Scottish Premiership

IT’S the news everyone was dreading as Rangers’ huge Premiership clash with Dundee has been CALLED OFF for a second time. It’s the FIFTH postponement at the Scot Foam stadium this season – with SPFL bosses already thought to be in the middle of an investigation into the last postponement. Referee Don Robertson said the pitch was playable when the pitch underwent an 11am inspection. But five hours of heavy rain fell in Dundee immediately after that check, and now the surface has been deemed unplayable. The Dee’s clash with Rangers was originally supposed to be played back on Sunday, 17 March.But just 90 minutes before kick-off, referee Robertson postponed the match after inspecting the pitch.And now the SPFL board have ruled that the match will take place back at the same venue next Wedneday, April 17.That’s after all the other matches involving the top and bottom six split have taken place – and just days before Rangers face a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts.Reports earlier had suggested that kick-off could be pushed back 24 hours to Thursday – with the prospect of playing behind closed doors at a neutral venue also claimed to be on the table.But John Nelms got his wish after stating the ‘logical’ move will be to play the match NEXT midweek.Most read in FootballHe said: “Well, luckily we don’t play the split until the 27th so we still have the 16th and 17th next week.”I’ve been looking at a lot of weather reports, it’s supposed to be dry for the four days prior to those days so therefore you would have thought that would be the logical move.”Gers boss Philippe Clement has grown frustrated with the lack of notice surrounding the fixture and branded the current situation “crazy”. Dundee matches postponed this seasonThere have been FOUR Premiership fixtures called off in total for Dundee this campaign – three of which were at Dens Park.
2023
October 21 – Aberdeen vs Dundee (rescheduled for 30 January, 2024
December 23 – Dundee vs Aberdeen (rescheduled for 13 March, 2024)
2024
January 2 – Dundee vs St Johnstone (rescheduled for 11 February, 2024)
March 17 – Dundee vs Rangers (rescheduled for 10 April, 2024)

Speaking yesterday, he said: “It’s a crazy situation, we are going to travel now and stay (overnight) but we don’t know for sure if the game is on. It’s a bad situation for the league.More to follow. Dundee ease postponement fears after help from Celtic amid Motherwell and Rangers call-off concernsKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

EIGHT points in October.Here 2-0 at half-time.Daizen Maeda scored at Ibrox after just 21 secondsCredit: Kenny RamsayMatt O’Riley made it 2-0 before half timeCredit: ReutersAbdallah Sima made it 2-2Credit: PARabbi Matondo struck in added time to rescue a point after Adam Idah scoredCredit: Willie VassWith 87 minutes on the scoreboard clock Celtic were 3-2 ahead and had Rangers where they wanted them.But if Philippe Clement has instilled something into this Ibrox squad it’s a never-say die mentality to keep going until the final kick off the ball.And it’s that mentality that’s going to take this title race right down to the wire.That’s how this derby clash went.To the dregs of stoppage time when Rabbi Matondo made it 3-3 and then two sets of players and coaches even pulled apart AFTER it was all over.By then this very much felt like a better result for Rangers than it did Celtic.Brendan Rodgers’ post-match spin told a different story as he pointed to the outstanding first-half performance from his players.But in the cold light of day he must believe Celtic let their big rivals off the hook.Most read in FootballRangers were miles off their best and yet still earned a result that means they can go two points clear at the top of the table if they win their game in hand against Dundee at Dens Park this Wednesday night.Celtic certainly couldn’t have hoped for a better start, could they?Moment Celtic fans unveil banner outside Parkhead ahead of Rangers clash as Green Brigade give stars rousing send offScoring after 21 seconds wasn’t in Rodgers’ game-plan but, at the same time, he did give Daizen Maeda the job of running at James Tavernier at every opportunity.The Rangers captain just wasn’t ready for it.Sure, there was clearly a huge element of luck with the way the ball ended up in the back of Jack Butland’s net.But Tavernier had to do better in the situation.🗣️ “I do not know how he has missed this, Connor Goldson.”The Rangers defender had a great chance to equalise against Celtic – watch the Old Firm live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/Mq3MXtYx9L— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024

