RANGERS stars James Tavernier and Connor Goldson clashed on the pitch in a verbal exchange in the dire loss to Celtic.

The Ibrox skipper and ever-present centre-back Goldson were spotted playing the blame game as Celtic pushed for a third in the derby clash.

Tavernier had been vocal with his team-mates after the opener as Celtic ran rampant in a nightmare first-half for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side.

And The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell highlighted another fiery exchange in the Rangers defensive ranks after Jon McLaughlin denied Jota.

Explaining the scenario, Campbell commented: "I kid you not, when McLaughlin made the save from Jota a minute before Abada made it three, Tavernier and Goldson spent a good five seconds blaming each other while Celtic went to take it quickly again.

"Quite incredible lack of responsibility being shown here compared to Celtic."

The on-field clash came after Rangers were twice punished by quick restarts from Celtic.

Rangers first fell behind as the defence switched off as Celtic took a quick throw-in on the left wing. A quick free-kick and through ball later in the half provided the second. 

And another throw-in led to the third for Celtic as Liel Abada scored his second.

A lapse in concentration also led to the fourth goal for the hosts as McLaughlin passed straight to David Turnbull to tuck home.