GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Thelo Aasgaard of Rangers walks off the pitch after receiving a red card during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

So now is the time for reflection, and the key question of Rangers’ red card impact:

How much did Celtic not losing either Austin Trusty or Anthony Ralston actually affect the outcome at Hampden?

Rangers went down to 10 men after Thelo Aasgaard’s reckless high boot and left themselves with a mountain to club.

But fans are angered that Celtic didn’t lose their players, and have ranted at the SFA and Walsh. Rangers are to demand an explanation.

But what difference did it make?

Here’s the first half in stats before Aasgard got his marching orders:

Celtic had 50% of the ball, and 5 shots to Rangers’ 4. Rangers had 2 on target, Celtic had 3. The designated home side had 5 corners, Rangers had 1.

After the red?

58% to Rangers’ 42%. 13 shots to 6. 5 on target to 1. 6 corners to 3.

Celtic did indeed secure a significant improvement in...