Today, extraordinarily, marks the 18th anniversary of Celtic’s first win on the way to a green and whitewash over Rangers.
John Hartson scored the only goal of the game at Ibrox, a 1-0 victory that would be replicated against the other half of the city on two further occasions, whilst Celtic would also triumph 3-0 and 2-1 to complete five wins from five Glasgow derbies that season (2003/04).
4th October 2003, Celtic beat Rangers 1:0 at Ibrox to start the Green and Whitewash.
Hartson winner. @JohnHartson10
Sutton MOTM and strolling the game at centre-half. @chris_sutton73 pic.twitter.com/dfKHym6KRr
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe_7) October 3, 2021
Martin O’Neill fielded a strong team for the match, though Chris Sutton was forced to play alongside Stan Varga at centre half. The Englishman excelled in his unusual defensive role and earned the man of the match award. Meanwhile, Liam Miller came into the midfield.
Celtic dominated the first half, but couldn’t find the breakthrough before the interval. Hartson rectified matters, seconds after the break and his deflected effort was enough to separate the teams at full time.