Celtic have only themselves to blame as they lost 1-0 to a mediocre Rangers side to pretty much throw away any chances they had left of securing 10IAR.
Celtic came to Ibrox knowing that anything other than a win would leave them with a mountain to climb in the league. And now, even that won’t be enough. 10IAR is gone and it is time to accept it.
The Hoops started the game brilliantly and dominated the first half. They had nothing to show for that dominance though as they failed to find the back of the net despite getting multiple chances to do so.
On the other hand, a Callum McGregor own goal means that despite not having a shot on target, the Rangers leave with all three points and the league in the bag.
In many ways, everything that could have gone wrong in the second half, did. Nir Bitton got sent off after a moment of madness although you have to wonder whether the decision would have been different from the referee if it was a Rangers player in his place. Then there was the own goal out of nowhere and some dull substitutions from Lennon to finish it off.
The Rangers did not deserve to win. But that’s just how the game goes sometimes. What will hurt most is that they were there for the taking and the Hoops did not take their chances when they had it.
What is done is done though. Now, the Hoops must focus on a reset. The league is gone, it is time to look towards the future. Anyone that wants to leave must be let go. And then use the money to strengthen the squad once again over the next two transfer windows so that we are ready to go next season.
The players, the manager and the board had the chance to be remembered fondly for eternity. Now they won’t be forgotten. Not because the fans don’t want to but because they can’t.