The day Rangers challenged Celtic to a chase, then lost spectacularly

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The Celtic Star

·4 October 2025

The day Rangers challenged Celtic to a chase, then lost spectacularly

22 years ago Celtic were told to embrace the chase at Ibrox, the rest as they say is history…

Chris Sutton in action. Rangers 0 Celtic 1 03/10/03. Photo The Celtic Wiki

On this day 22 years ago Celtic made the short journey to Ibrox to take on Rangers FC at Ibrox in the first Old Firm clash of the season. And as always it was a game of great importance in regard to what getting a win would bring in a psychological sense to either side.

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Ragers were defending champions after winning the previous years title on the last day of the season, indeed they had completed a clean sweep of trophies, and were very much regarded as favourites in the eyes of the media and the Ibrox supporters.

Those same supporters were ultra-confident going into the game, highlighted by a noticeable banner hung from the Ibrox stands before kick off which boldly declared ‘we welcome the chase’.

John Hartson scores the winner . Rangers 0 Celtic 1 03/10/03. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Martin O’Neill’s side however were made of strong stuff, and despite losing out on the title in cruel fashion a few months earlier, were ultra motivated to win back the title and show that they were still very much the dominant force in Scottish football.

Celtic went into the game with something of an injury crisis in regard to the defence with Bobo Balde suspended, and Joos Valgaeren, and Johan Mjallby sidelined through injury, meaning the ultra versatile Chris Sutton moving back into the centre of defence beside new boy Stan Varga, and a more familiar face in the equally as versatile Jackie McNamara, with Magnus Hedman starting in goal.

The rest of the side had a more stable with the likes of Stan Petrov, Neil Lennon, and Liam Miller in the middle of the park, with Didier Agathe and Alan Thompson on the wings, and Henrik Larsson and John Hartson up front.

That man Hartson grabbed what proved to be the only goal of the game just seconds after the restart, much to the delight of the free Broomloan who revelled in that feeling of joy that triumph behind enemy lines brings.

Rangers had no answer to a Celtic side who were better in every department, with striker turned defender for the day Chris Sutton looking every inch the seasoned centre back.

John Hartson scores the winner . Rangers 0 Celtic 1 03/10/03. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Welcome the chase? The only side who would do the chasing that season played in blue as Celtic romped to a league and cup double. Indeed we would go on to win all five Glasgow Derby fixtures that campaign with a splendid whitewash and as for the titles chase, well we all know how that’s turned out in the years that followed.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed book!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last,.

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.