This Champions League malarkey is becoming about as self-important as sport can get, but Celtic and Barcelona produced two incredible football games in the modest Uefa Cup in 2004.
Barcelona were on the cusp of the greatness which followed. After five years without a league or cup win, they won nine consecutive games, then a club record, before travelling to Celtic Park. Starting the following year, they won eight of the 12 La Liga titles available since, collecting four Champions Leagues along the way.
Celtic won the game 1-0 thanks to an Alan Thompson goal on 59 minutes, but this tells little of the drama which unfolded that night.
Two players were sent off as the teams walked up the tunnel at halftime, Celtic goalkeeper, Rab Douglas, who was by all accounts trying to break-up a fight, and Barcelona’s Motta. Suggestions are that Bobo Balde was the Celtic player involved, but the referee didn’t have the wherewithal to face down Bobo.
At the game, we knew something had happened, but none of us had any details. Then 19-year-old David Marshall emerged for the second half in the goalkeeper’s jersey, a player who had only made one previous professional appearance, in the Scottish Cup against then-lower league St Johnstone.
Four minutes into the second half Saviola was red carded, leaving us with a 10-9 game on a pitch which Barca legend, Hristo Stoichkov referred to as a potato field (it has been a very wet winter).
We have seen many great players at Celtic Park, more than a few from Barcelona, but none have performed as well as Ronaldinho did that night. He put on a performance which was utterly sublime, but despite carving Celtic open repeatedly, neither he nor his team-mates could find a way past the teenage keeper.
A confident performance even saw Marshall leave his area to chip an opponent to find a team-mate with a pass.
Rab was suspended for the return so Martin O’Neill took the opportunity to give David Marshall some game time before heading to the Camp Nou with his novice keeper, hoping to defend a one goal lead. I remember Martin saying “I’ve every confidence David Marshall will be up to the job” at a media conference. “Based on what?”, I thought.
30 seconds into the return leg Marshall dived full length to stop a shot creeping inside the post, as Celtic fans braced themselves for what was clearly going to be 90 minutes of tension.
If Marshall’s first leg performance was full of remarkable calmness and maturity, his performance in the Camp Nou was one of the finest displays by any player in a Celtic shirt. Ever. He simply would not be beaten. Barcelona threw everything in their considerably armoury at him from first to last, to be met by a series of remarkable saves.
Everything we know about football suggests David Marshall’s performances against Barcelona shouldn’t have happened. He was completely unprepared to walk onto Celtic Park at halftime in the first leg, and had little chance to acclimatise for the rigors of Ronaldinho and Co. at the Camp Nou two weeks later, but the episode is now a chapter in our illustrious European history.
So what’s the contemporary relevance for this tale? A week from tonight Brendan Rodgers will choose between Craig Gordon and Dorus de Vries to play at the Camp Nou against three of the finest strikers in modern times, de Vries having played one game for the club, Gordon performing below the peak he achieved when he broke into the team two years ago.
This will be Brendan’s biggest call in the months ahead. It’s not an ideal situation, but he should call it early. Just as Martin did 12 years ago, tell the world that whoever is getting the nod he’s going to be perfectly at home at the Camp Nou.
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HAMILTONTIM on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 5:32 AM
‘Sinister.’
###
Sinister, but entirely predictable.
A centralised police force under an authoritarian, intolerant nationalist government with an agenda.
What do people expect to happen?
Hamiltontim on 6th September 2016 11:29 pm
VFR
I’m incredibly busy at the moment but I wanted to express my gratitude for you continuing the highlight the need to consultation paper to repeal the OBaF Act.
Many thanks.
______________________
No problem; sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself – I was doing something for Fr T. I spoke to MMcC later in the evening and told her I’d keep the pot bubbling. I’ve told her, anything I can do to help, just let me know.
FAC the Act
KTF
HAMILTONTIM AND VFR800A8
Absolutely shocked, but not not totally surprised, by vindictive action of Police Scotland, Had hoped that when House left there would have been a cleansijg of the stables. Well done to you both in highlighting the issue on the blog.
If this doesn’t compel any remaining CQNer who has not yet submitted a response to the consultative document, then I don’t know what will. Also, need to get workmates etc who support other teams to send in responses.
Fight on! Axe the act. HH
FAC will be releasing a statement today and I’m sure Hamilton Tim will be able to update us. In the meantime, if you haven’t completed the consultation survey please click this link
and complete it now. If you are unsure about what to write, this crib sheet will help. Remember you are agreeing that the act should be repealed. Also remember to click SUBMIT at the end or your views won’t be included!
If in doubt about whether or not your feedback is needed, see this article referenced by HAMILTON TIM earlier in the Herald outlining Police action against one of the only 2 FAC members to make his identity known; the other is Jeanette Findlay.
