GREAT SCOTT

Ibrox stunned as ex-celts skipper comes back to cost Gers 2 points

RANGERS fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Aberdeen but their lead at the top of the Premiership was cut to two points after former Celtic skipper Scott Brown scored on his return to Ibrox.

With the Govan club still reeling from the death of former manager Walter Smith, it was an emotionally-charged stadium which witnessed the visitors race into a two-goal lead after 15 minutes through headers by striker Christian Ramirez and Brown.

The shell-shocked champions reduced the deficit with an Alfredo Morelos header in the 20th minute and levelled with 10 minutes to go through a James Tavernier penalty but had to settle for a point.

Steven Gerrard’s side remain on 24 points with Celtic now sitting on 22 following their 3-1 win over Hibs. Hearts and Dundee United are a point further behind.

The home fans were stunned when Aberdeen midfielder Dean Campbell, back in the side along with Dylan Mcgeouch and Jonny Hayes, played in Ryan Hedges who stood the ball up for Ramirez to head in from six yards.

There was more drama six minutes later when Dons captain Brown, whose every touch was booed, produced a stunning diving header from a Mcgeouch corner to make it 2-0.

The much-needed lifeline for Rangers came when Morelos rose in a packed penalty area to nod in a free-kick from captain Tavernier.

Scott Arfield replaced John Lundstram on the hour mark with Marley Watkins on for Ramirez before Scott Wright and Fashion Sakala came on to try to help Rangers rescue at least a point.

The home fans roared with 10 minutes remaining when ref John Beaton pointed to the penalty spot after Bates fouled Sakala and Tavernier fired the ball past Joe Lewis.