Celtic hammer Kilmarnock to claim Scottish crown
Reuters - Saturday 07 April 2012, 16:09
Celtic hammered Kilmarnock 6-0 away to
clinch the Scottish league title on Saturday and end the
three-year reign of Glasgow rivals Rangers, who were deducted 10
points in February for entering financial administration.
Left-back Charlie Mulgrew scored twice and set up Glenn
Loovens and Gary Hooper for two more before Joe Ledley and
Hooper added the gloss as Neil Lennon's side gained revenge on
Kilmarnock for last month's League Cup final defeat.
Celtic, also in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup against
Hearts next weekend, lead bitter foes Rangers by an unassailable
18 points with five games left. Rangers beat St Mirren 3-1.
"It's the best day of my professional life. It's been a long
time coming," Lennon, long subject of sectarian abuse from
Rangers fans, told reporters.
"It's been two years in the waiting. I'm so proud of them.
They deserve it. We have been the best team in Scotland by a
long way and we have finished it in the right way."
Celtic's next home game is against Rangers but it has
already been decided they will receive the league trophy on
another occasion in order not to inflame tensions.
The "Hoops", who will enter the Champions League third
qualifying round next term, could have won the title at Rangers
last month but a 3-2 win for Ally McCoist's side at least gave
the home fans a modicum of cheer.
Administrators are considering three bids for Rangers and
hope to announce the acceptance of one offer next week.
The utter dominance of the Glasgow duo over Scottish
football means Rangers are still likely to finish second despite
their points deduction.