Match Pictures | Matches: 2023 – 2024
Trivia
- KO: 15:00; Wednesday; Sky Sports; League Match 37 of 38
- Celtic win the league title for the 54th time!
- Three in a Row for Celtic
- Penultimate league match. Last midweek match of the season.
- Won the league title for the third year in a row. 12th in 13 years and won the league in 18 of the 24 years this century.
- Celtic secured qualification to @ChampionsLeague 2024/25’ with tonight’s victory
- Strictly Celtic only needed 1pt to seal the title, Sevco defeated Dundee 5-2 the previous night.
- Celtic on 90pts +64GD, so that’s 6pts ahead of Sevco with one game left.
- James Forrest is now our joint-second most decorated player, joining the legendary Billy McNeill on 23 major honours!
- Tributes held in memory of ex Celt and ex Killie manager Tommy Burns who passed away on this day in 2008.RIP
- Celtic player of the year awards on Sunday past: Matt O’Riley enjoyed his own personal treble, winning Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year; Supporters Goal of the Season – Kyogo v Sevco Dec 2023; Academy Player of the Year won by Daniel Kelly; Special Recognition Award awarded, posthumously, to Celtic author and historian, David Potter; his wife, Rosemary accompanied by Celtic great Tom Boyd, accepted the award in honour of her husband.
- The Legendary Goal, as voted by the fans, went to Shunsuke Nakamura for his stunning free-kick against Man Utd in the Champions League in Nov 2006; Scott Brown named Legendary Player of the Year. Outstanding Contribution Award – Henrik Larsson.
- Womens Team: Amy Gallacher picked up the Players’ Player of the Year Award, while she was also the Top Goalscorer of the Season. The Player of the Year Award was won by Caitlin Hayes for the second season in a row. Goal of the Season category, Tash Flint’s excellent strike against Rangers in a 1-1 draw at Ibrox.
- Reports: Fulham preparing to enter competition with Celtic & Ipswich Town for Queen’s Park 17 years old winger Aiden McGinlay. Matt O’Riley in talks over transfer with two sides currently in the ‘Top Six’ of the EPL acc to reports in Denmark, Atletico Madrid & Inter Milan also keen. Cameron Carter-Vickers attracting interest from Turkey, but happy at Celtic and no wish to move on. Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy a summer option for Celtic . Rumours that Odsonne Edouard could be potential target as he’s getting cut at Crystal Palace, and he was at the Celtic awards night out on Sunday past!
- Hibernian sacked their manager Nick Montgomery. Ex-Celt Malky Mackay named as sporting director, Hibs fans group Block Seven ultras called the club’s appointment a disgrace because of racist text messages he sent while at Cardiff.
- Brendan Rodgers has tipped Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes – a favourite for the Hibs vacancy – to land a job at the highest level in the future.
- Alistair Johnston says he has 11 stud marks on his leg from John Lundstram’s tackle on him and that the upgrading from a yellow to a red card is an example why VAR was brought in.
- Willie Collum appointed Head of Refereeing at the SFA! Many absolutely stumped! He’s a Catholic RE teacher from Lanarkshire with a poor reputation for his match performances. VAR for example saved his skin last weekend wrt the red card challenge he missed by Sevco’s Lundstrum v Alistair Johnston.
- VAR: EPL side Wolves submitted a resolution to trigger a vote for the removal of VAR from the EPL from 2024/25 onwards.
Summary
“We are here to serve the supporters and the club,”
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan: “I believe in the players. From a management perspective, there’s been so much to manage. There’s been so many issues, some real tedious stuff. It’s been a great learning season. When the pressure’s been on, they’ve got the performances and the results.”
“There were question marks over me. Was I good enough to be here? Could I manage this team? Could I get them to play at the level expected? If you doubt it can be an issue but I never had any doubts this season. As the season has gone on we’ve got better and better.”
Brendan Rodgers (May 2024)
“It felt really good… I thought they’d forgot the name!”
Brendan Rodgers (May 2024)
“It means all the more to them as they really really had to work for this [league title]”
Tom English BBC journalist
Chris Sutton @chris_sutton73 · Well played Brendan Rodgers and Celtic on yet another title. Special praise for Joe Hart, Matt O’Riley and the classy Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Serial winners who do their talking on the pitch
JBJ712 of KDS:
Best 90 minute performance of the season.
Not a failure in the starting eleven nor the subs.
Pace power and aggression and bags of skill.
Bloody brilliant!
Stevie Jackson @bobby__peru Brilliant stuff. When it really mattered the manager and players found their focus. BR has played it brilliantly on an off the pitch the last couple of months. Champions again.
Davie McLaughlin @McLaughlin_1888 · 1h At the beginning of every single season, we pray for this moment. It’s happened. Again.
Pupster @pupster67 · 1h Up til now wasn’t convinced wi big Adam Idah Different class performance tonight Didier Drogheda
Celticunderground @celticrumours · 1h Absolutely delighted for us all but special mention for big Sacred [Hart]. What a signing he has been. Leaving far too soon.
Highland__Paddy @Highland__paddy · 1h No bragging rights trophy, no 3-3 draw at home lap of honour DVD , no “We blew it against Ross County , Dundee ” sob story. Just the real deal deal. Champions. Again.
