Scottish Premiership

RANGERS legend Ally McCoist blasted Celtic ‘nutcases’ for breaking social distancing rules during a protest.
Thousands gathered outside Celtic Park after the Hoops’ Betfred Cup humbling at the hands of Ross County.

Ally McCoist hit out at the Celtic fans who gathered outside Celtic Park to protest on SundayCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Angry punters called for Neil Lennon to be sacked in the wake of the 2-0 defeat which ended Celts’ 35-game unbeaten domestic cup run.
Lennon is under severe pressure with his side out of Europe and trailing Rangers by 11 points in the title race.
And fans have made it clear they want change by protesting at Parkhead.
But with Glasgow currently in Tier 4 lockdown, Rangers legend McCoist furiously hit out at those who ignored strict Scottish Government guidelines – labelling them an ’embarrassment to the country’.

He said: “There were outrageous scenes after the game.
“They’re not supporters, I nearly called them supporters, that’s exactly the one thing they are not.
“They completely embarrassed themselves with some of their behaviour, throwing fences at police vehicles.
“Listen, these weren’t Celtic supporters, they were just nutcases, idiots, an embarrassment to the country never mind anything else.

Supporters ignored social distancing rules despite the tight restrictions in GlasgowCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Celtic players and staff were targeted with missiles as they were escorted away from the groundCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Police protected fences while the cup match went on inside the stadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“I couldn’t believe the arrogance – who do they think they are? Celtic went on a domestic run where they won nine, ten, 11 trophies in a row and they get out and react like that?
“I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that in this country to tell you the truth, you sometimes see it when it’s Turkey and Italy.
“It was absolutely shocking, an embarrassment, they really were, it goes without saying we can do without that.”
Celtic pledged to fully investigate the violent scenes that took place on Sunday night.
The club claim players and staff were targeted by missiles during a police escort away from the ground.
Two cops suffered minor injuries amid the chaotic events, while Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf blasted the ‘disgraceful’ yobs responsible.
McCoist added: “The first thing they were doing was breaking the social distancing rules.
“Not a lot shocks you nowadays. If you’re not watching it live, you’re seeing it within a minute.

Celtic were trumped 2-0 at home by Ross County to end their long domestic cup runCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Pressure is mounting on Neil Lennon to be sacked as the horror start to the season continuedCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

McCoist branded the ‘nutcases’ an ’embarrassment’ for their behaviourCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
“It left a really bad taste in our mouths watching it, you couldn’t help but think of the players and Neil Lennon.”
Celtic icon Rod Stewart said: “I’m heartbroken and disgusted. In all my years supporting Celtic I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s shameful.
“I don’t think anyone would touch the Celtic job with a a barge pole.
“I’d let Neil Lennon finish the season, he can turn it around.”

😡 “An absolute embarrassment to Celtic Football Club.”😤 “I can’t believe the arrogance! Who do they think they are!?”🤦‍♂️ “Knocked out of one domestic trophy & react like that!? Embarrassing!”Ally McCoist slams #CelticFC fans who protested after losing in the League Cup pic.twitter.com/d8h5CcQ5Um
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 30, 2020

Celtic players and coaches jeered and abused by raging fans as they get escorted away from stadium by police More

CELTIC will fully investigate the violent scenes that took place at Parkhead on Sunday evening after claiming players and staff were targeted by MISSILES while being escorted from the stadium.
The Hoops required a police escort from Celtic Park following their Betfred Cup exit to Ross County with the club describing the scenes as ‘unacceptable’.

Celtic players and staff were escorted from Parkhead by policeCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

The Parkhead club stated that while only a small number of people were involved, it cannot be condoned in any way as they slammed the actions of the individuals.
A club statement read: “Everyone at the club is hugely disappointed by this afternoon’s result, one which has ended our phenomenal run of 35 consecutive cup victories.  
“While we sincerely share the huge disappointment of all Celtic supporters, there can be no excuse for some of the violent scenes at Celtic Park this evening. The club will be investigating these events fully.
“For players and a management team, who have given so much in recent years and have delivered 11 consecutive trophies, to require an escort from Celtic Park while being targeted with missiles, is simply unacceptable.

Police hold back Celtic fans from breaking through barrier during protestCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
“While we understand that only a small number of people were involved in this behaviour, some of the actions this evening, which have obviously left our own players shaken, cannot be condoned in any way.”
Thousands of Celtic fans gathered at Parkhead to call for Neil Lennon to be sacked after another shock defeat.
Ross Stewart and Alex Iacovitti scored the goals as Ross County ended a run of 35 cup wins in a row for the Hoops and ended their stranglehold on Scottish silverware.
Pictures and video footage emerged on social media of supporters outside Celtic Park making their feelings clear following the latest loss.

