When I researched yesterday’s article (yes, research does happen sometimes) I was far from encouraged. Udinese had an impeccable home record and Snr Di Natale is one of Europe’s irresistible strikers at the moment.
We didn’t manage to resist Di Natale but he will remember Fraser Forster for a few years. We have been fortunate to see a few great goalkeeping performances in Europe in the last decade but last night Fraser was second perhaps only to David Marshall that night in Barcelona. That last minute penalty save against Hearts on Saturday has moved the player onto a new platform.
Udinese had a good 20 minute spell when they looked every inch the team joint top of the Italian league but they were on the rack in the closing stages of the game. Cha DuRi has had an eventful Europa League on the road this season. He was a bit unfortunate at the Udinese goal but completely out of luck when he twisted his body mid-air to volley off the post.
Watching Georgios Samaras last night was a lesson in how complex a game football can be. This is a player who could not hold down a place in the SPL last season, yet playing in a different position he had top-flight defenders throwing themselves at him in order to inhibit progress.
There is still work to be done, but the return of three first choice defenders will enhance the team considerably. The most pleasing thing about last night came after the game; Fraser Forster’s focus was immediately on St Johnstone. It’s all about Perth now.
Issue 5 of CQN Magazine will be out soon. Hard copies will be available direct, at a considerably reduced cost from our current Magcloud arrangement and with a fast delivery turnaround. Details soon.
1,353 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- ...
- 35
- »
Advice required.
What’s the chances of gettign lifted for singing the “Ra-ra-ra!” add-on to the Hokey-Cokey at tonight’s office party?
The Token Tim – HAIL! HAIL! To Kano 1000 16 December, 2011 at 13:41:
Celtic fans are welcome in most places. A banner that says f UEFA might even make us more welcome in Sion.
The lasting memory of Celtic fans to fans and residents of Rennes, Madrid and Udinese won’t be of flares and felt tip pen messages it will be of the good natured, friendly carnival atmosphere that we brought to the cities.
ASonOfDan says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:41
I wouldn’t have expected a different sentiment, but to put it in terms of Scottish football and the Tartan Army, suggests a shocking comprehension of the way the majority of us view our position in this country.
bsr
You require a board with guts and determination to pursue that most obvious avenue for compensation.
That’ll be the end of that then!
ASonOfDan says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:41
we’re not doing a very good job of policing ourselves at the moment – we all knew that something was likely to happen if we sat back and let people sing ooh ahh up the ra, but we did nothing. then this last night
the green brigade are how many among our support but they are so powerful now anyone who speaks against them is shouted down or told about how great they are for the atmosphere. people are either too afraid to confront them or know its futile given that they wont listen to anyone but themselves, and they are now so powerful at celtic .
Celtic were second seeds in the Europa Cup, and ended up in a group we shouldn’t have.
After narrowingly missing out, will Celtic be seeking compensation from UEFA, for being put in the wrong group?
Send them the banner as well that should do the trick
Dear Celtic Glasgow
We like your flag very much
Sion supporters club
brimmer
Paul67
great stuff -agree Sammi can be a huge influence on how we play the game
-pity the bliddy sphell is almost out of bounds for players like him for any number of reasons
also- Fraser justifying selection and quickly maturing into a reliable and inspiring ‘keeper;
the last two games will go a long way to building his self-esteem, and maybe more importantly, the respect of his peers..when he starts to make those ‘shouts’ they will carry that little bit more authority…a vital ingredient in his role
thought Jamesy Forrest deserved a special mensh for performing so well on a top class stage.
The cream always comes to the top…(aye- ah know about the other stuff floating….:)
So much to be pleased about!
neveralone says:
16 December, 2011 at 12:40
yep- spot on
HH
M
Philbhoy
Heard from Ian Bankier, Rottweiller Reids equivalent.
philvisreturns says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:42
he was bogling with the yout at notting hill carnival, actually
always had a soft spot for william hague and his dad ids, politicians who do actually want to make a difference.
weeminger 16 December, 2011 at 13:42
No. I’m answering a point raised by Kitalba that F is not really that offensive and I’m stating that if you use F in a banner, it’s likely to offend people and that even if you protest is justified, which in this case I think it is, its not the best way to get it across. And yes I deliberately picked an extreme example.
