Celtic made it difficult, but they got the job done!
After a six-goal thriller after extra-time, Celtic beat Rangers 5-4 on penalties to lift the League Cup at Hampden.
Daizen Maeda netted the winning spot-kick and, rightly so, the thousands of Celtic fans reacted with pure elation and relief after the final kick.
Like all great champions do, they fought, fought and fought until the end and helped produce one of the great Glasgow derby showdowns.
For the Bhoys, it’s a familiar feeling again, another victory over Rangers and another win in such a showpiece final.
Whilst Philippe Clement has only been in Glasgow for a small period to witness Celtic’s dominance, one man who has seen it all has been James Tavernier.
But the Rangers skipper’s reaction post-match was rather interesting.
James Tavernier tells Rangers players to watch Celtic lift the League Cup trophy
As per, the Rangers players went up first to collect their runners-up medal, before the main event of Callum McGregor and Co. lifting their winner’s medals.
Premier Sports presenter Emma Dodds then stated that ‘some Rangers players’ proceeded to go down the tunnel.
But Tavernier then stopped them in their traps and asked them to ‘stay out there and watch’ Celtic lift the trophy.
“The green and white ribbons on it,” said Dodds. “Rangers lifted it last year, but they couldn’t retain it here this evening. It is Celtic who will go on to lift this trophy after Rangers have been given their runners-up medals.
“Some players staying out there to watch Celtic get the trophy. Some of the players have opted to go up the tunnel and captain James Tavernier has asked the players to stay out there and watch.
What the Celtic fans did as Rangers collected runners-up medals
It was a touch of class from Tavernier to tell his teammates to stand and appreciate the champions because it’s a sign of respect.
When the Rangers players themselves went up for their runners-up medals, they were applauded by some of the Celtic fans, as those on the other side made a quick exit.
Nobody left their seat during the 120 minutes, plus extra time, but when Maeda was wheeling away in celebration, Hampden quickly emptied on one side.
