A controversial ending to this encounter saw Hoops’ sub Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain net a stoppage-time winner, but also left the Lions’ players furious when a suspected handball in Celtic’s box was ignored by referee who blew for full time instead of having the incident checked by VAR.

Marvin Bartley’s side looked on course for a point at Parkhead after Robbie Muirhead’s penalty cancelled out Marcelo Saracchi’s opener, but the England international came off the bench to have the final say.

Receiving the ball on the edge of the Livingston box, he opened up his body to find the bottom corner and spare Celtic blushes against the division’s bottom side.

The hosts had been wasteful before and after Saracchi’s powerful strike with Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior also making a string of excellent saves.

Having scored late to keep themselves in the Scottish Cup against Dundee on Sunday, Celtic once again found a way to win late as Martin O’Neill’s unbeaten record domestically continued.

Following Hearts’ dramatic 1-0 win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Tuesday, Celtic move back to within six points of the league leaders and within one of Rangers, who drew 1-1 at fourth-placed Motherwell.

Match report: George O’Neill

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