Tag: Old Firm derby

Celtic and Rangers share the spoils in Old Firm derby

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
• No guard 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. 

Rangers’ record 55th league title was confirmed after they beat St Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox on 6 March and Celtic were held to a goalless draw at Dundee United the following day.

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. 

The collective decision was made after Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara was allegedly racially abused by Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela during Thursday’s Europa League defeat at Ibrox, and forward Kemar Roofe also shared sickening abuse he subsequently received on social media.

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’. 

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

Celtic v Rangers: Willie Collum to referee Old Firm derby

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.

Rangers’ record 55th league title was confirmed after they beat St Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox on 6 March and Celtic – currently managed by interim boss John Kennedy – were held to a goalless draw at Dundee United the following day.

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.

The last of Collum’s previous seven derbies was, on paper, the most important – coming back in December 2019, when Celtic beat Rangers 1-0 in the League Cup final at Hampden Park.

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.

The former Liverpool captain claimed his side were “done by a refereeing decision” and that fourth official John Beaton told referee Collum that Ryan Jack was fouled by Tom Rogic in the build-up to Olivier Ntcham’s winning goal in Celtic’s 1-0 home win.

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.

Collum perhaps won’t have great memories of his first Old Firm derby as a referee at the age of 31, when Rangers came from behind to beat Celtic 3-1 at Parkhead in October 2010.

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.

Then Celtic boss Lennon said Collum had “a lot of questions to answer” after the game, when it also emerged that Collum had received threatening phone calls at his home.

OVERALL OLD FIRM RECORD
Games: 7
Celtic wins: 6
Rangers wins: 1 
Draws: 0
Yellow cards: 38 (Rangers 21; Celtic 17)
Red cards: 3 (Rangers 2, Celtic 1)
Penalties: 3 (Rangers 2, Celtic 1)

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.

Hoops boss Lennon disagreed with the decision of referee Bobby Madden – handling his sixth Old Firm derby – which he argued had a “huge impact” on the game.

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.

Collum went to Euro 2016 as Scotland’s only representative for his first major international tournament as a referee and left filled with pride in his team’s performances.

He officiated Turkey’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and France’s 2-0 victory against Albania – brandishing eight yellow cards, no reds and awarding no penalties before being sent home after the group stage.

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.

In October 2019, he was heavily criticised for mistakenly awarding a last-gasp penalty to Borussia Monchengladbach for a perceived handball, when the ball had actually hit Roma’s Chris Smalling in the face. The spot-kick was scored and the Europa League group-stage game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The 2020/21 campaign has typically been a busy one for Collum – indeed no other official has handled more Scottish Premiership games than him.

He is set to preside over his 20th top-flight match and 36th in all competitions.

Collum has so far dished out 96 yellow cards, sent off seven players and awarded 18 penalties.

The last of those spotkicks came in his most recent outing but was missed by Arbroath in their 2-0 defeat at Dundee in the Scottish Championship on Saturday (13 March).

COLLUM’S RECORD WITH THE OLD FIRM

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.

Scottish Premiership title race all but over as Rangers find a way to beat Celtic again

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.

Rangers v Celtic: Bobby Madden to referee first Old Firm derby of 2021

The experienced whistler will oversee his sixth Old Firm derby when the Glasgow giants trade blows at Ibrox.

Bobby Madden looks on
TRUSTED: Madden has been a safe pair of hands in his previous Old Firm matches. Image: Sky Sports.


BOBBY Madden has been confirmed as the referee for the first Old Firm derby of 2021, when Rangers and Celtic will lock horns behind closed doors again. 

The 42-year-old will take charge at Ibrox when the Scottish Premiership leaders take on the champions of the last nine seasons, for the second meeting of the two Glasgow giants this term in another eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table battle. 

The lunchtime kick-off, at 12.30 BST, on Saturday 2 January will be screened live on Sky Sports. 

Madden will be ably assisted by experienced assistant referees David McGeachie and Daniel McFarlane, while the fourth official is the highly-rated Nick Walsh – who is still to make his Old Firm debut in the middle.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers have the upper hand in the title race and a comfortable lead at the summit after an outstanding start to the campaign, while Celtic have improved of late following a wretched run of form which intensified the pressure on manager Neil Lennon. 

Going into Saturday’s showdown, both teams won their most recent league outings on Wednesday (30 December) – Rangers were comfortable 2-0 winners at St Mirren while second-placed Celtic eased to a 3-0 home victory over Dundee United. 

EXPERIENCE COUNTS AS NUMBER ONE BOBBY GETS THE BIG ONE AGAIN

Bobby Madden referee
FIGUREHEAD: Madden, who has been officiating in Scotland’s top-flight match for almost a decade, is a well respected referee. Image: Sky Sports.


The appointment is perhaps a reflection of the fact that Madden is now widely seen as Scotland’s top official both at home and abroad, taking the mantle from Willie Collum who had been leading the way since Craig Thomson retired. 

The East Kilbride whistler, now a regular in the UEFA Champions League and international qualifiers, has been tasked with handling his sixth Old Firm encounter – and first since September 2019. 

Incidentally, Rangers – whom the official has been accused of supporting in the past – are yet to emerge victorious on derby day when Madden has been in the middle but will be favourites with many to do so on this occasion. 

His maiden experience of the powderkeg fixture came back in March 2017 in a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park. He brandished six yellow cards in what was a fairly quiet contest, but incurred the wrath of then Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who felt his side should have been awarded a penalty late on for a Clint Hill challenge on Leigh Griffiths. 

Madden booked six players again when overseeing the last Old Firm derby of 2017, the day before Hogmanay, in another Parkhead tussle. It ended goalless and, to the referee’s relief, without major incident. 

His next taste of one of world football’s most fiercest rivalries was in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park, at a time when Celtic were calling all the shots. The dominant Hoops ran out 4-0 winners that day in April 2018. Another six yellow cards were accompanied by a red card for Rangers’ Ross McCrorie, which led to one of two penalties given in Celtic’s favour. 

It was back to Celtic Park for Bobby’s fourth Old Firm, which was a pulsating clash featuring three goals, two red cards – one after the final whistle – off-the-ball flashpoints and an 86th-minute winner by James Forrest in a 2-1 Celtic victory. Amongst the many incidents Madden had to contend with, Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was sent off in the first half and team-mate Andy Halliday also saw red after tempers frayed at full-time. 

His most recent Rangers-Celtic match was his first at Ibrox and the first of last season, as Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes sealed a 2-0 Celtic success on 1 September 2019. Madden, who booked two players, also flashed a straight red card to Rangers winger Jordan Jones in the dying stages for a challenge on Celtic’s Moritz Bauer. 

His proven ability of handling these troublesome of matches will have undoubtedly given him the edge to be appointed over other officials, with only only one of his colleagues – Collum with seven – having taken charge of more Old Firm derbies amongst the current crop.

But even Madden won’t have experienced what he will on Saturday – as for the second successive Old Firm there will be no fans in attendance, due to coronavirus restrictions. Earlier this year, he talked about how strange the prospect would be. 

