In the intense final moments of the 2024 Scottish Cup final, Rangers player John Lundstram made a daring tackle on Celtic star Matt O’Riley, sparking controversy and criticism from former Celtic great Peter Grant. Grant, who was providing co-commentary for Celtic TV during the match at Hampden Park, expressed disbelief that the referee, Nick Walsh, did not penalize Lundstram for his reckless challenge on O’Riley.

As the clock reached 99 minutes at the national stadium, Lundstram, the former Sheffield United midfielder, sprinted in with great speed and attempted a tackle on O’Riley near the touchline. However, the alert Denmark international managed to evade the tackle by Lundstram, avoiding a potentially serious injury. Grant noted that both players were fortunate in that situation—O’Riley for escaping unscathed and Lundstram for avoiding what would have been his second red card in consecutive games against Celtic.

Reflecting on the incident, Grant remarked to Celtic TV, “If O’Riley hadn’t leaped over that tackle, it would have been another red card for Lundstram. It was a shocking attempt, and it’s astonishing how the referee let him off the hook, regardless of it being the final play of the game.”

Lundstram had received a straight red card from Willie Collum in the previous derby fixture at Celtic Park just two weeks earlier. His late challenge on Alistair Johnston led to his expulsion following a VAR review.

With his contract set to expire at the beginning of June, it is likely that Lundstram has played his final match in a Rangers jersey. Manager Philippe Clement has already confirmed that Borna Barisic is departing for Turkish club Trabzonspor, and there are reports suggesting that Lundstram could also make a move away from Ibrox, with Trabzonspor expressing interest in the midfielder—one of the highest earners in Scottish football.