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Hartson: Celtic unacceptable v Rangers

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John Hartson has said that there was “no excuse” for the level of Celtic’s performance in Sunday’s Old Firm Derby.

The Hoops were downed 2-0 by their Glasgow neighbours in the final meeting between the sides this season, with goals from James Tavernier and Scott Arfield sealing a win for Steven Gerrard’s men.

Writing in a column for the Glasgow Evening Times, former Celtic striker Hartson said he wanted a lot more from Neil Lennon’s side on Sunday.

“I played in 26 Old Firm games, and in every single one, I went into it thinking I had to win,” the pundit wrote.

“It means so much, and although Celtic are champions and have been best team again over the piece, there is no excuse for so many Celtic players going out at Ibrox as if they didn’t really know or really care about what this game meant to the supporters.

“I just didn’t see anything from this Celtic team on Sunday. We were saying the same things in December, but looking at the players on Sunday, there were several who simply didn’t fancy it.

“They are playing for a great club, they are all on good money, and they had an opportunity to stick their chests out and show they can handle the big occasion. But for the second time this season, some were left wanting.”

OPINION

It really was a dismal performance from Neil Lennon’s Celtic side on Sunday. The second-minute goal from Tavernier really set the tone and, from there, the visitors did not look like getting back into it. This is now the second time that Celtic have been beaten at Ibrox this season, and one thing that will be at the forefront of many fans’ mind is overturning that record next season. Like Hartson says, Old Firm games are the most important in the Scottish football season and – let’s face it- it is where legends of the Scottish game are made, and where players get the most criticism. Perhaps Celtic had one eye on the Scottish Cup final, which they will contest with Hearts on May 25. But as Hartson points out, to completely disregard an Old Firm game is foolish, even if you’re doing it to save yourself and try to help the club win the ‘treble treble’.

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