Do you believe that following this UEFA are more likely to go “Well F you back” or sit down and listen to any reasonable explanation of our songbook (and I’m not stating they would have actually done that).
Who is going to be offended by a sign saying f UEFA?
It’s a corporate body, not a person, I would even suggest the people employed by the said body wouldn’t feel offended by the message. I would go as far as to say that they say the same thing from time to time.
UEFA are not likely to listen to any defence or even engage with any of the fans that contribute to the game that it governs. That is as good a reason as any as why they should go and get f’ed.
Beamishismypint: 16 December, 2011 at 13:17
“We’re now being reported with the car wreckers at Sundeland! What does that achieve?”
Reported by the same people who described someone trying to have a sly smoke in an aircraft toilet as a ‘mid-air riot’. But the incident happened on an aircraft full of Celtic fans, so why let truth get in the way.
They have their agenda and it is very much pro-Hun/anti-Celtic. If it wasn’t for realms of filmed footage they would be attempting to deny any bother took place in Manchester.
Still, they took the next best option and laughably tried to claim Chelsea and Tottenham fans caused the trouble … they all just happened to be Scottish Tottenham and Chelsea fans wearing Rangers tops.
BontyBhoy
Think I must have upset people by giving nosewiper a bad rating – this season I’ve been mostly full of praise. Nope. Last night he was poor and played in a position ill-suited to him. What about giving Mcgeouch a chance on Sunday now that James has run his socks off?
re. Forster. Again, I’ve mostly given him praise as well. Folk have been mentioning Forster ‘haters’ – not me. It’s just that I thought Lukasz played exceptionally well in the four games he started for us this season. Fraser has improved markedly on last season. Unlike Lukasz, he has youth on his side, and it’s clear the coaching staff see his potential as invaluable – I’m certain he’ll be at Celtic Park next season.
celtic40me – I like them too, better than that big pink blouse Michael Portillo. (thumbsup)
I am not defending the actions of the couple of fans who did that last night, banner having a go at the wrong people. F*** Eddie Smith or the SNP fair enough.
Just think the hysterical comments from our Chairman, play into the Laptop Loyals hands.
Do a rangers and blame everything and everyone to deflect the flak.
Biggest story in history of Scotland about the SFA granting rangers a euro licence when owing to tax authority.
Get it out there.
I wonder why all of a sudden the GB came into the ahead hmmm.
Ian Bankier wants Celtic fans to be more like the Tartan Army? GOD HELP US!!
The Scottish Press have been let of the lead, following the UEFA fine.
Squeaky clean may not be enough.
Biggest story in history of Scotland about the SFA granting rangers a euro licence when owing to tax authority.
Get it out there bhoys and let’s rock Scottish football once more.
The Honest Mistake says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:51
I think some folks within UEFA might be upset by it. However, I also think some members of the public might be offended by it. Just the same as I expect that some non-Catholics would be offended by FTP.
Anyway we’ve drifted off into a broader discussion.
I agree with the sentiment, and I agree with their right to air it in public. I happen to think it could have been done better.
The Honest Mistake,
still not willing/able to answer my questions…..admittedly they were not originally directed at you, but you stepped in so why not let me know your thoughts on my questions?
As to our welcome in Rennes, Madrid and Udine, i dont doubt they’ll remember the Celtic Support as being good-natured and friendly……..as do many other residents and supporters of the teams/cities that we have visited over the years.
My point was that our image with Uefa will probably be tarnished. A body which in the past rewarded us for our Support and behaviour. Why do something to tarnish that reputation?
