Celtic fans can relive the most significant derby of the last 50 years on the SPFL You Tube channel tomorrow.
In August 2000 Martin O’Neill faced Rangers for the first time, Dick Advocaat’s side had won the title the previous season by 21 points, see off the management team of John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish.
On his first visit to Celtic Park the Little General lost 5-1. Afterwards he vowed that it wouldn’t happen again, he was right, two years later his side lost 6-2 to a born-again Celtic side.
?? You’ve been voting all week and we’ve got a winner! Tomorrow’s ‘as live’ match on #SPFL YouTube will be…
?? @CelticFC v Rangers
?? Celtic Park
?? 27th August 2000? Set a reminder ?https://t.co/j1oKmCo6aM pic.twitter.com/zKjoABhOaz
— SPFL (@spfl) May 15, 2020
Within 15 minutes of the kick-off Celtic were 3-0 up, supporters could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Last season’s dud Bobby Petta took £4m Dutch ace Fernando Ricksen to pieces down the Celtic left, the former Alkmaar star was hooked before 30 minutes was on the clock.
Henrik Larsson was back from injury, scoring twice as did his new strike partner Chris Sutton who opened the scoring within two minutes.
The scoreline changed the landscape of Scottish football forever. Celtic went on to win the treble for the first time since 1969 under Jock Stein, a new benchmark was set.
Twenty years on the hoops are still on top. For anyone looking to pinpoint one match that turned around the fortunes of the club that sunny Sunday afternoon in August 2000 is the only reference point required.