Celtic pipped to post by Rangers

Kilmarnock 0 Celtic 4

Celtic’s thrilling season ended in more tears today having been pipped to the championship by Rangers on goal difference despite a courageous final day display.

The holders of the trophy bounced back from their UEFA Cup final defeat with a Chris Sutton double, Alan Thompson penalty and Stilian Petrov strike.

But cheers were replaced by more tears as Thompson missed a crucial spot-kick before hearing Rangers had beaten Dunfermline 6-1 at Ibrox to win the Bank of Scotland Premier League title by way of goal difference.

The champions could have been dead and buried in the 68th minute as the home side at last were gifted a chance to score.

Referee Kenny Clarke awarded a free-kick inside the box after Broto had picked the ball up from Lambert’s pass, but the wall stood up to McSwegan’s drive and the danger was gone.

Celtic were given another lifeline in the 80th minute when Marshall brought down Thompson in the box – but the former Newcastle and Aston Villa midfielder blasted the spot-kick high over the bar.

Petrov picked his team-mates off the floor again with eight minutes remaining when he fired past the Kilmarnock goalkeeper from Larsson’s inch-perfect throughball.

Marshall saved a volley from substitute Jamie Smith moments later as Celtic again piled on the pressure knowing another goal would tip the title their way again.

Broto kept their dream alive with a great save from substitute McDonald with three minutes left before Sutton headed over in the dying seconds.

And when Rangers scored late on to make sure of the title on goal difference - rather than goals scored – it left the men in Hoops once again in floods of tears at the final whistle.