OVERALL OLD FIRM RECORD

Games: 5 
Celtic wins: 3
Rangers wins: 0 
Draws: 2 
Yellow cards: 25
Red cards: 4
Penalties: 2

MADDEN’S SEASON SO FAR

Bobby Madden
VISIT: Madden will take charge of his first match at Ibrox this season. Image: Sky Sports.


The UEFA First Category official has had a busy first part of the season – his first appointment of the new calendar year will be his 20th match as referee in all competitions of 2020/21. 

Overall, he has so far issued 59 yellow cards, sent off two players and awarded seven penalties. 

Prior to the Old Firm, his most high-profile matches of the campaign have been officiating England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley in October and Ajax’s 2-1 victory at FC Midtjylland in the Champions League group stage in November.   

Domestically, he has encountered Rangers three times already this term, in three televised away wins, but Celtic only once – also on the road. 

Madden had the honour of refereeing the opening Scottish Premiership game of the season as Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 at Pittodrie in August. He booked just one player but sent off Dons defender Andy Considine for a straight red late on. 

He awarded Rangers two first-half penalties, both for handball and both converted by the irrepressible James Tavernier, in their 5-1 demolition of Motherwell at Fir Park in late September but had an easier outing when Gerrard’s side strolled to a 4-0 success at League One Falkirk in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup at the end of November. 

Meanwhile, his only previous match involving Celtic was on 21 November in their dramatic 2-2 draw at boss Lennon’s former club Hibernian – when he awarded both teams a penalty as the Hoops came from 2-0 down at Easter Road.

Madden was seen most recently on Boxing Day when he booked three players in Dundee United’s 1-1 draw against Motherwell in the Premiership at Tannadice.

HOW THE OLD FIRM GIANTS HAVE FARED WITH MADDEN IN THE PAST

Bobby Madden
REGULAR: Madden has a wealth of experience in handling both Old Firm teams. Image: Sky Sports.


Interestingly, Celtic and Rangers have both experienced the same number of matches with Madden in the middle – he’s previously handled 40 games in all competitions for both respective teams. 

Of those, Celtic have marginally had the better results – with 32 wins, five draws and three defeats – whereas Rangers have racked up 29 wins, three draws and eight losses when Madden has had the whistle. 

He’s sent off 10 Rangers players, compared to only four red cards for Celtic, but he’s awarded the Gers 12 penalties – one more than he’s given to the Hoops. 

His first Celtic game was a 2-1 league win over Dunfermline at Celtic Park in November 2011, while his maiden Rangers match came a month later when they beat Inverness by the same scoreline at Ibrox in the top flight. 

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST OLD FIRM?

Referee John Beaton
LOW-KEY: Beaton largely stayed under the radar during Rangers’ 2-0 win at Celtic Park earlier in the season. Image: Sky Sports.


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 has 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 the 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 – the man recently in charge of last season’s epic and belated Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Hearts. 

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. 

WHO’S TAKING CHARGE OF THE OTHER NEW YEAR GAMES?

A quick check on the officials for the other five Scottish Premiership games in the first round of fixtures for 2021. All matches are on Saturday, kicking off at 15.00 BST. 

Kevin Clancy
IN THE MIDDLE: Kevin Clancy will oversee the New Firm derby at Pittodrie. Image: BBC Sport Scotland.


Ross County v St Johnstone 
Referee: Willie Collum
Assistants: Graham Chambers and Jonathan Bell
Fourth official: Barry Cook 

Kilmarnock v St Mirren
Referee: Craig Napier 
Assistants: Sean Carr and Stuart Hodge
Fourth official: Steven McLean 

Hibernian v Livingston
Referee: David Munro
Assistants: Graeme Stewart and Paul O’Neill 
Fourth official: Alan Muir 

Hamilton Academical v Motherwell
Referee: Colin Steven
Assistants: Alan Mulvanny and Craig Ferguson 
Fourth official: Duncan Williams 

Aberdeen v Dundee United
Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistants: Frank Connor and Dougie Potter
Fourth official: Steven Reid

Scottish Premiership: Steven McLean to referee Old Firm derby

Fifa referee Steven McLean will take charge of his first ever Old Firm derby when the two fierce Glasgow rivals meet on Hogmanay at Ibrox.

  •  First Old Firm derby for Renfrewshire whistler McLean
  •  First derby not officiated by Collum or Thomson since 2012
  •  Second league meeting of the season
  •  Celtic boss Rodgers’ first trip to Ibrox

Steven McLean referee
On the rise: McLean is regarded as one of the up and coming officials in Scottish football and on the international stage (Picture from Sky Sports)

Steven McLean will referee his first ever Old Firm derby in the televised New Year’s Eve lunchtime showdown, the Scottish FA has confirmed. 

The highly-rated Fifa official has been given the difficult task of administering law and order in the Hogmanay meeting of bitter Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic (KO 12:15 BST, live on Sky Sports).

He will be assisted at Ibrox by Frank Connor and Douglas Ross – who were also the linesmen for September’s Celtic Park derby – while John Beaton will be keeping the peace in the dugout as the fourth official.

Both meetings this term – Celtic’s 5-1 league win and 1-0 League Cup semi-final victory at Hampden – were officiated by seasoned campaigners Willie Collum and Craig Thomson respectively.

Collum and Thomson – Scotland’s only Uefa Elite Category officials – are the only referees among the current crop in the country who have previously experienced what is one of the most thankless tasks in world football.

So there is a certain level of responsibility on the shoulders of McLean, who has seemingly beaten off competition from Beaton and Bobby Madden to be appointed, in order to show that other officials are capable of rising to this particular challenge.

Only in an interview at the start of the season did McLean confidently insist the country’s whistlers can cope with the return of the unique Old Firm environment and there is enough strength in depth in terms of the number of leading match officials.

The 35-year-old has shown he can handle high-profile occasions in the 2014 League Cup Final at Celtic Park and last season’s dramatic Scottish Cup Final involving Rangers, after which he and his fellow match officials were caught up in an unsavoury pitch invasion.

steven-mclean-in-action-inverness-v-ross-county-27th-oct-2015
Regular: McLean will take charge of his 11th Scottish Premiership game of the season at Ibrox (Picture from BBC Scotland)

McLean has been fourth official for two Old Firm derbies before but nothing can quite prepare him for his debut in the middle, with the Scottish Premiership’s top two desperate to sign off in 2016 with a winning feeling and bragging rights to boot.

The East Renfrewshire whistler endured an eventful afternoon in Rangers’ home win over Aberdeen at the start of the month, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off both Gers defender Clint Hill and Dons skipper Ryan Jack in stoppage time.

Incidentally, McLean last encountered Celtic in a league match against the Dons at Pittodrie in October but many Hoops fans felt he allowed Aberdeen to apply too much rough treatment despite only brandishing five bookings in their side’s 1-0 victory.

They were the only occasions he has officiated either side in the league this term although McLean oversaw Rangers’ first competitive game of the campaign, in their 2-0 win at Motherwell in July in the Betfred Cup.

