Caitlin Hayes scored a 99th-minute equaliser for Celtic to disclaim defending champions and title rivals Rangers an important victory within the Scottish Women’s Premier League as tensions spilled over after the full-time whistle.
In the primary SWPL recreation to be proven dwell on Sky Sports, a first-half purpose from Brogan Hay (36) appeared set to be the distinction, however Hayes’ strike within the ninth minute of stoppage time salvaged a degree for Fran Alonso’s aspect.
But as Alonso celebrated at full-time, Rangers assistant coach Craig McPherson appeared to goal a headbutt on the Celtic head coach.
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Rangers WFC assistant coach Craig McPherson appeared to attempt to headbutt Celtic boss Fran Alonso on the finish of their 1-1 draw.
“Somebody just pushed me from behind,” Alonso informed Sky Sports when he was proven the incident. “I didn’t speak to him for the whole game but he was obviously disappointed to concede in the last minute. I totally get it.
“I acquired known as ‘a bit of rat’ and I do not know why.”
Rangers head coach Malky Thomson informed Sky Sports the membership will take care of the incident.
“Without seeing it, I won’t comment on it,” he mentioned. “If that’s the case there will be an investigation.”
The consequence means leaders Glasgow City, who beat Hibernian 2-0 on Saturday, finish the primary spherical of fixtures following the SWPL cut up eight factors away from Celtic in second and 9 forward of Rangers in third.
Brogan Hay pounced on a defensive mix-up to place Rangers in entrance within the first half. Photo credit score: Malcolm Mackenzie/SWPL
How Celtic denied Rangers essential win
After Glasgow City moved 9 factors clear on the high of the desk following their 2-0 win at Hibernian on Saturday, Celtic and Rangers each knew something aside from a victory within the third Old Firm conflict of the season could be a big blow to their title probabilities.
While the primary assembly between the 2 rivals ended 0-0 in November, Celtic beat Rangers 3-0 final month nevertheless it was Malky Thomson’s aspect who dominated the opening levels of Monday’s recreation.
Rangers made a assured begin however had been lucky to not fall behind within the 14th minute when goalkeeper Jenna Fife’s clearance was charged down by Natasha Flint, just for the ball to rebound behind for a goal-kick.
Celtic hardly ever threatened within the first half however needed a penalty seven minutes later when Lisa Martinez acquired the unsuitable aspect of Caitlin Hayes from a nook and appeared to tug her opponent to the bottom. However, referee Steven MacDonald waved away the appeals and with no VAR in operation, the sport remained goalless.
Despite that incident, it was Rangers who managed nearly all of the competition. Captain Kathryn Hill noticed two efforts routinely saved by Pamela Tajonar earlier than the hosts deservedly took the lead within the thirty sixth minute, albeit in lucky circumstances.
Hay celebrates after giving Rangers the lead towards Celtic. Photo credit score: Malcolm Mackenzie/SWPL
Celtic skipper Kelly Clark tried to chop out Emma Watson’s low cross from the left, however as a substitute she took the ball away from Tajonar who had rushed off her line to gather, leaving Brogan Hay with a easy tap-in to place her aspect in entrance at half-time.
Celtic improved after the break however had been unable to create any clear-cut probabilities. Flint fired properly over simply earlier than the hour mark whereas Hayes noticed her header simply collected by Fife seven minutes earlier than full-time.
American ahead Kit Loferski, whose signing was introduced on the day of the sport, was launched within the seventieth minute nevertheless it wasn’t till the ultimate seconds that the guests earned what may now turn into a helpful level.
A hopeful ball ahead from the again precipitated Rangers’ defence issues and as Fife rushed out to clear the ball, it rebounded off Hayes, permitting the Celtic defender to faucet into an empty purpose to start out jubilant celebrations.
With 9 video games remaining following the SWPL cut up, each Rangers and Celtic will nonetheless consider they’ll chase down unbeaten leaders Glasgow City, however Monday’s consequence undoubtedly favours the 15-time champions.
Elsewhere within the SWPL
Leaders Glasgow City stay high after their 2-0 win at Hibernian on Saturday, whereas Hearts beat Partick Thistle 1-0 within the different top-six fixture.
In the underside half, Motherwell gained 4-1 towards rivals Hamilton Academical, Spartans beat Dundee United 1-0 and Aberdeen overcame rock-bottom Glasgow 3-1.
Alonso: ‘Almost appears like a win’
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Fran Alonso mentioned Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Rangers appears like win after Caitlin Hayes scored with the final kick of the sport.
Celtic head coach Fran Alonso was delighted with the victory:
“We wanted the three points but we knew we were facing a top, top side.
“At the top we put a centre-back up entrance and we by no means gave up. To rating like that, it nearly appears like a win.
“I’m very, very proud of the guys. I felt like it was one half per team so it’s a fair result.
“We are undoubtedly in a title battle. We need to play Glasgow City twice and Rangers, clearly each recreation will probably be troublesome.
“The only thing we lost today is it isn’t in our hands anymore, we depend on Rangers taking points from Glasgow City now as well.”
Thomson: ‘It leaves us batting for second’
Malky Thomson informed Sky Sports their title bid could possibly be over:
“I think it was a great spectacle for the fans watching it and it had everything. A bit of drama, two goals.
“I’m gutted however we’re Rangers, we’ll want to select ourselves up and transfer on.
“It’s really difficult, especially considering the first half when we were excellent.
“We had an actual good probability to make it 2-0 and put the sport out of attain. It was an entertaining recreation, clearly it leaves us battling for second place now, however perhaps there will probably be some extra thrills and spills.
“I’m a bit gutted, but we’ll pick ourselves up and move on.”
What’s subsequent?
Rangers Women host Hibernian of their subsequent SWPL match on April 2, with kick-off at 4.10pm. Celtic play Partick Thistle at dwelling on the identical day, with the sooner kick-off time of 3pm.
