Ally McCoist has leapt to Steven Gerrard 's defence after the Rangers boss was ribbed for his post-match celebrations at Celtic.
Gerrard's outpouring of emotion following the 2-1 win at Parkhead - the club's first since 2010 - delighted supporters.
But former Celtic players Chris Sutton and John Hartson were among those to question the manager's full-time reaction.
Sutton claimed his joy was "a bit embarrassing" while Hartson queried the way he shook Neil Lennon's hand.
But Rangers hero McCoist was having none of it as he backed Gerrard to the hilt.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I couldn't believe it, only in Scotland do you get a going over for over-celebrating. He's well within his rights to celebrate and Rangers fans loved it.
"He showed the passion that he has for the team and the club moving forward."
Goals from Ryan Kent and Nikola Katic either side of Odsonne Edouard's controversial leveller ensured Gerrard's side reduced the Premiership deficit to two points having played a game less than the leaders.
Fellow pundit Ray Parlour suggested that the result was significant because a Celtic win would have killed the Gers' title hopes.
"That was the concern," McCoist said in agreement, "It really was because I think Celtic would have gone eight clear with Rangers having a game in hand so that would have been a concern.
"I've got to say Steven Gerrard got his tactics spot on because he didn't give the Celtic midfield any space at all.
"I have to admit I was a little bit surprised that Neil Lennon started the boy Johnston instead of Ntcham and I just thought their lack of physicality in there suited Rangers.
"Steve Davis, who wasn't playing in the cup final came back in and was man of the match. He was absolutely terrific."
