Last night’s was one of the most professional away performances in Europe by a Celtic team in recent years. We matched Rennes across the field and never looked under pressure, although few chances were made by either team, apart from the penalty incidents.
Fraser Forster made comfortable work with a first half shot, and importantly, ensured the rebound reached safety, while the best chance from open play in the game fell to Celtic. Ryan Christie rolled the ball in front of Boli Bolingoli for the full back to clip a low cross into the box. Odsonne Edouard darted for the near post but dummied the ball. The onrushing Mohamed Elyounoussi was a split second away from scoring into an empty net.
If this was a boxing match, there would be in inquiry into the nature of the way Celtic conceded a penalty in the 37th minute. Kristoffer Ajer pulled Niang’s shirt with one hand, dragged him by the wrist with the other, then scythed him down for good measure. Three simultaneous penalty offences.
It was inexplicable, coming well into a game Celtic had yet to concede a chance worthy of the name in. Ajer made sure that situation would change. With 90 minutes gone and the game poised at 1-1, Kris again pulled the shirt of an opponent inside the box, an incident that alarmed me as much as the first, coming after we all hoped Kris had learned a lesson.
There is no viable explanation for what happened. He should be allowed to think about what he did on the bench him on Sunday.
When asked at his pre-match press conference which Celtic players concerned him, the first name out of Rennes manager Julien Stephan’s lips was “Christie”. This 90 minutes validated that view.
Ryan has an impressive burst of pace over 20 yards and used this talent to nick the ball away from a Rennes defender early in the second half in the corner of the box. The defender was already committed and took the leg from Christie. Referee, Jose Sanchez, had a perfect view of the incident but inexplicably waved play on. It was a portent of things to come.
If Kristoffer Ajer left his smarts in the dressing room, James Forrest was the hooped equivalent of Einstein. Inside the Rennes box, he dropped the shoulder, then burst the other way, showing his opponent enough of the ball to tempt an intercept, but with Houdini-like deft, the ball was gone, replaced by James’ leg, which received the tackle instead. The tariff for away teams for this Spanish referee is clearly two penalty incidents for one award. He pointed to the spot and Ryan Christie made us forget how fragile Celtic were from 12 yards in recent seasons.
By this stage, Rennes knew they were second best and reverted to farce. Jonny Hayes has developed a healthy role as cult hero coming off the bench in recent weeks. With Niang racing onto a loose ball on the Rennes right, Hayes put his heart and soul into a flying tackle, knocking the ball clear away from the striker, who writhed theatrically for two minutes, before protesting at the challenge once on his feet.
Replays showed it was a genuinely great tackle. The incident was reminiscent of the Jozo Simunovic tackle on our old pal Kenny Miller at Ibrox, without the ridiculous whining from Andy Walker in commentary.
Bayo replaced Odsonne Edouard but within four minutes was booked for an incident where his elbow clashed with da Silva, who left the field on a stretcher. The yellow card was technically correct, but it was a nuanced. da Silva barged Bayo as they left the ground, spinning the Celtic striker, which caused the damaging collision.
With da Silva off the field and all possible substitutions made, Rennes were reduced to 10 men. Goalkeeper Mendy then feigned contact by writhing around holding his face after Bayo chased a ball he fumbled. Again the referee had a great view of the incident and waved play on, but with the keeper on the ground holding the ball, Sanchez had no choice but to check on his condition. After speaking to Mendy, the referee showed Bayo a second yellow card. Those who say, “Why badger a referee, they never change their mind?” are wrong.
A couple of general observations. Scott Brown picked up an early yellow card. We are going to lose him to suspension during this campaign, so should get busy with a backup plan.
I can go back 30 years and recite good Celtic performances in Europe that were ruined by poor game management late on. With 15 minutes to go last night, Neil Lennon knew what to do to get the point. It was a great start to the campaign, well done.
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One Malloy
Happy Hoopy Birthday H.
En route to the Hoot, but major roadworks around Perth, so now being diverted via Bridge of Earn and back up to Broxden. Anticipated arrival was 1200, now expected to be more like 1300.
Still, looking forward to it – and München.!
Bis bald.
Good morning folks
Sadly, CQNer, Sparkx passed away peacefully last night around his family, after a short fight with cancer. Tom was a Celtic and a family man, and involved heavily in The Celtic Trust. He was an occasional poster and a long time lurker, buying every CQN badge that was available. I had the honour and privilege of becoming his friend and getting to know his family, because of CQN.
