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      Rangers 1 Celtic 0: Watch McGregor’s own-goal that seals Gers’ Old Firm win and fires Gerrard’s men 19 points clear

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      CALLUM MCGREGOR’S own goal consigned Celtic to defeat as Rangers moved 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
      Neil Lennon opted to stick with Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull in his midfield, with the likes of Scott Brown and Shane Duffy consigned to the bench.

      Joe Aribo led the Rangers celebrationsCredit: Reuters

      Rangers took the lead from a 70th minute set pieceCredit: Reuters

      Rangers lead at Ibrox! 🟦Callum McGregor’s own-goal puts the hosts ahead against Celtic!Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/iNul5u3GnW
      — Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021

      The Northern Irishman’s selections looked to be working nicely, as Celtic dominated for large spells at Ibrox.
      But the match turned on Nir Bitton’s 62nd minute red card.
      The Israeli, selected ahead of Duffy, was turned by Alfredo Morelos – and subsequently hauled down the Colombian.
      Referee Bobby Madden had no hesitation, as he reached for his back pocket and dismissed the Celtic defender.

      Rangers took the lead just eight minutes later.
      James Tavernier’s corner was met by Joe Aribo, whose glancing header hit the helpless McGregor and trickled past Vasilios Barkas.
      Duffy, who came on after Bitton’s dismissal, might have been shown a red himself shortly after, following a reckless, lunging challenge.
      Lennon then turned to Brown, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Tom Rogic as he chased a late equaliser.

      Bitton was dismissed after hauling down MorelosCredit: Rex Features

      Neither side gave an inch in the tackleCredit: Reuters

      Neil Lennon watched his side fall 19 points behind their bitter rivalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Rangers held firm to hand themselves a commanding 19 point lead at the top, although Celtic do still have three games in hand.
      Gers No1 Allan McGregor told Sky Sports after the game: “Hopefully in five months’ time it will be a huge win. I thought we were really, really poor in the first half and the 15 minutes before the sending off occurred.
      “We were a wee bit better after that but the win is the most important thing. I’ve no idea why but they looked hungrier first half but we managed to get the win.
      “I wasn’t annoyed at having to be so busy. It’s part and parcel of the game, you need to focus and be ready for anything that is thrown at you.
      “But I was annoyed at how bad we were. I keep repeating myself, the win is the most important thing.
      “The boys dug it out well. If you go back to Walter’s (Smith) era, he was really good at that but that comes from the players and the messages the manager gives to us to carry out.”

      Allan McGregor was forced to make some outstanding savesCredit: Reuters

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      Celtic defender Christopher Jullien ruled out for up to FOUR MONTHS with knee injury in huge blow to Neil Lennon

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      CELTIC have revealed the shock news that Christopher Jullien is out for up to FOUR months with a knee injury.
      The big French defender was stretchered off against Dundee United after he collided with the post.

      Celtic star Christopher Jullien is stretchered off against Dundee UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Jullien knew immediately that he was struggling after the incident

      And now Hoops boss Neil Lennon has confirmed the news which fans were dreading – he is now on the club’s long-term injured list.
      The Northern Irishman recalled Nir Bitton in his place for today’s Old Firm clash with Rangers.
      And after announcing his starting XI, Lennon revealed the huge Jullien blow to Sky Sports, saying: “He is a very important player for us but it is a bad injury and we are going to lose him for quite a period of time – maybe three or four months.
      “On the eve of this game, it is a bit of a hammer blow for us really.”

      The Hoops defender clattered his knee into a post as he bravely cleared a goalbound Marc McNulty shot off the line in the 3-0 win over Dundee United.
      But the crucial intervention just two minutes into the second half came at a cost as it became immediately obvious the big Frenchman was in serious pain.
      Meanwhile Neil Lennon said that today’s Glasgow grudge match is the biggest of his career.
      Celtic need a win to keep alive their ten in a row hopes, with Rangers 16 points ahead having played three games more. Defeat would push Steven Gerrard’s side closer to a first top-flight title in a decade.

      Asked if this was the most important Old Firm he had faced, Lennon said: “Yeah. They are always important.
      “But with the position we find ourselves in, it’s important we don’t lose the game.
      “We’re playing well, we’ve found a bit of form and consistency at the right time. So it’s important we take that into the game against a team that has started the season absolutely brilliantly.
      “But it’s not beyond us at all. I think we go into the game in a positive frame of mind and take the game to Rangers as much as we possibly can.”

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      Rangers vs Celtic: Hundreds of Gers ultras flout Covid rules and sing sectarian chant ahead of Old Firm derby

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      HUNDREDS of Rangers fans breached coronavirus restrictions as they gathered on the eve of the Old Firm derby to sing a sectarian chant.
      Video footage has emerged online of the Union Bears, a Gers fans’ group, lined up next to the River Clyde in Glasgow.

