semi-final action. The SPFL have said that the Dens Park side are subject to an ongoing investigation but there’s been radio silence on that in the last few weeks.It’s all a mess – and while Dundee club secretary Eric Drysdale admits ‘urgent’ work on the pitch is needed, he also said the club had done all they could.He blamed it on a 35% increase in rainfall in the area as compared to the 10-year average – even though many pitches, including nearby Tannadice Park, are playable. He told SkySports: “I can understand people are annoyed at this and are looking at it as Dundee’s fault. “What I would say is that from the research we have done in the last few days this year’s rainfall is 35 per cent higher than the 10 year average – that shows the effects of climate change on it and it shows the work we have to do urgently on the Dens Park pitch.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile match referee Don Robertson admitted there was no chance of the match being played. The surface passed an 11am inspection but further heavy rainfall meant it failed a 3.30pm inspection and was never likely to proceed. Dens Park pitch revealed as Don Robertson prepares to conduct second pitch inspection at the ScotFoam stadiumHe said: “A second inspection was carried out with the agreement of the clubs and the league.“I had done an initial inspection at 11am and the pitch as playable at that point.“But obviously everyone is aware of the issues that Dundee have had with their pitch.“It’s not in great condition, but it was playable.“Everyone was aware of the forecast for heavy rain in the area in the afternoon and that’s why we agreed on a pitch inspection at 3.30pm, to see how the pitch looked once that rain came.“Once I arrived I have conducted the inspection and the pitch had deteriorated quite a lot in that time.“There was an area of concern in front of the bottom penalty area, which was wet this morning but playable.“They put the covers on but in the four hours since that first inspection there has been heavy rain and that area of the pitch has become sodden, waterlogged and therefore unsafe for the players.“And unfortunately the match has been postponed.“No-one would say the pitch was in great condition in the morning but it was playable and safe for the players to play.“The ball was bouncing and travelling through those areas.“But when I did the second inspection that wasn’t the case. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is quite a significant area of the pitch – it’s not just a small corner – and once I determined that it was unsafe for the players – which is my concern here – then the match was postponed.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Crucial moment VAR ‘guessed’ during Premiership match – as another side blast system as ‘unsuitable for purpose’

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      ABERDEEN have branded Scottish football’s version of VAR as “unsuitable for purpose”.Dons chiefs claim the SFA admitted officials “effectively guessed” that Angus MacDonald was offside when Bojan Miovski’s goal was ruled out in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Livingston.Ref Graham Grainger eventually ruled out the goalAberdeen’s goal was ruled offsideIt has emerged that the Hawkeye system failed at the Tony Macaroni – meaning calibrated lines were unavailable.VAR officials Matthew MacDermid and Jonathan Bell used a still image to make the call instead – which the SFA now admit was inconclusive.But SunSport understands the SFA were able to review the incident after the game and TWO Aberdeen players were offside.Ref Graham Grainger had awarded the Miovski goal and Aberdeen claim it was incorrectly ruled out – as they joined Motherwell in demanding VAR change.The statement said: “What this situation demonstrates, in our opinion, is that the version of VAR that Scottish football has, or more accurately, can afford, is not suitable for the purpose in which it is intended.“It perfectly highlights the limitations in the technology, the inappropriate implementation, the consistency of decision-making, and the negative impact on the overall experience for the match-going supporter.“This is, of course, not an issue that we believe is in any way exclusive to Aberdeen.“We are not being partisan because we believe a decision, or at least a process, has not been at all effective at the weekend.Most read in Football“We acknowledge there have been occasions where we ourselves have been fortunate to have benefitted from some of the observations and limitations raised.“The Scottish FA, with the help of the SPFL (via the Competitions Working Group), have an on-going review of the use of Video Assistant Referees within Scottish football.Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher namecheck Aberdeen in greatest ever debate“Aberdeen FC is committed to playing an active role in those discussions and will work with all stakeholders to try and improve the output because, at the moment, we do not believe VARs presence is enhancing the game in this country.”The SFA gave Aberdeen audio and transcripts of the officials’ conversations when Miovski’s goal was disallowed.And the Dons also provided fans with a detailed account of what happened.The statement said: “The Hawkeye system failed in the lead up to the goal. so the VARs were unable to rely on any reliable calibrated lines to determine, with the normal degree of certainty, whether Angus MacDonald was offside or otherwise.“The Scottish FA have confirmed to us that they have already launched an investigation into why this failure happened and put their officials into a difficult position.“The VARs then used a freeze frame to determine whether they thought Angus MacDonald was in an offside position when the free kick was taken by Leighton Clarkson.“The ability for the VARs to do this is contained within the VAR protocols.“The Scottish FA accepted there is no conceivable way the VAR could tell definitively the deepest position of Livingston midfielder Daniel MacKay’s body, because from the only angle available – the 18-yard box camera on the main stand side – the lower half of MacKay’s body is completely obscured from view, blocked by other players.“Even if his full body was visible, it’s impossible to determine who was closest to the goal line with no on-pitch ‘markers’.“Therefore, it was acknowledged by all in attendance at the meeting that the VARs had to effectively guess on what that position might have been based on the limited information available to them.“That was the basis on which to overrule the on-field call of the assistant referee, who did not raise his flag.“It is our strong belief that in such an instance, and for the integrity of the game, the match officials should stick with their original on-field decision without the strength of evidence to overturn that and essentially re-referee the passage of play.“This course of action was chosen ahead of asking the referee, himself, to look at the freeze frame and make a determination, which is permitted under the protocols when it’s a matter of opinion rather than factual.Here’s the recalibrated image“Or more appropriately, in absence of a definitive outcome from the camera, sticking with the on-field decision, and giving the benefit of the doubt.”The SFA said in a statement: “The Scottish FA has today received a report from Hawkeye on the incident that occurred at Livingston’s match against Aberdeen, which confirmed that the Broadcast 18-Yard Left Camera suffered a loss of calibration and ceased line tracking on the relevant video frame.”During the review, Hawkeye were able to reprocess the data through their system and draw the calibrated offside lines from the disallowed goal, which showed Angus MacDonald to be in an offside position.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The VAR made the decision using the technology that was available and this decision was validated by Hawkeye’s retrospective recalibration conducted as part of their review.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More