Celtic supporters will also remember McLean as the referee who oversaw their controversial Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Inverness in 2015.

The officials – including an additional assistant referee positioned behind the goal – failed to spot a clear handball by Josh Meekings on the line before Hoops keeper Craig Gordon conceded a penalty and was sent off.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila was furious after the game with the first-half decision, which happened when his side led 1-0, and the club subsequently wrote to the Scottish FA but nothing came of their complaints.

McLean has since handled five matches involving the champions without any major controversy but incurred the wrath of then Hearts boss Robbie Neilson for failing to protect his players against Hamilton in November.

Steven McLean points for goalkick (Hearts v St Johnstone - 2nd August 2015)
Fresh: McLean hasn’t officiated a game since Hibernian’s 1-1 draw at Greenock Morton in the Championship on December 17 (Picture from BT Sport)

Overall, he has brandished 95 yellow cards, sent off four players (three in the Premiership and all for second bookable offences) and awarded four penalties in 21 games in all competitions so far this season.

McLean – a Fifa referee since 2010 who refereed his first SPL game in November 2008 – is the older brother of former Ross County and Dundee United defender Brian McLean.

A qualified fitness instructor and physiotherapist, he is now employed full-time by the SFA as a referee recruitment and education officer.

Elsewhere, Willie Collum will be in the middle for Hearts against Aberdeen on Friday night as third and fourth in the table lock horns at Tynecastle.

You can see a full list of this weekend’s SPFL match official appointments here.

‘Horrendous and horrible’ – Fans react:

As is normally the case before any derby encounter, there is a lot of division among fans on social media – but most supporters of both teams have been largely united in being unimpressed with the choice of referee.

State of play:

Mark Warburton’s Rangers will be desperate to make home advantage count as they seek to record a first league win over their arch nemesis since a memorable 3-2 win over nine-man Celtic at Ibrox in March 2012.

But Celtic will have other ideas in their bid to increase their lead at the summit to a massive 19 points and simultaneously maintain their unbeaten domestic record this season under Brendan Rodgers.

Both sides had mixed fortunes on Wednesday night, with Rangers failing to get the better of St Johnstone in a 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park while goals from Erik Sviatchenko and Stuart Armstrong gave Celtic a routine 2-0 victory over Ross County at Parkhead.

Attention can now fully turn to the 404th meeting in one of world football’s oldest rivalries. Rangers know only a fifth league win in six games would be enough to keep alive their slim hopes of toppling Celtic, who have scored 11 goals in their last three away league games.

Five-star Celtic thrash 10-man Rangers in season’s first Old Firm derby

Moussa Dembele’s hat-trick helped Celtic thump five past Rangers in the first Old Firm derby in the Scottish Premiership for five seasons to maintain their 100% start to the league campaign.

  •  Dembele nets perfect hat-trick: header, left foot & right foot
  •  First league Old Firm for four and a half years
  •  Rangers suffer first Scottish Premiership defeat of season
  •  Rodgers gets better of Warburton as bosses clash in dugout for first time

dembele-goal-2-0
Star of the show: The Frenchman took his tally of Celtic goals to seven in all competitions already this season with a stunning hat-trick showing (Picture from Sky Sports)

MOUSSA Dembele scored a sensational hat-trick as a dominant Celtic swatted 10-man Rangers aside in the Scottish Premiership’s first Old Firm derby for five seasons.

The former Fulham striker, who only started because Leigh Griffiths was ruled out through injury, notched a double in the space of nine first-half minutes with a header and fine finish.

Joe Garner – on his first start for Rangers – gave the visitors hope by nodding home Kenny Miller’s header from close range on the stroke of half-time.

But Dembele set up Scott Sinclair, who netted for the fourth successive league game, before completing his historic treble to seal the deal.

And substitute Stuart Armstrong added gloss in stoppage time for the Hoops, who have now recorded four wins from four at the start of a league season for the first time since 2010.

The 20-year-old’s first career hat-trick was the first in an Old Firm league game since Stevie Chalmers in 1966, as the eagerly-awaited first league meeting of Glasgow’s fierce rivals since April 2012 delivered in every department and gave the Manchester derby a run for its money.

In truth, it was a comfortable afternoon for the champions, who laid down an early marker in their quest for a sixth successive title, as Brendan Rodgers enjoyed a winning Old Firm debut and his side maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign in some style.

Brendan Rodgers with Chris Davies and John Kennedy
Sitting pretty: Rodgers, centre, watched on as Celtic moved four points clear of Rangers at the top of the table with a game in hand (Picture from Sky Sports)

In contrast, it was a rotten first trip to Celtic Park for opposite number Mark Warburton as the Gers lost Rob Kiernan to injury and debutant Philippe Senderos to two daft bookable offences – before assistant manager Davie Weir was ordered to the dressing room.

Rangers began brightly but quickly faded away to become second best by some distance as their unbeaten, yet stuttering, return to Scotland’s top-flight came to a painful end at the home of their city neighbours.

For Celtic, it was the perfect warm-up for the start of their Champions League group stage campaign against Barcelona on Tuesday, with the only worry being Scott Brown’s withdrawal with a minor injury on 74 minutes.

Even though it failed to reach breaking point, the Hoops skipper – in his 23rd Old Firm appearance – enjoyed the hugely-anticipated duel with Joey Barton. And the recently retired Scotland international had the last laugh with another verbal jibe, claiming it was “men against boys”.

Although that was the case by the end, it was much tighter in the typically frantic opening exchanges, when lots of inflatables made their way on to the pitch and added to the carnival atmosphere inside a packed Parkhead.

griffiths-in-stands
Watching brief: Celtic’s leading scorer, who missed Scotland duty after coming off against Aberdeen, sat out again with a hamstring injury (Picture from Sky Sports)

Tom Rogic, who scored in April’s Scottish Cup semi-final before missing the decisive spotkick, had a couple of early sighters off target as he took up some intelligent positions in behind Rangers’ three-man midfield.

After an even opening, Celtic came on strong and started the unexpected rout on 33 minutes when Dembele rose above Kiernan to meet Sinclair’s corner before leaving Senderos for dead to confidently finish past Wes Foderingham and put the hosts firmly in control.

Rangers appeared to have dragged themselves back in contention before the interval as Garner bundled in Miller’s header from a James Tavernier cross – the club’s first league goal at Celtic Park in four visits.

After Andy Halliday replaced an ineffective Kranjcar for the start of the second half, the Gers briefly threatened to draw level when Barrie McKay curled a shot wide of the far post.

But the champions soon settled into their rhythm once more as Dembele’s defence-splitting pass released Sinclair, who clipped in off the post to continue his impressive start since arriving from Aston Villa.

As Celtic’s Patrick Roberts and Rangers forward Martyn Waghorn made their respective comebacks from hamstring injuries off the bench, Gers keeper Foderingham had to deny Armstrong and Dembele from distance.

