Do anything nice last night? The consequences of what took place at Celtic Park are profound, but there will be plenty of time to discuss them later. For now, let’s concentrate on the small matter of how this result was achieved.
The record books will show 5-0, but there was more to this game than the thumping it turned into. For the first 30 minutes, Astana pressed Celtic high, unsettling our natural game, while forcing the occasional error. We didn’t have the luxury of time and space normally afforded us in domestic football.
This was a worrying period, although there were promising glimpses. Scott Sinclair latched into a loose ball seven yards from goal 3 minutes into the game, but could not find the target. Moments later James Forrest pitched a perfect cross for Leigh Griffiths. Celtic Park stood ready to celebrate, but again, the target was missed.
Those moments aside, the early flow of a game was not going to plan, but Celtic continued to pass the ball with precision, switching play , looking for space. Tom Rogic’s trademark surging run provided the breakthrough. His cross-cum-shot would have gone narrowly wide, but for the intervention of a disorientated defender, who turned the ball into his net.
This goal encapsulated the real chasm between the teams. Astana were good in possession and looked fitter in the opening period, but Celtic had no real weaknesses. A poorly marked corner one minute after the opening goal was the only genuine chance the visitors had all evening. Whereas Celtic probed for, and found, many vulnerabilities in their opponents.
Forrest foraged on the right, Sinclair was scintillating on the left. Ntcham’s neat passing swung the pendulum Celtic’s way, as Griffiths grew into the game through the middle, while Brown bossed proceedings in the no. 6 role.
Olivier Ntcham is still finding his feet in Glasgow, but he will be difficult to dislodge as Scott Brown’s central-mid partner. He’s a different player than Victor Wanyama, but Victor wasn’t as effective, this early, in his Celtic career.
Remember, Olivier has played very little senior football, only 37 games before his summer transfer. Practically everything he does right now is new. Wait until he realises he’s good enough to own the pitch.
Last night’s highlights…
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Saint Stivs
Also meant to post the UEFA figures outlined at start of 2016/17 campaign…
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2398575.html
Davidopoulos
Sorry, just realised you wanted it by club – don’t think that has been published yet.
*St Stivs
;)
Think Ajer may get a run out on Saturday given his time playing on the plastic pitch. Simo and probably Griff on bench.
fan-a-tic on 17th August 2017 2:17 pm
I agree.
…………………
Celtic pot 4 or 3, doesn’t really matter. Noone will want us for Progressing terms.
We will be having a party irrespective.
Perhaps KevJ is right and we will win the Europa League.
I mean how hard is it to beat Niederkorn. SFA – Losers – RFC.
Blazers in the bonfire.
ta.
here is a wee suggestion for spending our millions.
in either corner of 144 or 122 a fantastic suite and platform for disabled supporters should be made.
with car parking very close.
everytime i see our front row supporters in the north and south stand getting drenched I really feel we could so something better.
“The only players I would leave out next Tuesday are those, if there are any, who are a booking away from being suspended in first group stage game.”
Gary67,
Only Brown runs the risk.
HH
Blazers at it again – I see jack’s red card rescinded – orcs will be in uproar
http://www.manutd.com/en/All-Red-All-Equal/All-Red-All-Equal-News/2017/Jan/manchester-united-confirms-stadium-accessibility-plans.aspx
https://twitter.com/ronnieesplin/status/898156594755760129
Lionroars- Esplin is a ratbag shit stirrer, who i hope Hibs ban, he was also the guy involved in the sting to get LG to react at the airport a couple of weeks ago….allegedly….the wee man gave them their dinner anyway.
Gene- Boyd got off with same thing not long ago…
Pog- pity mate, thanks for advice HH
Manchester United to reduce Old Trafford capacity and accommodate more disabled fans
• 2,600 season-ticket holders to be moved to create 300 places for disabled
• Capacity will eventually be reduced to 73,300 by 2020 from current 75,635
Manchester United’s Old Trafford is the biggest club ground in the Premier League with a current capacity of more then 75,000.
