James Tavernier scores stunning free-kick against Celtic in Old Firm derby

Rangers star man James Tavernier stepped up again as he scored a spectacular free-kick against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.

Heading into the crunch match on Saturday afternoon, Celtic were nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The leaders took the lead after 26 minutes thanks to Japanese star Kyogo Furuhashi.

Prior to the opening goal, Rangers had a strike ruled out by VAR after 20 minutes.

Alfredo Morelos thought he had stabbed the ball in but he was adjudged to have fouled Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.

A decision that was branded as embarrassing by Ally McCoist, who said: “It's not a foul. It is embarrassing how we are running VAR. We are a laughing stock.

“Honest to goodness...come up and tell us what you are seeing.”

With Rangers chasing the match, Tavernier stepped up when his team needed him the most.

Malik Tillman was fouled on the edge of the area by Matt O’Riley with two minutes left of the first half.

With 25-yards between himself and the goal, Tavernier lashed in an absolutely stunner which rattled off the bar and went into the back of the net.

JAMES TAVERNIER THAT IS SENSATIONAL 🤯🚀pic.twitter.com/Z3cJUyfti4

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 8, 2023

Whilst on commentary duties, McCoist said: “What a finish that is. What a goal. It is superb quality - it's different class.”

Fans were also quick to praise Tavernier after his brilliant effort.

One said: “That is disgustingly good.”

Another tweeted: “No keeper in the world is saving that, superb strike.”

A third fan added: “What a goal.”

The match went into the half time interval levelled at 1-1 but the main talking point was the controversial VAR decision to deny Rangers an opening goal.

Former Rangers player Kris Boyd did not hold back in his assessment of the decision.

He said: “It's a contact sport. That should have been a goal. It's embarrassing. That should be a goal.”