It was only when he realised the gusting wind had got a grip of it, and was pulling it in his direction, that he reacted. But even then, his attempted clearance wasn’t sharp.Maeda was breathing down his neck and, by simply sticking a leg out, he was the man who fired Celtic into a priceless early lead.Celtic had the foothold in the game they needed.Rodgers’ side were set up to pounce on every little mistake – and there were plenty.Rangers couldn’t have any complaints with Celtic’s second goal either.Goldson clearly elbowed the ball inside his own box. Referee Beaton didn’t initially see it but he only needed a quick look at the VAR monitor to point to the spot.O’Riley’s Panenka penalty was then just class.Clement’s unhappiness down on the touchline was there for all to see, just as Rodgers’ joy was written all over his face.Celtic still needed Joe Hart to make a big double save just before half-time to deny Fabio Silva.But the truth is that it was the visitors who looked far more likely to get another goal.Only Butland’s brilliance kept out a header from O’Riley in a huge moment. Reo Hatate fired a shot wide. Kyogo was inches away at the back post.Clement had a major job on his hands at the break and his decision to take off Scott Wright and replace him with Abdallah Sima was one he had to make.Rangers needed more down the flank than they were got in the first-half.As ever with this fixture, though, a 2-0 lead wasn’t ever going to be enough to see out the win.Rangers came sprinting out for the second-half and their intensity levels were night and day from what they were before the break.Silva was one of the players who had to raise his game because what he gave the team for 45 minutes was embarrassing.That’s why Beaton booked him for diving after 51 minutes, because of his earlier antics.It was only when the ref was again urged to take another look on the TV screen that he realised the Portuguese had clearly been brought him down inside the box by Alistair Johnston.🗣️ “It’s always James Tavernier for Rangers.”This is how the Ibrox captain pulled one back against Celtic from the penalty spot ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SNvkohxvfC— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024

The yellow card was rescinded and Tavernier showed terrific composure to blast past Hart.Johnston had been booked earlier in the the game and the home players and supporters wanted another caution and red card for his foul, but Beaton didn’t see it that way.Rangers, though, suddenly looked a different team with Celtic vulnerable for the first time.It was their renewed energy that carved out the chance that they thought had brought them level in 56 minutes.It was only after yet another VAR check that Beaton realised he’d failed to spot a foul by Tom Lawrence on Tomoki Iwata in the build-up and that Cyriel Dessers’ goal shouldn’t count.They got there eventually, the officials, but that was the third big incident Beaton got wrong. With their tails up, the question was whether Rangers could sustain their pressure and get the next goal.When it came from Sima in 86 minutes – after an uncharacteristic mistake from Callum McGregor in the middle of the park – most supporters probably thought that was very much that.But there was still so much more drama to come first.Idah thought he’d scored the winner in 87 minutes with the Hoops bench erupting when the Irish striker smashed a shot through Butland.But incredibly, in the third minute of stoppage time Matondo curled a spectacular shot past Hart to ensure there was no separating these two sides at the end of pulsating derby.Even then, it still wasn’t over.After Beaton’s final whistle, the two sets of players clashed with Callum McGregor and Todd Cantwell pulled apart.READ MORE SUN STORIESRangers assistant boss Alex Rae had words with Taylor on his way up the tunnel which provoked an angry response from John Kennedy.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

POLICE were spotted entering the Celtic dugout at Ibrox after objects were reportedly thrown into the Hoops technical area.The situation came moments after Rangers captain James Tavernier had scored from the penalty spot in the Old Firm epic.Police picked up the objects after John Kennedy spoke with officersAfter the celebrations died down, the Sky TV cameras cut to the Celtic dugout.Two police offers were seen in the technical area.Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker pointed out the incident.Crocker noted that objects were understood to have been thrown into the dugout with the officers spotted taking items away after speaking to Hoops assistant boss John Kennedy.The fiery affair saw Celtic come into the game one point ahead of rivals Rangers who have a game in hand against Dundee next week.But the result of the game would prove to provide more than just bragging rights as the race for the Premiership title heats up.Meanwhile, Celtic star Reo Hatate’s bizarre warm-up routine has left fans absolutely baffled.The Japanese midfielder was back in the Hoops’ starting line-up for the derby clash against Rangers today after recently recovering from injury.Most read in FootballHatate has become known for some of his rituals before matches, including walking on the pitch in his bare feet prior to his warm up.However he took things up a notch today, with watchers confused by his actions.As Sky Sports showed clips of the players warming up at Ibrox, the cameras zoomed in on Hatate to focus on him as one of the difference makers.Ange Postecoglou reveals what his Rangers vs Celtic plans are – as he says he’s still ‘very much on the green and white side’ And the panel were left speechless as footage appeared on screen of the Celtic star bizarrely moving his hands up and down, with his index fingers pointing inward at one another.After a few seconds of watching his hands go up and down at opposite times, Hatate then stops moving his hands.He keeps his two fingers pointing inward and then moves them further apart from each other, almost as though he was stretching an imaginary string.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

