Celtic’s run of 27 games unbeaten in domestic football came to an end yesterday as Kilmarnock surprised even their own fans, who bought fewer tickets for the final than they did for the semi-final, perhaps anticipating a reversal.
The bedrock of that magnificent run has been incredibly strong defensive performances; even when Aberdeen scored to take a point earlier this month, their goal benefited from an enormous deflection and the interaction of two debutant defenders.
Kilmarnock’s goal yesterday benefited from no such fortune. Ki didn’t match the forward run of Lee Johnson and Kelvin Wilson didn’t attack the cross. It was, however, a good goal, exploiting the expansive Hampden pitch with some fine passing and excellent movement.
Cammy Bell deservedly won Man of the Match but none of his many saves were spectacular. It could be argued that the stop from Gary Hooper five minutes in turned the match but it was a gift to Bell’s highlights DVD.
Celtic looked like a team who have run out of steam. Profligacy in front of goal and a momentary lapse in defence was all Kilmarnock needed to secure the cup.
I didn’t get a good view of the Anthony Stokes penalty incident at the game, it was Hampden after all, but on the radio going home I heard the evidence clearly confirmed it was not a penalty, which Neil Lennon would realise after he calmed down a bit, despite his initial reaction on seeing a replay.
Television evidence could not be clearer. Michael Nelson went to ground to tackle Stokes and didn’t come within 2 feet of the ball but clipped the Celtic player’s ankle while he was in the process of controlling a fast moving ball.
There was no dispute that Stokes ankle was clipped. No claims were made that Nelson played the ball, or even got close to playing the ball. The incident was an indisputable foul.
When you are running at speed the contact required to force you to lose to lose control of the ball is slight, more than enough contact was made on Stokes to hugely reduce his chances of scoring. Nelson made a rash and ill-timed challenge which should have resulted in an injury-time penalty.
Our sincerest condolences to the Liam Kelly, his family, Kenny Shiels and the Kilmarnock players on the death of Liam’s father Jack in the minutes after full time.
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£110,000 in a week is absolutely pathetic. What happened to the ‘Millions of fans’. Can you imagine children in need running for a week and only raising £110,000. It does not even cover the Duff&Duffers fees.
RANGERS fans have continued to add to the Rangers Supporters Assembly’s Fighting Fund initiative with the total now topping £110,000.
The ‘Rangers Fans Fighting Fund’ allows supporters to make cash donations that directly affect the club now and will go a long way towards helping secure its future.
Since its launch last week donations have been pouring in from fans across the country and beyond with a six figure total hit in under a week.
quonno on 19 March, 2012 at 15:36
Not in 2003 and 2005
So whats different these last 3 years ? AS IF YOU DIDN`T KNOW LOL
Hail Hail
philvisreturns on 19 March, 2012 at 13:42 said:
cha HNWA
alex thomson@alextomoReply
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Ah – UEFA now want to speak asap.
( he had been having trouble getting UEFA to respond)
ASonOfDan on 19 March, 2012 at 15:31 said:
Is this the funniest story to come out so far? It will take some beating…
………………………………………………….
It could be trumped if that other ex-Dundee F.C. director and solicitor, Andrew Page Drummond comes out of hiding and backs RFCIA to a potential buyer.
quonno & coorslad
You sure, you are on the right site?
Jesus wept, everyone else recognises this is a young team that will go on to dominate for years. You two are moaning like a couple of huns…
I agree with Di Stefano.
PSG for 40 odd million euros in Ligue 1, Malaga for 30 odd million euros in La Liga, are rubbish deals compared with ra rainjurs in the SPL for 130 odd million euros.
Throw in no income through merchandising, catering or season tickets for the next four years, no players worth anything in the team then bargain is the first word that springs to mind. What’s wrong with these people?
Somebody or other said,”My Rangers supporting friends…” Surely that is an oxymoron?
AsonofDan,I’m not moaning about anything,the team is still short of decent centre half,Im entitled to say so..I’m defs on the right site,I have no interest in any other club.
Still disappointed re yesterday..but onwards and upwards…
Re COgilive as per the Scotsman article that his EBT was in fact a loan does that mean that we have the current SFA president currently paying back a loan to a member club?
