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THE STATS for James Tavernier are already hugely impressive. But he’s far from satisfied — in fact, he’s greedy for much better. Even if the season ended now for the Rangers full-back the numbers would be magnificent. It’s now 17 goals from only 27 games. He’s also got 13 assists, and for a very competitive […] More
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HUNDREDS of protesting Celtic fans gathered outside Parkhead ahead of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.
Punters turned out in their numbers after the Celtic Trust organised a ‘Covid-compliant’ demo demanding change.
Hundreds of Celtic fans gathered outside Parkhead on a wet and miserable day in Glasgow
Some Celtic fans had a banner defending under-fire Neil Lennon
Another poster blasts chief exec Peter Lawwell
The group asked people not to travel from outside of Glasgow and urged fans to follow strict government regulations by wearing face masks and observing social distancing measures, as well as standing at least two metres apart.
There was a large police presence at Celtic Park as around 400 supporters stood outside the ground entrance chanting “sack the board”.
A number of banners were also unveiled, with one defending under-fire boss Neil Lennon, reading: “To disrespect Lenny, who has suffered 20 yrs of abuse in the name of Celtic, is a disgrace!!”
While another took aim at chief executive Peter Lawwell, reading: “WANTED for gross negligence PETER PAIDWELL.”
Jeanette Findlay of the Celtic Trust addressed the rain-soaked crowd, declaring: “The Celtic Trust took the view that something had to be done to allow supporters the opportunity to convey how they felt about what we’ve been saying for the last few months, in terms of the potential loss of this important season.
“And while that was going, the board – who are responsible for all of this, whose job it is to make sure that we have a successful team on the park – have had nothing to say. Absolutely nothing.”
Dozens of riot vans and police horses were deployed ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Later on, fans cheered as they gave the Celtic team bus a warm welcome, singing The Celtic Song loud and clear as the players made their way into the stadium.
Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2-0 to ease some of the tension at ParkheadCredit: PA:Press Association
Mohamed Elyounoussi opened the scoringCredit: PA:Press Association
Centre-back Shane Duffy powered in a headerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Tensions are high among the Parkhead faithful, with Rangers now 13 points – although Celtic have two games in hand – leaving their ten-in-a-row dreams in tatters.
An impressive win against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, a second win on the bounce, would have eased some tensions.
Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Duffy both scored after the break to give the home side all three points.
Jeanette Findlay of the Celtic Trust addresses fans
The Celtic team bus arrives as fans cheer
One fan holds a ‘Millions wasted’ placardCredit: PA:Press Association
Hundreds gathered outside the Celtic WayCredit: PA:Press Association
But club legend Lennon and the Hoops board have come in for heavy abuse and criticism in recent weeks following a horror run of results.
Celts recently fell to a shock Betfred Cup exit as Ross County ended their domestic dominance, while they have been humiliated in Europe having been dumped out of both the Champions League and Europa League.
Club supremos Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell have been targeted by supporters upset at the club’s stance to keep Lennon as manager, with the Northern Irishman’s future set to be reviewed in the New Year.
The Celtic hierarchy backed Lennon with a £14million transfer warchest in the summer but big-money signings like Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti haven’t come close to justifying their hefty price tags.
The Celtic Trust’s appeal to supporters
Celtic’s underperforming players have been left shellshocked in recent weeks after a furious fan backlash at the club’s dramatic collapse.
Missiles were launched at cars after the 2-0 home loss to County, while fans chased down the bus following last week’s 1-1 draw with St Johnstone.
This week, fans have pinned banners and scarves on security gates along the Celtic Way – with Lennon blasting one which read “shoot the board”.
On Saturday night, Rangers fans unveiled a banner at the home of their fiercest rivals, reading: “Back the board, shoot the ultras”.
Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s demonstration, Celtic Trust chairman David Low shared his concerns over the board as he reminded them how protests helped their case in the 1990s.
