Scottish champions Celtic opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the premier league with a battling 2-0 victory over 10-man Rangers at Ibrox today. Celtic took the lead in a typically ferocious Glasgow derby after 14 minutes when Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos, who later saved a penalty, could only help a Stilian Petrov free-kick into the net.
Alan Thompson wrapped up the victory in stoppage time when he raced past three defenders and stroked the ball low into the net. Celtic now have 25 points from nine games with second-placed Rangers on 18 from nine.
The game at Ibrox erupted in controversy after an hour when Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso tripped Henrik Larsson as the Swede bore down on goal. Celtic's Paul Lambert and Klos were involved in a furious confrontation and when the dust settled Amoruso was red-carded but Larsson's weak spot-kick was blocked by the legs of Klos. Dutch striker Michael Mols squandered Rangers' two best chances.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
