IN CHARGE: Stuart Attwell will be in the middle for the curtain raiser to the 2023/24 season. Image: Amazon Prime Video.
STUART Attwell will lead a team of seven match officials in charge of the 2023 FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley.
The match on Sunday 6 August (kick-off 4pm BST) will see last season’s Premier League and FA Cup winners City and league runners-up Arsenal contest the traditional curtain raiser to the new campaign.
It was confirmed by the Football Association on Friday (14 July) that Warwickshire whistler Attwell will be the referee, assisted on the field by Dan Robathan and Tim Wood.
John Brooks will be the fourth official and Steve Meredith will be the reserve assistant referee. Michael Salisbury will be on Video Assistant Referee duty, with Neil Davies the assistant VAR.
Attwell has refereed at the national stadium on a number of previous occasions – including the 2008 League Two play-off final, the 2011 FA Trophy final, the 2016 League One play-off final, the 2016 FA Vase final, the 2022 League Cup final and last season’s FA Cup semi-final when City beat Sheffield United 3-0.
The 40-year-old Fifa official handled 29 games in all competitions last term as referee – issuing 104 yellow cards, four red cards and awarding six penalties.
City and Arsenal, who were separated by five points in the Premier League last season, met three times in all competitions in 2022/23.
Paul Tierney was the referee for City’s 1-0 win at the Etihad in the FA Cup fourth round in January, before Anthony Taylor took charge of City’s 3-1 victory at the Emirates in February and Michael Oliver was in the middle as Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 4-1 winners on home soil in the league in April.
Rangers’ unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership ends at 40 matches as a battling Dundee United earn their first league win under Thomas Courts.
• Rangers lose in league for first time in 17 months • Around 4,500 fans back inside Tannadice • Rare Robson goal wins it for outstanding United side • Injured Shankland misses out for United amid transfer speculation
JOY UNCONFINED: Dundee United’s players celebrate Robson’s second-half strike which proved decisive. Image: Sky Sports.
RANGERS’ long 40-match unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership came to a shuddering end following a surprise defeat at the hands of a spirited Dundee United.
The impressive Jamie Robson, who was deservedly named the Man of the Match, stabbed home the only goal in the 64th minute and United held on to secure their first league win under new head coach Thomas Courts.
A below-par Rangers struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on a disappointing afternoon at a raucous Tannadice, as the champions suffered their first loss in the league since a 1-0 reverse at home to Hamilton Academical in March 2020.
Steven Gerrard said his side’s performance was “not good enough” but insisted there “wasn’t time to feel sorry for ourselves” ahead of a huge European night at Ibrox on Tuesday night, when they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Malmo in their Champions League third qualifying round tie.
He made four changes from Tuesday’s loss in Sweden as Alfredo Morelos started having trained for just two days after a period of quarantine following his Copa America exploits with Colombia. It emerged after the game that Kemar Roofe was absent as his young child is in hospital, while Ianis Hagi was also ruled out but could be back in midweek.
RETURN: The striker was back in the Rangers side but couldn’t make an impact against a resilient Dundee United rearguard. Image: Sky Sports.
United fans, who watched from home as their side scored the fewest goals in the Premiership last term – just 32 goals in 38 games, may have been fearing the worst after talisman Lawrence Shankland – subject of interest from Belgian outfit Beerschot – watched from the stand with an apparent hip injury. Former Rangers striker Nicky Clark came in for his 100th United appearance and put in a good shift as part of a battling team display.
Gerrard said pre-match that his Rangers side would “have to be ready for the first 20 minutes” and expected the hosts to be “lively from the beginning” as around 4,500 fans made a welcome return to Tannadice – and, like the Hearts faithful did against Celtic last weekend, they certainly made their presence felt.
Indeed, the hosts – well beaten in their 2-0 defeat at north-east rivals Aberdeen last Sunday – made a bright start. They forced a couple of corners which gave the Rangers defence an early test, before Calum Butcher had the first effort at goal but it was a routine collection for Jon McLaughlin.
FAREWELL?: The Scotland striker could have made his last appearance for the Tangerines, amid strong interest from Belgian top-flight side Beerschot. Image: Sky Sports.
It took Rangers 35 minutes to notch their first effort on target but Morelos’ deflected header from John Lundstram’s centre was straight at Benjamin Siegrist, who had a relatively trouble-free afternoon in the United goal.
A disjointed Rangers struggled to find their usual tempo in the first half and Tangerines head coach Courts, who will turn 40 next week, will have been delighted with the endeavour and energy his team illustrated.
RAPID RISE: Courts stepped up from his role as Head of Tactical Performance to replace Micky Mellon at the end of last season after the team’s ninth-placed finish. Image: Sky Sports.
They caused problems for Rangers from set-pieces too. Experienced former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew met Peter Pawlett’s flighted free-kick with a firm header which looked to be heading wide but was turned around the post by McLaughlin, while United had two half-hearted penalty claims for handball in quick succession waved away by referee Don Robertson.
The hosts were dealt a blow early in the second half as Dundee-born Logan Chalmers hobbled off with what appeared to be a muscle strain and was replaced by Adrian Sporle.
Gerrard resisted the temptation to change any personnel himself at half-time but, initially at least, got the response he would have hoped for from his side.
After a corner was cleared to him 25 yards out, Tavernier had a pop at goal which was beaten away well by Siegrist.
NOT THIS TIME: Gerrard, currently the Premiership’s longest-serving manager, had seen his side beat Dundee United three times last season but they came unstuck. Image: Sky Sports.
Rangers had seized control but, against the run of play and with their first threatening moment since the break, United made the breakthrough.
Sporle galloped forward and his attempted forward pass came off Davis, breaking kindly for Robson. The left-back, who is reportedly attracting interest from Lincoln City and Sunderland, had continued his run and stole in to steer the ball past McLaughlin for his first goal since November 2017.
🎙️"Dundee United out of nowhere! A big question has been asked of Rangers!"
Here's a look at Jamie Robson's first goal since 2017 that has given @dundeeunitedfc the lead at Tannadice against Rangers. How will this one end up?
Rangers, who introduced Scott Wright in place of Lundstram to add another attacking option, almost equalised when Goldson met Tavernier’s corner inside the six-yard box but his header was agonisingly wide of the far post.
Gerrard turned to strikers Cedric Itten – who scored four goals off the bench last season, the most in the Premiership – and player-coach Jermain Defoe in the final 15 minutes in a bid to rescue the situation.
For the champions, it was the first time in 36 league matches they had failed to score as they missed out on the chance to open up an early six-point lead over Celtic, who host Dundee on Sunday afternoon.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Both sides will be in League Cup second-round action against Championship opposition next weekend. After that mammoth midweek match against Malmo, Rangers host Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox on Friday evening (13 August), while United travel to Ayr United the following day.
MANAGER REACTION
Dundee United head coach Thomas Courts: “To be fair, I had a weird feeling this week that we could actually win this game. I don’t know where it came from and, dare I say it, I didn’t want to mention it to anyone either because I think I would have looked foolish, particularly on the back of a poor performance last week. But I just had a sneaking suspicion that if we perform this week [we could win] and thankfully we did that and got a monumental victory.”