Celtic chiefs Peter Lawwell and Dermot DesmondCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Neil Lennon has won just four of his last 14 games – but has now won two on the bounceCredit: EPA
He told A Celtic State of Mind podcast: “I think it’s a concern that the ownership control of Celtic vests on two people; Dermot Desmond and a guy called Nick Train who runs an investment firm in the city.
“Now, it’s nothing personal against Dermot Desmond. Having a billionaire in your corner during a global pandemic is a good thing on balance.
“It’s just a matter of fact thing. It is not a healthy thing to have the control of the football club vested in two people.
“Particularly when one is a financial investor with no emotional investment in Celtic. If the shares double or treble, that guy sells his shares and he’s gone.
“He has no interest in the ongoing future of the football club once he’s cashed his chips in.
“Again, that’s his business. It’s not an indictment or anything bad, his motivations are different.
“Basically, there is a possibility, if the price was right, we could wake up one morning and find out control of the club has changed and we would have nothing to do to stop that.
“So that’s not a good thing and that’s why I got involved in the Trust.”
Disillusioned shareholders will have the chance to grill the club’s blazers at tomorrow’s virtual AGM.
Three Celtic security staff rip down anti-Lawwell and Desmond banner five minutes after it goes up More
MARTIN O’NEILL’S wish for a managerial comeback will put Celtic on red alert.
The experienced 68-year-old has not worked since a brief spell at Nottingham Forest — but is looking for a return soon.
Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is interested in a return to managementCredit: Reuters
O’Neill has sounded out a couple of agents about finding him a club as he itches for a new challenge.
The Irishman would ideally like to work in England but Celtic will be in the market for a boss in the new year if results do not improve.
O’Neill is a legend there after his first spell, though he would need a new coaching team this time.
The Glasgow giants have also considered Steve Clarke — but Scotland making the Euros means it will be difficult for him to move before then.
Hoops’ feelers have gone out about Paul Lambert, however, he is in contract at Ipswich.
Celtic erect new ring of steel outside stadium as fans plan fresh protest on Sunday More
DAVID TURNBULL grabbed his first goal for Celtic as Neil Lennon picked up a much-needed win at Parkhead.
The Hoops went into the clash lacking confidence after picking up just two wins in their last 12 outings.
Turnbull is delighted after netting his first Celtic goal and winner
Celtic star showed great composure with an excellent goal Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
But they showed great character throughout as goals from Christopher Jullien, a Callum McGregor penalty and a Turnbull strike earned the Hoops all three points in a five-goal thriller.
Jonathan Ikone and Celtic old boy Timo Weah were on target for the visitors as the hosts picked up their first win of the group stage in the final match.
With the Europa League campaign already over and just pride at stake Lennon made six changes to the team that drew 1-1 with St Johnstone last time out.
A first Celtic goal for David Turnbull 👏A smart finish, but just look at the run from Kristoffer Ajer! 😳The footwork on the big Norwegian! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pnZh5dndrY
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2020
Conor Hazard was handed his first-team debut in goals with Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Patryk Kilmala, Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi all handed starts.
The hosts created their first chance of the game through Turnbull but his long-range effort was off target after some positive play.
Jullien’s header puts Celtic ahead against Lille Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Two minutes later Jeremie Frimpong took a sore one after sliding into the advertising boards but thankfully he got back to his feet and was able to continue but later in the first period he hobbled off to be replaced by Ewan Henderson.
Hazard had a quiet opening 20 minutes on his home debut with the French side failing to test the youngster. The nearest they came was a free-kick from Yusuf Yazici but it flew over the bar.
At the other end Patryk Klimala unleashed a powerful drive but Mike Maignan was able to push his effort away as the Hoops started to look a lot more confident.
And they were rewarded in the 21st minute with a fine goal.
Lille keeper can’t get near Celtic Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Turnbull’s excellent corner into the six-yard box was just asking to be finished and big Jullien was on hand to head home.
However, just two minutes later the French outfit were level.
Conceding goals has been a real issue for Celtic this season, particularly in Europe, and a mistake from McGregor in the midfield was punished in style from the visitors.
The stand-in skipper hooked the ball into the path of Yazici who played a low ball across the six-yard box and Ikone was on hand to provide a simple finish.
