Rangers slumped to a disappointing Glasgow derby defeat as Kyogo Furuhashi’s first-half volley ensured they drew first blood in the Scottish Premiership title race at Ibrox.
A frantic contest, played in front of a capacity home crowd in the absence of away supporters, was settled by the Japanese talisman on a hugely frsutrating afternoon for Michael Beale’s side.
The Light Blues had two goals disallowed by referee Don Robertson before half-time when Rabbi Matondo’s first minute opener was ruled out by the offside flag before Kemar Roofe found the net with a neat finish but a controversial VAR call saw Cyriel Dessers penalised for fouling Gustaf Lagerbielke in the build-up.
The result capped off a horrendous week for Rangers after missing out on a place in the Champions League group stages in midweek. It leaves Beale’s side trailing the Scottish champions by four points in the league heading into the international break.
Here’s our post-match Rangers player ratings following the defeat:
Unused subs: Robby McCrorie (GK), John Lundstram, Jose Cifuentes, Ben Davies.
9. Todd Cantwell - 5/10
Looked a bit off the boil for most of the match. Had a penalty claim waved away after going down under Maeda’s challenge and late volley lacked the necessary power to trouble Hart in stoppage time. | Getty Images
10. Rabbi Matondo - 6/10
Very likely in the opening exchanges and saw his goal disallowed for offside within the first minute. Faded a bit from then on but gave Johnston a tough time. Subbed. | Getty Images
11. Cyriel Dessers - 6/10
Worked really hard but to little avail. Always looked to get at Celtic’s makeshift central defence and teed up Matondo’s offside goal. Subbed. | Getty Images
12. Kemar Roofe - 6/10
Thought he had opened the scoring after 28 mins but saw his goal ruled out by VAR. Starved of service but Beale’s decision to replace him was greeted by widespread boos from supporters after an hour. | Getty Images