Their cause wasn’t helped by an early red card for Callum McGregor – sent off for picking up a second booking in the move that led to Rangers opening the scoring through Kemar Roofe in the 26th minute.
Celtic recovered from that double whammy to level through Odsonne Edouard on the half hour but a chaotic six minute spell ended with Alfredo Morelos quickly restoring Rangers’ lead, and the hosts never looked back, adding another two goals in the second half through Roofe and substitute Jermain Defoe.
The defeat leaves Celtic a whopping 23 points behind their Glasgow rivals, who are now two games from completing an undefeated league season.
Here’s how the Celtic players rated:
1. Scott Bain - 5
Motionless at Roofe's opener, then beaten at near post by Morelos power. Seemed to have difficulty catching shots that were straight at him. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
2. Jonjoe Kenny - 5
Struggled to contain Rangers attacks down the left and only came out his shell once the game was out of reach Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
3. Greg Taylor - 6
Made a few telling interventions in defence but unable to impact the game going forward Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
4. Stephen Welsh - 6
Did his defensive jobs well and without fuss until being turned inside-out by Defoe for late fourth. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group