adminRangers 2-2 Celtic: Kris Boyd crowns star “king of Ibrox” after “unbelievable” Old Firm display
After what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Old Firm derbies in recent memory, Kris Boyd hailed a Rangers F.C. star as the “king of Ibrox,” despite the Gers being denied all three points.
Hatate snatches late point for Celtic
The atmosphere around this Old Firm clash carried extra intensity.
Both Rangers and Celtic F.C. have endured turbulent seasons, with managerial changes and disappointing campaigns leaving both trailing surprise leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Rangers, however, entered the derby in strong form. Danny Rohl’s side had gone six games unbeaten, including a dramatic 4-2 victory over Hearts, and that momentum was evident from the first whistle.
The Gers dominated early, pressing their rivals and opening the scoring in spectacular fashion.
For all the scrutiny he has faced this season, Youssef Chermiti has shown time and again he thrives on big occasions.
After scoring a brace against Celtic earlier this season and a hat-trick against Hearts last month, he delivered perhaps his best goal of the campaign at Ibrox.
His first strike was sensational, but it was the composure of his second that truly stood out — calmly collecting the ball past Julian Araujo and finishing with ease to make it 2-0, leaving Celtic seemingly beaten.
Birthday boy Martin O’Neill soon made tactical changes, and Kieran Tierney’s header brought Celtic back into the fight. A late handball by Dujon Sterling gave Reo Hatate a penalty opportunity, which he converted on a rebound after Jack Butland’s initial save to snatch a dramatic late equaliser.
By the final whistle, despite the rollercoaster of action, it was Hearts who benefitted most, extending their lead at the top of the Premiership to six points.
Boyd crowns Chermiti “king of Ibrox”
Amid all the drama, Kris Boyd reserved special praise for Rangers’ goalscorer. Speaking on Sky Sports, he called Chermiti the “king of Ibrox” following an “unbelievable” display in the derby.
“[Chermiti’s opener] was unbelievable. It’s brilliant from Skov Olsen, just placing it into space, not aiming at anyone specifically. The connection is perfect, the power, the height — what a finish. Wow. Right now, he is the King of Ibrox,” Boyd said.
Even with Celtic’s fightback diluting the immediate impact of Chermiti’s performance, the striker once again demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion for Rangers, continuing to silence critics on the biggest stage.
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