Manchester United’s Old Trafford is the biggest club ground in the Premier League with a current capacity of more then 75,000. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
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Press Association
Tuesday 24 January 2017 13.25 GMT Last modified on Wednesday 31 May 2017 23.01 BST
Manchester United are moving 2,600 fans in order to create 300 positions for disabled supporters at Old Trafford.
Following consultation with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, the club on Tuesday announced changes in line with the Accessible Stadia guide.
The structural alterations will be complete in August 2017 for the 2017-18 Premier League season and affect 2,600 season-ticket holders, with the relocation of those affected phased over three years.
Manchester United still making Premier League teams pay in Fergie-time
Read more
United have devised a goodwill package for those supporters being moved, while the changes will lead to the overall capacity of Old Trafford being reduced to around 73,300.
United’s group managing director, Richard Arnold, said: “Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes.
“Manchester United prides itself on its work in this area for more than 25 years, and will continue to ensure that it remains at the forefront of our thinking.
“We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up. But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion.”
The new positions for disabled supporters will see the current East Stand accessible platform extended across and into the Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton Stands. As the changes are being phased in, the design will incorporate reversible platforms to be used for Premier League and some cup matches.
Chas Banks, secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, said: “I’m filled with pride that the club I’ve supported since first coming to Old Trafford as a little boy in 1957 is leading the way in increasing accessible seating to meet the standards set out in the Accessible Stadia guide. It’s a dream come true for me and many other disabled United fans.”
The developments to Old Trafford have been welcomed by Penny Mordaunt, minister of state for disabled people, health and work. “Bravo @ManUtd for new plans to make Old Trafford accessible to 300 more disabled fans – sport is for everyone,” she posted on Twitter.
https://mudsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Amenity-Seating-1.jpg
——
Sooooo……!
Oor Ernie & His Precious Flares….
Didn’t Make It To The Green Brigade Section Last Nite..?
Wha’ppen..!
Leaves On The Line At East Croydon..?
Or Was He Away Oot Pullin’ Down Statues Of ‘Dead White Men’…
Wi’ Jo Br*nd And Wee Jimmy Sommerville..??
——-
Ntcham Looks An Excellent Prospect…
Crisp,Precise Passing..
Strong Build,With A Low Center Of Gravity…
Seems To Have An Excellent Attitude..
Much Like Victor.
A Definite Improvement On Wilo Flood. ;-)
——
Steven Stives,you surely don’t want Lawell and co,give up there big Bonus money,but what you are saying about getting wet ,and the lack of Disabled Area’s,is a disgrace,
Glasgow Celtic Thanks so much for last night.
Oli.CSC
Black Gold anagram.
Wee Leigh wisnae too shabby either.
Mouuuuuuuussssssssaaaaaaa D. Oui.
C E L T I C – Here we Go with Jozo
E-tims is very good.
Curious reaction from the tear soaked desks of sports journalists regarding Celtic’s result. Imagine the unthinkable happened and Celtic progressed to the last 16? Or finished 3rd in their group and got a Europa League run?
A travesty! Won’t somebody please think of the wee clubs…
The long wait is over@2.15::
The success that CELTIC FC are enjoying is eating away at the establishment
big time.They cannot handle the impressive set up at CELTIC PARK and how
far behind ‘others’ trail in their wake.They are jealous of how the HOOPS
are performing on and off the pitch, mind you,I am enjoying the agony of
certain ‘media’ buffoons as they are hitting rock bottom,all because the
FAMOUS CELTIC FC are sweeping all in front of them.
Some fans/ bloggers of CELTIC are complaining that ‘the media ‘ are negative and hostile towards the CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB,well,of course
they are.Their agenda is anti Celtic,they are not wishing CELTIC FC any
good fortune at all,quite simply they are what they are,and we know what that means.Dont expect any favours from this grouping in match reports
it must be very difficult to print the result let alone tell us how excellent we
were on the pitch.
