Reuters

Boruc sparks Old Firm controversy

Updated 18.32 Sun Apr 27 2008

Keywords: walter smith, artur boruc, barry robson, steven whittaker, daniel cousin, gordon strachan, david weir, scott mcdonald, spl, sport, football, scottish premier league

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan laughed off a controversial t-shirt worn by his goalkeeper Artur Boruc during the 3-2 win over Rangers.

The Poland international removed his jersey at the end of the game and revealed a shirt with the slogan 'God bless the Pope' and a picture of Pope John Paul II.

"If it was 'God bless Myra Hindley', I might have a problem" - Gordon Strachan

Strachan said: "If it was 'God bless Myra Hindley', I might have a problem."

But Boruc might face action from the SPL who have tried to eradicate sectarian chanting in the stands during Old Firm matches.

Celtic striker Scott McDonald scored twice in the first half, but Rangers equalised twice through headers from David Weir and Daniel Cousin.

Barry Robson scored a penalty in the second half to earn victory for Celtic and they are now five points ahead of Rangers at the top of the SPL.

Strachan said: "I can't tell you how anyone else will react to it, it just makes us feel good about ourselves.

"We were disappointed to lose the goals from set-plays but I enjoyed everything apart from that.

"They realised what they had done wrong in the first half and made up for it in the second half.

"We have a satisfied dressing room and that is as good as you get here."

Rangers had Steven Whittaker sent off late on for a second bookable offence.

But Rangers manager Walter Smith claimed Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink deserved a red card for a high tackle on Amdy Faye.

Smith said: "There is always going to be a physical aspect to the game but I am a little bit aggrieved about Steven Whittaker being sent off.

"His first foul was a booking but the second one was just a tired challenge at the end of the game. Vennegoor of Hesselink's challenge warranted more than a yellow card. So when you consider the context of the game, we had a player sent off in innocuous circumstances.

"I was a little bit disappointed not to take a point from the match. I thought we were value for at least a point.

"We know it was going to be a big challenge but it is still in our hands. We know if we keep winning then we have a four-point lead so it is our job to handle the games as they come along."