‘F***ing vile’ – John Lundstram sent off seven minutes after own goal in thrilling Old Firm derby
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram had an Old Firm derby to forget with an own goal and then a red card to dent their title hopes.
In a thrilling seven-minute spell towards the end of the first-half, Celtic found themselves 2-1 up on home soil.
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Lundstram received a straight red after VAR intervenedCredit: Sky Sports
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Lundstram clattered through JohnstonCredit: Sky SportsA long range Matt O’Riley effort was followed by Lundstram knocking the ball into his own net from a Daizen Maeda pull-back to make the score 2-0.
But Rangers then got one back through Cyriel Dessers – only for Rangers’ comeback bid to come falling down almost instantaneously.
With the ball scooting free and the energy up in Celtic Park, Lundstram slid in hard to win the ball ahead of Alistair Johnson.
Referee Willie Collum initially gave a yellow card to the former Sheffield United man, but VAR intervened.
read more on celticSlow motion footage showed Lundstram connecting with Johnston’s ankle leading the caution to be upgraded to a red card.
One fan tweeted: “John Lundstram that tackle is f***ing vile.”
And another messaged: “What a shocking challenge from Lundstram!”
Former Rangers star Kenny Miller, though, disagreed, he added: “See it in real-time, that’s never a red card.”
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But ex-Celtic star Chris Sutton said: “He’s caught him above the ankle, he’s out of control there.”
Things looked like they were about to get even worse for Rangers just after the break.
Celtic, despite a long VAR check, were handed a penalty but Jack Butland – who has been watched by England manager Gareth Southgate recently – produced a brilliant save to deny O’Riley from the spot.
And despite a late onslaught, the Bhoys were able to hold on to the 2-1 win.
That puts them six points ahead of Rangers with just two games remaining in the Scottish Premiership season.
