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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

The missed Celtic vs Rangers tackle that could've seen another red card

Rangers player John Lundstram was let away with a 'shocking attempt' of a tackle on Celtic star Matt O'Riley during the final seconds of the Scottish Cup final 2024.

That was the viewpoint of former Celts great Peter Grant.

The ex-defender was on co-commentary duty for Celtic TV at Hampden Park on Saturday afternoon.

And he couldn't believe that Nick Walsh allowed the one-time Sheffield United midfielder to get away with his challenge on O'Riley without any form of punishment in what would've been his SECOND red card in the fixture in as many games.

With the clock at 99 minutes at the national stadium, the 30-year-old raced in and went to ground at a considerable pace with O'Riley next to the touchline.

The Denmark international was alert and managed to skip over the onrushing tackle by Lundstram.

Grant believes both players walked away from that situation with luck on their side. O'Riley because he avoided a potentially nasty injury, and Lundstram because it would've been a red card had he connected.

He told Celtic TV:  "I tell you what if he (O'Riley) hadn't jumped over it that was another red card for Lundstram.

"It was a shocking attempt and how the referee has let him away with it, whether it was the last kick of the game or not, is shocking."

Lundstram received a straight red from Willie Collum during the last derby fixture just a fortnight ago at Celtic Park. 

His lunge on Alistair Johnston was late and after a VAR check, he was later sent off.

Yesterday's game was likely the last time Lundstram will be seen in a Rangers jersey, with his contract due to expire at the start of June.

Philippe Clement has already confirmed Borna Barisic is on his way out of Ibrox, with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on the horizon.

And it's believed they also fancy a move for one of Scottish football's highest earners in the shape of Lundstram.

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