Wasn’t born yesterday CELTIC SC
ERNIE LYNCH on 17TH AUGUST 2017 1:52 PM
TURKEYBHOY on 17TH AUGUST 2017 12:48 PM
You don’t think those who have reservations about the TIFO might have a point?
No,on this point anyone who is complaining ,I would think should see a Shrink.Absolute guff.Never heard so much in my life.Hope that answers your very kind question.By the way,I have a number if you are interested.
Huns win Jack appeal, now there’s a surprise.
TIMBHOY1 on 17TH AUGUST 2017 2:45 PM
Steven Stives,you surely don’t want Lawell and co,give up there big Bonus money,but what you are saying about getting wet ,and the lack of Disabled Area’s,is a disgrace,
That bloody Lawell,soaking the disabled now.And God help us all,actually getting a bonus.
If it was not for him and his likes,we could really be giving the fans something to be happy about.
Disgrace.
BADA BING@2-37
Esplin is a typical Scottish scribbler with an agenda.
But i think BBC’s McLaughlins innuendo in his response is disgraceful.
IANBHOY929 on 17TH AUGUST 2017 3:04 PM
Huns win Jack appeal, now there’s a surprise.
Who cares,he and the rest are hopeless.
Jack’s card being reminded was a given as sevco had to be portrayed as the victim.
The next 50 decisions in their favour will now be met with these things even out and Jacks case highlighted.
FAN-A-TIC on 17TH AUGUST 2017 3:09 PM
BADA BING@2-37
Esplin is a typical Scottish scribbler with an agenda
But i think BBC’s McLaughlins innuendo in his response is disgraceful.
Different Chris McLaughlin
TURKEYBHOY
The campaign by the msssm to free the Ryan Jack has succeeded .
Thank god for that as teams worried the diddy would not be on the field against them.
A dumplin in a bowl of puddins..
GARY67
My mistake but same name.
Shows you how highly i regard the mssm.
Fan-a-Tic
That`s a parody account mate. Not the real Chris McLaughlin account.
Saint Stivs
Good point\idea re disabled access in paradise.
Don’t have much love for man u being probably richest club in the world whilst also being based in cayman island ( little to zero tax liability there ) and last I heard they weren’t paying the living wage for their ground staff etc. Dubious practices to say the least for a club\corparation so saturated in wealth.
Fair play to them on the changes re disabled access, it’s good to hear.
HH
TURKEYBHOY on 17TH AUGUST 2017 3:11 PM
IANBHOY929 on 17TH AUGUST 2017 3:04 PM
Huns win Jack appeal, now there’s a surprise.
Who cares,he and the rest are hopeless.
I agree. Hail! Hail!
A thought has just occurred to me. I know what you are thinking, “Steady on there, Davidopoulos”.
It’s ok, I’m sitting down.
Leigh Griffiths didn’t officially score last night but I just did a quick scan through my brain memory thought things and figured out that I don’t think any other Celtic player has scored more goals in Champions League Qualifiers/Play-off rounds.
I think I count 8 for Griff, with the next nearest challenger being Samaras with 6 that I can remember. Forrest might have 5 or 6 too.
robinbhoy
The ITV anchor is Mark Pougatch
Van crashes into a crowd in Barcelona Placa de Catalunya
Lionsroar/Bada Bing,
Re the Club 1872 Statement which could have been written by a 15 year old. It might be a question of the ‘target audience.’
Club 1872 didn’t issue the statement directly.
If you look at the bottom of the ‘Neil Lennon’ statement it states,
“Issued by Supporters Voice Limited, a Club 1872 company.”
Supporters Voice Limited, Company number SC526829,
Registered office address,
1 Rutland Court, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8EY.
Currently there are 3 Directors, James Don Blair, Laura Fawkes and Joanne Elizabeth Percival.
Blair has had a large number of Directorships both women have had 8. Given their resignations from the 1872 organisations and re-appointments etc.
If you have a look at one company;
,
CLUB 1872 PROJECTS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
Company number SC456869
You’ll notice a couple of name changes.