Joey Barton
Me and my big mouth: Barton was made to eat his words as he failed to turn up on the big stage – and Celtic counterpart Brown delivered a statistical masterclass (Picture from Sky Sports)

Rangers began to unravel and a debut to forget for Senderos was compounded when the experienced former Arsenal defender, booked for a foul on Sinclair earlier, was dismissed by Willie Collum for a deliberate and daft handball.

It got worse when Warburton’s right-hand man Weir also received his marching orders for a foul-mouthed rant at fourth official Kevin Clancy.

Celtic showed no signs of letting up and ruthlessly cashed in on the numerical advantage in the closing stages, as Dembele took down a Mikael Lustig cross and fired home his third. He could be forgiven for the overzealous celebrations which earned him a booking.

Armstrong, in his first taste of the famous rivalry, had the final say with a goal his excellent cameo merited – tucking into the bottom corner from Kieran Tierney’s cutback in added time.

The headlines, though, belonged to one man and, with Griffiths confirmed to be absent for the trip to the Nou Camp, Rodgers will be hoping the irrepressible Dembele can continue in the same vein.

As Celtic reflected on setting the standard in the first of four expected Old Firm showdowns this term, Rangers were left to lick their wounds and re-evaluate their options whilst scurrying out of the back door in the east end of Glasgow unnoticed.

But the real winner is Scottish football: the Old Firm is well and truly back, and here to stay!

TEAMS:

celtic-xi
Four derby debutants: Summer signings Dorus de Vries, Kolo Toure, Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele tasted the Old Firm for the first time (Picture from Sky Sports)

Substitutes:  Armstrong (on for Rogic 54′), Roberts (on for Forrest 64′) and McGregor (on for Brown 74′)

Not used:  Gordon (GK), Gamboa, Izaguirre, Ciftci.

Booked:  Bitton (8′), Toure (49′), Roberts (80′), Dembele (84′)

Goals:  Dembele (33′, 42′, 83′), Sinclair (61′), Armstrong (90+2′)

 

rangers-xi
Old Firm initiations for five: Philippe Senderos, Josh Windass, Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar and Joe Garner all lined up against Celtic for the first time (Picture from Sky Sports)

Substitutes:  Halliday (on for Kranjcar 45′), Waghorn (on for Miller 63′) and Forrester (on for Kiernan 72′)

Not used:  Gilks (GK), Hodson, Hill, O’Halloran.

Booked:  Kranjcar (29′), Senderos (63′), Kiernan (68′)

Sent-off:  Senderos (75′)

Goals:  Garner (44′)

MATCH OFFICIALS:

willie-collum-referee
Under the radar: Scotland’s Euro 2016 referee gave seven yellows and a red but managed his third Old Firm derby very well and came through unscathed (Picture from Sky Sports)

Referee: Willie Collum (Scotland) – 8/10
Assistant referees: Douglas Ross and Frank Connor (Scotland)
Fourth Official: Kevin Clancy (Scotland)

Attendance: 60,000

REACTION:

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “It was a great day for the club and the team. If you think of all the travelling this team has put in over the last couple of weeks, with a lot of players away, to get back in and produce that level of performance with that energy in the team, I thought it was an outstanding team performance.”

Rangers manager Mark Warburton: “It was hugely disappointing. We were just talking in there that the fans were magnificent for us. I thought we were good in the second half. McKay had a good chance and we were in a good shape but we made some poor decisions and gave away cheap goals. As a group in there, we know that.”

Celtic v Rangers: Ten things to look out for in the Old Firm derby

With the first Old Firm derby in the Scottish top-flight in four and a half years on the horizon, here’s 10 things to cast an eye over at Celtic Park.

Celtic v Rangers Old Firm derby (September 2016)
History: The two most successful teams in Scotland, who first locked horns in 1888, will meet for the 402nd time this weekend (Picture from Sky Sports)

After an international break in which Scotland proved their mettle in Malta, the Scottish Premiership returns with the biggest of bangs. 

Two cup ties in the last two seasons have given a small taste of what to expect but the first league meeting of Celtic and Rangers in four and a half years is sure to provide a more mouth-watering encounter to savour for a Saturday lunchtime.

Although the worldwide audience may be slightly diminished with the Manchester derby scheduled at the same time, the opening Old Firm derby of the campaign is the showdown everyone has been waiting for.

Rangers, back on the top-flight scene after working their way up the ladder in the face of adversity, are still yet to convince they can challenge their rivals from across Glasgow, who will look to maintain their 100 per cent league record ahead of a daunting trip to the Nou Camp to start their Champions League group stage campaign.

You can be forgiven for not knowing what to expect – other than the unexpected – so here are 10 things to keep a close eye on at Celtic Park…

1)  Barton and Brown midfield match-up

Joey Barton and Scott Brown
The best of enemies: Barton, 34, (left) has been stoking up the fires with Brown, 31, as the pair prepare to do battle on the pitch for the first time (Picture from Sky Sports)

Ever since the transfer of the summer in Scottish football arose, the mind games and banter has been flying around and the Twitter talk about how the combustible duo would conduct themselves on the same field has barely stopped.

Thankfully, there hasn’t been a long wait to find out – and Barton’s arrival at Ibrox has only added further spice to what was always going to be a titanic tussle.

If you believe everything you read and what’s been said, Barton is a Celtic fan (as well as a world beater), Brown is not ‘in the same league’ as him and Aberdeen are Celtic’s biggest title challengers. But now, the time has almost come for the football to do the talking.

Brown, who has retired from Scotland duty in a bid to extend his Celtic career, has masses of Old Firm experience and used to like pushing El Hadji Diouf’s buttons – now he has another egotistical Rangers hothead to wind up.

Barton has played in high-profile battles south of the border but nothing on this scale and, after a slow start to his Rangers career, will be desperate to make a positive impact on the grandest of stages. Something he is more than capable of doing.

With two of the country’s biggest personalities going head to head, there is only room for one ego on the same field and don’t be surprised if one – or indeed both – lose their cool and don’t last the full 90 minutes.

2)  Shaky defending from both sides 

Rangers v Celtic defenders (Sept 2016)
Susceptible: Although there have only been 66 goals in the last 35 Old Firm derbies but (left to right) James Tavernier, Rob Kiernan, Efe Ambrose and Dedryck Boyata are all prone to individual errors (Picture from Sky Sports)

Despite the teams’ undoubtedly quality which makes them stand out as Scotland’s best, neither are renowned for their defensive stability.

Both have experimented with a back-three and a mixture of youth and experience in recent times but are yet to find the right solution to suit their personnel.

Although Eoghan O’Connell, 21, has shown a high level of maturity in the season’s early weeks, Celtic’s problems stem from constant changes to their centre-back pairing and their ability to make costly individual errors – Efe Ambrose being the prime candidate.

Whereas, Rangers have more experience of Scottish football in their ranks – Danny Wilson and Lee Wallace having played in several Old Firm meetings.

But rustiness is still evident, with Clint Hill admitting he still needs to get up and running and Wallace pulling out of Scotland duty with an injury complaint, while James Tavernier can often be too cavalier going forward, leaving acres of space waiting to be exploited.

