When you and I write, whether you are aware of it or not, there’s always a narrative. Behind the words the subtext explains why we think a game was won or lost, why events on the park reinforce our world view, or, for some, just that they are angry people.
For most, our narrative is bound by the constraints of realistic parameters, although some are so afflicted by a heavily prejudiced world view that no amount of evidence to the contrary would convince them, for example, that they are being led by the nose by charlatans.
As the game drew to a conclusion last night, this troubled me. I was proud of the way Celtic played. They attacked a team from one of the top leagues in a way we’ve not seen since Juventus visited in 2001. It was glorious and gutsy, skilful and dramatic. But with 92 minutes on the clock, it was heading towards defeat. No matter the circumstances, defeat binds any narrative as a failure, glorious or otherwise. It didn’t feel like failure, but this was how we would remember this game.
John Guidetti’s 93rd minute equaliser changed the result and created some memories, but the underlying narrative would stand, with or without that goal: the improvement in Celtic since our August debacle is as profound as anything we have witnessed in 49 years.
Delighted to announce that our treble winning captain, Tom Boyd, will be attending CQN11 St Patrick’s Dinner at the Kerrydale Suite on Friday 13 March. We also have big Packy, wee Joe and conventionally-sized Tommy Coyne. And Archie Macpherson’s going to talk about the transformation which got underway 50 years ago that week!
Fill your boots at what will be a great celebration of our club and heritage, with a wee song or two from Patricia Ferns, and you’ll also help to build a school kitchen in Malawi for kids who often go without a proper meal. For tickets and details, email me, celticquicknews@gmail.com
Congratulations to the SPFL, Hamilton Accies, Georgios Samaras, Celtic and Scottish football fans for last month’s Goal of the Month award, which was won by Jay Beatty for his strike at New Douglas Park. Up with this sort of thing.
1,001 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 27
- »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ULixFmRvUhA
GB display (VIDEO)
HH
adi_ dasler @ 11 42.
Vidic .
Media claim he is fit after a bout of sciatica.He was not a popular signing .Viewed as been way past his best .
leftclicktic
I enjoyed her reaction and the pain of the panel :)
betterthanSuttonCSC
sipsini
13:16 on 20 February, 2015
micktt,
Enjoy mate, as Acgr knows, I’ve a penny whistle player next door, by feck, I’m sure he didn’t get much sleep, the Rebs were awfy loud last night ;))
₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩
Ah ye canny beat a wee afternoon sesh on a Friday. .. kinda smiley sesh…
Hh
After going 2-0 down my bhoy turned to me and said we need to steady the ship and try and get one back before HT, or we’ll get a right bleaching.
To play our way back into the game the way we did is a testament to the character of this young side.
They are improving every game and can and will get better, I hear there were disparaging remarks from English pundits, no change there then.
I hope if we get through or even if it’s Inter that its English opposition and we pump them.
Four games against the mighty Inter the aristocrats of Europe still we stand undefeated.
Good bless Ronnie Deila.
Any pics of tifo
what planet are sutton and mcmanamama on about.
celtic should be destroying a team like inter milan.
Celtic play in the spl. a league which isnt rated by anyone in england
inter milan are a team playing in one of the better leagues in europe and are currently only six points behind fiorentina who also drew away in europe,at one of the better teams in the self pronounced best league in the world.
what makes those two think that celtic failed by not destroying inter. god knows why anyone listens to them
South Of Tunis
Thanks for your regular updates on Inter. I felt I had a bit of knowledge whilst watching them. Shaqiri really impressed me and is very clever at finding space, although that wasn’t too difficult in the first twenty minutes.
HH
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-RvhH_IcAAoyyD.jpg:large
tifo
HH
Jamesgang , sorry to burst your bubble mate,
Wee Dena came round to mine about the 85 min mark and we had a wee hug and and the jig – she said “At least i dont get a crick in me neck wae you , unlike that big lanky galoot fae Dunblane” – obviously , I’ve translate that from Lurgan .
Dena , hope you got home safe last night/this morning.
Brilliant night last night . We can all see the improvements in the team (can’t we ?) and , consequently , they’ll get a wee bit more leeway and hopefully some more bums on seats .
HH
Sanna
and well done to the board for getting gms and Armstrong in- as nifty a piece of business we’ve seen in a while. I’ve long struggled with how much we’d have to spend in England to get a quality player who could survive the spl – who needs them eh ?
Sipsini, you should have elaborated on your neighbour. “A penny whistle playing, benefit scrounging, deid heid hun basturt”.
C’mon mate, up yer game mate:-)
Brilliant night at Paradise. Two goals in two minutes…. what a feeling!
Fans and team as one.
Improvement massive
Armstrong and GMS great additions…will be even better when bedded in and a bit fitter.
Henderson is a cracking player, not overawed at all and hard as nails.
