Celtic returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 3-0 win at bottom side Livingston put them a point above Rangers ahead of next weekend’s crunch Old Firm clash.

The Hoops scored three second-half goals, with an unfortunate Jamie Brandon own goal giving them the lead in the 49th minute.

Substitute Paulo Bernardo then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute as he drilled a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box, before Matt O’Riley added a third 10 minutes later.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers watched on from the stands as he served the first touchline ban of his career.

But Rodgers will be back in the dugout for next Sunday’s crucial title clash at Ibrox, live on Sky Sports, with Celtic’s comfortable win at the Tony Macaroni Arena seeing them now boast a better goal difference than Rangers, who have a game in hand.

Livingston, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the table and, with just seven games to go, are in grave danger of slipping into the Championship as they sit 10 points behind second-bottom Ross County.

How Celtic overcame a sluggish first half and penalty controversy to win

With Rodgers absent on the touchline, there was a boost before kick-off for Celtic as midfielder Reo Hatate came in for his first Hoops start of 2024 after being sidelined by a calf problem.

The Japanese midfielder had Celtic’s first shot as he rifled over the bar in the fifth minute as the visitors struggled to create much despite their unsurprising dominance.

There was a contentious moment when Kyogo Furuhashi went down in the box under a challenge from Livingston captain Michael Devlin, but no penalty was awarded and VAR did not see any reason to overturn the on-field decision.

The controversy led to Sky Sports pundits Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd clashing at half-time over the decision as the former believed Celtic should have been awarded a penalty but the latter disagreed.

The incident overshadowed a poor first half from Celtic whose only shot on target came in stoppage time as Furuhashi drew a smart low save from Shamal George.

But Celtic’s frustrations were finally ended four minutes into the second half when they broke the deadlock through a scrappy own goal.

The goal came as Hatate’s close-range shot was superbly saved by George but then the ball unfortunately rebounded off Brandon into the back of the net.

Celtic’s second was not lucky, however, as substitute Bernardo played a neat one-two with Matt O’Riley before firing a low strike from distance into the bottom corner.

O’Riley then turned goalscorer in the 82nd minute as his low shot from inside the box squirmed under George to take Celtic’s goal difference to +51, one goal better than Rangers.

Kennedy: Players’ calmness important in win

Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy speaking to Sky Sports:

“A controlled performance. We limited Livingston to next to nothing. We scored some very good goals, so it’s a pleasing afternoon because it can be difficult here.

“As the game went on we knew it’d open up. It’s easy at this stage of the season to get drawn into chasing something and doing something we’re not used to. We just continued to do what we do and that’s what the players know.

“The calmness of them maintained that ability to maintain pressure and eventually they break down and we get a goal, so that’s important for us.”

Martindale: Individual errors costing us

Livingston boss David Martindale speaking to Sky Sports:

“The game went how I wanted it to go in the first half. It’s the story of the season: it’s just moments within games and individual errors.

“When you lose the first goal against the Old Firm, the game becomes difficult at that point. The dynamics and complexities totally change and that falls right into Celtic’s hands.”

What’s next?

Sunday 7th April 11:00am


Kick off 12:00pm

Livingston host Aberdeen in their next Scottish Premiership match on April 6. Kick-off 3pm.

Celtic travel to Rangers for the next Old Firm clash on April 7, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 12pm.

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Kalvin Phillips’ unhappy loan stint at West Ham hit a new low after he was caught on camera giving the middle finger to fans following Saturday’s 4-3 defeat at Newcastle.

Phillips was sent on with 21 minutes to play with West Ham leading 3-1 but conceded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon from which Alexander Isak scored. That sparked a sensational Newcastle comeback as Harvey Barnes netted two late goals to win the game for the Toon.

A section of the away support were heard shouting “Get out of our club” and “You’re useless” to the on-loan Manchester City midfielder, who arrived at the club in January.

Then, in a video shared on social media, a fan can be heard shouting “useless” as Phillips boarded the team coach after the game.

Once inside the vehicle, Phillips is clearly seen through the windscreen raising his middle finger in the direction of the fans.

West Ham declined to comment on the incident when approached by Sky Sports News on Sunday.

‘Bringing on Phillips didn’t work’ – Moyes’ brutal verdict after loss

West Ham boss David Moyes said his decision to bring on Phillips with the Irons leading 3-1 at Newcastle “did not work” following the 4-3 defeat.

He said: “The [second] penalty kick [awarded for Phillips’ foul on Gordon on 77 minutes] is a huge turning point, but I also thought we made a change because we felt as if they had got on top and missed a couple of chances.

“We tried to give ourselves another midfield player at 3-1 up and we didn’t want to wait for it to get to 3-2.

“Probably that decision didn’t work on the day, but more importantly I think the boy puts his foot in front of Kalvin and I don’t know how he’s supposed to see his leg.

“The penalty kick makes it 3-2 and we had been doing OK. We gave up a couple of chances before that which I didn’t like and they had started to get some control shooting down the hill, but we had another day when very few things went for us.

“We got ourselves in front and did a lot of good things.

“We looked a real threat in our attacking play for most of the day. We just couldn’t be defensively sound and, let’s be fair, we’ve had that issue many times already this season.”

Moyes added: “But I have to say, before the penalty kick, Newcastle missed two big chances in the middle of the goal, so that was the reason we made the change, not because we were thinking we were winning 3-1. They had missed big chances and I was trying to make sure we weren’t going to lose and make the change in a positive fashion. We tried to make it at that time, and obviously it didn’t work out.