With the stakes as high as they can reach and no margin for error, it will be interesting to see how messrs Warburton and Rodgers line up at the back and whether they will risk a more youthful look to the defence.

Neither have kept a clean sheet in the league so far this term and you would have to be extremely brave to bet on that statistic changing in this game of all games.

3)  Drama upon drama

Celtic v Rangers feud April 2011
Worth the wait: It will be the first league meeting since Celtic’s 3-0 win over Rangers at Parkhead in April 2012 (Picture from Sky Sports)

It would be no exaggeration to suggest a full-blooded Old Firm – complete with the usual cliffhangers that leave you wanting more – could rival an hour-long episode of Eastenders for explosive drama and unmissable viewing.

With sub-plots happening all over the pitch and every kick of the ball being keenly fought for, you can barely take your eyes off the action, of which there is a whole lot more than your average game.

Even a tepid battle between the sides – and there have been some in the past – contains its fair share of excitement and intensity to maintain your attention but rarely does it disappoint as far as entertainment value is concerned.

Assuming both sides finish in the top six (which is almost guaranteed), there will be four Old Firm encounters in the league this season and, should they all live up to the billing, Scottish football as a whole would be the biggest winners.

4)  Passion on the terraces

Celtic and Rangers fans
Loud and proud: Fans of Celtic and Rangers, who are separated by a mere six miles, will generate an electric atmosphere at Celtic Park (Picture from Sky Sports)

When the fixtures were released in June, this was the one that everyone with Celtic and Rangers connections across the globe will have looked for before any other.

Ever since, the anticipation has been building – on derby day in Glasgow, emotions extend far deeper than the confines of the pitch.

An Old Firm occasion means so much to so many, regardless of the prize on offer, and the raw passion from a full house of 60,000 fans at Celtic Park will undoubtedly reverberate across the city on Saturday afternoon.

No matter what stage of the game or how well their team is doing, both sets of supporters will act as the proverbial twelfth man and could make the difference to ease the tension on the players and edge their side over the finishing line.

5)  Touchline antics

Mark Warburton on sidelines (v Hibernian - 1st November 2015)
Optimistic: The 53-year-old, the first Englishman to be Rangers manager, is in confident mood as he prepares for his trip to Celtic Park (Picture from Sky Sports)

Mark Warburton and Brendan Rodgers may have worked together on the coaching staff at Watford nine years ago, however Saturday represents the first time the two talented managers will come up against each other.

The pair – who were huge hits north of the border with Liverpool and Brentford respectively – have never been known for allowing feelings to overflow in the technical area and largely adopt a composed presence when issuing instructions to players.

If the game is played in good spirits, it might prove to be a quiet afternoon for the fourth official.

But, in the highly-charged derby environment when discipline and temperament can often fly out of the window faster than a tackle can fly in, anything goes and if decisions aren’t going their way they will be quick to make their dissatisfaction seen and heard.

Warburton has already sampled the atmosphere that comes with an Old Firm clash, albeit in different surroundings at the national stadium, hiherto it will be unchartered territory for Rodgers, who will know by the end of the afternoon just what all the fuss is about.

6)  Attacking firepower coming to the fore

Rangers v Celtic attacking options (Sept 2016)
Fearsome four: Rangers duo Miller and Waghorn and Celtic’s Griffiths and Forrest are likely to be the key attacking weapons which decide the game (Picture from Sky Sports)

The big games always bring the best out of the big names and there will be plenty on show who will be looking to make an impact in the biggest match in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.

On Celtic’s side, Leigh Griffiths – who sweeped the player of the year awards with 40 goals last season – will be fresh from having the international break off, while James Forrest and Scott Sinclair have the creative potential to be the match-winner.

Regardless of who forms the attacking triumvirate behind Griffiths, it will contain enough quality to cause Rangers all sorts of problems.

One man who will be on a mission to take down the Hoops will be Kenny Miller, who has a habit of popping up with vital contributions as he did on the last derby day and will be full of condence after bagging four against Linfield. With Martyn Waghorn getting back to his best and Barrie McKay in top form, Rangers possess the tools to give Celtic a tough time.

There are options aplenty for both managers to choose from and, in a high-profile game when attack is likely to be the best form of defence, they should opt to overload their offensive choices which will make for a more open and expansive match and play to the strengths of both sides.

7)  Officials feeling the pressure

old-firm-derby-officials-10th-september-2016
The third team: Collum, 37, who went to Euro 2016, will be assisted at Celtic Park by Douglas Ross, Frank Connor and fourth official Kevin Clancy (Pictures from Sky Sports)

Keeping control of an Old Firm derby can be as difficult a job for match officials as both sets of players care to make it.

Even before a ball is kicked, the referee has already adorned the status of ‘public enemy number one’ and Willie Collum, who has often come under fire for controversial calls, can expect nothing less than a tough afternoon.

He may have two Glasgow derbies under his belt, albeit in 2010 and 2011, but those experiences will count for very little once he sounds the first whistle.

As much as players are under pressure to perform, referees’ careers are also on the line in the biggest of fixtures and there is no margin for error.

Collum has kept a low profile in recent times after a flurry of high-profile errors earlier in the year but is notoriously card-happy, so the approach he adopts on Saturday will be interesting to observe.

As ever, concentration and position will be key  – with an added need to stay focused amid a cauldron of noise inside a Parkhead packed with passionate patrons. If he survives the 90 minutes and isn’t being spoken about afterwards, that can be considered an achievement.

8)  Revenge on Celtic minds

It may have hammered the final nail in Ronny Deila’s coffin to end his turgid two-year tenure but the Hoops will still be reeling, and hurting, from the Hampden horror of seeing their Glasgow adversaries progress to the Scottish Cup final at their expense in April – even though Hibernian went on to lift the trophy.

In contrast to Rangers’ stuttering form on their top-flight return, Rodgers’ men have made an assured start to their quest for a sixth successive league title and brushed aside their nearest challengers in the last two seasons, Aberdeen, with relative ease before the international break.

But the biggest opportunity to lay down an early-season marker in the title race comes this weekend – and Celtic will be desperate to send Rangers packing with a firm reminder of their status as the country’s force.

Only then could memories of Tom Rogic’s wild spotkick, which sparked even wilder Gers celebrations in front of their eyes at the national stadium, be truly laid to rest.

9)  Fast and furious…even before the word ‘go’

Celtic v Rangers challenge April 2012
Tumultuous: The home side have won the last four league meetings, on the back of a fast start to proceedings (Picture from Sky Sports)

The unrelenting tempo and frenetic nature made the Old Firm derbies of old a joy to watch from both a fans and neutral perspective.

Those occasions were simply unmissable and had a tendency to start at 100 miles per hour before speeding up somewhat.

Although the League Cup semi clash of 2015 lacked any real punch, last season’s Scottish Cup thriller delivered the typical blood and thunder encounter which ushered in a new era renewing the oldest of fierce rivalries.