Irfan Rabbani @irfanrabbani62 Might sound trite, but through trials and tribulations of a life fully lived, the ups and downs, the effect on mental and physical health of so much going on around me, Celtic really is a love that always lifts my spirits, no matter any other doom and gloom in my personal life
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
1, J. Hart
2, A. Johnston
3, G. Taylor
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain substituted for T. Iwata at 74 minutes
20, C. Carter-Vickers
5, L. Scales
33, M. O’Riley substituted for Paulo Bernardo at 74 minutes
41, R. Hatate
9, A. Idah substituted for K. Furuhashi at 62 minutes
49, J. Forrest substituted for N. Kühn at 62 minutes
38,D. Maeda substituted for L. Palma at 62 minutes
Subs
7, L. Palma
8, K. Furuhashi
10, N. Kühn
17, M. Nawrocki
24, T. Iwata
28, Paulo Bernardo
29, S. Bain
56, A. Ralston
57, S. Welsh
Goals:
- A. IdahGoal 5 minutes
- D. MaedaGoal 12 minutes
- J. ForrestGoal 35 minutes
- M. O’RileyGoal 51 minutes, Goal 71 minutes
Assists:
M. O’Riley (5′), A. Johnston (12′), D. Maeda (35′), J. Forrest (51′), N. Kühn (71′)
Kilmarnock
Manager: Derek McInnes
Formation: 4 – 4 – 2
20, K. O’Hara
5, L. Mayo
3, C. Ndaba substituted for J. Wright at 46 minutes
22, L. Donnelly 30′, Yellow Card at 30 minutes
6, R. Deas 49′, Yellow Card at 49 minutes
17, S. Findlay
11, D. Armstrong
12, D. Watson substituted for R. McKenzie at 82 minutes
9, K. Vassell (c), Captain substituted for L. Polworth at 46 minutes
23, M. Watkins substituted for K. van Veen at 82 minutes
10, M. Kennedy subbed for F. Murray 74
Substitutes
home team, Kilmarnock
1, W. Dennis
4, J. Wright
7, R. McKenzie
15, F. Murray
18, I. Cameron
21, G. Stewart
31, L. Polworth
39, G. Mackay-Steven
99, K. van Veen
Goals:
Assists:
Ref: Don Robertson
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Kilmarnock
Key
Celtic
Overall Possession
KIL
25.1%
CEL
74.9%
Shots
Kilmarnock 12Celtic 30
Shots on target
Kilmarnock 2Celtic 12
Shots off target
Kilmarnock 7Celtic 6
Blocked shots
Kilmarnock 3Celtic 12
Total touches in the box
Kilmarnock 17Celtic 43
Goalkeeper saves
Kilmarnock 7Celtic 2
Aerial duels won
Kilmarnock 15Celtic 24
Fouls
Kilmarnock 7Celtic 12
Articles
Celtic champions again to leave Rangers uneasy as Rugby Park proves a fitting venue amid poignant scenes
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 15th May 2024, 22:21 BST
Updated 15th May 2024, 22:34 BST
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-champions-again-to-leave-rangers-uneasy-as-rugby-park-proves-a-fitting-venue-amid-poignant-scenes-4630337
Comments
Brendan Rodgers’ side clinch the title with 5-0 demolition of Kilmarnock
The fun continues for Celtic fans. Bye, bye Rangers. Brendan Rodgers’ side put to bed the Ibrox club’s challenge as they secured a third successive title at an appropriate ground and on a significant date.
If not Celtic Park then where better than another place where one of their most loved figures was revered? Poignancy was injected into the party atmosphere before kick-off as both sets of fans stood and applauded the memory of Tommy Burns, hero at both Celtic and Kilmarnock but beloved of fans of all colours and stripes.
“You’re playing for a people and a cause,” read a banner beneath a large picture of Burns, who died 16 years ago to the day aged just 51. He would have enjoyed this and not only because Celtic reinstated their status as top dogs in Scotland with a stylish performance.
Celtic fans hold up a tifo of Tommy Burns with a banner which reads ‘You’re playing for a people and a cause’. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Celtic fans hold up a tifo of Tommy Burns with a banner which reads ‘You’re playing for a people and a cause’. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Kilmarnock are relishing the thought of Europa League second qualifying round action later this summer. It’s a long way from when Burns led them out of the Scottish third tier, Scotland’s basement at the time.
Kilmarnock might have been swept aside here, which is untypical of them these days, but spirits remained high. The home players made sure they enjoyed – eventually – the lap of honour the achievement of finishing fourth deserves. This is their house after all, even if it didn’t always feel like it.
Those Celtic fans with a precious ticket for the away stand did what they could to impose themselves. What a racket. What unbridled support. What a ….change of tune. It seems like only yesterday when “Sack the Board” chants filled the air at Celtic Park and Santa Claus was booed as he sought to dispense some Christmas cheer.
It seems like only yesterday because it was relatively recently, certainly in terms of the lifetime of this storied club. Rodgers managed to steady the ship. The so-called novice knew what to do. Funny that. His return last summer was greeted with a mixed reaction from fans still wounded by his exit to Leicester. They sang his name here.
