Celtic late winner cuts Rangers’ lead to two points
Celtic cut the gap on Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership to two points thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Liel Abada to beat Dundee United 1-0 despite having captain Nir Bitton sent off.
The Hoops could now go top should they win Wednesday’s Old Firm clash after Rangers threw away two points in stoppage time in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Ross County.
However, that match was overshadowed by racist abuse aimed at County goalscorer Charles Regan-Cook online.
“I am extremely hurt and frustrated to come off the pitch today and be left multiple messages of racist abuse,” Regan-Cook tweeted.
“This makes us stronger and we will continue to fight against racism!”
Rangers were left to rue two errors from goalkeeper Allan McGregor which spoiled a brilliant debut for Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo.
The Ivorian scored inside five minutes of his Rangers debut but was forced off injured before County’s late leveller.
Jordan White levelled in the 25th minute after McGregor dropped a cross and Charles-Cook put the home team in front four minutes later.
Rangers’ James Tavernier equalised at the start of the second half and then Connor Goldson gave the champions the lead after 72 minutes.
In the scramble following a Country corner in the sixth minute of added time, the ball came off McGregor’s body and Wright pounced.
“It’s very disappointing,” Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports.
“We give two goals to Ross County. That made it really difficult for us. The reaction we had in the second half was really good.
“We had some chances to kill the game and make the fourth and decisive goal.
“In the end in extra-time, we were too sloppy. We give the ball away, we give a corner away. It’s not something I’m used to seeing — so many goals against us in this manner.”
Celtic looked set to pass up the chance to close in on their Glasgow rivals as they toiled to break United down at Celtic Park.
Matt O’Riley missed a glorious chance to mark his home debut with a goal before half-time, while Benjamin Siegrist spread himself to block from Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Bitton was dismissed nine minutes from time for second yellow card.
But for the second time this season Celtic secured a late winner with 10 men when Abada controlled Jota’s cross and slotted home his 12th goal of the season.
This is completely unacceptable, those responsible must to be held to account. There needs to be zero tolerance of such behaviour. We should all stand with Regan Charles-Cook https://t.co/iH7clV3lQn
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) January 29, 2022
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“It was a frenetic finish,” said Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou. “I’m delighted with the end result. Credit to the players, again they found something within them.
“We weren’t at our best, especially in the first half. As long as the game goes, you think we have to find something special. For the last three and a half months, they’ve risen to every challenge.”
Hearts strengthened their position in third with a 2-0 win over Motherwell, while Livingston twice came from behind to beat Hibs 3-2 at Easter Road.
The strong winds and rain that have hit Scotland as a result of Storm Malik saw Saturday’s other top-flight matches between Aberdeen and St Johnstone and Dundee and St Mirren postponed.