Martin O’Neill forced to separate Celtic and Rangers stars after final whistle

Martin O’Neill was forced to rush onto the pitch and separate Celtic and Rangers players from clashing after the Old Firm.

On the day he turned 74, the legendary manager didn’t shy away from the fury, getting stuck into the middle of the tension.

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As the full-time whistle blew at Ibrox on Sunday, with the game ending 2-2, things started to boil over on the field between the bitter rivals.

Julian Araujo was pushed by Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore in a scuffle, while Celtic captain Callum McGregor got involved elsewhere.

But as cameras showed the clash between the players, O’Neill appeared among the group, pulling his players away.

He went around to each of those involved, dragging those in green and white away by their shoulders and shirts.

The veteran could also be heard shouting: ‘Get away, get away!’

On the tensions boiling over at the final whistle, Celtic’s Callum McGregor said: “It’s high stakes, so everybody knows whats on the line.

“It’s livelihoods and sometimes it can boil over. You have to try and stay disciplined and focused, there’s four teams going for it.

“It’s about staying calm and executing what we know has had success in the past.”

Old Firm drama

It all kicked off after dramatic end to Sunday’s Old Firm that saw Celtic claw it back to 2-2.

Kasper Schmeichel was the big absentee from the Hoops squad amid recent backlash from Celtic fans.

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However, he was forced to miss the game through illness rather than being dropped.

Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a stunning overhead kick then flicked in a second in the 26th minute.

The visitors stormed back after the break and left-back Kieran Tierney reduced the deficit in the 56th minute.

Rangers were hanging on desperately until VAR intervened – with a couple of minutes remaining – and a penalty was awarded to the Hoops for a Dujon Sterling handball.

Jack Butland saved Hatate’s spot-kick and his effort from the rebound, but the Hoops substitute scored at the third attempt.

With nine fixtures remaining, Danny Rohl’s side are six points behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic who have a game in hand over the top two.