Rangers strike at death to draw chaotic Old Firm epic

BBC SPORT

Rabbi Matondo’s stunning stoppage-time equaliser prevented Celtic extending their Scottish Premiership lead as Rangers came from behind twice late on to draw a six-goal Old Firm classic.

It had looked like Adam Idah’s clinical finish six minutes earlier was going to put Celtic four points clear, the goal coming just 71 seconds after fellow substitute Abdallah Sima’s deflected strike dragged the hosts level from two goals down.

But Matondo completed the scoring in a scarcely-believable seven-minute finale to leave the teams separated by just one point, with Rangers having played one game fewer.

Celtic had cruised into a commanding lead after a sensational first-half display, during which Daizen Maeda scored after 21 seconds when James Tavernier’s clearance crashed off him and fizzed past Jack Butland.

In a VAR-affected contest, Matt O’Riley dinked in a composed penalty – awarded by referee John Beaton after an on-field review showed Connor Goldson had handled – to send the away side into the break two goals ahead.

But Tavernier, who endured a torrid first half, slammed in a spot kick of his own after Beaton reversed his decision to book Fabio Silva for diving under the challenge of Alistair Johnston.

Cyriel Dessers then thought he had prodded in a leveller a minute later, only for Beaton to rule it out after another visit to the screen for a foul by Tom Lawrence on Tomoki Iwata.

Rangers then huffed and puffed until bedlam ensued in a wild ending – including a bout of pushing and shoving – to leave it as you were at the summit.

More to follow.

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