Celtic fight back at Ibrox as Hatate rescues a point
Celtic rally from 0-2 down at Ibrox as Tierney heads in and Hatate bundles a late equaliser after his saved penalty, securing a 2-2 draw that keeps Celtic third and hands Hearts a boost.
Chermiti’s brace had Rangers 2-0 up, but Tierney and a late VAR penalty from Hatate earned Celtic a vital point, with tempers flaring at full time as the title race remains open.
Schmeichel missed the 2-2 at Ibrox through illness, with Sinisalo starting, but O’Neill expects the Dane to be available for Aberdeen on Wednesday: ‘Should be available for selection.’
Celtic endure a dire first half, then surge back as Hatate inspires a 2-2 draw at Ibrox. O’Neill’s subs, Tierney’s header and a late VAR penalty keep the title hopes alive, with Aberdeen next.
Araujo, culpable in both Rangers goals, clashes post-match with Raskin and Moore, appearing to grab his crotch during Celtic’s 2-2 comeback scenes as teammates intervene to calm tensions.
BBC’s Halliday and Grant say Rohl erred by withdrawing Naderi for Diomande, isolating Chermiti and letting Celtic play through, aiding Tierney’s goal and Hatate’s late VAR penalty in the 2-2.
On his 74th birthday, O’Neill jokes about a ‘pathetic’ cake, admits Celtic were ‘second best’ first half at Ibrox, praises spirit, Hatate’s impact and eyes Aberdeen then a Scottish Cup return to Ibrox.
Report claims Celtic were denied an 82nd-minute penalty on Tounekti before VAR later gave handball against Sterling. Hatate scored at the third attempt after Butland twice saved in the 2-2 draw.
Rangers’ Naderi is criticised for an ineffective display in the 2-2 with Celtic, as Tierney and Hatate overturn Chermiti’s lead, raising doubts over the hosts’ striker recruitment.
Panel say O’Neill’s initial selection misfired but his changes sparked Celtic’s 2-2 fightback. Questions raised over Rohl’s caution, with title momentum shifting and Celtic hosting Motherwell soon.
Celtic’s strikers misfire under Martin O’Neill: Adamu anonymous at Ibrox, Cvancara benched, Iheanacho unused, Mvuka absent, Maeda faded. Goals dry up despite chances, jeopardising the title push.
Hatate transforms Celtic at Ibrox off the bench, dictating play and netting a last-minute equaliser at the third attempt after Butland saved his penalty, reinforcing his case to start at Aberdeen.
Ex Celtic manager Ronny Deila flees Israel by bus to Egypt after bombings halt football. Now heading to Greece to join family, he hopes to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv when safe.
From 1919 to 2008, five Celtic wins are recalled, including St Johnstone 3-2 in 1969 and Hibs 2-0 in 2008, with nods to Andy McAtee, Steve Chalmers, Johnny Doyle, John Collins and Lee Naylor.
