Scottish Review: Celtic miss that Sutton touch

It was billed as a grudge match, but if there was one thing missing at East End Park yesterday it was punch as a succession of missed chances saw Celtic summon up a tame opening to the Scottish Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Dunfermline Athletic.

A volatile encounter had been predicted after Chris Sutton accused Dunfermline of "lying down" to Rangers in the 6-1 thrashing that saw the title decided on goal difference.

The Celtic player subsequently became public enemy No 1 in Dunfermline. Sutton was not in the packed ground as he is serving a five-game suspension for venting his frustration after that dramatic conclusion.

Martin O'Neill's side certainly missed the former Blackburn Rovers striker, as a spate of chances went untaken, most notably by Johan Mjallby and then Alan Thompson in stoppage time. It was the first time in 20 months that Celtic had not scored in a league game.

But Dunfermline could face an SPL inquiry after one of their fans hit Henrik Larsson with the match ball, prompting the police into action.

Celtic hope to recover their scoring touch on Wednesday when they travel to Budapest to face MTK in the Champions' League third qualifying round, but O'Neill was philosophical. "We had seven clear-cut chances but you know the opening day is going to be hard work and I am pleased. With the Chris Sutton affair, there was always going to be a bit of spice, but the players remained calm."

Hearts got off to a fine start as they defeated Aberdeen 2-0 at Tynecastle. Mark de Vries, whose 16 goals last term contributed to the Edinburgh club finishing third, struck in the first-half and then Andy Kirk killed the visitors off in stoppage time.

Dundee, who travel to Albania on Thursday on Uefa Cup duty, gave their confidence a boost with a 3-0 win away to Motherwell at Fir Park. Gavin Rae and Lee Wilkie scored before half-time and Alex Burns then missed a penalty for Motherwell before Barry Smith's sealed success.

Hibernian came from behind at Tannadice to win 2-1. Dundee United had looked good value for Collin Samuel's lead, but Derek Riordan equalised in the 73rd minute. Then Tom McManus converted a penalty with four minutes left while a fine equaliser from Livingston's Fernando Pasquinelli in the 77th minute saw his team earn a 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle at Firhill after Kenny Milne's 25-yard opener.