This dramatic conclusion to the Old Firm’s season was to prove a tale of two former England goalkeepers. For Joe Hart, glory in his last match as a professional. Hart cried tears of joy as the whistle blew. Jack Butland had little to occupy him over 98 minutes; the Rangers custodian’s error in the dying seconds of regulation time afforded Celtic the sole opportunity they needed to claim the Scottish Cup. Butland was the most despondent figure of all as Celtic partied.
This felt cruel for Butland, who has been Rangers’ stand-out performer in this campaign. His form led to talk of an international recall. But there is no denying the 31-year-old was at fault when only parrying Paulo Bernardo’s drive to the feet of Adam Idah. The Norwich loanee etched his name into Celtic folklore by returning the ball past Butland with interest. Brendan Rodgers has secured a domestic double in the first season of his second Celtic tenure.
