Scottish Premier League/Hibernian 3 Celtic 2:Two uncharacteristic blunders by Celtic's goalkeeper Artur Boruc handed Hibernian a surprise victory yesterday to round off a dismal week for the champions after their European capitulation in Donetsk. Rangers replaced their city rivals at the top of the table with victory over Aberdeen.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan used the words "fantastic" and "excellent" to describe his team's performance, which highlights just how damaging Boruc's contribution was.
"That is without doubt the best we have played in Edinburgh since I arrived at the club," said Strachan. "To get one point would have been an injustice. Not to get any is quite ridiculous."
This victory hoists John Collins' team to third in the Premier League, only a point behind Celtic. "Artur is a world-class goalkeeper," said Collins, "but he is human as well".
Over the weekend Arsenal were again being linked with a move for the 27-year-old Boruc, but even the best in the business can be error-prone.
Steven Fletcher's harmless shot, from 25 yards and arriving at Boruc via a deflection from Gary Caldwell, should have been saved comfortably, but the goalkeeper went to ground too early and could only watch as the ball bounced beyond him.
Celtic dominated the remainder of the opening half, Aiden McGeady equalising when he rounded off a fine move that included Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald.
That Hibs went in at half-time in front was down to further shabby defending, this time by Caldwell and Stephen McManus, who failed to clear, enabling Thierry Gatheussi to slam in his first goal in Scottish football.
Caldwell, roundly abused on his return to his former home ground, was afforded a free header from Scott Brown's corner after 67 minutes to again restore parity and at that point it seemed that Celtic were destined to confirm their dominance with victory.
Boruc, however, scuppered such hopes, dropping Merouane Zemmama's drive at the feet of Deen Shiels three minutes from time.
A dejected Boruc threw his gloves to the ground at full-time. What followed may have repercussions for Hibs - a spectator ran on to the field and stamped on the gloves before leaving the pitch unchallenged.
Objects, which appeared to be pieces of food, were also thrown from a home supporters' area towards Caldwell as he celebrated his goal.
HIBERNIAN: Kalambay, McCann (Zemmama 74), Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Gathuessi, Beuzelin, Kerr, Stevenson (Morais 30), Antoine-Curier, Fletcher (Shiels 20). Subs Not Used: McNeil, O'Brien, Joneleit, Campbell. Booked: Gathuessi, Antoine-Curier. Goals: Fletcher 5, Gathuessi 41, Shiels 87.
CELTIC: Boruc, Perrier Doumbe, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Hartley, Scott Brown, Donati (Riordan 89), McGeady, Vennegoor of Hesselink, McDonald (Killen 67). Subs not used: Mark Brown, Zurawski, Sno, O'Brien, O'Dea. Booked: McManus, Caldwell. Goals: McGeady 26, Caldwell 66. Att: 16,125.
Referee: A Freeland (Scotland).