Weah scores against his former club to make it 2-2 between Celtic and LilleCredit: PA:Press Association
Despite the setback, Celtic responded brilliantly and were back in front moments later in a crazy five-minute spell in the first half. Turnbull played in Frimpong who was fouled in the box.
And McGregor made up for his earlier error by smashing the ball beyond Maignan to restore Celtic’s advantage.
Five minutes from the break Lille’s Jonathan David had a shot blocked before Turnbull again tried his luck from range but he pulled his effort past the post.
Frimpong took a sore one as he was sent crashing into advertising boardsCredit: Reuters
The second period started much quieter but Turnbull’s deliveries from set-pieces looked dangerous every time whether it was free-kicks or corners.
Celtic looked full of confidence with their youngsters impressing on the big stage.
However, they were breathing a sigh of relief just on the hour as Cheikh Niasse strike across goal came off the stretching McGregor and hit the woodwork before rolling out for a corner.
Turnbull was then inches away from his first goal for Celtic after collecting a ball from Kristoffer Ajer on the half turn before getting a shot off at goal but it took a nick and just landed on the wrong side of the post.
McGregor is hailed by his Celtic team-mates after scoring from spot
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Celtic old boy Weah came back to haunt his old club after firing low beyond Hazard after the ball dropped nicely to him following a clearance from a set play.
But the Hoops responded once again and an excellent run and ball into the box from Ajer found Turnbull, who expertly stroked the ball into the far corner. The strike brought out a massive cheer from boss Lennon.
Rookie keeper Hazard was then called upon to make a huge save with his feet as the clock continued to tick towards full-time.
Lennon will be hoping this win is the start of a positive run as the Scottish champions aim to get back on track.
The focus now shifts to Sunday’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock before the Scottish Cup Final showdown with Hearts next weekend.
Three Celtic security staff rip down anti-Lawwell and Desmond banner five minutes after it goes up More
RANGERS will be SEEDED for the Europa League last 32 after picking up a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan.
Steven Gerrard’s much-changed side went into the game knowing they would be assured of top spot in the group as long as they matched Benfica’s result due to their head-to-head record over the Portuguese giants.
Cedric Itten scored a cracker to set Rangers on way to victory
The striker left the Poznan keeper helpless with this rocketCredit: AFP
And a superb goal from Cedric Itten and a close range header from Ianis Hagi made sure the Light Blues will avoid some of Europe’s big hitters in the first knockout round of the competition.
Benfica drew 2-2 in their game against Standard Liege to make the group table look even sweeter for the Ibrox faithful.
Victory also sees Rangers extend their long unbeaten run in all competitions this season and end the group stage campaign with four wins and two draws.
Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo were the only players to retain their spot from the 4-0 win over Ross County as Gerrard handed out much needed minutes to a number of his fringe-men.
The Ibrox boss hinted at changes in the build-up to the game with Dundee United in the Premiership at Tannadice in just three days.
Jon McLaughlin, who replaced Allan McGregor in goal, was forced into an early save as he kept out Pedro Tiba’s effort.
Rangers stopper Goldson gets stuck inCredit: Reuters
The home side had a big chance to open the scoring after 15 minutes but Lubomir Satka headed over the bar from close-range.
Rangers enjoyed a good spell of possession just before the half hour mark as they looked to create their first real chance at goal after an early long-range effort in the opening minutes of the game from Bongani Zungu.
Breathing space for Rangers! 💙Connor Goldson or Ianis Hagi? 🤷♂️Either way, Rangers are on their way to topping Group D! 👏 pic.twitter.com/VNMEGiEFGA
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2020
Cedric Itten had a half chance after collecting a ball from Nathan Patterson but his effort was well blocked by the home defence.
But just moments later the striker hit a superb opener for the visitors.
Zungu impressed for Rangers in midfieldCredit: Reuters
The striker went on a driving run into the Poznan box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Ianis Hagi was inches away from doubling Rangers’ advantage three minutes before half-time but his strike took a slight nick as it just went passed the right-hand post.