Celtic’s James Forrest celebrates as he scores to make it 3-0 over Kilmarnock. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic’s James Forrest celebrates as he scores to make it 3-0 over Kilmarnock. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
It’s almost as if Rodgers has been here before. Celtic certainly have. This is the fifth time they have secured the Scottish title at this ground although this is the first time since Kilmarnock installed a synthetic pitch ten years ago. It hasn’t always been kind to Celtic but they quickly exorcised the memory of two defeats here already this season to signal a near-90 minute party.
On-loan Norwich City striker Adam Idah got the celebrations underway inside three minutes and then Daizen Maeda struck the goal that all but confirmed Celtic were champions. The born-again James Forrest added a third before half-time. Matt O’Riley scored the pick of the goals after 51 minutes when he made the net bulge from the edge of the box.
It would not have been the best of the bunch had Danny Armstrong’s curler for the home side been allowed to stand after 53 minutes. A VAR check showed that Marley Watkins was offside earlier in the move, when he sprinted through on goal and forced a block from Joe Hart. Killie defender Robbie Deas also hit the bar with a header soon afterwards.
So it was not completely straightforward. And neither was the evening devoid of controversy. There was uproar in the home ranks following Celtic’s opening goal.
What might Burns have said about playing on while an opponent lay stricken on the floor with an apparent head knock? He may well have preferred the ball being kicked out of play. However, the onus is on the referee to stop the game and Don Robertson didn’t. Idah, whose flailing arm had felled Deas, charged on and the ball reached O’Riley on the right. Everyone in the stadium knew what was coming. O’Riley curled an exquisite cross into the danger area and Idah – of course it was Idah – bundled in.
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes was incandescent. So, too, were his players. But the goal stood and Celtic did not look back, which is what Kilmarnock accused of them at doing at the opener.
Celtic were two up inside 20 minutes on the way to a 6-0 win the last time they won the league here, in 2012. The start was even quicker here. Alistair Johnston crossed for Maeda to tap in number two after 12 minutes and Maeda provided the assist for Forrest to side-foot home Celtic’s third 11 minutes before half-time.
O’Riley’s outstanding season continues to get better. He scored his 17th and 18th goals of a memorable campaign, thrashing in from distance after 51 minutes and then nonchalantly tapping in after being teed up by substitute Nicolas Kuhn with 20 minutes left. It was all over bar the shouting – and singing, not all of it particularly savoury, from the away end.
Both managers elected to make ceremonial substitutions, including Callum McGregor making way for Tomoki Iwata. The Celtic skipper threw his armband into the away supporters, which drew great acclaim, before heading off. All that was left was for the final whistle, which saw Rodgers turn and hug each member of his backroom staff. The serial winner has done it again. Out came the obligatory tee shirts, with a “champions again” message.
Celtic were, of course, helped by a dramatic Rangers stumble in the Highlands and then on Tayside a few days later. Celtic were not in the mood for blinking in any case. This was a seventh win in eight league outings, with the other game producing a point at Ibrox. A very good point it turned out.
What was it Bill Struth said about welcoming the chase? Rangers will now be sitting a little uneasily as Celtic set their sights on title number 55, the number Rangers claimed under Steven Gerrard in 2021 by a distance of 25 points. Their failure to build on that success is being ruthlessly exploited by Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers thought Celtic fans had ‘forgotten my name’ as he responds to chants after title triumph
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/brendan-rodgers-thought-celtic-fans-had-forgotten-my-name-as-he-responds-to-chants-after-title-triumph-4630360
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 15th May 2024, 23:28 BST
Comments
Celtic manager reflects on ‘tedious’ side-issues as difficult campaign ends in glory
Brendan Rodgers savoured becoming a Celtic championship-winning manager again and stressed that he had been dreaming of the moment since being out of work after leaving Leicester City. It might have stayed a dream had Ange Postecoglou not been wooed by Spurs.
The Northern Irishman’s return to the club was questioned by many at the time and even a large portion of the Celtic support were cool on the idea of someone who walked out on the club coming back.
Support for him has remained notably constrained but his name was being sung by supporters as Celtic clinched a third successive title – and 12th in 13 years, including another three under Rodgers first time around – with a stylish 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates at full time after clinching the 2023/24 Premiership title with a 5-0 win at Kilmarnock. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates at full time after clinching the 2023/24 Premiership title with a 5-0 win at Kilmarnock. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
“I thought they had forgotten my name,” smiled the manager afterwards. He admitted it had been “awkward” in the first few months as he and the supporters moved gingerly around each other.
Asked what he would have been doing 18 months ago, before a return to Celtic had started to become a possibility, he said he would have been wishing for the day to come when a rapprochement with the club he had always supported might be possible.
“I would have been dreaming of that moment when I was away and hoping it would happen again,” he said. “It’s a really good feeling.
