Rangers F.C. 2–2 Celtic F.C. (1987)
On 17 October 1987, Rangers faced Celtic in a Scottish Premier Division fixture at Ibrox Stadium, during the 1987-88 season. The match finished 2–2, but is best remembered for the sending off of three players and the subsequent Court case that took place as a result.
An altercation after 17 minutes between Celtic's Frank McAvennie and Rangers goalkeeper Chris Woods resulted in both being red carded.[3] Rangers defenders Terry Butcher and Graham Roberts were also involved, with Butcher receiving a yellow card for dissent.[3] On 33 minutes Andy Walker scored to put Celtic ahead, and two minutes later an own goal by Butcher doubled Celtic's lead.[4] Rangers went down to nine men in the second half when Butcher was sent off for a foul on Celtic goalkeeper Allen McKnight.[3] Despite their disadvantage, Rangers rallied and pulled a goal back through Ally McCoist.[4][2] An unlikely comeback was completed by Rangers when Richard Gough equalised in the final minute.[4][5] Amidst the celebrating Rangers supporters, Graham Roberts was seen to wave towards the fans, as if he was "conducting" their signing; songs which included sectarian chants.[5] Three days later, the Procurator Fiscal ordered a Police enquiry into the events of the match.[6]
The Rangers trio of Woods, Butcher and Roberts, and Celtic's McAvennie, were later charged with Breach of the peace and appeared at Court.[7][8][9] After a trial lasting several days, Butcher and Woods were convicted and fined, Roberts was found Not proven and McAvennie was found Not guilty.[10]
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