The first league meeting in over four years has been a long time coming and – despite the prize only being three league points at this stage of the season, as opposed to a place in a domestic cup final – the competitive edge will be evident even before the first whistle has been blown.

10)  Derby debutants looking to impress

scott-sinclair-comes-on-for-celtic-debut-v-hearts-6th-aug-2016
Impact: Winger Scott Sinclair, 27, has made a positive impression for Celtic with four goals in six appearances in all competitions so far (Picture from Sky Sports)

A new league usually brings a raft of new signings and it’s been no different for Rangers, with 12 new faces winging their way through the Ibrox doors this summer.

It’s been a bit quieter on the Celtic front with six players drafted in as Rodgers looked south of the border to integrate fringe players from English clubs whilst opting for quality over quantity.

Of all the recruits from both sides of the divide, none have experienced this unique occasion before, which may count against some of them in the cauldron of Celtic Park.

Lively striker Joe Garner and former Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos are likely to receive their first Rangers starts after run-outs in last weekend’s friendly thrashing of Linfield, with the latter bringing a wealth of international nous to the Gers backline.

For Celtic, Cristian Gamboa could be thrown in at the deep end following his deadline day arrival from West Bromwich Albion but that prospect is one the Costa Rica right-back is already relishing.

Many of the summer buys have already had a settling-in period but still have a point to prove – and Saturday lunchtime at Parkhead is no better time to do it. If they can perform to a high level in their Old Firm initiations, it would certainly bode well for the mammoth season ahead.

Celtic v Rangers: Willie Collum to referee Old Firm derby

The Euro 2016 referee will be in the middle at Celtic Park for the first Old Firm derby in the league since April 2012.

Willie Collum referee (Motherwell v Celtic - 9th April 2016)
Renewing acquaintances: Collum will make his second trip to Celtic Park of 2016 but it will be the first time he encounters Rangers in this calendar year (Picture from Sky Sports)

EURO 2016 referee Willie Collum will take charge of his third Old Firm derby when Celtic welcome Rangers to Celtic Park this weekend.

The 37-year-old has been given the responsibility of keeping a lid on proceedings this Saturday lunchtime for the first league meeting between the fierce Glasgow rivals for four and a half years (KO 12:00 BST, live on Sky Sports 2).

He will be ably assisted by Frank Connor and Douglas Ross, with Kevin Clancy on electronic board duties as fourth official.

Collum, of Lanarkshire, will be in the middle for his eighth game in all competitions this season – and third in the Scottish Premiership.

His latest outing came last weekend in which he booked three players in world champions Germany’s 3-0 win over Norway in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Ross – who was one of his assistants in Oslo – is also involved in politics, as a Scottish Conservative councillor for Fochabers-Lhanbryde on Moray Council and Member of Scottish Parliament for the Highlands and Islands.

Collum has kept a low-profile so far this season, issuing just two yellow cards apiece in both St Johnstone’s goalless draw with Aberdeen on the opening weekend and Hearts’ 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle on August 27.

But it will be difficult for the Glasgow-born whistler to stay out of the headlines as he prepares to handle the biggest game of the season so far and his third fixture involving the sides – all of which have come at Parkhead.

Collum endured an eventful Old Firm derby debut in October 2010 at the age of 31, as Rangers came from behind to win 3-1 – after which he received death threats.

Two of the five bookings came in the first five minutes and he awarded a controversial second-half penalty to the Gers when Kirk Broadfoot fell easily over Daniel Majstorovic, even though he appeared to have his back turned to the play at the time.

Then Celtic boss Neil Lennon was critical of him afterwards for making what he felt was “two big mistakes” which cost his team.

Collum then oversaw Celtic’s 1-0 victory at Parkhead in December 2011, for which his handling of what might have been a volatile game was roundly praised but Lee Wallace had a goal ruled out for Rangers which had actually crossed the line.

willie-collum-in-action-inverness-v-celtic-29th-november-2015
Modest record: Collum dished out 11 yellow cards in his two previous Old Firm derbies, which were not without major talking points (Picture from Sky Sports)

He encountered Celtic seven times last season – in their 2-0 win over Ross County on opening weekend, 3-1 win at Dundee United later in August, October’s 3-1 win against Aberdeen, a 3-1 success at Inverness in November, the 3-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final victory against Morton in March, April’s 2-1 win at Motherwell and their 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone in May.

During those games, Collum awarded three penalties to Celtic, whereas in contrast, he was in the middle for only three Rangers games in 2015-16 – but awarded the Gers a penalty in each one.

Collum – a part-time Religious Education teacher at a Bellshill primary school – was a late replacement for Craig Thomson to oversee Mark Warburton’s first game in charge in the 6-2 win over Hibernian in the Challenge Cup first round at Easter Road in July.

He was also in charge of their 4-0 win at Morton in September and 2-1 defeat at Falkirk in December, awarding a controversial spotkick for both sides in a decisive promotion battle at the Falkirk Stadium.

Warburton branded some of Collum’s decisions as “shocking” – referring to the penalty awarded to the hosts when Danny Wilson clearly brought down Will Vaulks outside the box, before Martyn Waghorn’s late penalty was saved after a perceived handball by Craig Alston.

Father-of-three Collum, who has been a Fifa referee since 2006, went to Euro 2016 as Scotland’s only representative for his first major international tournament as a referee and left filled with pride in his team’s performances.

Willie Collum in action
Understated: Collum performed well in both of his group-stage matches and kept out of the spotlight (Picture from ITV Sport)

He officiated Turkey’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and France’s 2-0 victory against Albania – brandishing eight yellow cards, no reds and awarding no penalties – before being sent home at the end of the group stages.

A notoriously card-happy Collum, who began refereeing in 1993, is no stranger to dealing with difficult situations and has a wealth of experience in so-called big games both domestically and across Europe.

He has been in charge of two Scottish Cup Finals in 2013 and 2015, the 2012 League Cup Final, two Premiership play-off second leg ties as well as receiving the honour of refereeing the 2015 Uefa Super Cup when Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-4 in Tbilisi.

But Collum was dropped from officiating Premiership fixtures for several weeks last season after a number of high-profile blunders, including two penalty incidents in Aberdeen’s 3-1 defeat at Inverness in February.

Craig Thomson has handled the last two meetings – Celtic’s 2-0 League Cup semi-final victory in February 2015 and Rangers’ win on penalties in last season’s Scottish Cup semi.

And, having yet to encounter either side this season, it was widely expected Collum – the only other referee with previous Old Firm experience among the current crop of officials – would be appointed to the first derby of the campaign.

As domestic action resumes this weekend after the international break, champions Celtic have played a game less but sit one point ahead of second-placed Rangers – who have won only one of their last seven trips to Celtic Park.

It will be Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers’s first taste of the Old Firm but, as he prepares to come up against Mark Warburton for the first time in the dugout, the Rangers boss tasted victory in a penalty shoot-out on his derby debut in the Scottish Cup in April.

REACTION:

ELSEWHERE…

The experienced Crawford Allan has been assigned to Aberdeen’s home match against Inverness later on Saturday.

