Football is often about the margins. Virgil van Dijk’s header, when Celtic were 0-1 up away to Maribor, beat the keeper and defence, but struck Stefan Johansen on the line. A year later, with Celtic 2-0 and rocking Malmo to their core, Stefan came close to putting us 3-0 and clear, but both Champions League playoff ties turned and a chapter in our history changed.
Trailing 1-0, yesterday’s tie against Astana could have tipped out of control but sublime play by both Patrick Roberts and Leigh Griffiths turned the game on its head. It was a ballsy play. Patrick wouldn’t give up, Leigh used all of his experience to despatch the ball into the net from the edge of the box. It went exactly as I predicted in yesterday’s blog, “A great deal of responsibility will lie with Leigh Griffiths. He’ll have space to receive the ball from Roberts”. Astana were stunned.
Not so stunned they think they’re out of it, in fact, after the game their manager and players were talking about winning at Celtic Park. See Maribor, above, if you think that’s not credible. They reckon the tie is “50/50”. None of them were impressed by Celtic, the sentiment it they let us off the hook. We will have work to do next week.
Kolo, is there anything you can do to sort us out at corner kicks? Eoghan O’Connell lost his man, but we lose too many goals from corners inside the six yard box, or on the line, for me to ask no questions of Craig Gordon. Is his starting position right? Maybe if he started a pace off his line he’d get a fist on a corner before the striker. It feels like there’s more going wrong than just the defenders losing their men. If a goalkeeper comes for a ball in his six yard box but doesn’t get it, he’s responsible.
Irony is finished.
Care to guess which club issued this statement after the Scottish Cup final two months ago?
“Any attempts to attach blame to our supporters for the disgraceful and violent behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated by this club”.
Yesterday, the same club, Newco, not only accepted and tolerated those same supporters being blamed, they led the charge by banning them indefinitely and telling them they would lose their season ticket for the coming season without a refund!
“Any club’s supporters would have done the same”
Here’s the thing, after the cup final, Newco’s statement not only tolerated fans’ behaviour they made unprecedented attempts to justify it:
“We acknowledge that a tiny minority of Rangers fans also encroached on the pitch but only after having been faced with prolonged and severe provocation and in order to protect our players and officials who were being visibly attacked in front of them. Any club’s supporters would have done the same”.
If Celtic did this we would be mocked on every front page for a week. Unfortunately, Scotland does not have appropriate oversight in any walk of life, or the post-final reporting and political reaction would have been entirely different.
Thanks to all who are involved in the eBay auction for this incredible prize:
Courtesy of Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, we have an outstanding auction prize, as the centrepiece of our summer good causes. For the Kilmarnock game at Celtic Park, on 24 September 2016, you can win:
2 seats in the directors’ box
Champagne reception
5 course meal in the Walfrid Suite
Fully expenses bar (pre and post-match)
Half time snacks and refreshments
Car Parking
And a match programme.
The auction is open for only ONE MORE DAY. This is a fabulous opportunity to indulge yourself in some high living while watching Celtic and contributing towards the construction of a school kitchen in Malawi for Mary’s Meals. You can get involved here.
Thanks again to Intelligent Car Leasing.
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Dallas@7.23
Anybody that follows your posts would know that there would never be any type of malicious intent in your posts. No need for anything like an apology fhriend.
Your credit is good with this particular Irish Celt.
HH from Miami South.
Last bit just to rub it in a tad.
Up the glorious hhhoooooooppppps.
For those coming up/down/over for the Barcelona match the Spirit of 88 CSC are providing entertainment in the Irishtown House (10 minute walk from stadium) before and after the match.
The number 1 bus from O Connell Street (every twenty minutes) will leave you at the pub door while Landsdowne Road is the nearest Dart station (10 minute walk away). Traffic in Dublin city centre will be severely restricted because of Luas(tram) works. Further information here:
http://www.aicsc.com/celtic-v-barcelona/
The AICSC will also be selling a badge at the gigs to mark the match.
Cumbernauld no 1 c s c bus times next Wednesday 1800 Abronhill 18 15 Town Centre
Why take the car non members and famlies welcome call 07936703484 to reserve your seat
Bhoys …anyone know what channel the sheep are being mehcasted on? Got a German asking …
Beingpolitecfc
Brawxit
Geordie Munro at 7.55, I may be talking mince but the cynical in me thinks Barca may have been advised by the organisers that Messi and another of their top players, have to play in these games.
Playing a blinder as always Almore
HH
Evening Timland from a very, very hot hun free mountain valley.
Watching the sheepies game, well it on in the background, and from what I have seen of them this season and the huns, the huns are deluding themselfs if they think they will finish above the sheep, even with honest mistakes, the sheep are much better than I have seen for some time, and they are getting cheated, shocking refereeing.