Dearie me….no conflict of interests there then..
ASonOfDan on 19 March, 2012 at 15:31 said:
Is this the funniest story to come out so far? It will take some beating…
Former Dundee FC director and controversial lawyer Giovanni di Stefano has told the ruler of Qatar buying crisis-hit Rangers is “the very best deal in football”.
The lawyer, dubbed the Devil’s Advocate after representing serial killer Harold Shipman and Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein among others, told STV News he had highlighted the situation of the Ibrox Club to the Emir of Qatar.
Mr Di Stefano, who is currently facing charges of defrauding clients out of £140,000, stated that he would have “no role whatsoever” should Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani try to take over Rangers.
Relatives of the Emir have been taking an interest in European football in recent years with his son and heir apparent Sheikh Tamim buying over Paris Saint Germain through the Qatar Sports Investments firm, while his relative Sheikh Abdullah purchased Malaga in Spain for around €36m in 2010.
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Aye…..rANGERs are RIGHT up there wi’ PSG! Surely this is a spoof article!? HH!
Agent Craig “Agent Green and” Whyte!! @15:27 – Pretty sure it’s genuine, there is a link to buy it on MP3 and any profits go to RFCIA.
Awe Naw, is Neil McCann tearing CK a new one, the same as a savaging from a dead sheep?
Agent Craig “Green and” Whyte!! on 19 March, 2012 at 15:31 said:
Juts saw your post that Muambe is now breathing on his own.
Early days, but fantastic news.
DISAPPOINTMENT IS TEMPORARY BUT LIQUIDATION IS PERMANENT
I agree with the above!
we looked tired yesterday,no pace and only drive came from Mulgrew and Brown in 1st half.Still dont know why Samaras didnt start,big wide pitch and they must have been delighted when they seen the team sheet.
Bada Bing for CQN 5TH Avenue New York.
going home tonight boo hoo.
Agent Craig “Green and” Whyte!! on 19 March, 2012 at 15:27 said:
I will miss the huns when they go as they are comedy gold most of the time.
But i’ll only miss them a wee bit.
Has anybody confirmed if the youtube clip of the’ walking away’ song is a tim at it, or a hun with serious problems.
I suppose a hun with seriouse problems is really just a hun!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I firmly believe it’s a piss-take,but for all of you who missed it,here it is again!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pDk75Y1SZ4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
For the record, I have been and always will be a huge supporter of Lenny; what he has done, with a team assembled on a relative shoe-string budget compared to his old mentor, speaks for itself and there should be no need to defend him on any Celtic forum. The players themselves are human, which means they will make mistakes from time to time.
The line-up yesterday was wrong, however. When I saw it, and looked through the respective records of the players and how they have functioned when played together (e.g. Mulgrew/Ledley is NEVER a good pairing, and it was no surprise to see that early tactical change) my reaction was similar to pre-Aberdeen, i.e. a decent team, but unlikely to motor through the gears.
The biggest worry was seeing Rogne/Wilson in defence. When you play a team like Kilmarnock, who pride themselves on possession football, you simply cannot start with two ‘basic’ (for lack of a better word) CBs, who will constantly clear the ball aimlessly upfield and hand possession straight back to the opposition.
I believe the second mistake was to have Stokes and Hooper up front, but that is based more on recent form. Hooper has not looked right for some time now, and I would have benched him, as I hope Neil does this Sunday. For the record, I don’t have any particular preference between Stokes and Hooper. The latter brings a bit more to the team, but the Irishman has better goals/assists stats when you factor how long each has spent on the pitch this season (Stokes g/a is 1 per 85 min, Hooper’s is 1 per 102).
In terms of how this affects the team going forward, you have to ask questions re. the return of Izaguirre – if not now, when? It seems apparent that he is being kept out of the team to accommodate Mulgrew at LB. Nothing against Charlie (who is better at CB), but we are lacking width in those fullback positions, and if I’m Kilmarnock and see Celtic lining up with a left side comprising Mulgrew and Ledley, I know there won’t be many attempts to drive down that side and whip in crosses, so already you are giving the opposistion an advantage by narrowing the threat to their defence.
