Neil Lennon tells Celtic stars to save Rangers celebrations for trophy day as he admits 'I don't like it'

Neil Lennon has told Celtic to keep the celebrations for trophy day as he hit out at the 'modern phenomenon' that has found its way into the game.

Brendan Rodgers' men got the party started at full-time as they chanted and cheered with the fans after they dumped Rangers at Parkhead 2-1 to put one big hand on the Scottish Premiership trophy. Strikes from Matt O'Riley and a John Lundstram own goal means the Hoops are now just one point away from officially being confirmed as champions. They hold a six point gap, superior goal difference and have only two more games to play. O'Riley - who opened the scoring - also saw a penalty kept out by Jack Butland, while Cyriel Dessers grabbed Rangers' goal. The visitors also had Lundstram sent off for a straight red card in the opening 45 minutes in a frantic derby showdown in the Glasgow sunshine.

Asked about the players' post-match celebrations, Lennon told Sky Sports: "I don't like it. I don't like it. No, listen, again I am straight up the tunnel. Let the players do whatever they need to do. Do it on trophy day that is fine. You've got all afternoon to do it. It seems to be a modern phenomenon. You win a game of football and you do a lap of honour. It is just not my cup of tea."

On the game itself, he felt his old club were in total control but failed to make their chances count with the final scoreline flattering Rangers. But he has declared the title race OVER with Kilmarnock and St Mirren to come for Rodgers' troops next week.

Lennon added: "It's been the story of the season. I think it is Celtic making hard work of it. They were in total control and missed so many good chances including the penalty. It was poorly hit but [Jack] Butland makes the save and keeps Rangers in it. I don't remember Joe [Hart] having a save to make in the second half. Really the scoreline maybe flatters Rangers.

"It all hails on the red card. It is a moment of madness from John Lundstram. After that it was how many Celtic would score. In the end they didn't score any more but they won the game. Would you say convincingly? Not by the scoreline, but by the throws of the game, yes. For me that is the title over now. They only need a point out of the next two games to have done it. Congratulations to the players. Obviously a big game today and in the main they handled it pretty well."