You can view a full list of SPFL match official appointments here.

Celtic v Rangers: Previewing the Old Firm derby

CELTIC and Rangers will go head to head in the first Old Firm derby in almost three years on Sunday in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park.

Celtic v Rangers challenge April 2012

CELTIC and Rangers will go head to head in the first Old Firm derby in almost three years on Sunday in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park.

The two Glaswegian rivals will battle for a place in the March 15 final against Dundee United after the Tangerines came from behind to knock holders Aberdeen out on Saturday.

Both have gone in vastly different directions since Celtic won the last meeting 3-0 in the Scottish Premier League at Parkhead in April 2012.

The Hoops – now under the stewardship of Ronny Deila with the Norwegian replacing Neil Lennon last summer – are gearing for a fourth successive top-flight title having experienced the highs and lows of the Champions League and won the Scottish Cup in 2013.

The Gers meanwhile were subsequently expelled to the fourth tier having gone through liquidation and administration but – having gained successive promotions – sit 13 points adrift of Scottish Championship leaders Hearts in the race to return to the Premiership.

As well as numerous players, both managers will be making their Old Firm initiations although Light Blues caretaker boss Kenny McDowall – who took over from Ally McCoist last month and will himself resign at the end of the season – has tasted this fixture for 18 years as a coach.

Celtic, having won four league games in a row and kept five successive clean sheets, are overwhelming favourites to emerge victorious as they seek to win the League Cup for the first time in six years.

27-time winners Rangers – the most successful side in the competition – will take confidence from the fact they have beaten three Premiership teams in cup ties this season although their last two league matches against Hearts and Cowdenbeath have been postponed.

Celtic – three points clear of second-placed Aberdeen in the Premiership – lost 3-2 to St Mirren in their most recent League Cup semi appearance two years ago while it is the first time the Gers have reached this stage since winning the trophy in 2011 by beating the Hoops in the final.

Although Rangers have been bailed out by a £10 million loan from Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct this week, Hoops fans took the opportunity to taunt their financial situation by shelling out £3,000 to publish an advert claiming the Old Firm is “redundant” and this was the first ever meeting of the sides in reference to the Gers re-launching as a new company.

Whether the Rangers supporters – desperate for more glory at the national stadium – will have the last laugh remains to be seen.

 

ROUTE TO THE FINAL:

Celtic:

Round Three –  3-0 win v Hearts (H)

Quarter-Finals –  6-0 win v Partick Thistle (H)

Rangers:

Round One –  2-1 win v Queen’s Park (A)

Round Two –  1-0 win v Inverness (H)

Round Three –  3-1 win v Falkirk (A)

Quarter-Finals –  1-0 win v St Johnstone (H)

 

Rangers 0-2 Celtic Hoops fans at Ibrox - 1 Jan 2011

The last five meetings and most memorable encounters

Celtic v Rangers: The Old Firm circus back in town

Celtic v Rangers: The opinions that matter

 

PREDICTION:

Celtic v Rangers Bougherra red card

CELTIC 3-1 RANGERS

The Hoops have recovered from a minor blip with an emphatic response and are entering the contest in almost the best possible shape. Ronny Deila will know his side are overwhelming favourites and warn the players against complacency. Rangers, meanwhile, could be rusty having not played a full match since January 10. Celtic have greater firepower with Kris Commons appearing to hit the kind of form which helped him win the PFA Player of the Year award in Scotland last season while John Guidetti will be itching to get on the scoresheet as per his hat-trick comments. The Gers have the ability to cause an upset and at least frustrate the Premiership champions but quality and endurance will eventually prevail. However, it is important for both sides to maintain their discipline. It cannot be understated how huge an occasion it is and one that everyone hopes will be memorable. The global audience will be casting its eye and let’s hope Scottish football proves to be the ultimate winner.

 

MATCH FACTS:

This is the 400th meeting of the two rivals stretching back to May 1888 – and their 48th in the League Cup.

Celtic last appeared in the final of the competition in 2012 when they lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock.

The last 10 meetings in all competitions represent five Celtic wins, three Rangers wins and two draws.

John Guidetti has not scored in his last eight games having netted 11 times in his first 12 appearances for Celtic.

The Hoops have scored 13 goals and are yet to concede in either domestic cup competitions this season.

 

TEAM NEWS:

Celtic striker John Guidetti – who earned his first start in six games against Ross County last time out – has previously claimed he aims to bag a hat-trick against Rangers.

Hoops midfielder Stefan Johansen is expected to return after missing last weekend’s 1-0 win at the Global Energy Arena with a head injury despite still having stitches in a cut above the eye.

On-loan Aston Villa winger Aleksandar Tonev is available again after serving a seven-match ban having been found guilty by the SFA of racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan back in September.

But versatile Scottish international Charlie Mulgrew will be out with a knee problem until the end of March.

Last time out: Celtic's starting eleven against Ross County in their previous outing on 24 January
Last time out: Celtic’s starting eleven against Ross County in their previous outing on 24 January

Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni has been ruled out after his nation Tunisia advanced to the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations and will play on Saturday night.

Number one goalkeeper Cammy Bell remains sidelined with a shoulder problem so veteran Steve Simonsen – who was recently found guilty of placing 55 bets on football matches – will continue to deputise.

Former Celtic striker Kenny Miller – set for his 17th Old Firm derby outing – and Jon Daly are likely to lead the line for the Gers.

 

PROVISIONAL SQUADS:

Celtic:  Gordon (GK), Zaluska (GK), Lustig, Denayer, Matthews, Izaguirre, Ambrose, van Dijk, Johansen, Tonev, Bitton, Johansen, Brown, Forrest, Commons, Scepovic, Stokes, Henderson, McGregor, Griffiths, Guidetti, Fisher.

Possible Hoops line-up

Rangers:  Simonsen (GK), Robinson (GK), Wallace, McGregor, Shiels, McCulloch, Clark, Law, Black, Templeton, Boyd, Faure, Miller, Crawford, Daly, Foster, Aird, Hardie, Zaliukas.

Possible Gers line-up

 

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Craig Thomson at Celtic Park for 2014 Scottish Cup Final

Referee:  Craig Thomson

Assistant referees:  Graham Chambers and David McGeachie

Fourth Official:  Calum Murray

 

Celtic v Rangers: The past meetings

AS Celtic and Rangers prepare for their 400th ever meeting, here are the past five showdowns as well as a pick of some of the most memorable clashes in an Old Firm derby rivalry which stretches back over 127 years.

Facing each other: Celtic and Rangers have met on 47 previous occasions in the League Cup with Rangers enjoying 24 wins to Celtic's 21
Facing each other: Celtic and Rangers have met on 47 previous occasions in the League Cup with Rangers enjoying 24 wins to Celtic’s 21

THERE have been many blockbuster occasions and classic showdowns which have defined the Old Firm derby since it was first contested in May 1888.

From SPL title deciders to Scottish Cup finals, rarely does a meeting of Celtic and Rangers have little or nothing riding on it.