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: “From our point of view, not enough, not good enough. Over the course of the 90 minutes, I’m not sure that we deserved to lose the game but you always put yourself in that position if you don’t go and score goals. Away from home, what we created today wasn’t enough. The result and the performance is on me and my team. We’ll have to accept that and move on pretty quickly.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
TEAMS
TWO CHANGES: Logan Chalmers replaced Lawrence Shankland in the starting XI, while Jeando Fuchs came in as Mark Reynolds dropped to the bench. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Sporle (on for Chalmers 50′), Watson (on for Pawlett 80′) Not used: Carson (GK), Reynolds, Freeman, Mochrie, Neilson. Goals: Robson (64′) Assists: N/A Booked: Butcher (24′), Mulgrew (41′), Pawlett (66′), Fuchs (90+3′)
FOUR CHANGES: Jon McLaughlin returned in goal, Alfredo Morelos replaced Cedric Itten in attack, while Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo were also restored in place of Scott Arfield and Scott Wright. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Wright (on for Lundstram 69′), Itten (on for Kent 79′), Defoe (on for Morelos 82′). Not used: McGregor (GK), Patterson, Simpson, Arfield. Booked: Goldson (38′)
MATCH OFFICIALS
IN THE MIDDLE: Robertson put in a solid performance in his first Premiership game of the season. Image: Sky Sports.
Referee: Don Robertson Assistant referees: Sean Carr and Ralph Gordon Fourth official: David Dickinson
John Souttar’s late goal gave newly-promoted Hearts a morale-boosting victory over Celtic in a thrilling opening-day encounter at Tynecastle.
• Souttar heads last-gasp winner for Premiership newcomers • Ralston cancels out early Mackay-Steven opener • Postecoglou beaten in first league game as Celtic boss • Hearts unfurl Championship flag before kick-off
BIG MOMENT: Souttar celebrates his first goal since April 2019 in front of the Hearts fans. Image: Sky Sports.
HEARTS announced their return to the Scottish Premiership by scoring a late winner to condemn Ange Postecoglou to a disappointing defeat in his first league match as Celtic manager.
Gary Mackay-Steven came back to haunt his former club as he got the Jambos off to the perfect start in the eighth minute, capitalising on some suspect Celtic defending in the process.
Defender Anthony Ralston’s stunning solo effort, for only his third Celtic goal, brought the visitors level early in the second half.
But they couldn’t build on it and were left to rue poor marking in the closing stages, as John Souttar rose highest to head home Michael Smith’s free-kick and send Tynecastle into raptures.
The newly-promoted Jambos – who now have five wins from five games this season after a brilliant start in the League Cup – were rewarded for a strong finish but indebted to Craig Gordon, the goalkeeper whom Celtic released last season, for two brilliant stoppage-time saves at the end of a thrilling encounter in the Scottish capital.
PLENTY TO PONDER: Ange Postecoglou has endured a difficult start as permanent successor to Neil Lennon in the Celtic hotseat. Image: Sky Sports.
It’s been a long time since Celtic, who surrendered the league title to rivals Rangers and ended last season trophy-less, have started a campaign in such disarray. A lack of signings had led to their new Australian boss publicly calling out the board, who have been taking the flak for poor planning which resulted in the European defeat against Midtyjlland.
Postecoglou made three changes from the Denmark debacle as Swedish defender Carl Starfelt made his Celtic debut after completing quarantine following his arrival from Rubin Kazan, alongside Nir Bitton who returned from a European ban, while Liel Abada made his league bow and James Forrest started his first game of the campaign.
With only 5,272 Hearts season ticket holders and no away fans allowed in, there were unsavoury pre-match scenes outside the ground with the police having to intervene. But those permitted entry generated an electric atmosphere inside Tynecastle even before Celtic emerged to respectfully give Hearts a guard of honour, prior to chief executive Andrew McKinlay and owner Ann Budge bringing out the trophy and unfurling the Championship flag.
CELEBRATION: The flag was lifted as the curtain went up on the new league campaign, welcoming Hearts back into the Premiership. Image: Sky Sports.
Robbie Neilson was in a confident mood in his pre-match assessment and his side started in a similar vein. Indeed, it was a familiar face who added to Celtic’s woes inside the first 10 minutes.
Josh Ginnelly was released down the right and, as Starfelt got to the ball, it came back off the Hearts winger and teed up Liam Boyce. As Bitton made a last-ditch challenge on the striker, the ball fell kindly to Mackay-Steven who had the simplest of tasks to slide it home.
GOAL | Hearts 1-0 Celtic@JamTarts mark their return to the Premiership with a bang as Gary Mackay-Steven opens the scoring against his former club at Tynecastle!
Celtic responded well as David Turnbull, who had sliced an earlier shot wide, saw a low free-kick from just outside the box blocked before his corner was headed straight at Gordon by Odsonne Edouard.
Abada desperately appealed in vain for a penalty when going to ground after popping the ball through the legs of Smith, before new Hoops captain Callum McGregor slashed an effort wide from a tight angle after a positive run into the box.
At the other end, Boyce climbed above Ralston to guide a header narrowly over the crossbar from a corner as Hearts looked to press Celtic high up the pitch.
The visitors, seeing plenty of the ball, patiently probed and looked good when in possession but were blunt in attack. A positive influence down the right, Abada cut inside and lofted a shot over the crossbar before teeing up Turnbull to flash a drive wide, while McGregor produced a comfortable save from Hearts skipper Gordon after Bitton’s long diagonal was cleared.
Whilst staying disciplined in defence and driven by the impressive Baningime in midfield, Hearts’ average positions in the opening 45 were high up the pitch and they moved the ball forwards quickly every time they won it back.
Smith took the wrong option when he fired an angled drive into the stand from Mackay-Steven’s fine chipped pass, with Boyce lurking in space in the middle. Left wing-back Alex Cochrane, on loan from Brighton, then got on the end of Smith’s floated cross but pulled his shot harmlessly wide.
Ralston, who had blasted a shot into orbit just minutes earlier, linked up with Edouard before advancing towards goal, skipping away from three Hearts players and slamming the ball home superbly. Celtic’s currently only available right-back celebrated his first goal since December 2018 and ended Gordon’s run of 11 consecutive clean sheets in the Hearts goal.
GOAL | Hearts 1-1 Celtic@CelticFC have scored their first Premiership goal under Ange Postecoglou and it's Anthony Ralston who has got it, as the visitors draw level with Hearts! Who is going to win this one?
The ball was in the Hearts net again on the hour mark but the offside flag was raised against Greg Taylor, who had crossed for Abada to score. Replays showed it was a marginal decision which could have gone the other way if there was a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in operation.
Celtic were ramping up the pressure as Hearts retreated but very much struggled to fashion clear openings.
Surprisingly, particularly after his side had endured extra-time on Wednesday night, Postecoglou didn’t turn to his bench until the 78th minute as new Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi made his debut and Ryan Christie entered the fray, in place of Turnbull and Abada.
Given a lift by their own substitutions, Hearts carried a threat as Souttar’s header from a loose ball looked bound for the bottom corner and brought a smart save from Scott Bain. At the other end, opposite number Gordon’s gloves were warmed immediately by Christie after the midfielder was played in by Edouard in the right channel.
