CELTIC won the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title on a dramatic final evening of the campaign.

Gordon Strachan's side clinched a hat-trick of championships thanks to a 1- 0 victory against Dundee United at Tannadice, while rivals and long-time favourites Rangers were beaten 2-0 at Aberdeen.

The Old Firm rivals had been level on points at the start of the evening, with Celtic holding the goal difference advantage.

Each match was goalless at half-time, however Aberdeen took the lead through Lee Miller against Rangers after 63 minutes to give the first indication of where the trophy was destined.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink then headed Celtic ahead after 72 minutes at Tannadice to leave little doubt, and Aberdeen's second goal at Pittodrie from Darren Mackie after 77 minutes ended Rangers' hopes.

Rangers substitute Nacho Novo was sent off for a twofooted lunge on Aberdeen's Stuart Duff as Walter Smith's team saw their hopes of a domestic treble shattered.

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.