The Romanian had a chance inside the opening five minutes of the second period but his tame effort was easily gathered by Filip Bednarek.
Itten then done well to hold off a defender but was unable to steer his header on target as the Light Blues dominated the opening exchanges.
Rangers star Scott Arfield puts a challenge inCredit: Reuters
McLaughlin was forced into his first save of the second half on 56 minutes when he did well to push away a dangerous Tymoteusz Puchacz free-kick.
With 20 minutes to play Rangers double their advantage and made sure of the victory and top spot in the group.
A Borna Barisic free-kick was met by Goldson but his header came off the underside of the bar but Hagi was on hand to head home from inches out.
Moments later the Romania international went close once again from distance. A fine piece of skill top drop the shoulder presented him with the chance to have a strike at goal but his effort was well saved.
Rangers looked to add a third late on with Alfredo Morelos claiming for a penalty five minutes from time but the referee waved away the protests.
Rangers fan’s incredible Gers-themed home bar built in shed during lockdown More
CELTIC are braced for interest in rookie right-back Jeremie Frimpong with a number of English Championship clubs monitoring his situation.
Premier League outfit Southampton are also believed to be keeping tabs on the young defender.
Frimpong is attracting interest from England with Southampton keen Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
The 19-year-old – who has established himself as a key member of the first-team set up at Parkhead – signed a four-year deal when he joined from Manchester City last summer.
Discussions over a contract extension have taken place.
But as yet no agreement has been struck between Frimpong and the club.
Frimpong has featured over 40 times since his arrival in Scotland and has contributed three goals and six assists in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Hatem Elhamed could be set for a shock exit from Celtic next month in a desperate bid to reunite his family.
The £1.6million Israel right-back is living alone in Glasgow with his wife and young son back in their homeland.
And SunSport understands unsettled Elhamed, 29, has been finding the situation increasingly difficult throughout the Covid-19 restrictions.
It’s believed the defender has opened up on the personal issue to club chiefs.
Elhamed could be set to leave Celtic next month Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Sympathetic Celts could be willing to listen to offers for Elhamed when the transfer window opens in January.
However, his potential exit could depend on whether they are able to sign a replacement with Head of Recruitment Nick Hammond currently looking at possible right-back targets.
Elhamed started his career with Maccabi-Tel-Aviv and they could offer him a return home.
The experienced defender signed a four-year deal when he joined Celtic from Hapoel Be’er Sheva last summer in a £1.6m deal.
The Parkhead club would expect to recoup that fee but it’s also possible they could agree to a loan move for the rest of the season.
Celtic fans chant ‘Celtic football club..it’s in the wrong hands’ as they call for the board to be sacked More
RANGERS are keen on a deal to sign Billy Gilmour on loan next month.
Chelsea are open to the prospect of sending the teenage midfielder back to Ibrox until the end of the season.
Rangers are keen to bring Gilmour back to Ibrox on loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Gilmour started the Champions League clash against FK Krasnodar on Tuesday night.
But he has fallen down the pecking order in the battle for places in Frank Lampard’s midfield.
Gilmour, who missed four months following knee surgery, is the subject of an approach by former club Gers.
The Scotland Under-21 star would benefit from greater exposure to first team action at Ibrox, providing him with a platform to gatecrash Steve Clarke’s Euro 2020 squad.
The 19-year-old was a late sub against Sevilla last week and made his first start of the season on Tuesday night.
Asked about the possibility of Gilmour going on loan, Lampard said: “I’m not sure about a loan.
“The way Billy trains and plays I can see him with us.
“So I have to make sure the pathway is right.
Gerrard is looking for Rangers reinforcements for second-half of seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We have to think about what’s best.”
The Chelsea boss is preparing a £60million bid for Declan Rice next month, and if he lands the West Ham ace it will add to the fierce competition for places in midfield.
Gilmour left Rangers for Chelsea in 2017, and made 12 first team appearances in 2019/20.
Now he could be set for a sensational Ibrox return.
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