There was to be a dramatic finale as Hearts, urged on by their vocal home crowd, found a decisive moment in the 89th minute. There was no man more deserving than Souttar, on the recovery route from yet another serious injury, as the centre-back got on the end of the free-kick he had won and guided the ball past Bain.
GOAL | Hearts 2-1 Celtic
John Souttar has put @JamTarts back in-front against Celtic with just minutes to go at Tynecastle! Will they hold on?
Celtic twice almost grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time as Gordon made magnificent saves to keep out first Forrest and then Starfelt’s header, but it was Hearts’ night in Gorgie on their return to the big stage.
⛔️Craig Gordon produces two HUGE saves at the end against his former club to seal victory for @JamTarts on their return to the Premiership! What did you make of the game?👇
📺Reaction & analysis from Hearts vs Celtic is live now on Sky Sports Football pic.twitter.com/ipJomkDciL
After Rangers’ 3-0 win over Livingston earlier on Saturday, it was the worst possible start to the domestic campaign for a Celtic side also experiencing their poorest away league run since the mid-1990s, having not won on their travels since February.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Celtic travel to the Czech Republic for Thursday night’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg against FK Jablonec (kick-off 4.45pm BST) before their first home league game of the season next Sunday, 8 August, against Dundee (kick-off 3pm BST). Meanwhile, Hearts make the trip to Paisley to face St Mirren next Saturday, 7 August, with kick-off at 3pm BST.
It won’t be long before Celtic and Hearts are reunited – as they face each other again on 15 August at Celtic Park in the League Cup second round.
MANAGER REACTION
GREAT START: Robbie Neilson was thrilled to mark his side’s return to the top flight with an opening-day victory. Image: Sky Sports.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson: “We’re absolutely delighted to get three points against a very good Celtic team. We get the early goal and then they got control of the game. We had to try to manage them and then to react after they scored the goal as well was great for us, so all in all a good day but we need to do it next week now at St Mirren.”
TOUGH START: Postecoglou is still waiting for his first win as Celtic manager. Image: Sky Sports.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose the game. There were parts of our game where we were quite dominant in certain areas. We got ourselves back into the game and I thought it looked like we were more likely to win it but obviously we got done on the set-piece at the end.”
Substitutes: Furuhashi (on for Abada 79′), Christie (on for Turnbull 79′), Rogic (on for Soro 90′).
Not used: Barkas (GK), Welsh, Montgomery, Ajeti.
Goals: Ralston (54′)
Assists: Edouard (54′)
MATCH OFFICIALS
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Bobby Madden didn’t have many big decisions to make and didn’t issue any cards in his first league match of the 2021-22 season. Image: Sky Sports.
Referee: Bobby Madden Assistant referees: Graeme Stewart and David Roome Fourth official: Steven McLean
Rangers began their first Scottish Premiership title defence in 10 years with a 3-0 victory as stubborn Livingston were beaten at Ibrox.
• Hagi gets first goal of 2021-22 Premiership season • Substitutes Wright and Roofe seal comfortable win • 23,000 fans inside Ibrox for opening day • Champions set club record for home league wins in a row
ON TARGET: Kemar Roofe scored 14 goals for Rangers in his debut season last term and is up and running for the new campaign already. Image: Sky Sports.
RANGERS opened the 2021-22 Scottish Premiership season by starting their first top-flight title defence in 10 years with a dominant victory over Livingston.
Ianis Hagi notched the first goal of the campaign in the eighth minute with a composed finish from a deep free-kick, but was forced off injured before the break.
His replacement Scott Wright produced a sublime strike and fellow substitute Kemar Roofe helped himself to a late goal as the champions had to wait until the closing stages to seal the three points.
After ending last season with records tumbling, Rangers began their first season as defending top-flight champions since 2011-12 by setting another, with a 20th home league win in succession, and they are now unbeaten in 40 Premiership matches.
Steven Gerrard sprung a surprise by selecting Jon McLaughlin in goal and confirmed that no.1 Allan McGregor will face Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday, when they travel to Sweden for the third qualifying round first leg. With Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos the only absentees, Zambian forward Fashion Sakala made his debut as the main striker after catching the eye in pre-season.
Starting a season as a manager for the first time, David Martindale – who has lost a number of key players since the end of last term – gave first Livingston starts to new faces Adam Lewis, Ayo Obileye, James Penrice and Bruce Anderson, while player and assistant boss Marvin Bartley served the first game of a two-match ban carried over from last season.
With flag day put on hold until coronavirus regulations permit a full house inside Ibrox, Livi gave the Rangers players a guard of honour as they emerged to the backdrop of Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ being belted out by the home crowd, before the stadium fell silent for a minute to remember former Gers defender Ally Dawson, who died this week at the age of 63.
RESPECT: Livingston sportingly gave their opponents a guard of honour after their title success last season. Image: Sky Sports.
Rangers captain James Tavernier wrote a letter to the club’s fans calling on them to get behind the players taking a knee, stating it is a “symbolic gesture against racism, nothing more and nothing less”. Both teams and officials made the stance against racism before kick-off, which seemed to be respected by spectators inside the ground.
Tavernier, top scorer with 19 goals and 11 assists last season, lashed a shot over the crossbar from an acute angle after promising approach work as Rangers made a fast start.
And the champions didn’t waste any time in making it count as Hagi, who spoke before the game of his desire to improve his tally of goals and assists this season, got off the mark. Rangers’ young player of last term was completely free at the back post to take down Tavernier’s free-kick on his left foot and sell three Livingston players a dummy before smashing home on his right foot.
GOAL | Rangers 1-0 Livingston
Ianis Hagi gives the champions the perfect start at Ibrox after just seven minutes!
Joe Aribo’s awkward shot into the ground brought a smart save from Livi keeper Max Stryjek, who was also in the way of Ryan Kent’s deflected effort after a fine run from the Rangers no.14 as the hosts came at the visitors from all angles.
With Tavernier and fellow full-back Calvin Bassey effectively playing as wingers, it was wave after wave of Rangers attacks and it took Livingston until the midway point of the first half to get any kind of respite.
There was a premature end to goalscorer Hagi’s afternoon, with the Romanian unable to shake off the impact of a poor tackle from Livi’s on-loan Liverpool full-back Adam Lewis earlier, and Scott Wright entered the fray on the half-hour mark.
Wright’s former Aberdeen team-mate Anderson was ploughing a lonely furrow in attack for last season’s League Cup finalists Livi, who will have been satisfied getting to the break only one goal behind.
INEFFECTIVE: The 22-year-old has scored two goals in four League Cup appearances already this season but couldn’t make an impact at Ibrox. Image: Sky Sports.
Rangers, who enjoyed 75 per cent of possession in the first half, continued to control proceedings after the interval as Stryjek saved from Kent, who unleashed a low shot after bringing down Connor Goldson’s cross just outside the box.
John Lundstram, relegated from the Premier League with Sheffield United last season, made his Rangers debut just after the hour mark in place of Aribo while Livi used all three of their substitutions in the space of a 10-minute period.
One of the replacements, Jack Hamilton, couldn’t test the untroubled McLaughlin with a shot he dragged wide within seconds of coming on as Livi – who have now failed to score in any of their last seven league outings against Rangers – offered precious little in the final third.