As for being welcome in Sion…..who cares? Id much rather not be welcome there. Thats the home of an owner/team who want to cheat their way to success. Im sure there’s another team in Glasgow who they will have an affinity with if thats their methods…they are welcome to each other.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
James Forrest is Lennon says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:11
The right of a group of supporters to turn Celtic Park into an IRA propaganda centre? To stoke the fires of a war which is over? To refight the battles of 300 years, long after most of the world has moved on? To allow other political organisations to hijack what our club is about?
How long before we are not one Family, but a club like PSG, where the support is made of a group of factions, many of whom detest each other?
———————————————————————————————————————————————————-
James in principal i agree with your statement however the PLC as culpable by turning the Celtic Shirt into Propaganda display for the British Armed forces. I am not attempting to denigrate anyone or group who wishes to support the aforementioned cause but surely if we wish the support to leave their politics at home surely the PLC should have lead by example.
Just a thought
So proud of the performance last night. A draw would normally be seen as a fine result.
I’m disappointed that we haven’t moved on from the depressing debate of fans’ behaviour. Neil Lennon came of age as a manager last night. Let’s focus on St Johnstone and winning this league.
EilidhBarbour Eilidh Barbour
All #StJohnstone and #Celtic fans, the game will be broadcast on BBC Alba on Sunday at delayed transmission of 5.30pm. Sky 168 Freeview 8
19 minutes ago
Retweeted by paddimir
philvisreturns says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:42
rumour is that when the cameras arent running on this week portillo, diane abbot and brillo pad head have guffing contests and portillo always wins
oglach UFB says:
16 December, 2011 at 13:58]
but not a very original one. “what about them, though”
Flares and the word F***.
I thought this was a bigger story today, they are the THIRD biggest club in the country.
Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas has arrived in Scotland from Lithuania to deal with the crisis engulfing the club. He praised the players for their professionalism, but opened fire on others he accused of seeking to profit from the financial problems at Tynecastle. Fedotovas said: “All this hysteria around Hearts is a very profitable business for the media and even some solicitors have taken the chance to grab the limelight alongside more controversial ‘experts’. You will hardly find a better chance for publicity these days, apart from the national independence topic but most people prefer to keep their opinion away from the public and enjoy less dangerous statements.
“You may have noticed that no-one really cares to suggest how to improve or help the situation, but would rather speak about how bad it is. Apart from opportunistic suggestions to remove Romanov, they provide no solutions as to how to get funding for the club in a deteriorating economic environment.
“I am not surprised that most ‘experts’ are looking for chances to profit from this situation by pretending they care about Hearts but in reality are disregarding the future of the club, making the club a victim of their personal crusade against a Russian businessman and creating an environment that lets them line their own pockets.
“Mr Romanov has been at Hearts for quite a while and apart from help to sell Scottish papers, he has invested around £70 million in the club, kept the club at Tynecastle and prolonged its history for at least seven years.
“Now he is leaving and without his help it will be much more difficult to make ends meet, or target the top of the league. People who are wrongly happy about it can pass on their thanks to the likes of Gary Mackay, George Foulkes, Anderton, Rix, and others that used the club for their personal agendas, pretending to be supporters of the club but in fact seeking supporters for themselves. And a special thanks to Mr Murdoch and his exemplary journalism methods that have been adopted in various forms by many football writers in Scotland.
“Mr Romanov left Lithuanian football two years ago and it has turned into a ‘Mickey Mouse’ competition ever since. To lose money is much easier than to find an investor these days and it inevitably bears an impact.
“A very big part of Europe is in trouble now. Very many clubs do not pay their players’ salaries for months. It is not an excuse; it is a consequence of economic reality. We are living in countries that cut employment, pensions, increase retirement age and taxes. Businesses are abandoned, businessmen reconsider their strategies. If we want to survive we need to adapt to a new environment and unfortunately with an element of shock. The transition to a safer situation is painful, but is inevitable.
“I can assure the fans that we have the plan to normalise the business at the club and we also know the rules and regulations – no player walkout will happen. This is pure sensationalist stories to grab your attention.
