Following Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic, Joey Barton offered his assessment (7 April)

There were plenty of talking points in this game, which saw the Gers rally from a two goal deficit to ultimately grab a late 3-3 draw.

Many of those heated moments involved referee John Beaton, who Barton thought did a good job officiating the match.

What an amazing football match. Game of two halves,” the former player for the Rangers wrote on his own X account on April 7.”Philippe Clement made exactly the right adjustments. Indicia of an exceptional coach.

“Rangers significantly improved in the second half. I knew McGregor and Cantwell were having a little trouble. Nice to see. Ibrox has a phenomenal atmosphere. Tav makes a play for the pen, and Matondo equalizes.

“Rangers ought to proceed and triumph here. VAR? It’s soft, but I believe it’s a pen in a modern game. Right choice Rangers disallowed the goal because the Japanese midfielder for Celtic fouled him in the build-up to the second goal. Referee superb.

Co-comms are excellent. Excellent studio analysis from Lennon and colleagues. Bravo to everyone who was a part of it. An appropriate match to watch as a neutral. Simply my viewpoint as an impartial football fan.

With the benefit of hindsight, they are more enjoyable to watch now that we know Rabbi Matondo’s late strike gave the Gers a point.

After a pretty poor first half performance at Ibrox, easily the worst 45 minutes of Philippe Clement’s tenure, a draw seemed improbable.

It was a further blow to lose 3-2 after exerting so much effort to draw level and to see a goal disallowed, but the Gers persevered.

Although the result will disappoint some, it ultimately guarantees that the Gers’ title hopes remain in their own hands.

Supporters can only buckle up and wait for the next turn in this exciting title race with a trip to Celtic Park still to come.

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