The Rangers’ title challenge is all but done.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement once that a poor start and an unnecessary red card cost his team a key 2-1 loss at Celtic Park.

John Lundstram was sent off in first-half stoppage time for a sliding challenge on Alistair Johnston, after Cyriel Dessers had equalized for the visitors.

Lundstram had converted Daizen Maeda’s cross into his own goal seven minutes earlier, shortly after Matt O’Riley had started the scoring.

Clement stated, “The first 20 minutes we were not aggressive enough. outside that, the red card decided the game because we entered outside their 20-minute time limit.

“We had enough chances in the first half, and by halftime, the teams’ expectations were comparable. Celtic attempted only a couple more long-range efforts.

“It is, of course, more difficult if you have to play with ten people, which is something I never want to see—Lunny is the first to notice this, and the rest of the group is aware of it.

“I do not want to see that kind of tackle anywhere on the pitch. There, it was completely unneeded.

“It was one split-second of poor decision-making by a player, but I don’t forget what he’s done for the team in recent months and all year for Rangers. He’s the first to realize he’s made a mistake. There was absolutely no cause for it.

When asked how Lundstram responded in the dressing room, Clement replied, “He didn’t speak. Of course he’s disappointed. He’ll feel like that.

“I’ve had situations in my career where taking a red card was unnecessary.

“He is experienced. He understands, and I’m confident he’ll continue to fight for this squad in the coming weeks.

Perhaps he wanted to fight a little too hard and bring the squad with him.

“We had a few decent chances to score before that, and you’re completely in the game. We weren’t out of the game, but it was a lot more tough.

“On a positive note, the team demonstrated perseverance once more. They didn’t give up, even though it would have been easier to do so in an environment without spectators, behind, and with only ten men. We continued going.

Nobody was calm until the last second, but we couldn’t get it over the line.”

Rangers are now six points and seven goals behind Celtic, with two games remaining.

“My mentality is never to give up as long as something is possible, but I’m not naïve,” Clement stated. “We need to focus on recovering quickly and reacting well against Dundee. “That’s the first thing to do.”

Nobody was calm until the last second, yet we couldn’t cross the finish line.”

Rangers are now six points and seven goals behind Celtic, with two games left.

“My mentality is never to give up as long as something is possible, but I’m not naïve,” Clement said. “We need to concentrate on rebounding quickly and responding effectively against Dundee. “That’s the first thing to do.”