Red cards to Celtic players Cha Du-Ri and Victor Wanyama hindered the visitors' chances prior to the hour mark, and Rangers advanced from their early 1-0 lead to go three clear late.

But an extraordinary fightback almost saw Celtic snatch a point, as Rangers went down to 10-men in the dying stages.

Motherwell's 2-0 defeat at Kilmarnock on Saturday ensured the Neil Lennon's men had the chance to claim the league title at the home of their great rivals, but it was Rangers who started the brighter with their boisterous supporters urging them on.

A wonderful opener from Sone Aluko gave the home side an early advantage however, as the Nigerian's dazzling run finished with a right-footed effort to the near post of Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster on 11 minutes.

Celtic responded though and posed a threat with their front pairing of Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes forcing Rangers shot-stopper Alan McGregor into several good saves.

Their momentum was checked however as Cha saw Red on 29 minutes after dragging back Lee Wallace just outside the area.

Celtic had not won the title at Ibrox since the 'Lisbon Lions' side did so in 1967, and following that early dismissal that record looked set to continue as they lost another player early in the second half as Wanyama saw red for a dangerous tackle on Steven Whittaker.

And it was not long until Rangers made their numerical superiority count as Andy Little tapped in at the far post on 72 minutes, after some poor defending by former Cardiff City defender Adam Matthews.

Rangers had never in their 140-year history lost four consecutive home games in a row and, after Wallace slotted in after Charlie Mulgrew was robbed of the ball in midfield in the 77th minute, that record did not look likely to be broken.

But despite being down to just nine men, Celtic launched a late comeback as the impressive Samaras won a penalty after being fouled by Rangers defender Carlos Bocanegra - who saw red for the challenge.

Captain Scott Brown converted the spot kick in the 89th minute, and just two minutes later Thomas Rogne gave the away supporters even more belief with a far post header from a Kris Commons free-kick.

However Celtic ran out of time to complete the most unlikely of comebacks, and will have to wait until next Sunday's clash with St Johnstone to try and claim their first title since the 2008-09 season.