Despite Celtic fielding a much changed XI owing to 13 players and 3 members of staff having to isolate, it looked as if David Turnbull’s free kick had earned Celtic all three points and would keep them clinging onto the hope of a late revival against Rangers.
The enjoyment of watching Turnbull get his free kick up and down quickly evaporated when Diego Laxalt flew into a challenge and allowed Mallan the chance to swing a ball into the box. As is the case with Celtic this season, the ball came in and it was not cleared which allowed Nisbet to level the game in the dying embers for Hibs.
Strachan spoke to the media after the game and he was rightfully a bit dejected. However, he did well standing in the breach after the club’s shortcomings off the park eclipsed the poor result off the park.
Rangers now sit an enormous 21 points clear and barring an incredible slip up from the Ibrox club, the league title becomes more and more improbable.