Rangers Get Their Hands On Record Championship

Rangers FC – Champions!

Rangers captain David Weir held the Scottish Premier League trophy aloft infront of 50,000 supporters after a long, tiring season which has saw Rangers ranked the best in Scotland. The title party comes at the end of a demanding season for Rangers, amidst huge speculation about the players, management team and the club.

This afternoon, Motherwell were the visitors to Ibrox and Walter Smith decided to keep the same side which played against Celtic except two changes with Sasa Papac and Kirk Broadfoot returning to defence and Steven Smith and Lee McCulloch out of the side. Motherwell were on the back of an astounding 6-6 thriller against Hibernian and knew they had to better the result of Hibernian this afternoon to finish 4th and seal a European place.

Rangers took the lead after 17 minutes when Steven Naismith played Kris Boyd through on goal and with Steven Saunders tugging away at his jersey, Boyd managed to use his strength and swivel into space before slotting the ball into the far corner. Boyd had another one-on-one opportunity in the first-half when he was through, looking likely to score until Stephen Craigan produced an excellent tackle to deny him. Kyle Lafferty missed an excellent chance when Kenny Miller slid him into space but the Northern Irishman’s effort was poor to say the least. But he got on the end of a Steven Whittaker cross to make it 2-0 to Rangers with 5 minutes until half-time.

Motherwell responded six minutes after half-time when Jamie Murphy slotted home from the edge of the box after Jim O’Brien weaved through three Ranges players before setting up the Scotland U-21 international to make it 2-1. Kenny Miller was replaced by the departing Nacho Novo, who entered the pitch to rapturous applause. Alexander and Ruddy both produced outstanding saves, first for Ruddy when he saved from Boyd’s shot just 8 yards out, then Alexander produced a stunning reflex save from Jutkiewicez’ header. Nacho Novo’s introduction seemed to spark Rangers into life and the Spaniard setup Kyle Lafferty who couldn’t miss from 2 or 3 yards out.

After a stunning comeback from 6-2 down on Wednesday, could Motherwell do the same? You bet they could.

Although, with a huge amount of luck this time.

Davie Weir’s shocking clearance gifted a goal for Steve Jennings on the 90th minute mark after it seemed Rangers had done enough to stop the Motherwell attack. However, the major talking point was in the third-minute of injury time when Jamie Murphy went down after Neil Alexander slid for the ball. It was clear, even without TV evidence, Murphy had dived. Alexander was incensed, but the referee stuck by his view and gave Motherwell a penalty. Lukas Jutkiewicz slotted home another dramatic equaliser for a share of the spoils.

Two dives, Two games – Its a conspiracy eh?

Also, mention to Andy Walker, Sky’s co-commentator who said there was enough contact for Jamie Murphy to go down – and there was no contact at all. Well-done Andy. You fit in well at Sky.

Rangers were crowned champions for the 53rd time – a world record, the same number as Herbie and the code for international direct phone calls to Cuba.