Two cops suffered minor injuries amid the chaotic scenes, while Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf blasted the ‘disgraceful’ yobs responsible.
He tweeted: “Utterly disgraceful scenes outside of Celtic Park from a minority of fans tonight with violence aimed towards police.
“Officers have been front and centre keeping us safe during this pandemic, to treat them this way at any time is shameful, to do it during these times is disgrace.”

Meanwhile, Ally McCoist has blasted Celtic fans for breaking social distancing rules.
Glasgow is currently in Tier 4 lockdown and the Rangers legend hit out at supporters who have ignored strict Scottish Government guidelines.
Asked if fans are right to protest, he told Premier Sports: “Well clearly not if they are breaking social distancing.
“Listen, I totally understand the fans’ frustration, of course.
“But at the same time, if they are breaking rules and you start breaking laws, then you are overstepping the mark.
“I will always stick up for the fans in terms of they must voice their opinion and they are entitled to voice their opinion as long as they do it in the right way.
“If they are doing it in the wrong way tonight at Celtic Park then it shouldn’t be allowed.”

Thousands of Celtic fans protest outside Parkhead demanding Neil Lennon is sacked More

THOUSANDS of Celtic fans gathered outside Parkhead calling for Neil Lennon to be sacked.
The Hoops suffered another shocking defeat on Sunday afternoon – this time at the hands of Ross County as the visitors ran out 2-0 winners at Parkhead.

Celtic fans gathering outside Parkhead to protest Neil Lennon’s positionCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

They’re protesting in their thousandsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The Celts have crashed out of the Betfred Cup in the last-16… a trophy they have won in the past four seasons.
It spells the end of the club’s domestic dominance as their 35-game cup winning streak was stopped.
And thousands of Hoops fans now believe it should spell the end of Lennon’s second tenure as manager.
Pictures and video footage on social media has emerged of supporters outside of Celtic Park to make their feelings clear.

The raucous crowd chanted “Lennon out” and “sack the board”.
Masked fans erupted into chaos and tried to push down large barriers erected by police to protect the manager and his team as they made their way to the car park.
Dozens of officers stood around the crowd in a bid to keep them contained and under control.
Multiple police teams in riot vans stood watch, as a helicopter circulated above.

Police were on the sceneCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Cops fencing the fans inCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
One thug was heard yelling at a BBC cameraman, “If you pick up that camera, you’re getting slashed”.
This of course breaks coronavirus Tier 4 guidelines, which Glasgow City Council and its surrounding areas comes under.
It is understood that a police helicopter flying around Parkhead and roughly 30 police vans are present to deal with the crowds.
Diehard fan Karen Cunningham, 45, said: “We’re all disgusted Neil Lennon has been left this long, action should have been taken a couple of weeks ago.
“Surely it’s time for the board to sack him, if he’s not willing to leave.”
The mum of two added: “He was brought on as the easy option, the cheapest option. I hope I wake up in the morning and it has been announced.
“The players should still be performing. I definitely think he’s lost the dressing room.
“People keep blaming the players but the buck lies with Neil Lennon.”
Lennon could hear the shouts as he walked into his post-match media conference and said: “It doesn’t make me feel good obviously. We are not in a good moment.
“The game is a small microcosm of the run we are on: penalty and set-play. We have given the opposition free hits.
“We dominated the game and lacked a bit of quality in the final third.”
Alison Conroy of Radio Clyde has reported that the media at today’s match were evacuated from the ground.
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has slammed the fans for flouting the Scottish Government’s covid laws.

Around 30 police vans attended the sceneCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

A police helicopter hovering overheadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Scott Brown leaving the stadiumCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

He told Premier Sports: “Well clearly not if they are breaking social distancing.
“Listen, I totally understand the fans’ frustration, of course.
“But at the same time, if they are breaking rules and you start breaking laws, then you are overstepping the mark.
“I will always stick up for the fans in terms of they must voice their opinion and they are entitled to voice their opinion as long as they do it in the right way.
“If they are doing it in the wrong way tonight at Celtic Park then it shouldn’t be allowed.”

Eddie Howe now odds on to replace Neil Lennon at Celtic More

RANGERS will have to wait a little bit longer to confirm their Europa League last-32 qualification for a second successive season.
Steven Gerrard’s side looked well on course to seal a vital win at Ibrox having gone up two goals to the good.