FAC the Act!
KTF
Morning Bhoys from a damp Central Scotland.H.H.
An Teach/VRF
Unfortunately I can’t get on here too much just now so thank you both for highlighting and promoting this!
#AxeTheAct
FAC statement.
http://fansagainstcriminalisation.com/campaign-news/
07/09/16 FAC activist targeted by police: an attack on one is an attack on all
As reported on the front page of the Herald today, a prominent activist within the FAC campaign and one of our public spokespersons was notified last Friday that he was being charged under the Offensive Behaviour Act. The charge relates to an allegation that he held a banner at a game more than six months ago which criticised the police.
In the more than four years that we have campaigned against this Act, we, as an organisation, have been followed, harassed and intimidated; our representatives have been forcibly prevented from taking notes in an open court and we have had a Section 12 Notice of the Public Order Act served upon us while lobbying the SNP conference. In each case our complaints against the police have been upheld and they have been forced to issue apologies.
This charge against one of our most prominent activists at a time when we are in the middle of a public consultation on the repeal of the Offensive Behaviour Act surpasses all of these in terms of its vindictiveness and the sinister nature of the timing. People will rightly ask how it came about that the police have spent time trawling through six-month-old CCTV evidence to find criticisms of themselves.
We find it hard to avoid the conclusion that this is a deliberate attempt to derail the campaign against the Act and regard this as a subversion of the democratic process.
It is highly ironic that FAC has repeatedly warned of the negative impact on the justice system of this Act and also of the poisoning of relations between football fans and the Police Service of Scotland. The bringing of this charge has made our case better than we ever could and it is not the first time that the police and the fiscal service have done our job for us.
We will continue this campaign and will stand in solidarity with our spokesperson and with all those damaged by this appalling legislation. We call on all football fans and all democrats to do the same and to join with us in ensuring that the current consultation process delivers the strong message that this Act must be repealed.
Students union and CT commandeering CQN for propaganda use again I see?
Any chance they start they’r own blog on politics and leave Celtic fans out of it, and go it alone as Scottish football fans leaving our name out of it?
There’s an idea eh? It’s just the same way Hun Media say “old firm” they need us for they’r agenda Sam as you do,
IMO.
HAMILTONTIM on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 8:54 AM
I’ll do my best to get a reminder up each day.
FAC the Act
KTF
TONYDONNELLY67 on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:08 AM
Nice to see you back Tony!
FAC the Act
KTF
Yesterday I realised that various parental duties would prevent me seeing a good chunk of the 1st half on Saturday. Moments later I then realised that I’m genuinely not bothered. They truly are ‘just another team’ for me.
Feels good.
HT
Sinister; Vindictive; Appalling; Fascist; Malignant; Corrupt; Perverse.
All pretty appropriate words to describe the action of SS Police Scotland FOCUS Unit.
But the words that come mind more prominently are:
Fearful; Spineless; Worried; Disturbed; Perturbed; Solicitous.
You guys at FAC have FOCUS, SS Police Scotland and The SNP on the run.
Keep up the good work.
MWD
VFR
I’v never been away, just wasent posting until p67 got some stuff sorted out, now it’s sorted.
Tony Donnelly –
The issue involves Celtic fans and their right to go aboit their normal business without fear of harrassment and criminal charges. CQN is as good a place as any.
TonyDonnelly67
Just one phrase for you this morning.
Immature Troll!
MWD
HAMILTONTIM
VFR800A8
Police Scotland may be playing with fire on this one,fellas. I’ve always reckoned that the European courts would throw this act in the bin were a case brought before it.
This might well be the one. Particularly since they trawled “historical” evidence to find it.
It can hardly be an offence if nobody took any notice,or offence,at the time.
First offence in last sentence should read offensive.
D’oh!
It’s no coincidence the blog has been relatively respectful the last couple of days is it?
MWD
AULD TAM
it’s my opinion and it’s not going to stop them doing it, if some bampot student gets lifted ,then like the rest of us, plead not, come doon aff the crucifix ffs.
MOONBEAMS WD
Is he back on?
Had he been away?
I’m in “scroll the trolls,ignore the bores” mode these days. Life’s too short for alternatives.
TONYDONNELLY67 on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:17 AM
VFR
I’v never been away, just wasent posting until p67 got some stuff sorted out, now it’s sorted.
______________________________
Ok; we often disagree but the differences of opinion are what stimulate debate.
AS far as FAC goes, this affects all football fans including Celtic fans. It’s not student politics, nor the Celtic Trust. It’s about trying to repeal oppressive legislation that makes it potentially unsafe for me to go to a game and support my team!