“It was about the team and the support staff,” he added. “There was so much in the first six months. It felt a bit awkward for everyone. There were lots of challenges from a management perspective, tedious stuff that took place. I’ve not had that before in my career. The challenge was the voice of the team was right no matter the negativity. We stay on point, keep our focus and preparation knowing the players would get to a level and intensity to which my teams normally play and as if by magic that’s how it’s ended up. That spirit in the team was key. You have to have that.”
He stressed that he was proud of the way the team had wrapped up the championship, with one of their best – if not the best – performances of the season.
“I’m so proud of how they’ve dealt with the pressure and how they stepped it up against a Kilmarnock team coached so well and who are so well organised,” he said. “Everything you want in a team – speed, creativity, power. It was a joy to watch to make us champions. I feel really proud.”
Celtic Player of the year Awards:
ALL THE WINNERS
Academy Player of the Year: Daniel Kelly (award sponsored by Nixon)
Women’s Goal of the Season: Tash Flint v Rangers (award sponsored by MD Electrical)
Legendary Goal of the Season: Shunsuke Nakamura v Man Utd (award sponsored by Forbes)
Top Goalscorer (men & women): Kyogo & Amy Gallacher (award sponsored by adidas)
Young Player of the Year: Matt O’Riley (award sponsored by SCED & PWR Pack)
Men’s Goal of the Season: Kyogo v Rangers (award sponsored by Magners)
Women’s Players’ Player of the Year: Amy Gallacher (award sponsored by Clydebuilt Homes)
Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: Matt O’Riley (award sponsored by Intelligent Car Leasing)
Women’s Player of the Year: Caitlin Hayes (award sponsored by MDH Recruitment)
Legendary Player of the Year: Scott Brown (award sponsored by Cameron Commercials)
Special Recognition Award: David Potter (award sponsored by MPC Resourcing)
Dafabet Men’s Player of the Year: Matt O’Riley (award sponsored by Dafabet)
Outstanding Contribution Award: Henrik Larsson
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cjk4dn8732jt
Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic emphatically sealed a 12th Scottish Premiership title in 13 seasons by dismantling Kilmarnock in arguably their finest display of the season.
Brendan Rodgers’ side travelled to Rugby Park, where they had lost on their previous two visits, knowing a point in their penultimate league fixture would extend their top-flight dominance.
In a performance packed with the urgency and intensity Rodgers craves, two goals inside the opening 12 minutes eliminated any fears of a third straight defeat in Ayrshire.
The outstanding Matt O’Riley – Celtic’s player of the season – had a killer back-post ball buried by Adam Idah before Alistair Johnston’s driven cross was tapped in by Daizen Maeda.
By the 35th minute, it was three for the rampant visitors as Maeda turned provider for the resurgent James Forrest to convert from close range.
O’Riley rocketed in a stunning fourth from the edge of the box after break before coolly slotting away Celtic’s fifth and his 18th goal of the season.
Kilmarnock, already guaranteed fourth spot, were denied a Danny Armstrong consolation at four down, with Marley Watkins judged to be offside by the VAR in the build-up.
This result will not define a stellar season for Derek McInnes’ men, who have caused problems for both Old Firm clubs this term, but they were simply blown away by a Celtic side determined to win a 54th top-flight crown in style.
Two goals and an assist for Celtic’s main man, who has now taken his goal contribution tally for the season to 36
Celtic’s Rodgers call pays off – analysis
“For those who I need to convince, I will see you here in May” was the message from Rodgers to a polarised Celtic support on the day of his unveiling last June.
A year later, those who needed convincing have been won over and the decision from the board to bring him back for a second spell has been vindicated.
Even by Rodgers’ own admission, it has been far from vintage from a Celtic side who have made life difficult for themselves at times, but they have clicked into gear at a crucial period while their city rivals have faltered.
For Kilmarnock, it is a night to forget but a season to remember.
The dread of some in the away end travelling to Ayrshire on Wednesday pays testament to the work of McInnes and his players, who have Europe to look forward to next term after proving they are comfortably Scotland’s fourth-best side.
What’s next?
‘Grind of season ends in glorious Celtic flourish’
Media caption,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckdqdy5vx59o
Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer at Rugby Park
Published
17 minutes ago
At the end, as Celtic fans serenaded their champions and Kilmarnock supporters stood and applauded players who have given them so much this season, Brendan Rodgers and his captain Callum McGregor were locked in a hug on the sideline.
They had a little chat, another embrace, and then went away to join the party.
Or the warm-up to the party, which will take place in earnest at the weekend when Celtic will celebrate in their own place in front of 60,000 of their own people.
On the artificial surface of Rugby Park we saw the real thing from Celtic, certainly in a devastating first half when they scored three and might have had five.
It was the kind of thunder on title-winning night that was reminiscent of the best of the Ange Postecoglou years, while holding similarities to the pick of Rodgers in his invincible pomp in 2016-17.
Celtic overcome ‘so many issues’ to win Scottish title
Published
1 hour ago
Celtic champions after thumping win at Kilmarnock
Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views
Celtic donned the t-shirts of champions and went down the away end, illuminated by red pyrotechnics.
Some paper, or flags, caught fire and stewards arrived with extinguishers. Captain Conker, the Killie mascot, looked on as Celtic whooped it up.