The eventual central midields of Wanyama/Ledley Ki/Ledley have proven on previous occasions to be inconsistent at best. One of the best features to come out of this season has been the emergence of a three-man midfield, and that in turn means that the fullbacks have different role to play, lacking the protection of a straight up and down midfield partner. Matthews, for example, has been terrific with the support of Brown on the right, but as a solo RB with 3 in midfield, he has disappointed. Cha, for all his lack of sophistication, thrives in this role, and I think should be given his chance when Celtic adopt this formation.
Celtic fans are understandably looking forward to Mordor this Sunday, but I think we will struggle without the right team shape. Recently, only Scott Brown could be said to enjoy going there, so Lenny has a job on his hands assembling the right team.
hopefully if Murderwell drop something it will lift us for Sunday.
Close Brothers Group plc
DIRECTOR’S DECLARATION: CHANGE IN DIRECTOR’S DETAILS
Close Brothers Group plc (the ‘Company’) wishes to notify that Ray Greenshields, a non-executive director of the Company, is also a non-executive director and Chairman of Octopus VCT 3 plc, having been appointed to the board of that company on 31 August 2011.
This announcement is made pursuant to the Company’s obligations under Listing Rule 9.6.14R (2) and following the admission to the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange today, 19 March 2012, of Octopus VCT 3 plc.
John Hudspith
Assistant Company Secretary
19 March 2012
You might be thinking so what. Octopus we already know about in respect of the Ticketus arrangement. Close Brothers is supposed to have given Whyte a loan in November secured on rangers fixed assets.
We don’t know what those assets were and now it comes to light there is a link with the two companies.
Hmmm…
Bobby Evans Superstar on 19 March, 2012 at 15:50 said:
Agent Craig “Green and” Whyte!! on 19 March, 2012 at 15:31 said:
Juts saw your post that Muambe is now breathing on his own.
Early days, but fantastic news.
Yes it is, i was watching the game on Saturday and at the time i thought his chances were very poor but here’s hoping.
But we all know that even after what has happened come Sunday mcculloch and lafferty will still try to finish fellow pro’s careers and roll around faking serious injury to get fellow pro’s wrongly sent off.Cheating.
Any pro who tries to con the ref like that is putting more pressure on the refs who have to decide if an injury requires the game to be stopped and treatment required.
Have to say Howard Webb handled the situation really well.
Also big Evander Sno is still playing so still hope of a full recovery.
For all of yesterday’s disappointment what sticks out for me is that football is definitely not more important than life or death.
Liam Kelly, Kilmarnock’s fine young midfielder, went from the highest high to the lowest low in a matter of moments. His father would have been rightly proud of him. I’m sure Liam would forgo any medal to have his father with him today. Stay strong Liam.
Whilst the news on Fabrice Muamba is encouraging this is very early days. I see Bolton are considering withdrawing from the FA Cup. Such a difficult call to make. Bolton should consult with his family and their supporters. Fabrice would probably not want them to withdraw but what do I know.
Yesterday was what is called a “good for the game” result.
if anyone is faced with a gloating adversary from the other side, just mention that to them.
With regards the Treble, which many on here and elsewhere were celebrating before a ball was kicked, they don’t come along too often for a very good reason.
They usually are a reward for a faultless season, where the level of consistency is very high.
At present, mainly due to physical and mental immaturity, our team is not at that level,yet.
A large amount of slack has to be cut, due to the phenomenal effort in reversing our league position.
This effort can result in a psychological downturn in non league games and I suggest that that may have happened yesterday; not withstanding WC’s cop-out.
All credit to Killie, who came and played the game fairly and took one of their chances.
All good for the Scottish game!
Condolences to the Kelly family.RIP
Billy’s Bhoy
Difficult decision for Bolton. I doubt if the players could face replaying the game
Agent Craig
I think we all know what to expect on Sunday as Fat Sally will resort to the tradition style of Rangers’ play – kick anything that moves. They will be desperate to prove a point.
To Paul et al, long term lurker, first time poster, really enjoy the site.
One thing that I cannot understand, and therefore hoping that someone can enlighten me on what’s happening over at Poundland…..all this talk about the Barron knights “poised” to takeover and buy that mob, does the current owner not need to advise his intension to first be keen to sell his 85 per cent worth? Point is of course how can they buy if nothing to sell?
