Last update on. From the section Europa League
David Hancko, Sparta Prague's centre-right goalkeeper, celebrates his half-time goal
Glen Kamara was dismissed as Rangers were rooted to the bottom in group A after defeat to Sparta Prague at the Europa League.
After receiving a second yellow for leading with an elbow, the Finnish midfielder was sent off.
After David Hancko's header in the first half, Sparta was already leading 1-0.
Rangers failed to assert themselves on their Czech hosts during a difficult night for Steven Gerrard’s men, leaving them without a point.
This game was marred by racism. Kamara was racially abusing six months prior in a Europa League last-16 tie, where Ondrej Kuudela of Slavia took part. The Czech received a 10-game ban.
After Uefa apologized for racist chanting from Sparta supporters towards Aurelien Tchouameni of Monaco, the match was rearranged in front 10,000 children. The young crowd still booed the Finn, despite this.
It was a difficult trip for the Scottish champions on the pitch. Both Prague clubs had beaten the Scottish opposition in recent seasons. Last season, Celtic was beaten 4-1 at home and away by Sparta. However, star striker Lukas Juls, who scored five goals in that match, was not there.
However, they still faced obvious dangers. Jakub Pesek was able to hit the roof of the net after Calvin Bassey's slip, but Allan McGregor managed to keep it from falling.
McGregor was forced to alert at his near post again to block Martin Minchev’s goal-bound shot. However, he could not stop Hancko's attempt as Rangers' resistance was broken.
Slovakian Hancko had scored against Celtic also last season. His head hit a corner that bounced off the post.
Rangers were in a brief flurry before that but Fashion Sakala's shot at the low end was their best effort.
Rangers were able to score within seconds of Rangers' through ball. It should have been 2-0 at halftime. Adam Hlozek raced away and threw the ball to Jakub Psek, who had to finish the job, but he somehow lifted his shot onto a crossbar.
Sakala scored the Rangers goal one minute later. However, it was ruled out as offside. Gerrard's men at the end were where they needed to be. The visitors were still being carved at the back.
Lukas Haraslin moved between McGregor's shot and McGregor's centre halves. Rangers were tied at the tie, but there was not much goalmouth action. Kamara was then ordered off, putting an end to their hopes.
Rangers' midfielder was booked in the first period and was given a second yellow for leading with an elbow against Michal Sacek.
Rangers could have won a point in a thrilling finish with two huge opportunities.
James Tavernier's late run down right was unchecked. However, his cut-back could not find a team-mate.
Rangers almost made Sacek pay after Sakala broke through one-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but he was able to save his shot.
The grandstand finish was complete with a flurry late-inning balls into the box. But nothing fell for the Scots.
Martin Minchev is the Man of Match
Sparta Prague's Martin Minchev (front), was impressive on the home side
What have we learned?
The Rangers' defensive problems are not new. Connor Goldson did not fly with the squad. Filip Helander was also hurt. Nikola Katic is on loan. Jack Simpson has not been selected for the Europa League squad.
This meant that full-back Bassey was required to be deployed in central defense. It was a difficult night for the 21 year-old.
What's next?
Rangers host Hibernian at home on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership (15:00 BST). Their next Europa League tie is a double header against Denmark's Brondby.