At the other end, Wright’s header from Bassey’s centre was plucked out of the air by Stryjek at full stretch before Sakala’s quiet debut came to an end as the returning Roofe – who missed the recent warm-up games and will be suspended for the Malmo trip – got a run-out.
DEBUT: Sakala scored in last weekend’s 2-1 friendly win over Real Madrid but struggled to make a similar impression on his competitive bow. Image: Sky Sports.
The wait for a second goal seemed to be a long one but it was over in the 78th minute. Kent’s shot was charged down and, as the ball looped in the air, it was flicked on by Tavernier into the path of Wright, who bent a delightful effort with the outside of his right boot into the far corner.
GOAL | Rangers 2-0 Livingston
What. A. Hit. Scott Wright with a moment of magic to double the lead for champions Rangers at Ibrox.
The 23,000 fans packed inside Ibrox had another goal to celebrate in the final minute as Livi, who finished the game with 10 men after substitute Jaze Kabia limped off, failed to clear Steven Davis’s cross and the loose ball inadvertently dropped into the path of Roofe who converted from close range.
GOAL | Rangers 3-0 Livingston
Substitute Kemar Roofe seals an opening day win for Rangers who kick-off their title defence with victory over Livingston.
Just 77 days after lifting the Premiership trophy, Rangers’ bid to retain it is already up and running. Attention will now turn to rivals Celtic, who kick off against newly-promoted Hearts at Tynecastle this evening (Saturday) at 8pm BST.
WHAT’S NEXT?
After the midweek European trip to Sweden, Rangers travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United in the lunchtime match next Saturday, 7 August, with kick-off at 12.30pm BST. Meanwhile, Livingston will play their first home game of the campaign later in the afternoon when Aberdeen are the visitors to the Tony Macaroni Arena (kick-off 3pm BST).
MANAGER REACTION
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: “I thought it [the performance] was good in large parts. I think we played with a lot of control, there was very little action in our box. Jon [McLaughlin] had a relatively quiet afternoon so I’m really pleased about that. I thought from the first whistle until we went 1-0 up we were terrific and played with a real urgency and intensity that Livingston were struggling to cope with. I thought our mentality changed from 1-0, we complicated the game a little bit and everyone was taking that extra touch and slowed it down a little bit. It gave Livingston a chance to breathe. From 2-0 to seeing the game out, I thought we were fantastic again.”
Livingston manager David Martindale: “First half, it took us about 15 minutes to get to grips with our shape and what they were trying to do. We knew we were going to spend a lot of time in our half to be honest. Disappointed in the [first] goal as it came from a set-play we’ve got to defend better. I was fairly happy at half-time after the first 15 minutes. Although you go a goal down from a set-play, I don’t think Max [Stryjek] had a save to make and we limited Rangers’ chances in the first half. Rangers definitely deserved to win the game but 3-0 flattered them slightly if I’m honest.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
TEAMS
OPPORTUNITIES: There were starts for McLaughlin, Bassey and Sakala in Gerrard’s first league line-up of the campaign. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Wright (on for Hagi 31′), Lundstram (on for Aribo 64′) and Roofe (on for Sakala 71′).
Not used: McGregor (GK), Simpson, Patterson, Itten.
Goals: Hagi (8′), Wright (78′), Roofe (90′)
Assists: Tavernier (8′, 78′)
SAFETY FIRST: Martindale lined up with a 4-5-1 system as he handed four players – Obileye, Lewis, Penrice and Anderson – their debuts. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Kabia (on for Lewis 56′), Devlin (on for Sibbald 64′), Hamilton (on for Anderson 67′).
UNASSUMING: John Beaton, who sent off Rangers boss Steven Gerrard at Livingston last season, kept under the radar with no big decisions to make. Image: Sky Sports.
Referee: John Beaton Assistant referees: Dougie Potter and Alastair Mather Fourth official: Euan Anderson
Steven Gerrard’s champions ended a record-breaking campaign with a convincing victory over Aberdeen on trophy day at Ibrox.
SIMPLY THE BEST: Rangers’ players celebrate with the Scottish Premiership trophy. Picture: Sky Sports.
RANGERS completed a top-flight league campaign unbeaten for the first time in 122 years and finally lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy, as they ended a magnificent season for the club by sweeping aside Aberdeen.
It didn’t take long for the title party to get going at Ibrox as two deflected goals – one credited to Dons keeper Joe Lewis and the other to Kemar Roofe – had the champions two to the good at the interval.
The visitors missed two gilt-edged chances through substitute Fraser Hornby and top scorer Lewis Ferguson, who struck the underside of the crossbar, before Roofe extended the advantage with his second of the game.
Jermain Defoe, off the bench, grabbed a late fourth to seal another accomplished victory as the Gers became the first Scottish club to go a full league season unbeaten since Celtic under Brendan Rodgers in 2016-17, whilst finishing a whopping 25 points above their city rivals.
A remarkable campaign has concluded with records tumbling for relentless Rangers, who have emulated the club’s Invincibles of 1898-99, surpassed the 100-point mark to finish with 102 from a possible 114, broken the Scottish top-flight record for clean sheets with a 26th of the season, and secured a 100 per cent winning streak at home in the league for the first time since 2003.
CHAMPIONS: Rangers’ players with the trophy after bringing the curtain down on a spectacular season for the Glasgow giants. Image: Sky Sports.
RANGERS QUICKLY TAKE COMMAND
Unsurprisingly, there was a carnival atmosphere in Glasgow from the crack of dawn and fans gathered in numbers outside the stadium to greet their title-winning heroes.
Amidst the backdrop of fireworks and flares igniting outside the ground, Rangers set their stall out to sign off in style and wasted no time in getting into their stride – racing into a fifth-minute lead, albeit with a stroke of good fortune.
Ianis Hagi switched play to James Tavernier, whose delivery from the right channel deflected off young defender Jack MacKenzie and Dons captain Lewis – who was forced back from injury after fellow stopper Gary Woods had been ruled out – could only help it on its way as he tried to palm it clear.
The hosts’ dominance continued as the irrepressible Connor Goldson – who passed the 5,000-minute mark during the game, having not missed a single second of any match this term – headed a Tavernier corner narrowly wide.
The champions were aided by another deflection when doubling their lead. Ryan Kent – who scored the winner at Aberdeen on the opening day of the season – showed great persistence to ride a weak challenge from Connor McLennan and accelerate away down the left, before cutting the ball back for Roofe. His low effort inside the six-yard box deflected in off the unfortunate MacKenzie for his 17th goal of a fine debut campaign.
Aberdeen, who had won their previous three away league games, seemed intent on playing on the counter-attack and could have pulled one back immediately, but Ferguson made a mess of his first-time shot from McLennan’s cross which sailed harmlessly wide.
ABERDEEN THREATEN RANGERS’ CLEAN SHEET RECORD
Seeking a response to his side’s ineffective first-half display, Dons boss Stephen Glass sent on Hornby and Dean Campbell at the break – in place of on-loan St Johnstone forward Callum Hendry and former Rangers loanee Florian Kamberi.
FAMILIAR FACE: Former Aberdeen and Hibernian midfielder Stephen Glass took over the reins at Pittodrie in mid-April after the departure of Derek McInnes. Image: Sky Sports.
Hornby, who joined on loan from French club Reims in the winter transfer window, should have made an instant impact but guided Ryan Hedges’ left-wing cross wide from close range as he ghosted in unmarked.
