GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 01: Rangers' Jack Butland looks dejected as Celtic's Reo Hatate celebrates after scoring to make it 2-2 during a William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on March 01, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Ibrox to hang onto a challenge for the SPFL Premiership.
The hoops looked down and out after a horrific first half that presented Youssuf Chermiti with two goals.
Celtic never had an effort on goal during the first 45 minutes.
At the interval O’Neill made two telling changes.
Junior Adamu and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were replaced by Sebastian Tounekti and Reo Hatate and the match was was transformed.
In the 56th minute Kieran Tierney headed Celtic hope from a Tounekti cross.
After that Celtic dominated possession, they pushed forward down both flanks but chances were at a premium.
In the 87th minute a cross from James Forrest caused havoc in the home goalmouth.
Daizen Maeda headed it, it broke off Dujon Sterling’s hand then bounced off Jack Butland.
?? “We all thought it was a penalty”
?? “As a defensive unit again for Rangers, there’s got to be questions asked”
?? “Jack Butland… what else can he do?”A closer look at Celtic’s late equaliser ?? pic.twitter.com/OCy8u1Xfrt
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 1, 2026
VAR CALL GIVES CELTIC PENALTY
John Beaton paused the match, Sky Sports replays confirmed a handball.
After a pitch-side review a penalty was awarded.
There was no obvious penalty taker in the Celtic side but Hatate stepped up.
His first effort was saved, as was the rebound but third time lucky Hatate bundled the ball into the net.
After six minutes of stoppage time the final whistle blew and both sets of players squared up to each other.
Celtic are now eight points behind Hearts going to Aberdeen on Wednesday to play their game in hand.
Hearts now appear to be the favourites to win the title,
Derek McInnes’ side have the points on the board and no Scottish Cup distractions.
Pre-match the big issue for Celtic was over who would play in goals.
Illness to Kasper Schmeichel forced the issue. Despite losing two first half goals Vil Sinisalo delivered an assured, impressive display.
Next week the two Glasgow sides meet again at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup for a place in the semi-final.
With regard to the penalty incident, surely Dujon Sterling should have been sent off for the denial of a goal scoring opportunity? The ball was going into the net until he stopped it with his arm. Not a single word about it on the radio or tv. Professional pundits my erchie.
The agony and the ecstasy behind the goal at the penalty, SUPERB
I thought the goalkeeper had to stand on the line if you watch it he moves to line whilst Penalty is taken
Vital point as defeat was unthinkable for sure !
Great comeback today but we are still skating on thin ice regarding the results.
I know it’s a Sunday but never in a month of Sunday’s did I think we were getting that penalty,John Cheaton will probably be barred from his local pub tonight.
The scenes at the end with all the FATTIES of a low IQ looking for fight with our fans doing a great job in noising them up,and the low IQ brigade jumped in with both feet,especially the baldy F**K who had you put Kojak and uncle Fester into the washing machine then that Jeremy Hunt would come out.
The BIGOTS will be away home angry tonight looking to take it out on someone,I do hope the dog is in it’s kennel,and their partners are staying elsewhere tonight,wouldn’t want to reading about any domestic incidents taking place.
Must say I was glad to see Sinisalo start today and I think MON picked his best 11 and Sinisalo did well. But the rest just didn’t perform and 2 mistakes by us led to their goals.
What TF CalMac thought he was doing by turning back towards our goal line then giving a hospital pass to Araujo in the box I’ll never know. We really must learn when to clear the decks! Murray’s error led to the 2nd.
At HT I really couldn’t see any way back but MON came up with more ‘magic’ and we started to play a bit. When KT scored things were looking really good but we didn’t kick on and it took that bit of luck with the penalty which took 3 efforts to convert though Daizen would’ve finished it if Reo hadn’t. I suppose given all the circumstances I’m pretty happy to come out of that hun midden with a point today. We’re in control of our own destiny from now till season’s end and after Nancy that’s fukkin close to miraculous.
I’d say I don’t care about next week in the SC but if we hump them it’ll give us a lift and them a good kick in the knackers but that aside I don’t care.
Thank you Martin O’Neil and I hope you’re having a terrific 74th birthday!