Pizzi scored a late equaliser to make Rangers wait for a last-32 spotCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

Scott Arfield fired Rangers in front earlier in the gameCredit: PA:Press Association

Third time lucky for Rangers!Scott Arfield strikes it home after Benfica made a huge stop and James Tavernier’s rebound header rattled the crossbar 😅 pic.twitter.com/4XjCc1utDF
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 26, 2020

However, two late sucker punches from Benfica mean both sides sit on eight points in Group D, with Lech Poznan in third on four.
Scott Arfield opened the scoring after just seven minutes to set Gerrard’s side on their way.
A tremendous Borna Barisic cross from the left was met by Kemar Roofe, whose header was saved before James Tavernier’s subsequent effort hit the bar and landed at the feet of Arfield.
The Canadian set himself and thumped the ball with his right foot into the net to make it advantage Gers.

While the Portuguese giants dominated possession, it was the Scottish Premiership leaders who looked the more threatening.
They managed three shots on target, with Ryan Kent looking dangerous.
But Benfica did create two very good chances… first, Everton played a give-and-go with Alex Grimaldo when entering the Rangers box.
He worked the ball onto his right foot but blazed over as Allan McGregor and Co breathed a sigh of relief.

Tavernier hit the bar with a header earlier in the gameCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

Then Rafa Silva looked certain to bag after taking a sensational touch round Leon Balogun, but the Nigerian recovered fantastically well to deflect his shot for a corner.
Into the second half and Benfica continued their pressure, but never properly tested McGregor despite having all the ball.
Everton and Haris Seferovic has pops at goal, but neither player shot with any real conviction.
Just after the hour mark, the home side should’ve had a penalty after Kemar Roofe nicked the ball back from Grimaldo on the half way line and drove with pace towards the Benfica box.
The attacker attempted an early drilled cross to Kent, but his pass was blocked by ex-Spurs star Jan Vertonghen with what appeared to be his hand raised inside the box.
This would turn out to be a vital moment in the match.
Although, five minutes later on 69 minutes the Englishman produced a stunning finish to make it 2-0 to Rangers.
Kent slipped the ball into the on-form striker, who took a touch to get the ball out of his feet and hit a rasping shot into the roof of the net giving Helton Leite no chance in the Benfica goal.

Kemar Roofe’s thunderous strikeCredit: PA:Press Association
The Portuguese giants did get themselves a goal though on 78 minutes, after the ball deflected in off Tavernier after McGregor produced a fine close-range save from Seferovic.
It made for a nervy ending to the game – which eventually cost Rangers.
Before Benfica equalised, Alfredo Morelos nearly made it 3-1 to Gerrard’s men after his shot cracked the bar after a save from Leite from his firce shot.
But more or less straight after this move, Benfica, through Pizzi levelled proceedings.
The Argentine was slipped in as he stood centrally in the box.
His brilliant quick feet evaded Balogun as he sent his shot way behind McGregor to make the score 2-2.
Rangers will be disappointed to have to settle for a point, but Benfica once again proved they’re a qualify outfit.

Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne urges missing teen Kai Rae to ‘get home’ to people missing him as search enters third day More

THE Green Brigade have held up a banner outside Celtic Park calling for Neil Lennon’s sacking. The Hoops fans group have hit out at the team’s recent performances under the manager. And they insist it is time for Celtic chief Peter Lawwell and the board to act in an effort to avoid missing out on […] More

BILLY GILMOUR reminded everyone what he is capable of as he continues his return to action following an injury.
The former Rangers starlet turned out for the Chelsea development squad as they faced Manchester City.

Gilmour started the Chelsea development’s comebackCredit: Getty Images – Getty

With the Stamford Bridge outfit trailing the game 2-0 at half-time, Gilmour received a pass from George Nunn on the edge of the area before curling a sublime shot by the City keeper.
The youngsters completed the comeback to earn a 2-2 draw.
Given Chelsea’s current form, Gilmour has a job on his hands if he wants to break into the first-team again.
The youngster is one of a handful of young stars who also have realistic ambitions to make it into Steve Clarke’s Scotland plans for next summer’s Euro championships.

And Blues boss Lampard admitted earlier in the week that he was excited to have the young Scot back fit again.
He said: “He is fit again.
“He played on Wednesday night in the EFL Trophy, got good minutes and I’ve heard he played well so we are happy with him and he’ll play again at the weekend in the Under-23s.
“I’m really excited to have him back fit.”

⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
Meanwhile, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard admitted his confusion as Alfredo Morelos stormed off in a HUFF after being subbed earlier today.
Morelos was replaced by Defoe this afternoon after travelling away on international duty with Colombia and with the visit of Benfica on Thursday night in mind.
Morelos took his gloves off as he left the field and trudged off to the bench to take his seat.

Gerrard said: “Alfredo wasn’t happy to go off? Is he ever! I can’t work it out.  We’re 4-0 up, we’ve played well.
“His teammate is about to come on. We’ve got a big game on Thursday. I don’t know.
“You’ll have to ask Alfredo why he was a bit sad. I was really happy.” More

THE gloves are off in the title battle.
But Steven Gerrard can’t understand why Alfredo Morelos’ mittens were thrown off when he was subbed.