      The Rangers fans’ group, the Union Bears, out in force

      Standing directly underneath the Kingston Bridge, the ‘ultras’ wore dark clothing and face coverings as they posed for pictures ahead of the crunch derby encounter.
      Blatantly breaking the Scottish Government’s coronavirus Tier 4 rules, the majority of the group maintained no social distancing.
      As well as a picture of the hundred-strong group, the Union Bears posted a clip of them belting out sectarian chant, known as the ‘Billy Boys’ ahead of Celtic’s short trip to Govan this lunchtime.
      The Light Blues fans also spray-painted the wall behind them, part of the famous bridge which connects the M8 to the city centre.

      Graffitied in red writing, it simply read: “Union Bears. Rangers.”
      The group’s social media posts have racked up thousands of likes since they were shared late on New Year’s Day.
      Fans have of course not been able to attend football in most parts of Scotland since the initial Covid outbreak in March last year.
      The derby match, held at Ibrox, will be played behind closed doors.

      The group posted a video of them signing the ‘Billy Boys’
      Rangers lead their arch rivals by 16 points and could extend that gap to 19 with a win, although the Hoops do have three games in hand.
      Meanwhile, a banner has been attached to the Celtic Park ring of steel to pay respects to the victims of the Ibrox disaster.
      Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragedy when 66 Rangers supporters went to watch their team and didn’t return home, in one of Scotland’s biggest tragedies.
      The banner reads: “Ibrox Disaster 1971. We remember and pray for the victims and their families.”

      Rangers won the last Old Firm thanks to a Connor Goldson doubleCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.

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      Sheff Utd join transfer race for Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet in desperate bid to beat Premier League drop

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED have joined the race for in-form Hibernian hitman Kevin Nisbet.
      SunSport understands Chris Wilder’s Premier League strugglers are keeping tabs on the striker after his stunning start to the season.

      Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet is a January transfer target for Sheff UtdCredit: SNS Group

      Hibs splashed out £250,000 to bring in the 23-year-old in the summer from Dunfermline and he has already netted 12 goals in 24 games this season.
      Nisbet’s impressive displays have caught the attention of the Blades as well as several other English sides, who could make a move when the transfer window opens on Friday.
      Wilder already has Scotland frontmen Oli McBurnie and Oli Burke on the books at Bramall Lane but his side have struggled for goals this season.
      They are 11 points from safety after just two draws and no wins from the opening 15 games – and looked destined to return to the Championship.

      Wilder is now plotting a January overhaul but it’s understood he must look a low-cost alternatives after big outlays over the last 18 months.
      Hibs boss Jack Ross is desperate to keep hold of his prized asset, who signed a four-year deal when he joined the club five months ago.
      But a big-money offer could be enough to convince Hibs chiefs to cash in on their star striker, who is also pushing for a maiden Scotland call-up.
      Nisbet has netted 69 goals in just 102 games over the past two-and-a-half years.

      Chris Wilder is targeting a new striker to help his battle against relegationCredit: Reuters

      After starting out at Partick, he joined Raith in 2018 where he scored 34 goals in 46 games.
      That prompted Dunfermline to offer him the chance to move to the Championship where he hit 23 in 32 matches before Covid-19 halted the campaign last March.
      But he had done enough to convince Hib chief Ross to shell out to land him in the summer transfer window.

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      Kieran Tierney wears Arsenal AND Celtic custom shin pads as he shows he hasn’t forgotten old club

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      KIERAN TIERNEY revealed his homage to both Arsenal and Celtic – by the way of custom shin pads.
      The full-back swapped Glasgow for London last summer in a record-breaking £25million transfer.

      Fans spotted Kieran Tierney’s custom gear as he celebrated Arsenal’s win over ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The full-back showed off his Arsenal-themed shin pads

      And he has not lost his love for boyhood heroes Celtic by keeping a piece of the club with him when playing for the Gunners.
      The pads were on display after he helped Arsenal to a vital 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day.
      Tierney posted a picture to his Instagram story showing his personalised shin pads made by bespoke company PRO I.D LTD.
      It featured two black shin pads; one with a Celtic badge and the number 63 below it and one with an Arsenal badge and the number three.

      Tierney’s move down south received mixed responses from Celtic fans who questioned his passion for the club.
      The 23-year-old recently admitted it broke his heart to read some comments from fans and revealed the word ‘Judas’ was painted near his home.
      He said: “It was just sad the way it ended. People turning and all that.
      “Some people make it out to be what it’s not and it’s not that at all.