Joe Hart threw his gloves to some kids and then returned to the bosom of his team-mates with a banner that read ‘Champions’.
Celtic have had a long and exacting season and they milked this. Why not?
On his 59th game of the season for club and country, Adam Idah began this rout, an eighth goal of the season for the 23-year-old with the potential to be a powerhouse, should Celtic stump up the cash to sign him in the summer.
That’s a question for a coming day, but not for this day or the next day when they will be presented with the league title for the 12th time in 13 seasons.
Then it was Daizen Maeda with the second, and after that the evergreen James Forrest with the third.
Rodgers’ front three had all scored inside 35 minutes. It was breathless and relentless, accurate and lovely to watch.
Matt O’Riley smashed in numbers four and five or numbers 17 and 18 for the season. Bought for £1.5m or thereabouts and still only 23, O’Riley’s capture was not so much a football signing as a football heist, a spectacular piece of business.
Rodgers’ side overcome doubts to triumph
Kilmarnock have had an outstanding season, but this was a game too far against an opponent who came here with a rage for goals.
Before kick-off, Rodgers had described the season as “very challenging” and a “little bit tedious.” Not vintage, said the Celtic manager.
He might have had previous visits to Rugby Park in mind when he said it – and no wonder. This had been an uncomfortable place for Celtic this season. Derek McInnes has been one of their bogey rival managers.
What unfolded in the first half was the polar opposite of what went on before.
The sights and sounds of Rugby Park were a contrast, too. Celtic in full flow were so easy on the eye, banging in high-class goals and accelerating across the winning line in the way their manager asked them to.
The ugly flip side was the chanting of the dismal element among the visiting support. An assault on the ears, a tiresome din.
The celebration carried on for an age, a reflection, perhaps, of how draining this season has been for Celtic, how punishing on many fronts this title win has been.
Rodgers’ use of the word ‘tedious’ was interesting in the preamble, an illustration of how deep the Celtic manager has had to dig to get his players over the line.
They’re there now and have a big day to come at home against St Mirren on Saturday to round it all off.
Nearly everybody doubted them somewhere along the line this season – sections of their own support chief among them.
Maybe they doubted themselves as well at various times, but they showed steel when they needed and they showed class at Kilmarnock.
A grind of a league season sealed with a gorgeous flourish.
The games that won Celtic a 12th title in 13 years
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c87z2z8pgyyo
Published
1 hour ago
For a while on Tuesday, it looked like Celtic would not have to leave the house to clinch the Scottish Premiership title for a third consecutive season.
Rangers were two down to Dundee. That they came back to win 5-2 only bought them a 24-hour reprieve.
Celtic’s thumping win at Kilmarnock officially secured the championship flag for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
But, in reality, other matches played a far more significant role in deciding who would lift the trophy. Matches such as these…
Celtic overwhelm Kilmarnock to clinch title
Latest Celtic news, analysis & views
Rangers 0-1 Celtic – 3 September
Kyogo Furuhashi scores for Celtic against RangersImage source, SNS
Image caption,
A solitary goal was enough for Celtic at Ibrox in September
In early September, there was disquiet at Celtic after an early-season goalless draw at home to St Johnstone.
A trip to Ibrox to face Michael Beale’s new-look Rangers was not make or break as such but certainly important in the landscape of the season.
Like all of this season’s derbies, there would be no away fans. But despite their lack of backing, Celtic found a way to win.
The visitors survived an early scare when VAR intervened to disallow a Kemar Roofe goal and the first half ended with Kyogo Furuhashi crashing in a crucial volley.
Rangers huffed and puffed in the second half but Celtic left with the three points and their unbeaten league record intact.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers – 30 December
Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates after scoring for Celtic against RangersImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Kyogo was at it again in the closing stages of 2023
Fast forward to late December.
Celtic had been beaten in consecutive matches earlier in the month and Rangers were building up a head of steam under Beale’s replacement, Philippe Clement.
The Belgian was still unbeaten and had claimed the League Cup. The visitors were in confident mood, albeit were five points back with two games in hand.
A first-half Paulo Bernardo goal settled any Celtic nerves and an outstanding Kyogo strike put the hosts well in control.
A late James Tavernier free-kick gave Rangers hope after they had lost Leon Balogun to a red card but an equaliser proved elusive.
With another win in their next game against St Mirren, Rodgers’ side went into the winter break comfortably top of the table.
Motherwell 1-3 Celtic – 25 February
Adam Idah scores for Celtic against MotherwellImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Adam Idah (far right) turned around Celtic’s fortunes at Fir Park
At half-time at Fir Park, Celtic were a goal down and at risk of falling five points behind Rangers, who had gone top in earlier in the month.
Enter Adam Idah. The on-loan Norwich City forward’s two goals – the second four minutes into stoppage time – got Celtic’s title charge back on track and an even later Luis Palma strike made sure of victory.
The second-half performance also seemed to rejuvenate Celtic after dropped points against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in previous weeks.
There was still work to do, though.
Celtic 3-0 St Mirren – 13 April
Reo Hatate scores for Celtic against St MirrenImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Reo Hatate broke the deadlock against St Mirren
This win perhaps did not seem particularly significant at the time, but it would prove to be critical.
