Rangers, at least mathematically, have kept their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox this afternoon, after two James Tavernier penalties proved enough to get past Aberdeen.
Steven Gerrard's side, however, live in the real world you'd have to hope. They, like the rest of us, know that they are simply delaying the inevitable. Celtic will become 8-in-a-row champions of Scotland at some stage over the next three weekends.
But for the moment, the Bhoys will have to wait, as the Gers collected all three points in today's somewhat tempestuous affair.
The biggest flashpoint of the match undoubtedly came in the first-half as the usually level-headed Jermain Defoe appeared to get away with a naughty one.
Disgraceful from Defoe-this is a RED CARD pic.twitter.com/U0MXQcAYqV
— The Skipper (@northern__lites) April 28, 2019
The game was goalless when the former England international tried to latch on to a long pass out of the Rangers defence that even at his decade gone-by quickest he'd have struggled to catch up with.
What he did catch however was Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis's jaw, inexplicably striking out with his right hand as the Dons man came to collect the ball on the bounce.
Referee Don Robertson felt Defoe's indiscretion didn't merit even a caution, however red card enthusiasts were left disappointed, as the official did get to flash one in controversial circumstances in the second period.
Tavernier had already beaten Lewis from the spot in the 48th minute before taking full advantage of a second opportunity with ten minutes remaining after Andrew Considine saw a harsh second yellow for what the referee deemed a foul on Nikola Katic.
Celtic only need a single point to fully ensure the title stays at Celtic Park and will have a chance to make certain of things when they travel to Pittodrie to face the Dons next Saturday lunchtime.