The much-improved Dons had two half-hearted penalty claims turned down in quick succession before Ferguson – the Dons’ top league scorer this season with nine goals – blew their best chance when he somehow struck the underside of the crossbar from Hornby’s square pass when it looked easier to score.
The Premiership’s player of the season Allan McGregor was then called upon for the first time in the Rangers goal to turn away a Hedges shot, after Aberdeen’s player of the year had intercepted a loose Goldson pass intended for his centre-back partner Jack Simpson.
But after weathering an early second-half storm from the visitors, Rangers demonstrated their ruthless ability to make sure of the victory on the hour mark. Hagi pressed the Aberdeen defence and poked the ball into the path of Roofe, who bent it around Lewis from just outside the box into the far corner.
Gerrard sent on Defoe and Scott Arfield, in place of Morelos and Hagi, as the second half was much more open with Aberdeen the more threatening side.
THIRD TIME LUCKY: The former Liverpool captain has guided Rangers to title glory in his third campaign at the helm. Image: Sky Sports.
Hedges drove through a statuesque Rangers rearguard before seeing his effort kept out well by McGregor’s legs before Hornby scooped over from Jonny Hayes’ cutback as another opportunity went begging for the visitors, who illustrated why they have scored just nine league goals in 2021 – comfortably the fewest in the Premiership.
DEFOE HAS THE FINAL SAY IN STUNNING SEASON
Rangers introduced two former Dons players midway through the half, as Greg Stewart and January arrival Scott Wright replaced Kent and Roofe in attack. Stewart went close to increasing the lead within minutes of his arrival as he fizzed a low shot inches wide from 20 yards.
There was a sad end for Joe Aribo, deputising at left-back for the second consecutive match in Borna Barisic’s absence, as he limped off with 11 minutes remaining.
Fourth-placed Aberdeen had the better of the closing stages and carved out a couple of half chances but ultimately failed to score for a 16th league game this season, as a largely underwhelming campaign finished with a convincing defeat ahead of a big summer for the Pittodrie club.
But the spotlight belonged to Rangers, who rounded off another emphatic victory with two minutes left. Stewart dribbled forward and played it into the path of Defoe, who cut inside, held off a couple of challenges and rifled home his seventh goal of the season to match the scoreline that the Gers beat Aberdeen by back in November at Ibrox.
The Glasgow giants have been on a scarcely believable journey since clinching their previous top-flight title at Kilmarnock 10 years ago to the day and it was time for the moment everyone connected to the club had been waiting for.
Gers skipper Tavernier received the trophy from club legend John Greig and raised it aloft amid jubilant scenes both inside the ground and outside where fans had flocked to join in the celebrations.
Fans gathered outside to enjoy the title celebrations, despite police asking the crowds to disperse amid Covid regulations. Image: Sky Sports.
TEAMS
STRONG SELECTION: Steven Gerrard made just one change from Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Livingston as Allan McGregor returned in goal in place of Jon McLaughlin. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Arfield (on for Hagi 61′), Defoe (on for Morelos 62′), Wright (on for Roofe 69′), Stewart (on for Kent 69′), Itten (on for Aribo 79′).
Not used: McLaughlin, Firth, King.
Booked: Davis (85′)
Goals: Lewis own goal (5′), Roofe (34′, 60′), Defoe (88′)
Assists: Kent (34′), Hagi (60′), Stewart (88′)
SWITCH IN GOAL: Captain Joe Lewis returned from injury between the sticks, replacing Gary Woods who has also picked up a problem, in the only change from Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat by Hibernian. Image: Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Hornby (on for Kamberi 45′), Campbell (on for Hendry 45′), McGinn (on for Hayes 76′), Ramsey (on for Hedges 89′).
Not used: Ritchie, Gallagher, Ross, Kennedy, Ruth.
MATCH OFFICIALS
MAN IN BLACK: Walsh will end an impressive season on a personal level by taking charge of next Saturday’s Scottish Cup final between St Johnstone and Hibernian. Image: Sky Sports.
Referee: Nick Walsh Assistant referees: David McGeachie and Andy Milne Fourth official: Bobby Madden
The Fifa whistler will end a busy and impressive season on a personal level by taking charge of his first major showpiece final.
NICK Walsh will take charge of his first Scottish Cup final when St Johnstone face Hibernian at Hampden Park, the Scottish FA has confirmed.
The 30-year-old – who has previously been an additional assistant referee at three finals in 2017, 2018 and 2020 – will be the man in the middle when the two Premiership sides go head to head in Glasgow on Saturday 22 May.
Hibs, who have sealed a third-placed finish this term under Jack Ross, were beaten by St Johnstone in the League Cup semi-finals and will be hoping to lift the Scottish Cup for the fourth time. Their most recent triumph came in 2016.
Walsh, a Physical Education teacher by occupation, made his SPFL debut in 2013 and handled his first top-flight game in April 2016.
After making good progress, he was promoted to the Fifa list in 2018 – effectively replacing Craig Thomson, whose 15-year stint on the international scene came to an end.
Walsh has had an excellent season, in which he has enhanced his reputation and status among Scotland’s referees whilst being trusted with several big games.
At the start of May, he put in what was widely regarded as a strong performance on his Old Firm derby debut – in Rangers’ 4-1 win over Celtic at Ibrox. The highlight of his display was playing a good advantage in the build-up to Rangers’ opening goal before sending off Callum McGregor for a second bookable offence for a foul on Glen Kamara outside the box.
Celtic could take positives at Parkhead but Rangers remain unbeaten in the league as a 20-point gap remains between the rivals heading into the Scottish Premiership split.
• Elyounoussi heads home Celtic’s first derby goal of the season • Morelos scores in Old Firm derby for first time at 15th attempt • Both sides in pre-match show of solidarity against discrimination • Noguard of honour from Celtic for new champions Rangers
Recently-dethroned Celtic had the better of the third Old Firm derby of the season but had to settle for a point, as newly-crowned champions Rangers maintained their unbeaten Scottish Premiership record this season.
Mohamed Elyounoussi met Odsonne Edouard’s fine cross with a diving header to score Celtic’s first Old Firm derby goal of the season midway through the first half.
But Alfredo Morelos broke his duck by finally getting a goal against the Hoops at the 15th time of asking in all competitions, as he stooped to head home from close range seven minutes before the break.
An unchanged Celtic had several chances during a flat second period that they controlled, but interim boss John Kennedy – in charge of his third match, as he bids to stake a claim to be Neil Lennon’s permanent successor – was left frustrated that they didn’t manage to win.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard – taking charge of his 100th league game as Rangers boss – was content with a first Old Firm derby draw as a manager as his side are now five matches away from completing only the fourth ever unbeaten top-flight league campaign.
ON TOP: Celtic had more attempts, shots on target, corners and possession in the game. Picture from Sky Sports.
In the final Scottish Premiership game before the international break and the division splits in two, the top two clubs went head to head in their first league outing since Rangers sealed their first Scottish top-flight title since 2011 and ended Celtic’s chances of an unprecedented 10 in a row in the process.
It was only confirmed on Friday that the game would go ahead amid fears it would be called off, after thousands of Rangers fans broke coronavirus lockdown restrictions by gathering to celebrate the club’s title success a fortnight ago. The Scottish government successfully liaised with police, both clubs and the football authorities to align the message for fans to stay at home while there was a significant police presence in Glasgow.