Much like the Fir Park visit, Celtic took 45 minutes to get going but Reo Hatate, Kyogo and Idah put St Mirren away and put Rodgers’ men four points clear.
Rangers had two games in hand but lost the first of those the following day at Ross County, then couldn’t find a way through in a 0-0 draw at Dundee days later.
Celtic had the title initiative and they weren’t for giving it up.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers – 11 May
Rangers’ John Lundstram scores an own goal in a match against CelticImage source, SNS
Image caption,
John Lundstram had an eventful derby in mid-May
Typically, winning the Scottish title comes down in large part to how the Old Firm games go.
Going into this one, Celtic had already registered seven points from nine and it became 10 from 12 with this win.
Matt O’Riley’s opener and John Lundstram’s own goal were followed by Cyriel Dessers’ header. Lundstram’s red card and O’Riley’s missed penalty only added to the drama as Celtic went six clear with two to play.
Whatever happens on Saturday, they will finish with a winning margin of fewer than 10, emphasising just how important their derby record has been.
And it bodes well for their Scottish Cup defence, with finalists Rangers standing between Rodgers’ side and a domestic double.
Live Text
Postat 90 minutes plus 5
90’+5
Match ends, Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 5.
Full Timeat 90 minutes plus 5
90’+5
Second Half ends, Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 5.
Postat 90 minutes plus 5
90’+5
Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Nicolas Kühn.
Postat 90 minutes plus 5
90’+5
Attempt blocked. Luis Palma (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Postat 90 minutes plus 3
90’+3
Offside, Kilmarnock. Kevin van Veen is caught offside.
Postat 89 minutes
89′
Attempt missed. Alistair Johnston (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Reo Hatate with a headed pass following a corner.
Postat 88 minutes
88′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Kieran O’Hara.
Postat 88 minutes
88′
Attempt saved. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Paulo Bernardo with a through ball.
Postat 88 minutes
88′
Attempt missed. Rory McKenzie (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Postat 88 minutes
88′
Attempt saved. Liam Polworth (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Fraser Murray.
Postat 83 minutes
83′
Attempt blocked. Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Joe Wright.
Substitutionat 82 minutes
82′
Substitution, Kilmarnock. Rory McKenzie replaces David Watson.
Substitutionat 82 minutes
82′
Substitution, Kilmarnock. Kevin van Veen replaces Marley Watkins.
Postat 80 minutes
80′
Luis Palma (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 80 minutes
80′
Foul by Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock).
Postat 79 minutes
79′
Attempt saved. Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Fraser Murray with a cross.
Postat 79 minutes
79′
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Postat 78 minutes
78′
Delay in match because of an injury Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
Postat 78 minutes
78′
Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
Postat 78 minutes
78′
Fraser Murray (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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LIVE stream page 2
Postat 77 minutes
77′
Foul by Paulo Bernardo (Celtic).
Postat 77 minutes
77′
Joe Wright (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 75 minutes
75′
Foul by Paulo Bernardo (Celtic).
Postat 75 minutes
75′
Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitutionat 74 minutes
74′
Substitution, Celtic. Paulo Bernardo replaces Matt O’Riley.
Substitutionat 74 minutes
74′
Substitution, Celtic. Tomoki Iwata replaces Callum McGregor.
Substitutionat 74 minutes
74′
Substitution, Kilmarnock. Fraser Murray replaces Matty Kennedy.
Postat 72 minutes
72′
Attempt missed. Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock) left footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Liam Donnelly following a fast break.
Goal!at 71 minutes
71′
Goal! Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 5. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Nicolas Kühn.
Postat 70 minutes
70′
Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right following a corner.
Postat 70 minutes
70′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Donnelly.
Postat 69 minutes
69′
Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Luis Palma with a cross.
Postat 68 minutes
68′
Alistair Johnston (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 68 minutes
68′
Foul by Matty Kennedy (Kilmarnock).
Postat 66 minutes
66′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Joe Wright.
Postat 66 minutes
66′
Attempt blocked. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Luis Palma with a through ball.
Postat 63 minutes
63′
Foul by Alistair Johnston (Celtic).
Postat 63 minutes
63′
Matty Kennedy (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitutionat 62 minutes
62′
Substitution, Celtic. Luis Palma replaces Daizen Maeda.
Substitutionat 62 minutes
62′
Substitution, Celtic. Kyogo Furuhashi replaces Adam Idah.
LIVE stream page 3
Substitutionat 62 minutes
62′
Substitution, Celtic. Nicolas Kühn replaces James Forrest.
Postat 62 minutes
62′
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Postat 61 minutes
61′
Delay in match because of an injury Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock).
Postat 60 minutes
60′
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
Postat 60 minutes
60′
Matty Kennedy (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Postat 59 minutes
59′
Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock) hits the bar with a header from the left side of the six yard box. Assisted by Danny Armstrong with a cross.
Postat 59 minutes
59′
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
Postat 59 minutes
59′
Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 56 minutes
56′
VAR Decision: No Goal Kilmarnock 0-4 Celtic.
