GER KIDDING
Rangers star John Lundstram made a ‘bad decision’ with his tackle says Philippe Clement as he gives title race verdict
The manager won't give up hope in the title race
PHILIPPE CLEMENT says John Lundstram made a "bad decision" and let his side down by allowing himself to get sent off at Celtic Park.
But the Rangers boss insists he won't hold a grudge against the midfielder after everything he's done for the club in recent years.
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The Light Blues went a goal down in the first following Matt O'Riley's strike, before the ball was in the back of the net again minutes later following an own goal by the former Sheffield United star.
The Gers pulled one back through Cyriel Dessers moments later and it was game on at Parkhead once more.
But Clement's side were dealt a sucker blow on the stroke of half-time when Lundstram lunged in with a dangerous tackle on Alistair Johnston.
He was initially given a yellow card by referee Willie Collum but it was upgraded to a red following a lengthy VAR check.
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It left the Light Blues a man down for the remainder of the derby and they struggled to get back into the tie in the second half, despite some late chances in the second half.
Speaking to BBC Sportscene at full-time, the Belgian manager said: "The bad decision making in the tackle and getting the red card changed the game.
"After these 20 minutes we had our chances, made the goal and had a few chances.
"At half-time the xG of the teams is similar so if you stay at XI you have another story.
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"If I need to speak about positive things the team kept fighting and showed a lot of resilience the whole squad to play with 10 and still create and make it difficult for Celtic.
"John made a bad decision in that moment and he knows, he's experienced. But I don't forget, and his teammates don't forget everything he's been doing for the team the last couple of months and years.
"Yes he knows he made a mistake in the split second, a wrong decision and execution, but now it's looking forward."
It will take a miracle for Rangers to turn things around now as they're six points adrift of their rivals with just two games left to play.
Celtic have all-but retained the title but they will be hoping to make it official next week at Rugby Park.
But while Clement understands the trophy is almost out of their reach, he isn't giving up hope until the Hoops mathematically secure it.
He added: "I never accept until it's mathematically sure but it's a really long shot now. I'm not naive in that, we need to focus on three points against Dundee, then we can see further, nothing more."
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