Rangers will be without defender Leon Balogun for their trip to Celtic Park next weekend after the Nigerian defender was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Motherwell’s Dean Cornelius. The veteran defender was given his marching orders by Nick Walsh meaning he’ll miss the game at Paradise through suspension as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to take a step closer to the Premiership title.
Balogun was sent off in the first half with Rangers leading but Motherwell found themselves level. They failed to capitalise and Rangers ran out 3-1 winners. Now, the gap is three points (and +17) with Celtic playing tomorrow. The versatile defender has been a big part of the Rangers side this season and his loss is a boost for Celtic as it means Rangers will be spread thin at the back.
𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃! Rangers’ Leon Balogun is sent off for a poor challenge on Dean Cornelius. pic.twitter.com/cR8fazSsR8
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 23, 2022
Rangers are already due to be without trio Filip Helander, Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe for the game next Sunday. Meanwhile, Ange will not be able to call upon Croatian Internationalist Josip Juranovic, who picked up a knock in the Scottish Cup Semi Final at Hampden.
Celtic face Ross County in Dingwall with the Highlanders in a fine run of form. A win would take Celtic within touching distance of the league title. A win over Rangers would all but wrap the title up given Celtic’s huge goal difference but there will be a few nervy moments tomorrow afternoon.
