FAN SALUTE SEES A RED FOR BROWN

SCOTT BROWN unleashed a stoppage-time volley to give CELTIC a 1-0 victory at KILMARNOCK – and was sent off for celebrating.

The Celtic captain pounced after Dedryck Boyata headed the ball back across the area.

His volley struck the arm of Kilmarnock defender Alex Bruce, bounced down and flew beyond keeper Daniel Bachmann.

Brown rushed towards the away end (above) and was engulfed by fans on the pitch surround.

Referee Bobby Madden deemed Brown’s actions worthy of a second yellow card and dismissed him.

The midfielder was also involved in the game’s other flashpoint – the dismissal of Killie defender Kirk Broadfoot in the 75th minute for a high challenge on Brown with his studs catching the Celtic man on his shin. Brown’s boot was also raised, but was not endangering his opponent.

The result takes the Hoops eight points clear at the top of the Premiership and effectively ends Kilmarnock’s title hopes.

Brendan Rodgers was delighted with Celtic’s response after Thursday’s Europa Cup defeat by Valencia.

He said: “We weren’t settling for a draw. In the second half the players had great control and limited Kilmarnock to nothing really. When the moment arrived we took it.”

Yesterday’s other game saw MOTHERWELL also seize victory in stoppage time courtesy of a howler from HEARTS keeper Colin Doyle, who allowed David Turnbull’s tame free-kick to bounce off his shoulder and into the net.

Teenager Jake Hastie scored for the fourth time in three games to put Motherwell ahead.

Hearts equalised through Steven Naismith, but then had Ben Garuccio sent off for a lunge, which led to the decisive free-kick.