Still 0-0 tho
Gearoid, thank you for your kind words.
I believe Celtic should be more proactive in playing games against Irish teams . Firstly to thank our support in Ireland for their dedication and sacrifices made to get to our games in Scotland .
I appreciate there are Celtic fans who travel and make sacrifices from all over these shores
Secondly, to raise our profile in Ireland, which to me , is a very important thing.
Enjoy Florida , I hope you all have a great time.
TET the very man …what channel is mehcasting the sheep…moochio grassyassio…
Braw
Braw
I am perusing it here, don’t think it’s on normal tele mind you :-)
HH
http://neofeed.tv/57566/1/Watch-Aberdeen-FC-vs-NK-Maribor/
What a star……cheers pal…..wee German wants to watch ……the things we do to keep Europe hoopy!
Braw ….
Dallas
Would love to see Celtic in Ireland a lot more but needs must and Wednesday looms large. Anybody with an eye in their head would know what you meant.
Only issue is where can I see the match next Wednesday as will be on the road from Florida keys and any detours could result in a Decree Nissi being filed.
HH Dallas
Braw
The commentary is inteligable, it’s on “Fit like the Day min ” TV
HH
SFTB –
When I saw the pass from Forrest going to the left of the Astana defender and well away from Griffiths, I was genuinely mystified by it and couldn’t unferstand why he would have done that.
You have offered an explanation. I will need to see the incident again before commenting further. At the time, I did not see it that way, so was genuinely mystified.
Your use of the word “disingenuous” though is quite bizarre. Now you accuse me of “pretending” to be mystified.
Why can’t I just be wrong instead of being dishonest?
Breathtaking arrogance on your part.
Gearóid 1998: Sure what else would I be doing on my…ahem… holidays.
Hope you enjoyed Florida. I was there a couple of years ago and had a great time. Lots of Celtic tops in Disneyworld.
For anyone interested Celtic U20 v Athletic in Irn Bru Challenge Cup is on Tuesday at 7.45 at Cappielaw.
It is also on Premier TV.
This could be the precursor of us having a reserve team in the spfl.
Nice warm up for the main event on Wednesday. I’m sure our young team will appreciate any support they get.
Mr Percy McHumphy from Brigton has shed some light on the latest Sevco transfer rumour.
Dave King’s phone has been tapped by a daily record hack who overheard the following conversation;
DK: Hello, Am I speaking to mr Percy McHumphy?
PM: Aye.
DK: Is your vehicle still for sale?
PM: Aye.
DK: Well ,wur team bus burned doon so I’d really like to buy your Reliant Robin Van, Percy.
Correction
Celtic u20 v Annan Athletic. Tuesday, 7.45pm, Cappielaw.
Sheep on atdhenet I believe
Ghuys Celtic are playing the wee Rovers as in Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Tuesday 9th August, 19:30 K.O. for the Jock Stein Frienship Cup. £10 Adults, Concessions £5 and Kids £3. Those of you in ML5 can get your tickets in The Candy Store in the Whifflet. If Gerry is on make sure you tell him Lennybhoy told you…and no I am not on commission.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
DALLAS DALLAS
That German ship is part of an EU task-force which rescues people from the Sicilian channel.My understanding is that the ship’s primary role is to transfer people from reception centres in small Sicilian coastal towns to a much bigger reception centre near Palermo..Lots and Lots of people – the system is struggling to cope.
Gearoid, let’s hope you get to see the game next and come back with your marriage intact lol .
I can’t go next week as my wife is out that night, my son is going to the standing section and I have to be home to look after my daughter.
Auld Tam on 28th July 2016 8:28 pm
SFTB –
When I saw the pass from Forrest going to the left of the Astana defender and well away from Griffiths, I was genuinely mystified by it and couldn’t unferstand why he would have done that.
You have offered an explanation. I will need to see the incident again before commenting further. At the time, I did not see it that way, so was genuinely mystified.
—————
SFTB is just spinning things, the pass by Forrest was just a poor over hit pass, there was no confusion between the players.
The Huddle –
I know. I have just watched the incident again. Three times.
SFTB has a cheek accusing ME of dishonesty?
I nearly fell for it too.
Dear oh dear.
Goodnight all.
Auld Tam and The Huddle
Some simple questions.
Was Leigh Griffiths running in exactly the direction and location to which James Forrest sent his pass?
Did Leigh break off a run just as the pass was being made?
Did AuldTam present it, with The Huddle adding his agreement, that the pass passeth all understanding when, in fact, it is quite easily explained?
