How John Lundstram reacted in Rangers dressing room after Celtic red card

Philippe Clement bemoaned John Lundstram's 'unnecessary' red card as Rangers' title dreams vanished at Parkhead.

Lundstram, 30, was sent for an early bath after a wild lunge on Celtic's Alistair Johnston minutes before half-time and just moments after Gers had pegged one back. Ibrox boss Clement had no complaints over ref Willie Collum's decision and confessed Lundstram should have known better - especially at such a crucial stage in the game.

The midfielder was dejected in the dressing room at full-time and Clement now faces the challenge of lifting his players for the final two league games before the Old Firm Scottish Cup Final on May 25.

The Belgian said: "It's more difficult when you have to play with 10 men and that is a thing I never want to see. Lunny is the first one who knows that, the whole group knows. I don't want to see that type of tackle anywhere on the pitch. It was totally unnecessary.

"It was one split second of wrong decision-making by a player. But I also don't forget what he's been doing for the team in the last couple of months and all year for Rangers. He's the first one who knows he has made a mistake. There was totally no reason for it.

"He didn't speak afterwards. Of course, he is disappointed. He will feel like that (like he's let his team-mates down). But I also had moments like that in my career where you get a red card when it is not necessary. John is experienced. He knows and I'm sure in the next couple of weeks he'll still want to fight for this team.

"Maybe he wanted to fight a little bit too much and take the team with him."