RANGERS defender John Souttar was left covered in blood during today’s Old Firm clash against Celtic.The Scotland centre-back had to be taken off after he began bleeding profusely from his forehead.John Souttar had to be taken off for several minutesCredit: PASouttar was elbowed at a set-piece by fellow defender Connor Goldson in the first half of the Glasgow derby.With Celtic up 2-0, Souttar was hauled off for treatment and had to continue the rest of the game with a headband on once he was eventually allowed to be returned.Fans on social media noticed how badly the player was drenched in blood and evoked one of the weekend’s other big sporting events, Wrestlemania 40.Punters felt the Rangers star wouldn’t have looked out of place in the ring for the showpiece at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.The WWE SPFL account on Twitter (X.com) was quick to notice a similarity between the state of Souttar and a blood-soaked Jon Moxley, a wrestling legend.They tweeted: “John Souttar gets colour to add some drama to the game.”Another punter said: “John Souttar getting into the Wrestlemania weekend spirit with the crimson mask.”They then added a dig at one of his teammates: “…and Fabio Silva too with some ‘selling’ worthy of Shawn Michaels.”Most read in FootballAway from the ring, some fans drew comparisons between Souttar and some iconic Hollywood movies.”John Souttar looks like he’s in Braveheart!” said one.Moment Celtic fans unveil banner outside Parkhead ahead of Rangers clash as Green Brigade give stars rousing send offAnother made a joke referencing Charlie Sheen in Platoon, saying: “Souttar’s just came back from Vietnam.”Other Rangers fans felt the whole situation just summed up their calamitous first half performance in general.One remarked: “Sums it up, Souttar off for treatment, colliding with his own player.””Goldson injuring John Souttar! What a display from Goldson,” said another sarcastically.Another added: “No idea why the game isn’t being stopped while Souttar gets treatment but Rangers not having a player drop into the back four while he’s off is classic Rangers here.”Celtic took a shock lead against Rangers after just 21 SECONDS at Ibrox this afternoon.Matt O’Riley then added a penalty to make it 2-0.In the second half James Tavernier scored a penalty to reduce the deficit and it was almost 2-2 thanks to Cyriel Dessers but for a foul by Tom Lawrence in the build-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe score remains 2-2 at the time of writing.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

JACK BUTLAND was on the wrong end of a freak Old Firm goal just seconds into his England audition.Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate was at Ibrox to watch the Rangers keeper in a thriller 3-3 draw against rivals Celtic.Gareth Southgate is at the Ibrex Stadium to watch England prospect Jack ButlandCredit: Willie VassButland conceded in the opening 21 seconds of the gameCredit: PACeltic Daizen Maeda gave his side an early leadCredit: SNSSouthgate is hoping to scout another England No1 at today’s clashCredit: skysportsBut just 21 seconds in, Butland conceded to Celtic star Daizen Maeda.Forgotten England stopper Joe Hart booted the ball from just outside his own box into the opposition half and forced a horror blunder from James Tavernier.The defender’s clearance then cannoned off a pressing Maeda and past Butland into the net.Butland was signed by then manager Michael Beale, the ex-Stoke City keeper has now become one of the Light Blues’ stand-out performers and a contender for the club’s Player of the year.And the standard of his goalkeeping for his new club has heaped pressure on Gareth Southgate to name him in his England squad for the Euros.Butland missed out on a very much expected call-up when the national squad was named last month for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.And the 31-year-old hoped to impress the Three Lions boss this afternoon on his home turf. But the Bhoys had other plans after they were handed a penalty which saw them extend their lead 2-0 after Matt O’Riley slipped the ball past Butland.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERButland has spent most of his career on loan but has looked to have found a long-term club in Rangers.His most recent loan spell came for Manchester United as backup to David de Gea but he failed to make an appearance.Moment Celtic fans unveil banner outside Parkhead ahead of Rangers clash as Green Brigade give stars rousing send offHe does already have nine caps for his national team and was named in their squad for the 2018 World Cup, but will be hoping for more game time this summer.Meanwhile, Rangers did bite back to earn late 3-3 draw with their long-time rivals.James Tavernier’s controversial penalty pulled them back into the match after the referee turned back on Fabio Silva’s yellow card for diving after a VAR check.Cyriel Dessers equaliser was then disallowed for a foul by Tom Lawrence in the build-up before Abdallah Sima did pull Rangers level late on.Then Adam Idah regained the lead for Celtic in the 88th minute but Rabbi Matondo denied the Bhoys a chance to take home all three points with his stoppage time goal.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