“No senior players that have value to this club will leave the club for free. We have already done some business that allowed us to pay wages and tax this month and will allow us to minimise the risk of delays in the future. We now need to implement the plan we have and prepare for the next season.
“I need to say that a lot of people at the club are working very hard to keep our promise to supporters, partners and employees of the club and it is purely because of such efforts we were able to pay the players. All the pressure, bullying and threats did not help and will not help in the future, just the professionalism of the staff and players that give their 100 per cent on the pitch.
“We are appreciative of the players who made the overall wellbeing of the club a priority ahead of their own personal situations in what has been a pressurised period for everyone involved. In fact, this is the cleverest strategy to achieve a positive change of their careers – they are true professionals – it will not pass unnoticed and they have a great future.
“Credit is also due to those who refused to have their heads turned by outside influencers pretending they care about the players and the club and those who have little understanding of the economic reality of running a football business in the current climate.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank all the people – supporters, partners, players, employees – who truly supported and continue to support the club during this period. This is a great example of true professionalism, citizenship and morale.”
ASonOfDan,
That’s exactly whom the banner should have been aimed at!
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
BBC Alba ?
With commentary in Gaelic?
As long as we don’t wear the Accursed Custard away tops.
celtic40me says:
16 December, 2011 at 14:01
LOL as said by the person who constantly reguritates the little Scotlander / PLC view of the world. ?
The Token Tim 16 December, 2011 at 13:57
still not willing/able to answer my questions…..admittedly they were not originally directed at you, but you stepped in so why not let me know your thoughts on my questions?
I tried to answer everything you asked me. What other questions?
My point was that our image with Uefa will probably be tarnished. A body which in the past rewarded us for our Support and behaviour. Why do something to tarnish that reputation?
Our reputation was so good with UEFA that only last week they fined us thousands of pounds for violating one of their idiotic rules.
As for being welcome in Sion…..who cares? Id much rather not be welcome there. Thats the home of an owner/team who want to cheat their way to success. Im sure there’s another team in Glasgow who they will have an affinity with if thats their methods…they are welcome to each other.
Well Sion had many great fans. I’m sure one of the bhoys that made the journey at the start of the season will tell you. Sion were always above board with their “cheating” and tried to challenge UEFA’s authoritarian domination of football and paid the price. I’d prefer if our club had the balls to challenge UEFA or the SFA in the same manner.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/12/16/celtic-fans-unfurl-f-uefa-banner-will-probably-be-punished-image/
In regard to flares, at the front of the Celtic crowd, whose fans are they as they don’t have Celtic colours?
If I were Martin Bain, it would be case closed as far as blaming my club went…
HH
iCeltic iCeltic
If you haven’t done so yet, the new version of iCeltic is available for download. New look and many new sites. #celtic #iCeltic
http://iceltic.net/?portfolios=updates
Bankier’s statement is an indication of the direction the board are taking the club.
Next step is letting the newco huns straight into the SPL.
Welcome to Sectarianland
Welcome to Sectarianland, down among the heather,
Keep singing to a whisper and watch out for the weather,
A land of smoke and mirrors, once home to the brave,
If you listen closely, you’ll hear Wallace turning in his grave.
Welcome to Sectarianland, were freedom was once the cry,
The dangers of a football match, alas no longer in the pie,
A land of subtle clearances, as they prepare the ships for sail,
The new sectarian solution, carefully hidden behind a veil.
Welcome to Sectarianland, get arrested for free speech,
Were if someone is annoyed, they point and cry ‘impeach’,
A land of smoke and mirrors, with the illusion that you’re free,
That clanging noise you heard is them throwing away the key.
Re: Mo Bangura
I don’t know what his potential is but like Suarez, I’ve a feeling we may never find out.
celtic40me – I’m not sure I want to know what guffing is.
:-o (thumbsup)
Oglach
I haven’t really got the first clue about Scottish politics do you’ll never see me commenting on it.