Neither got the result they desired in very different fashion. The pressure on Neil Lennon has increased further following the demoralising 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic leaving the side out of Europe. At Ibrox, Rangers blew a two-goal lead to Benfica for the second time running with the game finishing 2-2 but Steven Gerrard's men are still in a strong position to reach the knockout stages once again.
Focus now switches to the weekend with the Betfred Cup last-16 with games across Saturday and Sunday.
Scroll down and click through for all of Friday’s Scottish football news.
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 1: Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (left) with Celtic manager Neil Lennon during the Ladbrokes Premier match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, on September 1, 2019, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Friday's Scottish football news. Picture: SNS Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
. Sutton in Lennon criticism
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has changed his tune on the future of Parkhead boss Neil Lennon. Not long after criticising the fans who displayed a banner outside the ground asking for the manager to leave he was tweeting that it was “hard for Neil Lennon to see this out” after the 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague. (Twitter) Photo: SNS Group Ross MacDonald
. Lennon backs himself to turn it around
Neil Lennon is adamant he can turn around the current slump at Celtic. The humbling 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague in the Europa League means the team have won just two games from the past nine. Lennon said: “I've been in situations like this before as a manager and a player. There's no reason for me to believe that we won't turn it around.” (Various) Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
1. Sutton in Lennon criticism
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has changed his tune on the future of Parkhead boss Neil Lennon. Not long after criticising the fans who displayed a banner outside the ground asking for the manager to leave he was tweeting that it was “hard for Neil Lennon to see this out” after the 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague. (Twitter) Photo: SNS Group Ross MacDonald
2. Lennon backs himself to turn it around
Neil Lennon is adamant he can turn around the current slump at Celtic. The humbling 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague in the Europa League means the team have won just two games from the past nine. Lennon said: “I've been in situations like this before as a manager and a player. There's no reason for me to believe that we won't turn it around.” (Various) Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
3. Dempster exits Hibs but won't join rivals
Outgoing Hibs chief Leeann Dempster won’t join either Hearts or Rangers following her Easter Road exit. Dempster has decided to step down from her chief executive position after six years. She has been linked with posts at both Hearts and Rangers in the past. (Scottish Sun) Photo: Gary Hutchison - SNS Group
4. Contract talks planned for Hearts ace
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has confirmed the club will hold talks with Stephen Kingsley over a contract extension. The left-back has been one of the Tynecastle side’s best players since joining on a one-year deal following his release from Hull City. (Evening News) Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group