Miki67 1602
I think it’s authentic…orange walk shoulder and neck movements.
Hail Hail
http://twitpic.com/8yj2c1
Good analysis of the penalty incident. After the “leg and ankle tap” and before “heel click” Stokes had control of the ball, Bell was on way down and Stokes would have scored but for the final contact taking him out.
1st minute, 28th minute or 93rd minute, surely it is irrelevant when it happened. A foul is a foul and a foul in the box is a penalty.
Mort
long haired yins man
The mob from Chicago will make an offer he can’t refuse
Bobby Evans Superstar on 19 March, 2012 at 16:19 said:
Watched the last ten minutes of their game with Dundee utd,sleekit sally’s teamtalk must have went along the lines of “kick anything that moves in a tangerine jersey”
Sundays talk will be change of jersey only.
Alasdair Lamont @BBCAlLamont Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Re Ticketus case, that’s ongoing. Will finish today or tomo but no judgement till end of week at earliest
More interestingly, as you drove home Paul, the radio reports said that it was no penalty.
One assumes therefore that the radio correspondents were watching on radio.
HH
toscanabhoy on 19 March, 2012 at 16:22 said:
Miki67 1602
I think it’s authentic…orange walk shoulder and neck movements.
Hail Hail
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Well…..if that’s the state of them it’s a good job they’re in the pan…where they belong. I just laugh myself sick every time I see it,though! HH!
THE THREE PASSENGERS
Hooper, Forrest, Stokes.
Lazy, constantly complaining.
Embarrassing.
Attended the match yesterday and have concluded that we didn’t win because…
we weren’t good enough.
In the first half there were some encouraging signs with Scott Brown in particular impressing. However, we just didn’t turn up in the second half.
James Forrest I just don’t get. I have said here before I think it is a case of the emperor’s new clothes. The boy obviously has raw talents but just does not utilise them nearly enough.
On the non-penalty, Stokes had taken at least one touch too many and even when the challenge came in he wasn’t shooting but going to take another touch!
It was a close contest between himself and Hooper as to who was worse but Kelvin Wilson really lowered the bar. If his inclusion is based on pace then I really need to get my eyes checked.
Samaras was more of a threat than nearly everybody when he eventually came on. Why it took so long I’ll never know.
It is slightly concerning that one of the few remaining real games we have this season was so lacklustre. If we couldn’t get up for a cup final then the post split fixtures could be a bit of a washout.
Well done to Kilmarnock anyway hopefully their cup success can inspire their fans to lay down some new songs. (They had 1 ffs!)
Condolences to the Kelly family.
This Celtic team are so much better than they showed yesterday I hope they do not let this season peter out.
El Mad
long haired yins man
Welcome. As things stand and unless Craig Whyte has informed the administrators that he would like to sell his 85% share, no one can force him to sell it, whether they are in administration or not.
What the administrators can sell is the assets of the club. If any assets are secured by way of a fixed or floating charge debenture, then whoever holds that charge can block a sale. e.g. If someone gave Rangers a loan and secured this to the stadium, then unless they give permision, the ground can’t be sold.
Not 100% about a specific fixed charge on the ground or on any other assets but what is known is that Craig Whyte’s company, The Rangers FC Group Ltd (formerly Wavetower) holds a floating charge over some of the assets. this equates to the £18m used to clear the debts of Lloyds.
Craig Whyte holds all the cards in relation to what happens to Rangers.
The other big question is who actually owns the ground and training ground. I’m not 100% sure that these are owned by the Rangers Plc (In Administration).
It’s a murky business.
Mort
Aye…
‘Ally’ Lamont.
Just off message & apropos of the times we live in : I’m watching The WTA women’s tennis final in Indian Wells and during their breaks the channel just keeps showing shots of wealthy women in the crowd…what’s that all about?
By the way, Sharapova gettin’ gubbed by Azarenka!
What’s the argument?……IT was 100% a penalty yesterday,and from Gollum’s p.o.v. it was a stonewaller, but he bricked it.
Mort
I wonder if this is why we have not seen players released as yet. Perhaps the players are the only valuable asset not covered by a charge (granted some charges are in dispute).
HH
TLK