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Ryan Christie sent off as champions Celtic slip up at Livingston

Ryan Christie was sent off as Celtic lost their first Ladbrokes Premiership game of the season at Livingston.

The midfielder was given a straight red card by referee Willie Collum in the 26th minute for a reckless challenge on Scott Robinson.

Robinson fired Livi ahead two minutes after the restart and striker Lyndon Dykes added a simple second in the 73rd minute for a shock 2-0 win, the Lions’ first every victory over Celtic.

Gary Holt’s side, who had lost their previous four matches, including three in the league, showed four alterations with goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, Jack McMillan, Keaghan Jacobs and Dykes back in the side.

The game’s complexion changed markedly when Christie went in high on Robinson in the middle of the pitch with Collum having no hesitancy in flashing red.

The champions’ response was to increase the tempo and moments later defender Kristoffer Ajer prodded the ball into the arms of Sarkic after breaking into the box.

Livingston’s opening goal was well-worked.

Sarkic made saves from Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi before Forster’s feet blocked an effort from Robinson in a Livi counter-attack.

Celtic’s pressure and corner count increased but one long free-kick from Sarkic went all the way through to Dykes, who ran past Jullien and calmly lobbed the ball over Forster for a victory which put an unlikely dent in the Hoops’ title hopes.

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