“But I’m not going to say anything about any player. I wouldn’t do that, it would be wrong.”

‘I can’t get upset by Phillips’ reaction’

Darren Lewis, Sports Journalists’ Association president and Daily Mirror assistant editor, speaking on Sky Sports News:

“There are too many fans in football who believe they have the right to abuse footballers or individuals and then get upset when those individuals show themselves to be human.

“Do we condone offensive gestures and bad language? Of course we don’t, but nor do we defend individuals who treat footballers in the way that some people treated Kalvin Phillips.

“Yes he had a bad game, but does he have the right to have that [abuse]? No he doesn’t, so I’m sorry but I can’t get upset about the way he has reacted.

“He’s going through a tough time. What he doesn’t need is for people to tell him to get out of the club. What he needs is support, and real support is getting behind him.”

Analysis: Moyes allowed Newcastle comeback to happen

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:

“Moyes was scarcely able to believe what he had seen.

“On 53 minutes, West Ham were so comfortable that the away end started to bring out the ‘oles’ as their attractive front four bopped the ball around holding a 3-1 lead. It was a deserved lead, too. Mohammed Kudus had dazzled, Lucas Paqueta was running the game and Jarrod Bowen was in ruthless mood.

“But when the momentum started to shift, Moyes slipped back to his old ways of sitting on a lead instead of utilising West Ham’s clear advantage in the final third against the makeshift Newcastle defence who were clearly struggling. Kalvin Phillips was called for as Paqueta was moved up into a central striking role. As an attacking force, West Ham became redundant. The label of blame has to sit at the manager’s door for that. Yes, Newcastle played with a renewed vigour and intensity but they were allowed to by a retreating Hammers outfit who sank without a trace.”

Experts, fighters and pundits have their say ahead of Frazer Clarke against Fabio Wardley for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

The British rivals will meet in the main event on a bumper card at the O2 Arena on Easter Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Lawrence Okolie (former cruiserweight world champion):

“I think that’s a good fight. I’d have to be there, because I’m an Olympian I’d favour Frazer based on boxing ability, size and grit, but Wardley is another person who whenever he’s looked like he’s going to lose he’s managed to drag it back and land some haymakers.

“I think he’ll be feeling extremely confident, he’s been in an amazing run of form. It’s almost pedigree against run of form so we’ll see what happens. I would say Clarke on points.”

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Callum Simpson (Central Area titlist):

“I’m going to go for Frazer Clarke on points. I think it’s going to be a good fight. I think a lot of people are writing Frazer off.

“Fabio Wardley’s probably proven himself more at pro level, I think. Frazer Clarke’s not proven as a pro but I think he’s one of those fighters the better opponent, the better he’ll fight. I don’t think he’s really had to dig deep or do anything special to beat the guys he’s been fighting. This next one I think he will.”

Gary Logan (professional coach):

“You just know as soon as you hit Wardley he’s going to come back, step off and be ready to go again. I want to say Frazer because an Olympic bronze medallist shouldn’t be losing to guys that didn’t have any sort of amateur career.

“But until Frazer proves to me that he can’t be hit easily, I’m going to go Fabio on this one. I think Fabio stoppage.”

Isaac Chamberlain (British champion):

“I think Fabio because of his experience in the professional ranks. But Frazer has a lot of experience fighting with GB all over the world. That could put him in good stead. But 12 rounds boxing in a professional ring is very different to three-round amateur fights no matter how good your opponents are.

“I think Fabio wins on points.”

Jeamie TKV (Heavyweight prospect):

“My prediction is that Fabio wins. I’m not writing off Frazer because he’s very capable. I can see him having success early. I can see him doing very well early but it’s if he can maintain that. Especially in a championship fight.

“I believe as the fight goes on Fabio will become a problem for Frazer.

“I think Frazer believes that he’s better than him. Because he’s done more than he has, he feels like he’s more experienced than Fabio is [thanks to his amateur career]. But from what I’ve seen he’s not better than Fabio.”

Johnny Nelson (Former world champion):

“I would go with Frazer. I think Frazer Clarke has got a lot more technical artillery, insight and understanding. The only thing Frazer’s lacking in this fight is professional experience.

“We’ve not had such an even fight for a British heavyweight title for quite a while. I love this fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think it’s a tough fight for both fighters, a lot at stake for both fighters.”

Chris Kongo (British title challenger):

“Frazer, wicked heavyweight, one of the top heavyweights, I believe in the country. Fabio Wardley comes from white collar boxing but has done so well.

“They sparred each other, they shared some rounds. Sparring is sparring, you can’t take nothing from it. These are two good fighters. It’s just going to be a good fight. I know that Fabio’s got that dog in him. In sparring you can see he’s got that dog in him but fights are where he brings it out.

“This is nothing new to Frazer Clarke, he’s fought some top, top guys on the amateur but amateurs is different to professionals. It’s going to be a cracking fight, I can’t wait to win and sit down ringside and see Fabio take the win. I believe he’s got the victory. A hard fight but one in that he’ll come out victorious.”

Anthony Ogogo (former Olympic bronze medallist)

“I’ve known Big Fraze for a long long time, he’s a really well-drilled fighter, big, strong, powerful.

“If I was a betting man I’d put money on Frazer getting the win and becoming British heavyweight champion.”

Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley collide in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles this Sunday at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports; Ben Whittaker is on the undercard, as is Viddal Riley-Mikael Lawal, Floran Marku-Chris Kongo and more