Rangers lost out on the SPL title on a night to forget in a 2-0 defeat at Aberdeen as Celtic retained their crown with a win at Dundee United.

Nacho Novo was sent off with 10 minutes to go after Lee Miller and Darren Mackie had both scored for the Dons and news had filtered through of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's winner in Celtic's 1-0 triumph at Tannadice.

The destination of the trophy was always in Celtic's hands because of their superior goal difference but it was a disappointing night nevertheless for a Rangers team who had not so long ago harboured hopes of an historic quadruple.

Their target now is a win over Queen of the South in Saturday's Scottish Cup final at Hampden to add to the CIS Insurance Cup won at the same venue back in March.