As interim boss Kennedy confirmed on Friday, there was no guard of honour from Celtic for their eternal rivals, who had refused to give Celtic the same mark of respect when they arrived at Ibrox as champions in May 2019.
Following suit with other clubs across Scotland on Saturday, the Old Firm stood together in solidarity against all forms of discrimination by not taking the knee.
🟩🟦United against discrimination
Celtic & Rangers players both stand in solidarity against racism before the match at Parkhead 🤝
There was also a nice touch in the warm-up as Celtic captain Scott Brown went over to speak with and embrace Kamara, whose boss Gerrard said before kick-off that the player was ‘fine’ and ‘looking forward to the game’.
🤝A touching moment at Parkhead as Celtic captain Scott Brown shows his support to Glen Kamara after the Rangers midfielder suffered alleged racist abuse on Thursday in the Europa League
The 423rd meeting of the old-age rivals didn’t start with the ferocity normally accustomed to these derbies. But, with the pitch in pristine condition in sun-kissed Glasgow for the high noon kick-off, both sides looked relaxed in the early stages as they settled into the contest – which was once again played behind closed doors.
Callum McGregor – the only Celtic player to start all 32 league matches this season – fired a shot over from the edge of the box after linking up well with Stephen Welsh, when David Turnbull’s free-kick from the left had been cleared.
At the other end, Borna Barisic delivered a cross which was slightly behind Morelos, who readjusted but could only direct his header straight into Scott Bain’s gloves. It was the game’s first attempt on target, in the 21st minute.
But two minutes later, the blue touch paper was lit. McGregor’s fine pass down the left channel released Edouard, who clipped a first-time cross into the six-yard box where Elyounoussi got away from Filip Helander to plant a diving header past Allan McGregor for his 15th of the season.
OPENING GOAL: Elyounoussi heads home to give Celtic the lead. Picture from Sky Sports.
It sparked Celtic into life and Edouard looked to have a certain scoring opportunity when he skipped away from Barisic inside the box after a slick passing move.
But, after going down, the striker was shown a yellow card for diving by referee Willie Collum – taking charge of his eighth Old Firm derby and first since December 2019.
Both interim boss Kennedy and captain Brown said after the game they felt it should have been a penalty.
INCIDENT: Edouard went down as Barisic slid in but was booked for simulation. Picture from Sky Sports.
With Leon Balogun given a tough time as a makeshift right-back in captain James Tavernier’s continued absence, McGregor – whose own goal settled January’s derby at Ibrox in Rangers’ favour – got in behind him again but his low effort was denied by his namesake in the Rangers goal.
But the visitors – who were looking for a fourth successive derby win – found a response, as Morelos grabbed his long-awaited first goal against Celtic.
An inswinging Barisic corner – poorly defended by Celtic and needlessly conceded by Jonjoe Kenny – was flicked on by Balogun to the back post, where the Colombian striker was free to nod home from close range and net for the fifth successive league match.
FITTING NUMBER: Morelos scored his 55th league goal for Rangers – the same number of titles they have now won. Picture from Sky Sports.
A barnstorming finale to a first half which took a while to get going saw both goalkeepers called into action in quick succession.
The lively pair of Edouard and Elyounoussi combined again with the former kept out by the feet of McGregor, who then had to scoop behind a downward header by Elyounoussi from Turnbull’s corner.
Ryan Kent, who was threatening throughout for the visitors, produced a thunderous first-time volley on his left foot from Ianis Hagi’s floated pass which brought the best out of Bain.
Celtic had the first chances of the second half as Welsh headed a Turnbull corner narrowly over the crossbar before Edouard’s left-footed strike from 20 yards was parried away by McGregor.
The Hoops had gained a measure of command as they continued to ask questions of the Rangers backline, particularly down the left flank through the impressive Diego Laxalt. To negate his increasing influence, Nathan Patterson was introduced for his Old Firm derby debut for Rangers, in place of Balogun.
Turnbull latched on to a delightful Ryan Christie pass but his low shot was kept out by the feet of McGregor, before Edouard headed over from a Turnbull corner from close range.
Both sides had scored 29 goals between them in the final 15 minutes of league matches this season but, despite maintaining a high tempo, neither team could find a winner.
Celtic’s on-loan Everton full-back Kenny brought a routine save out of McGregor from the edge of the box with a tame shot, while Connor Goldson – who scored twice at Celtic Park in October – looped a header from a Barisic corner wide of the post.
A 20-point gap remains between the teams, who will meet again at Ibrox for the fourth and final time this season after the split but – before that – attention will switch to pursuing Scottish Cup glory and their respective third-round ties in a fortnight’s time.
TEAMS:
UNCHANGED: Celtic fielded the same starting XI as in the goalless draw at Dundee United in their previous game. Picture from Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Forrest (on for Turnbull 78′), Rogic (on for Elyounoussi 85′), Soro (on for Brown 88′), Griffiths (on for Edouard 88′).
Not used: Barkas, Duffy, Bitton, Taylor, Klimala.
Booked: Edouard (27′), Brown (54′), Laxalt (66′)
Goals: Elyounoussi (23′)
TWO CHANGES: Steven Gerrard restored Filip Helander and Ianis Hagi to the line-up, as Nathan Patterson and Scott Arfield dropped to the bench. Picture from Sky Sports.
Substitutes: Patterson (on for Balogun 56′), Arfield (on for Hagi 65′), Wright (on for Aribo 77′), Roofe (on for Morelos 77′).
Not used: McLaughlin, Bassey, Zungu, Itten, Defoe.
Booked: Morelos (61′)
Goals: Morelos (38′)
REACTION
REFLECTIVE: Celtic interim boss John Kennedy has won one and drawn two of his three games at the helm since Neil Lennon resigned. Picture from Sky Sports.
Celtic interim boss John Kennedy told Sky Sports: “Pleasing performance. I thought we were dominant for most of the game. Rangers get the set-play goal which was disappointing and one or two little skirmishes in the box, untidy bits, but other than that I thought we had good control, created numerous chances ourselves and we should have had a penalty kick. We’ve spoken to Odsonne [Edouard] and looked at the TV footage, there’s minimal contact but when you’re going at full flow and a player comes in recklessly like that, you have to hurdle it and get out of the way.”
DOUBLE FIGURES: Gerrard took charge of his 10th Old Firm derby as Rangers boss – he’s won five, drawn one and lost four. Picture from Sky Sports.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports: “I thought it was a good game. Both sides trying to win it, we tried to be really positive with our substitutions during the game. Celtic had some good opportunities, we had a couple of opportunities. I think the game was all set for someone to go to grab it and win it. But we’re away from home, we’re the champions, we’ve taken seven points out of nine in terms of Old Firm games, we’re still 20 points clear. This is a more positive result for us than them.”
MATCH OFFICIALS
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Experienced referee Collum had a good game. Picture from Sky Sports.
Referee: Willie Collum Assistant referees: Frank Connor and Sean Carr Fourth official: Kevin Clancy
The young South Yorkshire whistler will reach an important step in his relatively short career so far.
HE’S been quietly impressing in the lower echelons of the football pyramid and now he’s about to get a chance that he has worked hard to achieve.