Morelos was substituted midway through the second halfCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

The Ibrox side were 4-0 up and cruising when the Rangers boss decided to give his striker a break on 65 minutes.
Morelos had returned from international duty with Colombia just a few days earlier.
He’d played the final 30 minutes of a 3-0 defeat at home to Uruguay then sat on the bench in Ecuador as the hosts won 6-1.But back at Rangers things were still on the up.
Morelos hasn’t scored in the league since September 20 but this victory was sending Gers 11 points clear at the top with a goal difference 17 better than Celtic.

So Gerrard didn’t expect the hissy-fit when he was replaced by Jermain Defoe just after the hour mark.
Gerrard said: “Alfredo wasn’t happy to go off? Is he ever! I can’t work it out.  We’re 4-0 up, we’ve played well.
“His teammate is about to come on. We’ve got a big game on Thursday. I don’t know.

Morelos battles with Tommy HobanCredit: Reuters
“You’ll have to ask Alfredo why he was a bit sad. I was really happy.”

While Morelos didn’t get a goal, his movement helped drag Dons players out of position to create the space which Gers’ midfielders running behind him could exploit.
He also linked well with Roofe, who started out on the right with Kent cutting inside off the other flank.
Kent got the ball rolling on 15 minutes when his shot from 30 yards deflected off Tommie Hoban’s head and past Joe Lewis in the Dons’ goal.
Roofe then made is 2-0 when he was allowed to slalom into the box and finish.
Arfield’s shot on 49 minutes then ricocheted off Shay Logan and in for Gers’ third.

Rangers star Alfredo MorelosCredit: Reuters
Then after Andy Considine pulled down Leon Balogun, Tavernier kept his cool from the spot yet again to net his ninth penalty and 13th goal of the season.
Gerrard said: “All the players are important but I was really interested to see the relationship between Alfredo and Kemar.
“I wanted to see how they played together. We saw it a few weeks ago with Jermain Defoe and Kemar, their understanding and relationship.
“It’s important that Alfredo gets that relationship with Kemar as well.
“It’s very difficult to play against because they can come short or go in behind, or come off the side as well. We have No8s who can go beyond them.
“We want to give opposition teams as many problems as we can. At times in the past we have come unstuck by maybe playing in front of teams too much, being a little bit predictable and maybe not having enough answers.
“I’m really pleased with how we are looking now.”

Gers boss GerrarrdCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Aberdeen had been rocked by the loss of Connor McLennan and Lewis Ferguson just 24 hours before the clash after they were forced into isolation following the Scotland Under-21s covid outbreak.
Ross McCrorie was one of three players to test positive after getting back from that trip to Greece but was always going to miss yesterday’s clash due to his loan arrangement from Ibrox to Pittodrie.
The Dons had only lost once since their opening day defeat at home to Gers while their last pointless trip on the road in the league was way back in December.
But they were blown away by Gers and Gerrard said: “Aberdeen have been on a fantastic run. They have been excellent defensively and very hard to score against.
“So I’ve got to pay my boys credit. I know Aberdeen had some issues before the game but the focus is always on us. We had to go and do the job.
“We were playing against good defenders and a really organised team. Derek doesn’t get the credit he deserves at times for how well he sets his team up.

Scott Arfield made it 3-0Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
“Having said that, I’ve got to pay my players a lot of credit because they found the answers and they could have found even more.”
Dons boss Derek McInnes couldn’t argue with the scoreline – but did think Gers got lucky with their penalty.
He said: “We came into the game with a lot of key players missing and Scott Wright was added to with a groin problem.  
“We also had the three players out with the 21s. We were a team that lacked pace and that’s something we’ve had a lot of this season.  
“We went with a team we had to pick rather than one we wanted to pick. These things are sent to test us and we tried to get a shape that gave us to come here not only defend but also to have an outlet at the other end.  

“I thought we started well against a Rangers team who are in a good place. The first goal took a big defection and the second goal we could do better with.  
“At half-time we talked about the next goal and six minutes later we lost another deflection then a soft penalty. If that was a penalty there will be a lot more penalties for that.
“I felt he went over early and it was pretty soft. We didn’t feel like we had the breaks but my players worked hard despite the obvious difficulties.
“There was plenty of effort from a lot of players who haven’t played a lot of games. I have no complaints, we were well beaten but at least we have another game on Wednesday.  
“The last time Rangers beat us we had to wait 19 games for the next one. We had 26 from 36 points coming into this and it’s important we take the next three points.” More