9 unseen Celtic vs Rangers moments from the press box as Gers snub trophy lift

Just when it looked like Rangers would finally get the bragging rights, Celtic once again showed why they are champions.

After a goalless first-half, the Hoops had to survive a Gers onslaught with Abdallah Sima even having a goal disallowed. But the title-winners managed to hold out and Adam Idah cemented himself as a fans’ hero by netting a dramatic 90th-minute winner to secure a Double and a record-extending 42nd Scottish Cup triumph for the Parkhead giants.

It was a goal for the ages too, as Celtic equalled the Ibrox club’s all-time trophy haul of 118, stripping their status as the ‘Most successful club in Scotland’ – a title both divides can now claim. Football Scotland witnessed all the drama unfold from the Hampden press box, and here, we pick out nine moments you may have missed.

John Lundstram cheer

Red card sinner John Lundstram might not be popular at Ibrox after throwing his teammates under the bus in the title decider at Parkhead but the midfielder did get a massive cheer from the Celtic end as the teams were read out at Hampden before kick-off. Hearing your bitter rivals sarcastically applaud your name is probably one of the last things you want to experience in football. Lundstram would’ve loved nothing more than to have redeemed himself but it wasn’t to be.

No penalty

Over 20,000 Celtic fans screamed for a first-half penalty after Kyogo’s diving header clipped off the hand of Ben Davies. Ref Nick Walsh wasn’t even called to the monitor and Gers defender Davies’ face told a story – he was mightily relieved. Premier Sports pundits Allan McGregor, Scott Brown and Neil Lennon immediately turned to the TV to examine the replay, and it looked like opinion was split. No penalty was given in the end.

Clement vents his fury

Philippe Clement was furious after Dujon Sterling’s penalty claim was waved away by Walsh and Rangers fans were equally incensed, although the incident did appear outside the box anyway. Clement was at the edge of his technical area gesturing toward his players and the referee when Celtic were awarded a foul just moments later. That prompted Walsh to halt the game and have a gentle word in the Belgian’s ear. It’s derby day and emotions get high, so it was sound management from the whistler rather than issuing a caution.

Keep the head

This time Clement was the calming influence as tensions spilled over on the field. Alistair Johnston and Abdallah Sima were both booked after a feisty exchange near the touchline. Johnston didn’t take too kindly to his rival’s chopping challenge and the pair quickly went head-to-head. Clement has been down this road before after suffering back-to-back red cards at Parkhead and the Ibrox manager was at pains to point out his team must stay disciplined.

Hart in mouth

Joe Hart was caught in no man’s land as Sima thought he’d opened the scoring by knocking in a corner at the back post. But as wild celebrations erupted behind him in the Rangers end, the retiring keeper was adamant he was fouled as he clenched onto the ball – urging Walsh to look at the VAR monitor. It initially seemed like Walsh was going to stick with the goal and Hart furiously booted the ball up the park in apparent disgust. However, the whistler was eventually called over and changed his mind. TV replays showed Nico Raskin with two hands on the back of Hart, and it was a lucky escape for the Hoops. Ecstasy to agony for Rangers, though.

Serial winner

Callum McGregor got the crowd going at full-time as he wildly celebrated his 22nd major trophy for Celtic and a domestic Double. If you think he gets bored of winning trophies, then think again. A serial winner and an inspirational captain who the green-and-white faithful adore.

Mutual respect

Alex Rae and Brendan Rodgers clashed on the sidelines during the last meeting at Parkhead but there was a mutual respect this time around as the Old Firm rivals shook hands shortly after the full-time whistle.

A Rangers Huddle

Clement gathered his downbeat troops and delivered a passionate address moments before they collected their runners-up medals. Who knows what was said but, standing in the centre of a huddle, Clement got plenty off his chest after his side suffered last-minute heartache. Plenty to improve on for next season.

Tunnel vision

Rangers players didn’t hang around to watch their bitter rivals lift the Scottish Cup. James Tavernier led the Light Blues up the podium but Ibrox representatives were quick to whisk the team straight down the tunnel. In fairness, Jack Butland was willing to stick but he was told to follow the team back to the changing room. Some Celtic fans had spilled onto the Hampden running track so perhaps it was a security measure.