GLASGOW, Aug 9: Scottish champions Rangers made an inspired start to the season on Saturday with a thumping 4-0 win over 10-man Kilmarnock but fierce rivals Celtic stumbled to a 0-0 opening day draw at Dunfermline Athletic.

After unveiling their 50th league championship pennant before kickoff to an expectant home support of over 49,000 fans, Rangers were quickly into their stride with Dane Peter Lovenkrands firing them ahead on 14 minutes.

Dutchman Michael Mols and Spaniard Mikel Arteta, with two strikes, then overwhelmed Kilmarnock, whose chance of victory disappeared after defender Chris Innes was red-carded before halftime.

McLeish was particularly pleased with the contribution of Arteta, who almost joined Spanish side Atletico Madrid during the close season.

Rangers, with English defender Michael Ball making his first competitive appearance since sustaining a knee injury in December 2001, took the lead when Lovenkrands swept the ball home after a mistake by goalkeeper Colin Meldrum.

Kilmarnock’s day got worse when Innes was red-carded on 35 minutes for persistent fouling.

Mols added number two when he turned and fired home from inside the box after 38 minutes. Sean Hessey hauled down Barry Ferguson just before halftime for Arteta to slip home the spotkick and Arteta grabbed his second 18 minutes from time.

In contrast, Celtic were given a tough time by Dunfermline.

The match was given extra spice due to Celtic striker Chris Sutton’s comments accusing Dunfermline of “lying down” in their 6-1 defeat at Rangers on the last day of last season, a defeat that denied Martin O’Neill side’s the premier league title on goal difference.

Sutton was suspended for the game but Celtic should have won with something to spare.

Johan Mjallby wasted three good opportunities but the Sweden captain also saved Celtic by clearing Darren Young’s effort off the line late on.

Henrik Larsson and Alan Thompson should also have scored for the visitors.

The two Glasgow clubs now turn their attention to trying to reach the Champions League group stages. Rangers host FC Copenhagen on Wednesday while Celtic travel to MTK Budapest in the first leg of their third qualifying round ties.

BAYERN HELD