Celtic went top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead but saw skipper Scott Brown sent off after picking up two bookings.
Paddy McCourt's first-half strike separated the sides but the Hoops should have had at least another three in a one-sided first half and in the 89th minute Brown, booked earlier for a foul on Chris Humphrey, received a second yellow for a foul on Stevie Hammell.
Celtic are now one point clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers ahead of Sunday's clash at Ibrox, although the champions have two games in hand.
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