      “Weeks before when Arsenal had bid people were like that ‘you’re a rat if you go, you’re terrible, you’re never a Celtic fan.
      “I’m like ‘this is breaking my heart reading this’ and as soon as this gets announced it’s going to blow up.
      “And the worst thing I did when it got announced was go on Twitter. [There were] thousands of tweets, threats and all sorts.
      “When I went home two days later after signing, there was spray paint on the walls, ‘Judas’ outside my bit.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Steven Gerrard dreaming of becoming Liverpool manager but insists he won’t be handed job just because he’s club legend

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      STEVEN GERRARD has accepted that he will have to prove himself in the dugout before earning a chance as Liverpool manager.
      The Anfield legend is making his way in management with Rangers, and is tipped to one day become the Reds boss.

      Steven Gerrard dreams of the Liverpool job but accepts he is yet to prove himself worthy of itCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, with Jurgen Klopp doing stellar work with the reigning Premier League champions, Gerrard has acknowledged just how tough it will be to become the German’s eventual successor.
      He told The Athletic: “Would I love to be the coach of Liverpool one day? Is it a dream? Of course.
      “It’s a club that means everything to me but we’ve one of, if not the best, managers in the world who has been absolutely incredible since he came through the door.
      “And the success he’s delivered in the last couple of years means that Liverpool are in a fantastic place. Long may that continue.

      “I’ve still got ex-team-mates playing in the team and that’s where it is. There’s nothing else to really discuss on it.
      “Just because I was a good player for Liverpool and had the career I had there, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re next in line to be manager.
      “If one day that job ever becomes available, there will be a queue a mile long, full of top-class managers. It doesn’t mean you’re the best person for the job.”
      Unlike Klopp, Gerrard never won the league title at Anfield.

      The closest he came while playing was under Brendan Rodgers in 2014, when an unfortunate slip led to defeat against Chelsea in a crucial clash.
      The 40-year-old admitted that the near-miss is still something that eats away at him today.
      And Liverpool’s recent triumph has helped aid his ‘healing’ from the incident.
      As is Rangers’ title push with a 16-point lead over Celtic making Gerrard’s side the favourites for the Scottish Premiership crown.
      He noted: “It’s definitely a motivation.
      “Having that happen and how it happened towards the end of my Liverpool career was a real, brutal low for me.

      Having a big high as a coach and manager would certainly contribute to that healing as well.
      Steven Gerrard

      “As a group and a team and a club, it was a big disappointment because we came so close.
      “The fact they’ve won the title since then and are current champions — which is fantastic for me to see — has certainly helped the healing.
      “But from a personal point of view, having a big high as a coach and manager would certainly contribute to that healing as well.”

      A horrible mishap against Chelsea still haunts the Liverpool hero todayCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Celtic 3 Hearts 3 (4-3 on penalties): Hoops make it quadruple treble on penalties after Hampden thriller

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      CELTIC made it a historic quadruple treble after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Hearts.
      The Hoops looked to be on easy street as they racked up a two-goal first half lead courtesy of strikes from Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard, but two second-half goals from the Championship side turned the showpiece on its head.

      Celtic clinched the quadruple-treble… justCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      The Hoops made a dominant start but were made to wait until the 19th minute to open the scoring with an absolute stunner.
      Latching on to a mistimed clearance on the edge of the box, Ryan Christie controlled the ball on the ground with his first touch.
      And with his second, he fired a curling shot past Craig Gordon into the far corner of the net.
      Celtic were noticeably fired up and both Scott Brown and Greg Taylor had chances to double the Hoops’ lead.

      However, it was Odsonne Edouard who eventually got the second goal with the cheekiest of finishes.
      After winning a penalty due to Christophe Berra’s handball, the Frenchman dinked the ball over former Celtic team-mate Gordon with a panenka.
      The keeper was far from pleased and threw the ball at Edouard after picking it out of the net.
      Celtic continued to dominate the game but Conor Hazard was forced to stop Liam Boyce late in the half.

      Leigh Griffiths restores Celtic’s advantage but it went to penalties

      Celtic star Ryan Christie shoots at goalCredit: Reuters

      Ryan Christie can’t keep Stephen Kinglsey’s effort out

      Going in at half-time, Celtic would have been forgiven for thinking they would storm their way to another Scottish Cup triumph.
      But things changed.
      Hearts appeared to change their shape for the second half and were rewarded with less than two minutes back on the clock.
      Andy Halliday played a cross into the box and Boyce rose above the Celtic defence to head it past young keeper Conor Hazard.
      Hearts really turned the pressure on after this and constantly put the Hoops defence under threat.
      Their next best chance came through Josh Ginnelly, who took advantage of a defensive howler between Christopher Jullien and Shane Duffy to run through on goal.
      However, Hazard was able to get out and block his shot in time.
      Steven Naismith was later able to run into Celtic’s box and his shot was cleared only as far as Michael Smith, whose cross was then cleared for a corner.