This – the first in almost three years – is no different with a place in the Scottish League Cup final against either Aberdeen or Dundee United the prize for the winners.

With the current contrasting states of the sides, Celtic are the clear favourites in many eyes but Rangers often raise their game on big occasions so predicting an outcome could be perilous.

As they prepare for their 400th clash, here are the past five encounters between the Glaswegian rivals as well as some of the most memorable meetings down the years…

 

LAST FIVE MEETINGS:

Preparing for battle: Celtic won 3-0 in the last meeting between the sides in the SPL almost three years ago
Preparing for battle: Celtic won 3-0 in the last meeting between the sides in the SPL almost three years ago

CELTIC 3-0 RANGERS (Scottish Premier League)
29 April 2012

The last meeting certainly placed what was to come in stark perspective. Celtic were heading towards their first title under Neil Lennon with Rangers down in the doldrums and in financial turmoil having just been docked 10 points for entering administration.

The Hoops fans even taunted their counterparts with RIP signs and chants throughout a contest which had the feeling of the end of an era.

The Parkhead hosts strolled to a comprehensive victory – which extended the gap between the sides to a gigantic 21 points with three games of the 2011/12 season remaining – as Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper got on the scoresheet.

 

RANGERS 3-2 CELTIC (Scottish Premier League)
25 March 2012

Celtic were aiming to achieve something that had occurred only a handful of times before when they arrived at Ibrox – sealing the title at the home of their arch nemesis.

But the incentive served to spur the troubled Light Blues on in a thrilling contest that saw five goals and three red cards – four if you include Neil Lennon’s ordering the stands at half-time – which even by Old Firm standards is quite something.

A first league defeat in 21 games for the Hoops meant the delaying of the inevitable as the title celebrations were put on hold for another week while Rangers gave their fans a small reason to cheer while avoiding such ignimony.

 

CELTIC 1-0 RANGERS (Scottish Premier League)
28 December 2011

In the context of the season, this was regarded as a significant turning point when the title race swung in Celtic’s favour for the first time.

Joe Ledley’s second-half header was enough to leapfrog the Hoops above Rangers to the SPL summit following a ninth straight win – ensuring they had clawed back a 15-point deficit in less than two months.

Ally McCoist – on his first visit to Celtic Park in the Gers dugout – had seen his side condemned to back-to-back defeats on a blustery evening in which few clear-cut chances were carved out.

 

RANGERS 4-2 CELTIC (Scottish Premier League)
18 September 2011

Ally McCoist’s first Old Firm derby as Rangers manager was certainly one to remember and could not have gone much better – but not without a few scares along the way.

The result reflected the early-season optimistic that was rife around Ibrox as they fought back from falling behind courtesy of an Allan McGregor mistake to take the spoils with their frightful front-three of Steven Naismith, Nikica Jelavic and Kyle Lafferty contributing in a six-goal thriller.

In doing so, the Gers went four points clear and maintained their unbeaten start to the season. It was an afternoon to forget for Celtic, who had Charlie Mulgrew sent off for two yellow cards.

 

RANGERS 0-0 CELTIC (Scottish Premier League)
24 April 2011

It might have been goalless at Ibrox but the sixth and final derby of the 2010/11 campaign made for compelling viewing.

And Walter Smith – in his final Old Firm in the Gers hotseat – was indebted to goalkeeper McGregor for a stunning penalty save from Georgios Samaras with seven minutes left.

Despite missing out on all three points, the outcome suited Celtic better and left Neil Lennon’s men needing to win their last five matches to seal the title. A simple scenario but it didn’t quite go according to plan…

 

MOST MEMORABLE MEETINGS:

Celtic v Rangers flare-up at Parkhead
Flashpoint: A major flare-up occurred as players and coaching staff made their way down the tunnel at half-time

CELTIC 1-0 RANGERS (Scottish Cup Fifth Round Replay)
2 March 2011

Tempestuous, feisty, difficult for the referee, three red cards, managerial combustion and precious little football played – if ever there was a game that summed up the Old Firm’s heated rivalry this was it.

First things first, Celtic right-back Mark Wilson scored his fourth goal in six games to send the Hoops through to a quarter-final against Inverness and keep his side’s treble hopes alive – whilst dashing Rangers’ in the process.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg on a night where passion and aggression spilled over with Gers ending the game with eight men – pantomime villain El-Hadji Diouf among those sent off by Calum Murray.

Diouf went face-to-face with Neil Lennon on the touchline in the first-half before Lennon was involved in another angry confrontation with Gers assistant boss Ally McCoist.

 

CELTIC 3-2 RANGERS (Scottish Premier League)
27 April 2008

A classic encounter that represented the see-saw battle the two Glasgow giants have enjoyed over the years as Gordon Strachan’s Hoops came out on top in a topsy-turvy humdinger.

From 1-0 up to 2-1 down, Celtic eventually stole the spoils through Barry Robson’s 70th minute penalty to move five points clear at the top with a second Old Firm win in the space of 11 days.

Although Rangers had three games in hand, the title momentum was firmly with the Bhoys, who subsequently went on to record four more victories and lift the trophy.

 

RANGERS 5-1 CELTIC (Scottish Premier League)
26 November 2000

Rangers equalled their biggest margin of victory in modern Old Firm times with a blistering four-goal haul in the second half as the defending champions left runaway leaders Celtic without an Ibrox win in six years.

Tore Andre Flo and Michael Mols scored on their Old Firm debuts while now Clyde boss Barry Ferguson and captain Lorenzo Amoruso were also on target in what was a must-win game for the Gers, who moved to within 12 points of their rivals.

Celtic’s Alan Thompson also received two yellows from referee Kenny Clark but it made little difference on a day that will be forever enshrined as one of the most famous in Gers’ history.

 

RANGERS 3-2 CELTIC (Scottish Cup Final)
4 May 2002

Another colossal and typically tight tussle was decided in the most dramatic circumstances with barely 10 seconds of injury time remaining as Peter Lovenkrands’ second of the game settled a cup double for Alex McLeish’s Rangers.

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic had twice led in front of a sell-out Hampden Park crowd but a team consisting of Jackie McNamara, John Hartson and Stiliyan Petrov among others were eventually undone as they were left to make do with only the SPL title that season.

With the two sides as evenly-matched as ever before, it was too close to call yet the Gers – inspired by captain Barry Ferguson – proved their worth on an emotionally-charged occasion to lift the Scottish Cup for the 30th time.

 

CELTIC 6-2 RANGERS (Scottish Premier League)
27 August 2000

As far as early-season entertainment goes, this Parkhead contest fitted the bill in every sense with Celtic producing six of the best to preserve their perfect start to the campaign under Martin O’Neill.

It had all the typical Old Firm ingredients – controversial decisions, penalties and red cards – with many conspiring against Dick Advocaat’s Rangers, who had been much the dominant force in Glasgow in the preceding years.

But there was no disputing the attack-minded Hoops were worthy winners as the likes of Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson tore the Gers defence – which included Fernando Ricksen – to shreds.

Click here for a full head-to-head record