If Carlsberg did Saturday’s, then Saturday past would be up there with the best of them. Tynecastle is always a hostile place for Celtic to visit, that’s not something new, it’s been like that ever since I started following Celtic about seventy years ago. People will have you believe that Sectarianism is a West of Scotland problem, quite frankly that’s absolute nonsense, as anyone who follows Celtic will tell you. The issue on Saturday night regarding the picture of Loyalist Murderer Michael Stone appearing on their big screens was abhorrent, but I don’t believe for a minute, that the person who took the booking for a birthday message knew who Michael Stone is, or his background, but the person who ordered and paid for the message certainly did, so they should be able to be tracked, and appropriate action taken against them. I believe Hearts FC have apologised to Celtic and our supporters for the incident.
Having exonerated Hearts for blame for that, I certainly don’t exonerate their vile supporters, and especially those down in the corner nearest the Celtic Supporters. Their sectarian behaviour is very evident every time we play there. Most of the culprits are stupid wee boys, probably full of Calpol, but their bigotry has been handed down to them by their Fathers and Grandfathers, and that will continue for the next generation. The situation is compounded by the reduction in the ticket allocation to Celtic, and also by the fact that Hearts continue to house these clowns in the area closest to the Celtic Supporters. Why don’t Hearts close that section, as they do with the corner of the Celtic section nearest it? After all, there is plenty of room elsewhere in their far from full stadium. Another serious problem with that section is the treatment of the Celtic substitutes when they go to warm-up, as attested by Adam Idah, as well as insults being thrown, there was plenty of missiles thrown as well, time for action there.
In spite of all the nonsense from the Diet one’s supporters, Celtic eventually gave them a lesson on how to play attacking football, and score goals. Our first half display was not one of our best, but as I said to my mate, we have an Elite Manager, and he will change things in the second half, which is exactly what happened, and we won very comfortably in the end, which made it a very enjoyable trip back to the Irish Republican Free State of Port Glasgow. I’ll harp back to what I’ve said in the past, International breaks effect teams differently, Celtic will have the majority of our first team squad away, some teams will have no players away, it’s time to search for another way of organising International matches, the amount of influence that UEFA/FIFA have on domestic football is not good for the teams or the club, and it’s certainly not good for the most important people, the genuine supporters who keep their club alive.
As much as I felt sorry for Liam Scales for losing his place to Auston Trusty, I think Auston and Cameron have forged a great partnership in the centre of our defence, both of them were outstanding on Saturday night. It has to be said we rode our luck a bit in the first half, it was a bit like the Kilmarnock game a few weeks ago, but our speed and movement came to the fore in the second half. Nico Kuhn is having the season of his career so far, his goal on Saturday was top drawer, and as per usual, Kyogo ran their defence all over the pitch, I just wish we would sometimes play an early ball over the top to him, he’s always on the last defender’s shoulder, and in an ideal position to receive an early though ball. We have now played seven games away from home out of our first twelve, Aberdeen and Sevco have both played five away, I can’t understand why it can’t be Home/away/home/away for all teams. So it’s on to Brugge on Wednesday night under the Disco Light’s, let’s make it another historic night for the Champions, and another three points in the bag.
Finally, our Annual Memorial Mass for deceased Members and Friends will be held this Saturday November 30th in St Michael’s RC Church, Gallowgate, at 12.30pm, prior to our home match with Ross County. We will remember especially Tommy Callaghan, Rosemary Burns, and John Keane, who have recently passed away, as well as all Celtic Supporters. Please come along if possible, tea & coffee and snacks will be provided free in the hall afterwards, everyone is most welcome to attend.
Glasgow’s still Green & White.
