Celtic react with joy at Parkhead after what happened in Motherwell v Rangers
Celtic fans reacted with joy at Parkhead after news of Motherwell scoring their second goal against Rangers in their Scottish Premiership clash made its way around the stadium, Martin Dowden has said.
The Gers were held to a 2-2 draw against the Steelmen on Sunday (29 December) but it could have been worse as they found themselves two down at Fir Park.
Robin Propper had yet another shocker and there’s no doubt that fans will place some blame on the head of Philippe Clement for the strange starting XI he chose to play against Motherwell.
Reporting live from Celtic Park via the BBC Sport website (29 December, 15:38pm), BBC Scotland journalist Dowden shared the reactions of the Bhoys’ fans directly from the stadium.
“Just as these home supporters [Celtic] were celebrating Nicolas Kuhn, who delivered yet another decisive moment, that news from Fir Park filtered through to a joyous reception,” he wrote.
“That lead at the top looks likely to grow ahead of a trip to Ibrox on Thursday. “Everything is falling perfectly for Celtic right now in stark contrast to their main rivals”.
Rangers have now kissed their Scottish Premiership hopes goodbye
Although there wasn’t likely much hope left within the Gers’ fanbase regarding their title chase, it feels like the faint glimmer of hope that the Ibrox outfit still had has now well and truly been buried.
Of course, their recent injury crisis with their defensive line has had a large part to play in their sudden downfall but even without the likes of Leon Balogun and John Souttar, it feels like Clement should have prepared his team better in the summer.
Since the start of the campaign, Rangers’ choice to replace stalwart Conor Goldson with Propper has been questioned and at the moment, it feels like fans were right to do so.
The move for the Dutchman was likely made as part of the cost-cutting measures the club had to make over the summer but it still feels like the 31-year-old has flopped more than most expected.
Unless Souttar and Balogun make a quick recovery or Clement dives head first into the transfer market for defensive reinforcement in January, it feels like they could be back battling for second place with Aberdeen rather than the title with Celtic.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been accused of playing the victim as the next Ibrox casualty is mooted.
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