Ten-man Celtic suffered a damaging blow to their Scottish Premiership title hopes as Kai Andrews’ late winner secured Hibernian a first victory at Parkhead since 2010 on a potentially pivotal day in an incredible season.
Three days after Martin O’Neill’s side endured a bruising 4-1 Europa League defeat to Stuttgart at the same venue, Celtic Park was stunned again as the 73-year-old suffered his first domestic loss of the campaign.
Felix Passlack headed in his first Hibs goal from a bending Nicky Cadden cross on 24 minutes, marking the fourth time in five games Celtic have conceded first.
However, O’Neill’s men responded once more following a spell of late first-half pressure when Benjamin Nygren nodded in from close range.
As the scarcely-believable news from West Lothian filtered through, with bottom side Livingston leading Rangers by two, Celtic fans attempted to whip up their team amid a Glasgow downpour.
However, a red card for Auston Trusty – awarded after an on-field VAR review – derailed the home side’s momentum.
The Celtic defender was adjudged to have used excessive force with his arm when lashing out violently at Jamie McGrath before a corner for the hosts.
While Rangers staged a two-goal comeback, Hibs capitalised on their man advantage when Ante Suto set up Andrews to bury a sensational winner, earning a seismic victory that boosts their city rivals’ title bid.
The result means Celtic stay third with a game in hand, six points adrift of leaders Hearts and two off Rangers, who host O’Neill’s side in an Old Firm derby next Sunday.
