Celtic missed the chance to knock Rangers off the top of the Scottish Premier League after 10-man Dundee United held them to a 1-1 draw at Parkhead yesterday.

Scott McDonald rescued a point for the Hoops as he headed in an equaliser after David Goodwillie had fired United into an early lead.

Tony Mowbray's men had been handed a pre-match boost with the news that their Old Firm rivals, who stay top on goal difference, had been held to a goalless draw by Motherwell.

But the Hoops failed to capitalise against a Dundee United side who had Scott Robertson sent off three minutes before the end.

Celtic were screaming for a penalty in injury time when Andreas Hinkel's cross appeared to hit the arm of Darren Dods but referee Steve Conroy waved away their protests as United secured a point.

In the early kick-off, Allan McGregor saved a Jim O'Brien penalty four minutes from time as 10-man Rangers secured a goalless draw against Motherwell.

Gers defender Madjid Bougherra was sent off after receiving two yellow cards - the first for the challenge which led to the penalty before the Algerian was booked for dissent as he protested the decision.

Hearts' game against Kilmarnock at Tynecastle was called-off after the Glasgow to Edinburgh motorway was closed due to a lorry fire with the Killie team bus caught in a seven-mile tailback.