DEPTHS OF DEE- SPAIR

Brendan's blunt Bhoys flop at Dens as fans' fury intensifies

- RONNIE ESPLIN

CELTIC flopped in their attempts to cut the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts after yesterday suffering their first defeat at Dens Park in more than 37 years.

Clark Robertson headed Dundee in the 18th minute before Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers scored an own goal just before the break - all after the travelling fans had disrupted the game shortly after kickoff by throwing dozens of balls on to the pitch in their ongoing beef with the Parkhead board.

The Hoops dominated the second 45 but lost 2-0, a first league defeat this term and first at Dens since Tommy Coyne hit the only goal on September 24, 1988.

The Bhoys, booed at the end, remain five points behind Hearts, whom they play at Tynecastle next Sunday in what is already a huge game in the title race.