      INCREDIBLE strike for Ryan Christie as he delivers another Hampden screamer 🔥”It’s an absolute wonder of a goal from Ryan Christie!” 🗣 pic.twitter.com/YQC0cE3HMd
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) December 20, 2020

      And Hearts’ second-half performance up to this point was rewarded from the resulting set-piece.
      Ginnelly fired the ball into the box and Stephen Kingsley was able to head the ball over the line.
      It was quickly cleared away in the midst of the scramble but the referee pointed to his watch to show that goal-line technology said it was in.
      After this however, the game quietened down and there weren’t as many chances as there had been earlier in the proceedings.
      Some players started to pull up with cramp, with Hearts ace Aidy White ultimately having to be taken off.
      As it went on, it looked like both sets of players were just preparing for extra-time.
      But Ginnelly had a great chance to win it for the Jambos when the ball was cut back to him in the middle of the box.
      Unfortunately for Hearts this time, he fired the ball high over the bar.

      We then went into extra time – as this seesawing final swung both ways again.
      First substitute Leigh Griffiths knocked in from close range after Gordon had saved Scott Brown’s header – before Ginnelly equalised again.
      The on-loan Preston winger finished bravely at the far post after Kingsley had kept the chance alive.
      Proceedings then went to penalties, with Naismith scoring first for the Jambos, before Griffiths levelled for 1-1.
      Michael Smith and Callum McGregor then converted, before Olly Lee made it 3-2.
      Gordon then saved from Christie – but Hazard did likewise from Kingsley’s subsequent effort.
      Substitute Mikey Johnstone put Celtic level again at 3-3, before Hazard produced another stop, this time from Craig Wighton
      Kris Ajer then smashed home to seal the quadruple-treble for under-pressure Neil Lennon.

      “This has just been the most dramatic, the most incredible of Scottish Cup finals!” 🗣Celtic win the Scottish Cup for the 40th time and complete the quadruple treble! 🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/Xv8we6pO9e
      — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) December 20, 2020

      Odsonne Edouard celebrates after scoring Celtic’s second goalCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hearts star Liam Boyce in action against CelticCredit: Reuters

      Hearts star Stephen Kingsley celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the equaliserCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Steven Gerrard’s Rangers suffer shock defeat as St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin is sent off for CELEBRATING late cup winner

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      ST MIRREN boss Jim Goodwin was sent off for CELEBRATING his side’s late winner against Rangers in the Betfred Cup.
      Conor McCarthy scored a dramatic stoppage time winner to seal the 3-2 victory for the Buddies.

      St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin is sent to the standsCredit: Getty

      It’s understood Goodwin was shown red for this gesture

      And it ensured the Paisley side were the first to inflict defeat on the Gers in all competitions this season.
      However, Goodwin was sent to the stands by referee David Dickinson amid the celebrations for the goal.
      And speaking on Premier Sports after full-time, the St Mirren boss insisted he was shown red for celebrating.
      He said: “It’s the first time in my managerial career that I’ve been a shown a red card.

      “I don’t mind being shown a red card for being frustrated but I’ve been sent off for celebrating, and it’s really, really disappointing.
      “It has kind of put a little bit of a dampener on things but I’ll try not to let it affect me too much now.
      “We’ll enjoy this moment and we’ll talk about that tomorrow.”
      St Mirren were considered to be the underdogs going into the Betfred Cup quarter-final clash with Rangers.

      Steven Gerrard’s man were quick to establish their dominance on the game and took the lead after just seven minutes.
      After picking up the ball, Connor Goldson took it past several defenders before firing home.
      The Buddies gradually started to play their way back into the game however and were rewarded with a penalty shortly before half-time.
      Jamie McGrath calmly converted it to bring the score level, before firing St Mirren ahead less than 10 minutes into the second half.
      Rangers thought they were heading for extra-time when Steven Davis equalised with just minutes to go before the end of regulation time.
      However, McCarthy was ultimately able to seal the victory for the home side with his late winner and book their place in the Betfred Cup semi-final.
      Goodwin admitted it’ll take a while for the result to fully settle in for him.
      He said: “It’ll take a few hours for that one to sink in. Conceding the equaliser so late in the game when we’ve put so much into it, you fear the worst.
      “But for the boys to just keep going the way they did and to score in the manner that we did was fantastic. It was a real monumental effort from everyone.”

      Goodwin celebrates the win at full-timeCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

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