Were any of the many successful contributions made by JF presented as being “typical” of his Celtic career?
Is explanation the same thing as spin?
Are you spinning when you disagree?
South of Tunis, thank you for your reply.
That would explain what was happening.
There does not seem to be any solution to this issue .
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox on 28th July 2016 8:47 pm
—————
LG made the run, Forrest seen the run then made the pass, pass was wildly over hit, LG stopped running.
Is it possible that two people could see the same incident and arrive at a different interpretation? Of course it is.
Because they have a different interpretation does that mean that one of them must be telling lies, being disingenuous or just “at it”? Not necessarily.
Have the Huns signed Hertz Van Rental yet? Don’t be silly, billy.
just read a link on news now celtic regards the RVP wind up ,there was a link on the wind up post to an evening times article about the old ragers failing to get a CVA and I came across this little gem check out the quote from Brian Stockbridge ……………………OH DEAR
Green has already moved to put in place a new board for the newco. Fund manager Malcolm Murray, a lifelong supporter, will be made chairman, Green will assume the chief executive role.
Imran Ahmad, who has been advising Green on financial matters, will be corporate finance director. It is believed Ahmad and Green met through Nova Resources, a Singapore mining investment firm where Green had a spell as chairman, and Ahmad was an advisor.
Brian Stockbridge, a businessman, will also be brought on board as a finance director.
He was invited to comment this morning by Clark, and would only say: “I can confirm that the company we have been using will change it’s name from Sevoc to The Rangers Football Club.
So Sevco IS the new club not RIFC
my oh my ,who’d av thunk it
HH YBIG
The Huddle
You reckon Leigh stopped running because he felt JF had overhit the pass.
Auld Tam says Leigh stopped to show for the ball and JF passed it to some mysterious elsewhere.
Are you sure you are both in agreement?
Feck the sheep…..Premier sports are doing a re run of Oor game……fill her wellies
Smiley thing
Braw.
ALMORE
Dropped the bhoy and his pals aff at Glasgow airport. This morning
Been passing on the info
Hopefully, he,ll take it on board
HH
DALLAS DALLAS WHERE THE HECK IS DALLAS on 28TH JULY 2016 8:48 PM
South of Tunis, thank you for your reply.
That would explain what was happening.
There does not seem to be any solution to this issue .
=====================================================
Ex Oz. prime minister ,Tony Abbott , found a solution.
“Stopped the boats” two years ago.
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox on 28th July 2016 8:52 pm
The Huddle
You reckon Leigh stopped running because he felt JF had overhit the pass.
Auld Tam says Leigh stopped to show for the ball and JF passed it to some mysterious elsewhere.
Are you sure you are both in agreement?
—————
I never said I agreed that LG stopped for the ball, I said you said JF pass was fine. I’m saying the pass was a poor one no matter if LG had ran full pelt after it or showed for the ball. What LG did, doesn’t really matter when the pass was so poor.
Just caught end of Cork city / Genk game and it was refreshing to hear the commentators talk about how well Cork had played despite losing 1-0 away from home.
Celtic play out a score draw on the very fringes of Europe and on an artificial surface and the SMSM are falling over themselves to run down our performance and result.
It always astounds me how many on this site treat the Board and CEO of Celtic as the enemy whilst giving so called journalists a free ride when they do us down.
WWW: The Bad Ass Cafe in Temple Bar should also have entertainment and at €5 a pint that’s great value for that area.
Irishtown House is an all-day event and is handy to the city centre.
Good evening folks.
I haven’t scrolled back yet but need to get this off my chest….
… watched the game yesterday, and was happy enough with the result and how the bhoys played, and also great to see Brendan being so involved. I must admit, I thought we would’ve beaten them but after seeing how dangerous they can be, I’m happy with that draw.
Anyway, was chatting to a fellow Tim (never met him before) after the match and he butchered Ambrose. I laughed and gave him my opinion: that Ambrose gets too much crap from our own. Sure, some of it justified but many of it is just him being ‘the escaping goat’. He got angry and told me he’d BURY ME IN THE GROUND for sticking up for Efe! Took a few seconds to realise he was serious! Then he brought Telfer into the conversation, saying how he was another joke of a player! I asked him to give some examples….. he couldn’t. I made it clear to him that he reads too much tabloids, focusses too much on the scapegoats and he would NOT be putting me in the ground.
He got the message and apologised, then trotted off soon after. A Tim with a hun attitude he was.
Anyhoo…. well done Brendan & The Bhoys! The positives are there and I’m sure we’ve got much more to look forward to.
-Tambo
Owen –
There cannot be another country in the world that treats their top sports team with such utter negativity and distain when playing against foreign opposition in an international tournament. It really is incredible.