GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Neil Lennon has responded to Philippe Clement’s remarks about “moral winners” after Rangers and Celtic’s thrilling 3–3 draw at Ibrox on Sunday, April 7.
The Hoops led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley; however, James Tavernier and Abdallah Sima leveled the score. Before Rabbi Matondo made a spectacular play in the third minute of extra time, Adam Idah appeared to have won the game in the dying seconds.
After the stalemate at Ibrox, Clement expressed some satisfaction with the outcome, calling his team the “moral winners” even though they had only won by a single point. [Sky Sports]
In response to the remarks, former Bhoys manager Lennon said on Monday, April 8, on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show podcast: “I’m disappointed with some of his comments after the game.”
“I didn’t think it was right, and I have no idea what constitutes a’moral victory’ in an Old Firm derby. It’s either yours to win or lose.
Will Rangers win the Scottish Premiership, surpassing Celtic?
As Celtic led 2-0 at the interval, all hope appeared to be lost for Clement’s team. Maeda took advantage of a bizarre error made by Tavernier to open the score in a matter of seconds.
Even though Rangers’ victory over their Old Firm opponents by one point would not satisfy every fan, the most important thing is that the game ended in a win for the team, unlike the previous two meetings.
When the Gers play Dundee on Wednesday, April 10, they have a game in hand over their rivals and have the potential to unseat Celtic atop the Scottish Premiership standings.
Given how close the title contest is expected to be, Clement’s team cannot afford to make another mistake like they did against Celtic on Sunday.
Given how many players have recently returned from injury, the Rangers have enough talent on their roster to compete for the entire season. The pressure is definitely on for both clubs at this moment because Celtic is also unlikely to give up points.
In unrelated Rangers news, following remarks made by the legendary player, Ally McCoist, on BBC Radio Scotland, Tom English leveled a shameful accusation against him.