Postat 56 minutes
56′
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Postat 54 minutes
54′
Delay in match because of an injury Joe Hart (Celtic).
Postat 53 minutes
53′
GOAL OVERTURNED BY VAR: Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock) scores but the goal is ruled out after a VAR review.
Postat 53 minutes
53′
Offside, Kilmarnock. Marley Watkins is caught offside.
Goal!at 51 minutes
51′
Goal! Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 4. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by James Forrest following a corner.
Postat 51 minutes
51′
Attempt blocked. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Postat 51 minutes
51′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Kieran O’Hara.
Postat 51 minutes
51′
Attempt saved. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Postat 50 minutes
50′
Attempt saved. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Reo Hatate.
Bookingat 49 minutes
49′
Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock) is shown the yellow card.
Postat 49 minutes
49′
Daizen Maeda (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
LIVE stream page 4
Postat 49 minutes
49′
Foul by Joe Wright (Kilmarnock).
Postat 48 minutes
48′
Corner, Kilmarnock. Conceded by Matt O’Riley.
Postat 48 minutes
48′
Attempt blocked. Matty Kennedy (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Marley Watkins.
Postat 47 minutes
47′
Attempt blocked. Liam Scales (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley with a cross.
Postat 47 minutes
47′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Lewis Mayo.
Second Halfat 46 minutes
46′
Second Half begins Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 3.
Substitutionat 46 minutes
46′
Substitution, Kilmarnock. Liam Polworth replaces Kyle Vassell.
Substitutionat 46 minutes
46′
Substitution, Kilmarnock. Joe Wright replaces Corrie Ndaba.
Half Timeat 45 minutes plus 4
45’+4
First Half ends, Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 3.
Postat 45 minutes plus 1
45’+1
Attempt blocked. Reo Hatate (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.
Postat 45 minutes plus 1
45’+1
Attempt blocked. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Reo Hatate.
Postat 43 minutes
43′
Reo Hatate (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 43 minutes
43′
Foul by Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock).
Postat 43 minutes
43′
Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).
Postat 43 minutes
43′
Kyle Vassell (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 41 minutes
41′
Attempt saved. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by James Forrest.
Postat 40 minutes
40′
Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Reo Hatate.
Postat 40 minutes
40′
Attempt blocked. Liam Scales (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Idah.
Postat 39 minutes
39′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Robbie Deas.
Postat 39 minutes
39′
Attempt blocked. Liam Scales (Celtic) header from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley with a cross.
LIVE stream page 5
Postat 39 minutes
39′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Kieran O’Hara.
Postat 39 minutes
39′
Attempt saved. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Postat 38 minutes
38′
Attempt blocked. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by James Forrest.
Goal!at 35 minutes
35′
Goal! Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 3. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Daizen Maeda with a cross.
Postat 32 minutes
32′
Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).
Postat 32 minutes
32′
David Watson (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 32 minutes
32′
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Postat 31 minutes
31′
Delay in match because of an injury Reo Hatate (Celtic).
Bookingat 30 minutes
30′
Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Postat 30 minutes
30′
Reo Hatate (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 30 minutes
30′
Foul by Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock).
Postat 29 minutes
29′
Foul by Adam Idah (Celtic).
Postat 29 minutes
29′
Kieran O’Hara (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 27 minutes
27′
Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Matt O’Riley following a corner.
Postat 27 minutes
27′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Kieran O’Hara.
Postat 27 minutes
27′
Attempt saved. Liam Scales (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Callum McGregor.
Postat 25 minutes
25′
Alistair Johnston (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 25 minutes
25′
Foul by Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock).
Postat 25 minutes
25′
Attempt blocked. Matty Kennedy (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kyle Vassell.
Postat 24 minutes
24′
Attempt missed. Kyle Vassell (Kilmarnock) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Matty Kennedy with a cross.
LIVE stream page 6
Postat 22 minutes
22′
Attempt missed. Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Stuart Findlay with a headed pass following a set piece situation.
Postat 22 minutes
22′
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
Postat 22 minutes
22′
Corrie Ndaba (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Postat 20 minutes
20′
Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.
Postat 17 minutes
17′
Attempt saved. Adam Idah (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Daizen Maeda.
Postat 16 minutes
16′
Matt O’Riley (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Postat 16 minutes
16′
Foul by Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock).
Postat 15 minutes
15′
Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).
Postat 15 minutes
15′
Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal!at 12 minutes
12′
Goal! Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 2. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Alistair Johnston.
Postat 11 minutes
11′
Corner, Kilmarnock. Conceded by Greg Taylor.
Postat 10 minutes
10′
Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Postat 8 minutes
8′
Attempt missed. Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from more than 35 yards misses to the left from a direct free kick.
Postat 8 minutes
8′
Foul by Liam Scales (Celtic).
Postat 8 minutes
8′
Kyle Vassell (Kilmarnock) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal!at 5 minutes
5′
Goal! Kilmarnock 0, Celtic 1. Adam Idah (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt O’Riley with a cross.
Postat 4 minutes
4′
Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt O’Riley.
Postat 3 minutes
3′
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Matty Kennedy.
Postat 2 minutes
2′
Attempt missed. Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right.
Kick Offat 1 minute
1′
First Half begins.
