Celtic leapfrogged Rangers by two points at the top of the SPL with a humiliation of Aberdeen at Parkhead.

In a quite astonishing match, Dons skipper Paul Hartley and Hoops defender Thomas Rogne were sent packing by referee Alan Muir as the home side romped to a 4-0 interval lead with doubles from Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes, the Irishman netting two penalties with some aplomb.

Both Celtic strikers completed their hat-tricks after the break as a strike from Joe Ledley, an own goal by Pittodrie substitute Josh Magennis and a late penalty from Celtic substitute Paddy McCourt made the scoreline an embarrassment for the visitors.

The Hoops fans, several hundred of whom had staged a protest outside Hampden earlier in the day protesting against the Scottish Football Association and refereeing standards, watched the home side take control against a nervy Dons side.

However, early chances failed to materialise and when Stokes drove over in the 10th minute from the edge of the box, it was the Celtic's first real effort on goal. That would change.