During today’s tense derby at Celtic Park, Rangers’ captain James Tavernier found himself under attack when objects were hurled at him from the crowd while preparing to take a corner. The unsavory incident took place at the far right corner of the stadium, visible as the camera focused on the pitch, as enraged fans vented their frustration.

Tavernier, the Gers’ star right back, decided he’d had enough and promptly collected a couple of the projectiles to present them to referee Willie Collum for inspection. Sadly, scenes like these are far too familiar in the intense Glasgow derby clashes.

The disturbing event unfolded with just ten minutes of regular play left on the clock, as Philippe Clement’s team aimed to press against their rivals, who held a 2-1 lead. Collum, after a quick assessment of the items handed to him by Tavernier, discarded them off the Celtic byline.

Celtic’s path to a third consecutive Premiership title seems to have been firmly paved by the victory. Brendan Rodgers’ squad now commands a six-point lead over Rangers at the table’s summit with only two matches remaining. Furthermore, they possess a superior goal difference of six.

The match commenced with a bang as Matt O’Riley unleashed a magnificent strike from outside the box, leaving Jack Butland rooted to the spot. A subsequent own goal by John Lundstram compounded Rangers’ troubles.

Yet, in a sudden twist of fate, Cyriel Dessers salvaged hope for Philippe Clement’s side with a well-placed header from close range moments later. However, Lundstram’s woes continued as he received a red card just before halftime for a reckless tackle on Alistair Johnston, the resulting impact seen high on the Canadian’s ankle.

Initially handed a yellow card by Collum, Lundstram saw his punishment swiftly upgraded to a red following a VAR review at the touchline screen.