BARRY FERGUSON has accused Rangers of showing Celtic too much respect – and insists Sunday’s first half at Hampden was one of the most one-sided spectacles he has seen.

The former Ibrox captain was dismayed to see his old club battered in the opening 45 minutes against the rampant Hoops, with Pedro Caixinha’s men undoubtedly fortunate to reach the interval with just a one-goal deficit.

The Gers improved after the break but still succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Brendan Rodgers’ side, who remain on course for an invincible domestic treble.

Ferguson said: “It was hard to watch. The first 45 minutes was probably as one-sided a match as I’ve seen.

"Celtic dominated, Rangers didn’t lay a glove on them and I think they showed them far too much respect.

“When you give good players time and space, they will hurt you. That’s what happened. I saw a bit of a difference in the second half but there was only ever going to be one winner in that game - Celtic.

“I’ve played in a lot of Old Firm games, I’ve watched a lot, and I couldn’t believe that not a single Rangers player was getting close to a Celtic player. They gave them far too much space.

“Scott Brown has been playing in these games for 10 years and that’s probably the easiest one he has had. He absolutely strolled it, he didn’t break sweat and no-one got near him.

“He got sent off the week before, so at least give him a nudge or a kick. I don’t mean be dirty, but let him know you are there. I didn’t see any of that.”