Thomas Bramall is only in his third season as a Football League referee, but had missed much of the last campaign after suffering a serious ACL injury in pre-season, which had threatened to thwart his progression as an official.
But the unassuming referee will step out on Saturday (20 March) in English football’s second tier for the first time as the man in the middle, when Preston North End welcome Luton Town to Deepdale.
It will mark a significant moment in the fledging career of the young whistler, who could put himself in a strong position to get further Championship appointments before the season’s end, and subsequently in contention for promotion to Select Group 2, if he performs well.
In Lancashire, he will be ably assisted by the experience of James Wilson and Steven Meredith running the line and Jeremy Simpson on fourth-official duties.
Bramall isn’t the first official to have been given a maiden opportunity to demonstrate his ability in the Championship lately, with fellow National List official Craig Hicks trusted to take charge of Blackburn Rovers’ clash with Bristol City at Ewood Park on Wednesday evening (17 March).
But Sheffield-based Bramall has certainly shown on countless occasions over a period of time that he is capable of handling what the frantic and unpredictable nature of arguably one of the best leagues in world football can throw up on any given day.
With both Preston and Luton locked in mid-table, he will take comfort from the fact that very little will be riding on the outcome – which will at least ease some of the pressure – but he will be hoping to repay the faith shown in him.
In the early weeks of the campaign, he put in three positive displays in front of the television cameras – including encountering a Premier League club – which could only have enhanced his credentials.
He was assured in taking charge of Ipswich’s 2-0 win over Wigan in League One and West Bromwich Albion’s 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town in the League Cup second round on Sky Sports, as well as Doncaster’s 5-1 win at FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup first round live on BBC Two.
Bramall has also had the experience of overseeing Liverpool and Manchester United’s Under-23s in the EFL Trophy.
Still a relatively new face on the block to fans of Football League clubs, he was refereeing regularly in the National League less than four years ago.
Bramall’s unfortunate injury restricted him to just five matches in the latter part of last term but the manner in which he has recovered and kicked on this term is testament to his character and ability.
Interested followers among refereeing circles who have seen him in action think he has the potential to progress, and this latest step forward could be the start of another chapter in a career that could go far.
The experienced official will assume the responsibility of handling the crunch clash as Rangers’ first league match as champions is a short trip across Glasgow to face the Hoops.
WILLIE Collum will take charge of his eighth Old Firm derby when Celtic host newly-crowned champions Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday (21 March).
The 42-year-old Fifa whistler will oversee the eagerly-anticipated third showdown of the season between the fierce Glasgow rivals, which will kick off at midday and be screened live on Sky Sports.
Collum will be assisted on the day by Frank Connor and Sean Carr, while Kevin Clancy – who has refereed two Old Firm derbies himself – will be the fourth official.
In the final Scottish Premiership game before the international break and the division splits in two, it’s also the first encounter between the league’s top two clubs since Rangers have claimed their first Scottish top-flight title since 2011 and ended Celtic’s chances of an unprecedented 10 in a row in the process.
It was confirmed on Friday (19 March) that the game will go ahead, after it was at risk of being called off when Rangers fans breached lockdown to celebrate their team’s title win in scenes described as “disgraceful” by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The teams are also set to meet again after the split before the season draws to a close.
COLLUM’S VAST EXPERIENCE GETS HIM THE NOD
EXPERIENCE: Collum’s extensive previous handling of the Old Firm rivalry counts in his favour for the powderkeg fixture. Picture: Sky Sports.
Although very little will be riding on the outcome of the teams’ 423rd meeting, aside from the usual bragging rights, both sides will undoubtedly be keen to get one over their adversary.
The authorities and two clubs have been teaming up to spread the message for fans to stay away from Celtic Park on the day, amid fears of recent title celebrations in the city repeating themselves.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then that the long-serving referee who has been in the middle for the most Old Firm derbies among the current crop of officials has been tasked with keeping the peace once again on derby day in Glasgow – which will once again be played behind closed doors.
In the same second-half incident, he sent off Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong and awarded Rangers a penalty – which was missed by Alfredo Morelos – just three minutes after Christopher Jullien headed in the only goal, which appeared to be a yard offside.
His last Old Firm clash in the league was Steven Gerrard’s first defeat in the Premiership as Rangers boss, in his 13th match at the helm back in September 2018, and involved controversy.
His first and only experience of the Old Firm at Ibrox came six months earlier in the business end of the 2017/18 campaign as 10-man Celtic edged a see-saw battle 3-2.
Collum’s biggest decision came in the 57th minute and appeared to have been made for him, as assistant referee Douglas Ross was captured on camera shouting “red card” several times down his mic which ultimately was Jozo Simunovic’s fate for an elbow in the face of Morelos.
Similarly to Gerrard, Collum was also in charge of Pedro Caixinha’s first defeat as Rangers manager, as he awarded a penalty for Celtic in their routine 2-0 win in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden in April 2017.
Collum was at the helm for the long-awaited first league derby between the sides in four-and-a-half years back in September 2016, which proved to be one of the more memorable matches in the full-blooded and long-running rivalry.
He sent off Rangers defender Phillipe Senderos in the 75th minute for two bookable offences and ordered Gers assistant boss David Weir to the stands shortly after, as Celtic ran riot in their 5-1 success – helped by Moussa Dembele’s historic hat-trick.
You have to go back to December 2011 – when Neil Lennon was in his first spell as Celtic boss and Ally McCoist was in the Rangers hotseat – for his previous taste of the Old Firm, when Celtic overtook Rangers at the top of the league table with a vital 1-0 victory at Parkhead.
Having booked two players in the first five minutes, he later awarded Rangers a controversial penalty midway through the second half as Celtic felt Kirk Broadfoot had dived over Daniel Majstorovic’s challenge and there were questions about whether Collum had actually seen the incident himself.
HIGHLY REGARDED: Collum has attracted criticism over controversial incidents throughout his career but is well respected in Scotland. Picture: BBC Scotland.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS SEASON’S OLD FIRM MATCHES?
The first Old Firm clash of any campaign usually carries a great deal of significance in setting the tone for the rest of the season – and it proved to be the case again this term.
Rangers inflicted a sizeable early blow in the title race with a deserved 2-0 win at Celtic Park in mid-October against a somewhat depleted Celtic side, which had Covid issues to contend with, as two-goal Connor Goldson proved to be an unlikely hero.
With the lack of spectators in the stadium keenly felt on what was a unique occasion, it proved to be a rather quiet afternoon for referee John Beaton.
Taking charge of his third Old Firm and first at Celtic Park, the 38-year-old showed four yellow cards – two for each team – as Rangers overpowered a lacklustre Celtic and opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table at the time.
SPOTLIGHT: John Beaton caused controversy in a Rangers match recently when booking Alfredo Morelos for diving at Livingston when a penalty should have been awarded. Picture: Sky Sports.
Gerrard’s Gers also prevailed in the New Year showdown, which was a fitting tribute on the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox disaster, to go 19 points clear of their rivals heading into the second half of the campaign.
Callum McGregor’s unfortunate own goal in the 70th minute proved the difference back on 2 January – eight minutes after Celtic’s Nir Bitton was sent off for hauling down Morelos in the Rangers right channel, when adjudged to be the last man.
