Celtic boss Martin O’Neill intervenes as tensions flare between Hoops and Rangers stars post-match

Martin O’Neill had to sprint onto the pitch to pull Celtic and Rangers players apart after tempers flared at the end of the latest Old Firm clash.

On his 74th birthday, the former Hoops boss didn’t hesitate to step into the chaos as tensions spilled over following the 2-2 draw at Ibrox. When the final whistle sounded, emotions boiled over between the fierce rivals.

Julian Araujo was shoved by Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore during one flashpoint, while Celtic captain Callum McGregor was also involved in heated exchanges elsewhere on the pitch.

Television cameras captured O’Neill right in the thick of it, physically ushering his players away from the confrontation. He was seen grabbing those in green and white by the shoulders and shirts, repeatedly shouting: “Get away, get away!”

Speaking after the match, McGregor admitted the intensity of the occasion can sometimes tip over.

“It’s high stakes, so everybody knows what’s on the line,” he said. “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 unfolds

The drama came at the end of a pulsating contest that saw Celtic battle back from two goals down.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was absent from the squad due to illness amid recent criticism from supporters. Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti struck twice in the first half — opening the scoring with an overhead kick in the eighth minute before adding a second in the 26th.

Celtic responded after the interval, with Kieran Tierney pulling one back in the 56th minute.

Late controversy followed when VAR awarded Celtic a penalty for a Dujon Sterling handball. Jack Butland saved Reo Hatate’s initial spot-kick and the rebound, but the midfielder eventually converted at the third attempt to make it 2-2.

With nine games remaining, Danny Rohl’s Rangers side sit six points behind leaders Hearts and two points ahead of Celtic, who still have a game in hand on the top two.