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:
9. Dujon Sterling - 6/10
Should've done better after meeting Silva's early diagonal cross at the back post. Clever knock down into Dessers' path after connecting with Barisic's cross. Dropped back to centre half after the interval in place of Souttar and carried out his defensive duties pretty well. | SNS Group
10. Fabio Silva - 7/10
Strong offensively and caused Johnston several problems with his movement. Dangerous early cross towards Sterling at the back post. Dragged a low shot harmlessly wide after steaming into the box. Passed up another glorious chance after 20 mins after nipping in front of Johnston. Drove at the Celtic right-back again before linking well with Barisic in lead up to Rangers' goal. Had a pop at goal but his shot drifted high over the target. Much improved performance. Subbed. | SNS Group
11. Cyriel Dessers - 5/10
Didn't pose much of a threat at all. Found himself in the right place and displayed good strength to nod home Sterling's knock down and hand Rangers a lifeline after 40 mins. Looked heavy-legged passing the hour mark and unable to fashion another opportunity. Subbed. | Getty Images
12. Ross McCausland (SUB) - 4/10
Introduced at half-time for Souttar. Couldn't manage to get the ball under control in the box after Rangers pressed forward in search of an equaliser. | SNS Group