MAN IN BLACK: Bobby Madden was in charge of the last Old Firm derby. Picture: Sky Sports.
COLLUM’S CAREER AND CAMPAIGN SO FAR
Scotland’s most experienced official, Collum – who now resides in north Lanarkshire – is no stranger to high-profile games with a wealth of domestic and international experience.
The Religious Education teacher has handled two League Cup finals, two Scottish Cup finals, two Scottish Premiership play-off finals, and the 2015 Uefa Super Cup.
No referee has taken charge of more Scottish top-flight games than the Glasgow-born referee, who will handle his 303rd such match in the Old Firm derby – having eclipsed the recently-retired Craig Thomson’s record of 285 games.
Collum, who began his refereeing career in 2000, took charge of his first SPL match in April 2006 – the same year he became a Fifa-listed referee.
FAMILIAR FACE: Collum has been a mainstay in Scotland’s top-flight for 15 years. Picture: Sky Sports.
He has been a Uefa Elite Category level official in June 2012 and has officiated 36 matches in the Champions League proper (excluding qualifiers) – including two quarter-final ties – and 26 in the Europa League proper – including a semi-final in 2018.
But Collum has fallen out of favour on the European front in the last two seasons, with Bobby Madden appearing to have replaced him at the top of the pecking order as Scotland’s leading referee.
QUICK RETURN: His last Premiership match was also at Celtic Park, for the Hoops’ 1-0 win over Aberdeen on 27 February. Picture: Sky Sports.
Domestically, Collum has encountered Celtic more times (73) than any other club. The Hoops have won 54, drawn nine and lost 10. His first was a 2-1 home league win over Inverness in February 2008.
He will take charge of his sixth Celtic game of the current season – with the Hoops unbeaten in the previous five.
Collum was in the middle for the opening-day 5-1 win over Hamilton, followed by the eventful 3-3 draw at Aberdeen in October.
He then oversaw a 3-0 home win over Dundee United in late December, and 2-2 draw at Livingston in January in which he sent off Celtic captain Scott Brown late on for for lashing out at Jaze Kabia, and a 1-0 home win over Aberdeen as recently as 27 February in Kennedy’s first match as interim boss.
Meanwhile, he has overseen 51 matches involving Rangers, who have won 33, drawn six and lost 12. His first was also a home league clash against Inverness – a 1-1 draw back in March 2007.
It will be his third Rangers match of the campaign and first in 2021. They will be hoping for a hat-trick of Old Firm wins and victories with Collum in charge, after he officiated their 2-0 win at 10-man Hamilton in August and 1-0 victory over Hibernian at Ibrox on Boxing Day.
After Rangers begin 2021 with another crucial victory over their city and title rivals, you can’t help but feel that the top-flight trophy is finally heading back to Ibrox again.
NEW CHAMPIONS ELECT? The Scottish Premiership trophy, which has been adorned with the green and white of Celtic for the past nine seasons, could be changing colour this term. Picture: Sky Sports.
THERE’S still plenty of time for dramatic twists, collapses and turns, as we have seen before, but Rangers’ slender 1-0 victory in the New Year Old Firm derby felt decisive – even at this halfway stage of the campaign.
Both teams needed no reminders of the significance of three points – particularly Celtic, as they bid to claw back a sizeable deficit and reignite fading hopes of achieving an historic 10th successive league title this term.
Neil Lennon, who has previously masterminded some crucial victories at Ibrox in both spells as Celtic boss, would have been encouraged by his side’s recent upturn in form and better defensive record in the league heading into Saturday’s showdown.
He continued with the midfield diamond and strike partnership of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths, which has proved effective of late, whilst keeping faith with the likes of young dynamic duo Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull and making the bold decision in ending captain Scott Brown’s remarkable run of 30 successive Old Firm derby starts.
They made an imposing start and dominated proceedings in the first half. Indeed, if it wasn’t for the heroics of veteran Rangers keeper Allan McGregor, who was named man of the match, in denying Edouard and Griffiths in particular – the narrative could well have been different.
The first hour of proceedings was as close to the vintage Celtic we’ve become accustomed to as we have seen all season, moving the ball crisply from side to side and penning their opponents back for sustained spells whilst posing a regular threat in the final third.
But ultimately they couldn’t cash in on their superiority and, just as Lennon was thinking about turning to his bench in search of inspiration to change things up, the dismissal of makeshift centre-back Nir Bitton just after the hour-mark proved to be the major turning point.
Alas, the loss of the injured Christopher Jullien – for what Lennon revealed pre-match could be three to four months – will be keenly felt in the run-in, especially in light of Shane Duffy’s indifferent form since arriving from south of the border.
Lennon made his feelings known afterwards about Bitton’s early exit, suggesting Bobby Madden made the wrong decision, but Alfredo Morelos appeared to have a clear run at goal and the referee made the correct call.
The red card gave an off-colour Rangers the incentive they needed to up the ante and the winning goal wasn’t long in arriving thereafter, albeit with a huge stroke of fortune off the shoulder of the unsuspecting Callum McGregor.
The Gers missed the steel of Ryan Jack in the engine room and the creative spark that Scott Arfield often provides, but Steven Davis more than made up for it, with the Northern Irishman’s vast experience in front of the back four proving pivotal in ensuring the hosts kept a measure of composure in getting over the line.
Rangers have had a habit in recent years of coming out on top in the first derby of a calendar year, now winning each of the last three, only for their challenge to fall away after the winter break by dropping points in matches they were expected to win.
But given their imperious form and obvious improvement, this term feels very different. The determination to stop Celtic reaching 10 in a row has been evident since the first game of the season and they haven’t allowed themselves to be distracted at any point so far.
A 19-point lead at this stage of the season is huge, and a fair reflection of what we have witnessed so far. It’s also testament to the way Rangers have gone about their business and learnt from previous lessons in their bid to address the balance of power in Glasgow and beyond.
Even if Celtic were to win each of their three games in hand – away at Livingston and home to Aberdeen and St Mirren – it would still realistically require Rangers to lose three or four matches of their own, which seems nigh on impossible right now.
The very fact the Gers have recorded some comprehensive wins to rack up a sizeable goal-difference margin, which stands at 22, is also extremely valuable.
As the dust settled on their third derby victory in succession, Steven Gerrard and Allan McGregor were quick to roll out the “the win is the most important thing” line – which is of course correct – as well as emphasise the need to humble and switch focus to their next assignment at Aberdeen.
It’s only game one of 2021 and the players must of course keep their feet on the floor but inside the Rangers dressing room, there will be more than a quiet sense of confidence that they have taken a seismic leap to the club’s 55th title.
By the time the next Old Firm meeting – currently scheduled for the weekend of 20/21 March at Celtic Park – comes along, it could be very close to being mathematically assured unless the very unlikely can become reality.
We’ve seen in the past that you write Celtic off at your peril and they have illustrated during their glorious run of title successes that they can rise to any challenge.
In his post-match assessment, Lennon said his players have to “keep going, keep our heads together, be consistent and disciplined” but conceded they have “a long way to go now”.
But even the most optimistic of Hoops fans could make a case for them displacing their fierce rivals from top spot now. For the first time in 10 years, the top-flight trophy is surely heading to the other side of Glasgow.
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