FAC the Act
KTF
VFR
It’s the GB, the CT, and the Uni Socialist awe in bed together, you say naw, a say aye.
Leave it at that.
If this banner was from 6months ago, then why would PS issue a charge? It would be, and is, blatantly obvious that no offence was taken if after 6 months no one had complained. PS or the SNP government are not stupid, far from it, so why instigate proceedings when this is so easily proven as something well after the event. Was it 6 months ago? Por cierto
POR CIERTO on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:30 AM
‘PS or the SNP government are not stupid,’
##
Both the SNP and Police Scotland are arrogant.
They are not used to being challenged.
They do not listen to, never mind accept criticism.
They see those who disagree with them as an enemy.
How ironic would it be if Celtic destroyed Sevco 5-0 on Saturday and if, during or after the match, a hunned up member of the plodderati decided he didn’t like the look of Tony donelly67’s face and decided to huckle him, concocting a fairy story that he had heard the bold TD singing sectarian songs, so as to enable prosecution under the OBAF act?
Tony Donnelly – this is the problem with the OBAF act – it gives licence to individual police offices to judge what is offensive and what isn’t; a subjective opinion largely shaped by the biases and prejudices of the bowling club, Masonic and orange lodges and lenzie PTA coffee mornings set (no offence to anyone from lenzie) where most of the serving plods are drawn from.
This is an issue that affects all Celtic fans yet Tony you would wish to stifle and belittle discussion of it on a Celtic blog.
Very strange. I wonder who is working you from the back.
TONYDONNELLY67 on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:29 AM
VFR
It’s the GB, the CT, and the Uni Socialist awe in bed together, you say naw, a say aye.
Leave it at that.
============================================================
Tony.
I`m basically with you on all of the above.
This , I feel , is different.
I think this is a piece of legislation which really should be opposed.
Irrespective of who does the opposing.
From my understanding , it gives the police powers to act arbitrarily in these cases.
Basically judge and jury.
I may not be totally accurate on that and others may feel the need to correct , but from what I can gather , that`s about the size of it.
Not just bad ,unhealthy.
Ernie
Yes I take your point. But why start something at this stage, with the consultation ongoing, when, if all the facts are correct, it stands little chance of success. This surely gives the opposers of the bill more muscle por cierto
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:41 AM
Pretty accurate summation.
FAC the Act
KTF
The students voted in the SNP, the SNP gave you OBA and slid in scotlands state police, now the students don’t like it (nothing new there ,never know what they want)
Bunch a dafties playing politics.
PS students where warned about the SNP ! Didn’t listen (again nothing new)
scroll the trolls,ignore the bores,it’s the future I tell ye!
How much of the electorate is made up by students?
Surely the bulk of the electorate is made up of working people and retired people.
So a bit ridiculous to say it was students that elected the SNP, no?
VFR800A8/Hamilton Tim – the Herald article quotes PS at the end of the article saying the charge is based on the Criminal Justice & Licensing Act 2010 (not OBAF) – what’s that all about?
POR CIERTO on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:42 AM
It allows them to smear their opponents. Any criminal case will drag on for months and is likely to still be ongoing long after the consultation process has been completed.
So, to that extent, it’s an effective tactic.
And of course it panders to the prejudices of the bigoted, the poorly informed and intellectually challenged who generally favour restrictions on liberty.
MACJAY
I’v no time for the SNP or the state police (let’s not be conned by the lovely name police Scotland) those who voted in the SNP need to deal with it they’r membership went up 150,000 I think I read somewhere, so go to the source the students who voted for them who are now being arrested,.
TONYDONNELLY67 on 7TH SEPTEMBER 2016 9:46 AM
The students voted in the SNP, the SNP gave you OBA and slid in scotlands state police, now the students don’t like it (nothing new there ,never know what they want)
Fair, relevant point. However, the OBaF Act is an horrendous and oppressive piece of legislation that MUST be removed from Statute.
Bunch a dafties playing politics.
Some are, some aren’t.
PS students where warned about the SNP ! Didn’t listen (again nothing new)
Cannae argue wi’ that!
FAC the Act
KTF
Just a very quick visit to offer my support to HT and all at FAC for fighting the good fight. .
I do have a grudging admiration for Tony Donnelly and his one dimensional support & views re following Celtic. However I think he is wrong on this one. The Act is clearly wrong & Draconian any of us could fall foul of it. Those who organise intelligent opposition are doing us all a service & deserve our support & gratitude.
There is a public meeting next Thursday 14th September at 7pm
This takes place at Coatbridge Community Centre and is being chaired by Jim Kelly MSP.
nothing to do with the green brigade or the Celtic trust.
all welcome, students ,workers, unemployed, disabled and even pensioners as everyone who attends is subject to this awful act