Neil Lennon had his 100 per cent Ladbrokes Premiership record ended at the home of his old club.
Ryan Christie ’s first-half equaliser ensured a point for the champions, but the two dropped were their first of the campaign in the title defence as Hibs fought for a draw.
Kristoffer Ajer’s early own goal was enough to give Paul Heckingbottom’s side a positive result as he watched the majority of the competitive clash from the stand having been sent there by referee Kevin Clancy after an outburst at the Hoops leveller.
It was a cracking game. Full of incidents, full of cards and full of excitement and Celtic could have been awarded two penalties.
The first half was feisty, fiery and finished level after Hibs took a shock seventh-minute lead.
Adam Jackson and Scott Allan combined to get Christian Doidge away on the right and his attempted cutback hit Ajer and squirted over the line.
Celtic’s response was instant. Odsonne Edouard had a shot saved before Moritz Bauer’s cross was headed into the top corner by Christie for an equaliser which sparked an outburst which brought a red card for Heckingbottom.
The Hibs gaffer booted a water bottle and raged at the Celtic bench in the aftermath of the goal which came from a foul made on James Forrest which Clancy gave after a delayed reaction.
Hibs were infuriated. They felt it was a soft award and the severe punishment merely added to their angst and it cranked up a further notch when Clancy was also lenient towards Olivier Ntcham who thrust out an arm in a high shoving match with Josh Vela which saw both booked.
The second half was contested with just as much passion as the first and Christopher Jullien wasted a golden chance to put the champions in front when he headed over a Christie free-kick from close range.
Sub Jonny Hayes also curled wide and there were strong penalty shouts from Christie and Moritz Bauer after byeline challenges.
Sub Jonny Hayes also curled wide and, although there was a late onslaught from Lennon’s men, Hibs defended strongly to deny their rivals a winner and get over the line.
3 talking points
Celtic stumble
Lennon’s team were unblemished domestically before heading to Leith, but have now won on just one of their last eight visits to Easter Road in the league and it was a 90 minutes which proved that, even if they are just off it this term, points can be shipped.
Hecky thump
The Hibs boss was red carded for losing the rag after the Celtic equaliser. It’s good to see the Easter Road gaffer getting involved and being passionate, but he went over the score in heading towards the visiting bench.
Courage and bravery
Hibs players stood up against the champions and it is the type of display which they should be demanding from themselves every week. The strength of the effort, the graft and determination to put bodies on to the line is the benchmark. As good as it was, it also exposed the failings of the past weeks. The fans should now expect no less.
