The Rangers vs Celtic showdown elicited a plethora of reactions from punditry circles, ranging from former Premier League stars to club legends, as the match concluded in an electrifying 3-3 draw.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side dominated the first half, with goals from Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley establishing a comfortable lead. A VAR decision, overturning Alistair Johnston’s foul on Fabio Silva in the box as a penalty, saw James Tavernier convert the spot-kick for Rangers. Abdallah Sima then leveled the score before a late Adam Idah goal for Celtic was countered by Rabbi Matondo’s dramatic equalizer for Rangers. Although Celtic leads the league by a single point, Rangers have a chance to overtake with a potential win in their game in hand against Dundee.
From various platforms like Sky Sports, Sportsound, Sportscene, talkSPORT, and social media, here are some of the standout reactions from pundits across the UK football landscape on the Rangers vs Celtic clash:
- Michael Stewart
- Condemning the officiating for its impact on the crucial game, calling it embarrassing and disgraceful.
- Kris Boyd
- Praises Clement’s tactical adjustments at halftime, crediting Rangers for grinding out a result despite Celtic’s early dominance.
- Fabrizio Romano
- Describing the match as pure madness, highlighting the incredible 3-3 scoreline between the fierce rivals.
- Neil Lennon
- Expresses disappointment despite the entertaining game, acknowledging it as a missed opportunity for Celtic.
- Stuart McCall
- Reflecting on the overall game quality, intensity, and the shared fortune of both teams in securing a point.
- James McFadden
- Credits Philippe Clement’s strategic changes and lauds the thrilling drama and openness of the match.
- John Hartson
- Points out the missed chances and the shift in momentum during the game, especially emphasizing the crowd’s reaction.
- Roy Keane
- Commends the game’s pace, quality goals, and sportsmanship displayed by the players and managers.
- Graeme Souness
- Asserts the validity of the penalty incident involving Silva and critiques Silva’s diving, deeming it a clear penalty.
- Pat Bonner
- Discusses post-match reflections for Celtic, emphasizing the draw’s importance in their championship pursuit.
- Neil McCann
- Acknowledges Rangers’ resilience, particularly praising a crucial save by the goalkeeper that kept them in contention, highlighting his standout performance in the match.
The diverse range of reactions underscores the intensity, drama, and significance of the Rangers vs Celtic clash, solidifying its status as a captivating spectacle in UK football.