CELTIC star Reo Hatate’s bizarre warm-up routine has left fans absolutely baffled.The Japanese midfielder was back in the Hoops’ starting line-up for the Old Firm derby against Rangers today after recently recovering from injury. Struggling to think what Reo Hatate is doing here…Still no ideaYeah, still no clueHatate has become known for some of his odd rituals before matches, including walking on the pitch in his bare feet prior to warming up.However he took things up a notch today, with punters absolutely baffled by his actions.As Sky Sports showed clips of the players warming up at Ibrox, the cameras zoomed in on Hatate to focus on him as one of the difference makers.The studio panel of Kris Boyd, Neil Lennon and James McFadden were discussing his impact in his comeback game against Livingston last week.But they were left speechless as footage appeared on screen of the Celtic star bizarrely moving his hands up and down, with his index fingers pointing inward at one another.After a few seconds of watching his hands go up and down at opposite times, Hatate then stops moving his hands, keeps his two fingers pointing inward and then moves them further away from each other, almost as though he was stretching an imaginary string.What the 26-year-old was actually doing, and the benefits of it, are anyone’s guess.Butm it didn’t stop fans on social media speculating.Most read in FootballOne said: “Hatate tapping in to the Matrix during the warm up.”A second asked: “What is Reo Hatate doing here?”Several other supporters posed similar questions, and not always in such a PG manner.Before another joked: “‘What’s heavier, a kilogram of steel, or a kilogram of feathers?’ Reo Hatate: …””What’s heavier, a kilogram of steel, or a kilogram of feathers?”Reo Hatate: pic.twitter.com/s4F6dPyzPf— ᚄᚐᚑᚔᚏᚄᚓ ᚄᚑᚔᚄᚔᚐᚂᚐᚉᚆᚐᚔᚄ ᚐᚌᚒᚄ ᚄᚐᚑᚏᚐᚇᚆ (@BoutYeHorse_) April 7, 2024

In the game itself, Celtic took a shock lead after just 21 SECONDS. An errant pass from Gers defender Dujon Sterling gave the ball away cheaply and Celtic took advantage.A hopeful ball in behind should have been dealt with by James Tavernier but the Ibrox skipper’s clearance was careless and it ricocheted clean off Daizen Maeda and past a stunned Jack Butland.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

CELTIC headed to Ibrox to face Rangers with over 50, 000 home fans in attendance.And the Hoops took the lead over Rangers in just 21 seconds in the derby clash.Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for Celtic in under half a minute in a quick startCredit: ReutersJames Tavernier’s mistake led to the Celtic goal after Maeda’s pressCredit: Kenny Ramsay🗣️ “A breathtaking start to a breathtaking derby!”Daizen Maeda pounces on James Tavernier’s error to give Celtic the lead vs Rangers inside the first THIRTY seconds – watch live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/lQ26ifFk0B— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024

It was a lightning quick start by Daizen Maeda as he blocked James Tavernier’s clearance which flew past Jack Butland.It was a poor pass into the Rangers defender by Dujon Sterling which left his side on the back foot.It put Philippe Clement’s side 1-0 down facing the odds with Celtic unbeaten in the last 13 clashes with Rangers when they have scored first.Celtic come into the game one point clear at the top of the table but Rangers do have a game in hand against Dundee, scheduled for next Wednesday.And the Light Blues are yet to win against Brendan Rodgers’ men this season after a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox at the start of the season and a 2-1 loss at Parkhead.The race for the title is the closest it has been in over a decade with both sides neck and neck at the top.But now Rangers have a quick disadvantage in the game with the quick fire start by Celtic. Ridvan Yilmaz and Todd Cantwell missed out on a start for the home side while Celtic captain Callum McGregor started the game on the bench after returning from injury.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, a huge celebrity Rangers fan has been spotted at Ibrox as the world famous star arrives for Celtic showdown.Both sides have their fair share of famous supporters from singers to actors.Ange Postecoglou reveals what his Rangers vs Celtic plans are – as he says he’s still ‘very much on the green and white side’ But it is famous chef Gordon Ramsay who was spotted at Ibrox to take in the derby clash.The Hell’s Kitchen star did once have a trial for the Light Blues’ youth side before an injury ended his football career.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More