Paddy Power pay out on Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership after just one game

Bookmaker Paddy Power have paid out on Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership after just one game.

The Irish firm are famous for the publicity stunts and often declare the winners of competitions long before things are settled.

But this latest decision to declare the SPL over after just one game is perhaps their most incredible move yet.

Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops beat Livingston 3-1 on the opening day while Steven Gerrard started life at Rangers with a 1-1 draw at Aberdeen on Saturday.

That early two-point gap was enough for Paddy Power to pay out despite a long season ahead for both clubs.

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Celtic are widely priced at 1/12 to take the title and Rangers 9/1 and Aberdeen 20/1 and Rodgers’ team would be champions for an eighth time in a row if they do get the job done.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “One game into the Scottish league season and Steven Gerrard has already slipped up.

“On the face of it, a draw with Aberdeen isn’t a bad result, and we’re sure Stevie G will emphasise the positives of that display, but we do also think the title race is done.

“It’s only one game into the season, but Celtic’s lead already looks unassailable.”

Paddy Power previously paid out on Manchester City winning the Premier League in December last year as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed the trophy by a 19-point margin.

However, they were left with egg on their faces in 2003 when they prematurely crowned Arsenal champions before Manchester United pipped them to the post.