LIVE stream page 7
Postat 1 minute
1′
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Callum McGregor: We showed amazing resilience to win this title
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/may/15/callum-mcgregor–we-showed-amazing-resilience-to-win-this-title/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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15 May 2024, 10:42 pm
Callum McGregor’s post-match interview might have been cut short by a water bottle drenching from Alistair Johnston, but the Celtic captain was still able to savour another title success – his ninth in the green and white Hoops and his third as club captain.
The 30-year-old midfielder has, as always, been a key figure in the team, always leading by example on and off the pitch, and having battled back from injury in recent weeks, he’s helped to steer the team home to another league title.
Celtic’s status as Champions of Scotland was confirmed tonight (Wednesday) with a 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, and it was a performance worthy of the finest team in Scotland.
The Celtic captain was delighted, as he told Celtic TV after the game.
“It’s amazing to get over the line,” he said. “It’s been a difficult season with difficult circumstances – a change of manager and change of players after a successful group of players, so just to get over the line is incredible.
‘It’s been amazing resilience shown by this group, and then when you add in the fans the support that we’ve got, it’s just incredible.’
“We always knew we had a strong group, strong personalities and with a strong leader in the manager, backed up by amazing staff.
“And we knew that once we got going and got the players fit, you see the football we were playing tonight…” (Alistair Johnston makes his intervention with a water bottle!)
Celtic clinch the title with five-star display at Rugby Park
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/may/15/celtic-clinch-the-title-with-five-star-display-at-rugby-park/
First Team
By Daylin Docherty
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15 May 2024, 9:36 pm
Scottish Premiership
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock
KILMARNOCK… 0
CELTIC… 5
(Idah 5, Maeda 12, Forrest 35, O’Riley 51 & 71)
Celtic have been crowned champions of Scotland for the third consecutive season as Brendan Rodgers’ side sealed the title with superb 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tonight (Wednesday).
The Hoops clinched their 54th title after a blistering performance on the plastic pitch, thanks to goals from Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and a double from Matt O’Riley.
The Celtic manager had spoken about wanting to sprint across the finishing line, and his side duly obliged, to the delight of the travelling support.
Before the match both sides poignantly remembered the legendary Tommy Burns who sadly passed away 16 years ago today, with a minute’s applause.
And once the game started, Adam Idah opened the scoring for Celtic in the fifth minute, slotting the ball home from a precise Matt O’Riley cross for his eighth goal since joining the club on loan in January.
The Hoops doubled their lead in the 12th minute. Reo Hatate played a lovely slide-rule pass to Alistair Johnston, who reached the byline and fired the ball across goal for Daizen Maeda to divert home.
Celtic’s dominance was evident as the two goalscorers combined again in the 17th minute. Idah took Maeda’s pass, spun his marker, and fired a powerful left-foot shot, which the Kilmarnock keeper did well to save.
In the 27th minute, Liam Scales nearly added a spectacular third, smashing a 30-yard shot that produced a stunning fingertip save from Kieran O’Hara.
However, the Hoops did get the third goal their play deserved when James Forrest tapped the ball home after he was set up by Maeda.
25%
Possession
75%
12
Shots
30
2
Shots On Target
12
2
Corners
9
7
Fouls
12
2
0
Cards
0
0
The Hoops wasted no time in the second half, quickly extending their lead to 4-0 through Matt O’Riley.
The corner was floated in from the left, and although Joe Wright attempted to clear it, the ball broke for O’Riley who took a touch before sweeping it into the top of the net with a powerful left-foot shot.
Kilmarnock thought they had pulled a goal back immediately after O’Riley’s strike when Danny Armstrong fired the ball home but it was ruled out for offside.
As the game progressed, Celtic showed no signs of letting up. They continued to rack up chances, with both Kyogo and Hatate going close to adding a fifth goal in the 69th minute.
And the Hoops’ relentless pressure paid off again in the 70th minute when O’Riley netted his second goal of the match, bringing his tally for the season to an impressive 18.
Nicolas Kuhn delivered a low ball into the box, finding O’Riley with the freedom to take a touch, get his head up, pick his spot, and pass it into the corner to make it 5-0. It was another clinical finish from the midfielder, highlighting Celtic’s dominance and efficiency.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration amongst the players and supporters as Brendan Rodgers has delivered another league title to Paradise, with Trophy Day on Saturday set to be another wonderful occasion for the Celtic Family.
Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Mayo, Deas, Findlay, Ndaba (Wright 45′), Armstrong, Donnelly, Watson (McKenzie 82′), Kennedy (Murray 74′), Watkins (van Veen 82′), Vassell (Polworth 45′)
Subs: Dennis, Wright, McKenzie, Murray, Cameron, Stewart, Polworth, Mackay-Steven, van Veen
Celtic: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O’Riley (Paulo Bernardo 74′), McGregor (Tomoki 74′), Hatate, Forrest (Kühn 62′), Idah (Kyogo 62′), Maeda (Palma 62′)
Subs: Palma, Kyogo, Kühn, Nawrocki, Tomoki, Paulo Bernardo, Bain, Ralston, Welsh
…