In a captivating Old Firm derby, Celtic and Rangers delivered an unforgettable spectacle filled with drama, tension, and controversy.

The Scottish Women's Premier League match, held at New Douglas Park in Hamilton, saw the two fierce rivals battle it out in a game that truly had it all.

Rangers struck first, taking the lead just four minutes into the match thanks to a well-placed strike from Rio Hardy.

The early goal set the tone for an intense encounter, but Celtic responded valiantly, with Caitlin Hayes finding the equaliser just before half-time, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 1-1.

However, the second half escalated quickly into a whirlwind of emotions. Rangers regained the lead in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after referee Jamie Wilkie ruled that Shannon McGregor had fouled Charlie Devlin in the box.

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Katie Wilkinson confidently converted the penalty, sending the Rangers fans into a frenzy.

Yet, the decision to award the spot-kick sparked immediate controversy. Replays indicated that the contact between McGregor and Devlin was minimal, leading commentator Gemma Fay - an ex-Scotland internationalist - to suggest that the foul could have just as easily been called the other way.

(Image: Sky Sports)

(Image: Sky Sports) This contentious moment left Celtic manager Elena Sadiku seething with anger, and her frustration soon boiled over.

The Celtic gaffer was shown red for sarcastically applauding the referee after making the decision. At first she was handed a yellow because of her furious blast on the touchline. But as the man in the middle turned away, she continued to vent her anger. Something that was picked up by the assistant referee and immediately punished.

(Image: Sky Sports) Celtic responded by levelling to make it 2-2 six minute's later through Saoirse Noonan's sublime free-kick.

However, it was Rangers who earned the victory on 78 minutes as Chelsea Cornet pounced on a goalkeeping error to fire home the winner. 

The result sees Rangers go four points ahead of their city rivals in the league table. 

Sadiku was unable to carry out her post-match media duties because of the dismissal, so assistant manager David Haley spoke to Celtic TV to summarise the 90 minutes.

He said: "It was obviously a difficult one to take. They score a late-ish goal to take the three points but we are a wee bit disappointed with our first half performance. I think that in terms of duels and things, we weren't quite at it. We weren't quite aggressive enough in terms of even being a couple yards forward. 

"I think we done that in the second half and we created chances from that. So, to lose the third goal was a tough one to take."

(Image: Celtic TV)