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC456869
This company was originally,
Previous company names;
Name Period
RIVER HOUSE CAPITAL COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY 04 Oct 2013 – 30 Jun 2016
RIVER HOUSE CAPITAL LTD 15 Aug 2013 – 04 Oct 2013
River House Capital Ltd had a couple of Directors. City of London types. These guys aren’t 15 year olds ;)
One Director was involved in another company called,
GRACECHURCH UTG NO. 353 LIMITED
(previously,21/02/1996 27/02/2017 CITADEL UNDERWRITING LIMITED, and
20/10/1995 21/02/1996 RIVER HOUSE UNDERWRITING LIMITED)
A search on Gracechurch TTG reveals that they are connected and the street address name of a major Insurance Company with a name that it a bit of a co-incidence.
Not bad company for Laura and Joanne.
Have a look and a laugh:))
No inference of anything whatsoever by anybody. Just a coincidence.
https://www.companysearchesmadesimple.com/company/uk/03118370/gracechurch-utg-no-353-limited/
keepdiggingcsc
Brendan shouldn’t be telling them how we go about it :-)
I could listen to him all day long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN5EQZK4PMw
hehehehhehe,
he is not for lying doon at all.
———–
Neil Lennon: Hibs boss brands Club 1872 statement ‘laughable’
By Brian McLauchlin
BBC Scotland
3 minutes ago
From the sectionFootball
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Lennon was accused of “inflammatory” behaviour by a Rangers supporters group
Hibernian manager Neil Lennon has described a statement by a Rangers’ fans group criticising his actions as “laughable and insignificant”.
Club 1872, the second largest shareholder in Rangers, claimed Lennon made “various inflammatory gestures” to fans during Hibs’ 3-2 win at Ibrox.
Police Scotland said no action would be taken against the Hibs manager.
Lennon said he had not heard of the fans’ group and thought the statement had been “written by a 15-year-old”.
Police ruled out action after receiving complaints from Rangers fans about the former Celtic player and manager’s celebrations at Ibrox on Saturday.
‘Poorly overlooked by the mainstream media’
The Easter Road boss cupped his ears and made a gesture as he celebrated Simon Murray’s first-half equaliser.
Police take no action over Lennon
Managers’ chief has sympathy for Lennon
“The fallout isn’t my fault, the fallout is driven by yourselves [the media],” Lennon said. “I gave an answer to the question on Saturday after the press conference and said I celebrated the goal and that should be the end of it.
“Obviously, it wasn’t. People are saying that there were complaints made to the police about me. But I’m sure there were various other complaints made to police about other things going on in the stadium and that wasn’t reported.”
Responding to Club 1872’s statement, Lennon said: “I’ve never heard of them. It looks like it was written by a 15-year-old – I was aware of it but I don’t need to comment on it.
“We won the game. It’s a massive distraction and deflection from what my players did and the way we set the team out and the football that we played.
“So, if it wasn’t me it was the referee, which is fine, because people can comment on how they see the game afterwards.
“They’re entitled to their opinion. But from my point of view, we went to Ibrox, in a really hostile environment, stood up to the challenge and came away with a fantastic three points.
“That’s been poorly overlooked by the mainstream media.”
The Hibs boss added: “Why is it front-page news? There’s so much more going on in Scotland and around the world. There I find myself on Monday, on front-page news celebrating a goal. It’s disproportionate.”
‘Draw a line under it’
Neil Lennon celebrates Hibs equaliser at Ibrox. Warning: Some people may consider some scenes to be offensive
Lennon is relieved that police decided to take no action and expects the Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tonny McGlennan to follow suit.
“As I said at the time, I didn’t think I had any case to answer to and thankfully the police have seen that as well,” he added.
“I expect that to be the case (with the SFA) and we draw a line under it. I didn’t think my behaviour was over the top at all. Why I am being criticised for that, I don’t know.
“I can cite a lot of people for what they do but I don’t, I get on with it. I try to do with a bit of humour but people lose their sense of humour when they concede a goal against my teams.”