Ten-man Rangers saw their Premiership title dreams crushed by Celtic following a stormy Old Firm derby at Parkhead.
Philippe Clement’s side fell six points behind the Hoops with only two games left to play as their wretched record in Glasgow’s east end in recent years continued.
A lively contest burst into life before the break as three goals and a red card came in a frantic 12 minute period, with John Lundstram costing his team mates dearly after being sent off for a lunging challenge on Alistair Johnston.
Referee Willie Collum initially brandished a yellow card for the midfielder after catching Johnston high on the ankle before he was summoned across to the pitchside VAR monitor to review the tackle. The whistler subsequently upgraded his on-field decision to a red card.
Matt O’Riley’s strike and an own goal from Lundstram proved decisive for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with Cyriel Dessers handing the Light Blues a brief lifeline before Lundstram’s moment of madness.
Rangers must now take maximum points from their remaining two league fixtures against Dundee and Hearts and hope that Celtic slip up against either Kilmarnock or St Mirren in the coming week.
Here,GlasgowWorld rates how the Rangers players performed at Celtic Park:
5. Borna Barisic - 5/10
Between Davies and himself, they allowed O'Riley far too much space for Celtic's first goal. Clipped a delightful ball towards the back post in the lead up to Dessers' goal. Didn't offer much else going forward. Subbed. | SNS Group
6. John Lundstram - 2/10
A horrendous day for the Scouser who was sent for an early bath. Scored a calamitous own goal after attempting to clear Maeda's cut-back but got his body positioning all wrong. Afternoon then went from bad to worse. Booked initially for a sliding challenge on Johnston which was upgraded to a red card after a VAR review. Let his team mates down big time. | SNS Group
7. Mohamed Diomande - 4/10
Fortunate to avoid an early booking after upending McGregor. Penalised for fouling Hatate which led to an O'Riley free-kick that flashed inches past the post. Conceded a cheap penalty after catching O'Riley's trailing leg. An afternoon to forget. | Getty Images
8. Tom Lawrence - 5/10
Involved in an entertaining tussle with McGregor first-half. Chose the wrong option when electing to pass inside rather than try his luck from the edge of the box on 28 mins. Not tight enough to McGregor in the build up to Celtic's opening goal. Influence faded after the break. Subbed. | SNS Group