Tom- I gonna miss our lunches, nights out at the annual CSA dinner and our nonsense discussions in all things Celtic and family, and indeed your friendship and support through good times and bad.
Your passion for Celtic and the family will live on in your kids Nicola and Gary and indeed their kids
I will raise a glass in your memory today at the Hoot.
Take care my friend
HH
CRC
RIP Sparkx. YNWA
CIGALASPORFAVOR on 21ST SEPTEMBER 2019 7:21 AM
Clyde fishemen,s “festival of the sea”today and tomorrow at the riverside beside the tall ship.Tied in with Clydebuilt water festival and we,re supplying and serving fresh haddock,Scallops,crab and lobster.Embargo restaurant doing paella and breaded oysters and Seafood Scotland doing free cooking and tasting demo.s.
A play on the tall ship,live music,face painters(who will be paid)and fun races on the river.Good day out for everyone and a free pint for CQN,ers!!
Taxi ordered, gear ready – en route to the Hoot. One of the guys has, fekin innexplicably, decided to bring his burd – FFS!!!!!! Just told me – traitor !!! Too late to do anything about it.
See you all soon
HH
BGFC
Celticrollercoater. I will say a prayer at Mass tonight for your friend Sparkx, RIP. Your tribute to him was deeply moving. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, so a prayer will also be said for them.
Happy birthday to Onemalloy.
See the Huns back to their old ways again re,getting rid of anyone they decide they dont want.Grezda,the latest.”He will never play for this club again”says Seethin.Really,when did he play before?Could it be he is a useless dud on a high wage?.OK,he is alleged to have spat on someone,but is that any worse than Kent,assaulting Broony?Seems not.Grezda told to find another club.That should be interesting.
Enjoy the Hoot today.Jealous.
Enjoy yourself at the hoot.
Sooooooooooo jealous.
Pesky work stops fun again and a medi vac to deal with.
Give it Laldy guys.
Today’s CQN Coupon –
Pog – Millwall
TET – Forest Green
BMCUWP – Wycombe
Jobo – Inverness
LB – Cardiff
GFTB – Ayr Utd
AWALK – Ipswich
Good afternoon all from Govanhill. Are we meeting in BV or McChuills? I needs to know. 👍😁
R.I.P. Sparks and condolences to all family and friends
BRRB
Think it’s 1.30 at BV or 2.30 at McC
Gene, thanks. You been selected from the hallowed Vale?😜😁
BRRB
Enjoy
CRC
Sorry to hear about your pal Sparkx, heading up to the other Paradise.
Condolences to his family and friends.
HH
RIP Sparkx – thoughts and prayers
One Malloy,
Hope you have a smashin’ birthday and a great trip to Munich.
HHH
RIP Sparkx. God bless!
Gene, cheers. 🍺
Rest in Peace Tom
And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You
Had the pleasure of your company a few times, and I believe the last time was our visit to MurdochAuldandHay
Sparkxx
You will never walk alone
CRC
RIP Sparkx, condolences to his family and friends
Another bittersweet day on CQN .
RIP Tom (Sparkx) and thoughts and prayers with family and friends
Happy Birthday to Onemalloy, a very fine Man and great company. Enjoy SeptemberOktoberfest with the rest of the Bhoys,
And finally, to the Hooters. Have a great day. Sad to be missing out on another one, and some very good company amongst very fine people.
CRC- A lovely tribute, may Tom RIP
Condolences to the family and friends of Tom, Sparkx.
CRC
Lovely sentiments Marc, very fitting for Tommy. He was a committed member of the Celtic Trust and our current chairman. More than that we’ve lost a thoroughly decent man and someone I’m proud to call a friend.
RIP Tommy
OneMalloy
Have a great birthday H!
Happy Birthday to One Malloy. A quiet day ahead by any chance?
HH
CRC
crc
lovely tribute. RIP sparkx
Good afternoon CQN from a scorching Garngad
CRC – lovely words for your friend.
May he rest in peace.🙏
HH
D. :)
RIP Sparkx, eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
TURKEYBHOY on21ST SEPTEMBER 2019 12:06 PM
Probably cause he goes to mass most weeks.
RIP Sparkx
RIP Sparkx 🙏🏻
RIP Sparks
HH
TC458
hooooooooooooooooooopy birthday to OneMalloy
CQN at its best…..
thanks for sharing CRC……………
HH
OneMalloy,
Happy birthday, have a great day🍀🍀🍀
HH
TC45