Scottish football has been over-shadowed by the ugly events which surfaced in a shameful match at Ibrox, where Rangers were beaten 3-0 by Aberdeen and toppled from the leadership. So violent were the scenes that Rangers face disciplinary action following an inquiry which is expected to be held this week. After two players, Burns and Paterson, of Rangers, had been sent off and six others cautioned, spectators spilled onto the pitch to avoid fighting, the referee and linesman were pelted with coins, McPherson, also of Rangers, was struck on the head by another missile and the match stopped while police restored order.

There was also fighting outside the ground and stringent action will be taken, as it was obvious that the crowd trouble stemmed from violence on the pitch. With Rangers reduced to nine players from the 35th minute on, the game ceased to be a meaningful contest and the Aberdeen players were more intent on keeping themselves out of trouble than attempting to record a high score.

Notwithstanding, goals were scored easily enough by McLeish, Stark and Hewitt and the champions found themselves second in the league.

Celtic cruised smoothly to the top of the Premier division with their most impressive performance of the season so far. They were far too good for a Dundee team which had been playing well recently.