Bitton reminds me of Prosineski in style. He is really beginning to shine.
Matthews coming back to the player we know he can be.
Izzy, love the effort but gives ball away too much and defensively poor.
Denyer a bit nervy but experience will do him good.
Craig, chin up son, you got us there in the first place.
Broony superb.
Virgil needs to up his game or he’ll be lucky to get a game at Celtic much less the much vaunted vulgar and EPL.
Final word to Sutton and McManaman…your opinions are worthless!
Sanna
‘Pop!’ :-(
;-)
HH jamesgang
I enjoyed last nights game and think we played well it was interesting to our defence who in the SPL look in the main very comfortable but up against European opposition we look decidely uncomfortable.Had Craig Gordon initialy let the ball run past him they were heading out of the park Craig decided to go for both and the outcome was two soft goals lost but that was just unlucky.Izzy for me is not a defender to often he charges up the park and doesnt get back to defend and it costs he would be the first player in the current team I would be looking to replace.VVD looked decidely uncomfortable as did Denayer I think a move to a top EPL team is two early for either of them I think they still have room to improve Matthews had a good game last night in my opinion.If we have even a slim chance in Italy we need the defence to be much tighter .However,we gave Inter a two goal start last night and they still couldnt win the game they are not unbeatable if everyone works hard and we carry a wee bit luck that we didnt get last night. H.H.
Canmalar, someone posted a vid on the last blog. Looks like the vid was taken from the bottom of 111. I’ve not seen any pics yet from other sections that show it in its full glory.
King Lubo@ 11 58.
Media take ? Generalising
Hugely enjoyable game. Fabulous atmosphere.Fabulous support .Italy poor in comparison..Atrocious defending from both teams.Whatever happened to the great prospect that was Ranocchia?.Inter were 2 up and went to sleep.Inter were 3 – 2 up and defended too deep.Celtic looked to be fitter than Inter.Too many average players in the Inter team etc etc
Forgot to mention Ronny…. it looks like its coming together! always wanted it too but did doubt it a few weeks ago. Consider me a fan.
We wouldn’t have got that level of performance with Stokes and/or Commons in the team.
#strictlyspl.
And as if by magic
Thanks Roy
TET, if you see this, check your email and get back to me.
Hopefully see you Monday.
Offski.
HHoooooooooooooops
For all the years of watching and supporting Celtic, I thought I had experience every emotion possible.
Almost in the same manner as you believe you know what love is and you think you love your wife, until you have kids then you realise by comparison – you only like her (on the good days!)
Because an equaliser was the last thing in the world on my mind – when we scored I stared blankly at the TV for what must have only been 2-3 (but seemed very long seconds) while my brain struggled to process the fact we had scored again.
I watched the TV, I watched the ball go in, I watched the reaction, my eyes looked around for signs it was disallowed, I watched Armstrong continue running toward the corner and I am not sure where he was, he was off the pitch / outside the box (it got fuzzy for a split second) before the brain finally managed to process it.
Thats honest to god the first time thats ever happened to me.
(clearly supporting Celtic is more stimulating than a marriage!)
lol
Great night to be a Celt, really proud of the team and the supporters at 0-2 I feared the worst but what a comeback.
The crowd where great apart from the lull at 0-2 which is understandable as we where all in shock at that point.
Pity the crowd will go back to ‘normal’ on Sunday because as we seen last night what a difference a full house makes.
Ps
The clowns leaving when the 2nd goal went in giruy you missed a cracker HH
So many bloody articles fired up in last 12 hours I posted this at the ass-end of last night’s match thread when I should have slammed it in sometime this morning –
The Ratings The Players Have Been Waiting For:
(Probably not, but a million miles more accurate than the SMSM reports written through the bitter tears at JG’s equaliser…)
Craig Gordon – 1st Half – 0 2nd Half – 10. TEN, I say!
Takes a LOT of balls to play on after the big man blew the gig in the opening 45. Undoubtedly our best discount signing since Lubo, the Player of the season by a mile proved THE most unlikliest Calamity Jane on the night.
But showed his TRUE professionalism and massive strength of character to emerge 2nd half and pull off 2 stunning saves – the fingertips from Shaquiri cutting in form the right was world-class, and his last-gasp free-kick stop from same annoying energetic midget was equally brilliant – see it from behind the goals if you have any doubt; he clawed the ball out of the top corner after guessing exactly the placement. Well done, big fella. Deserving of ‘The Cat’ nomenclature; probably ‘Lion’ more apt tonight.
Matthews – 7/10
Looked shaky initially but persevered and was potent in attack, causing a lot of problems with tireless overlapping.
Denayer – 6/10
Dependable but appeared a little nervy at times and positionally wanting in 1st half.
VVD – 6/10
Again, held it together ultimately but was half asleep at times in the 1st half, hopelessly out of position at their 2nd when Izzy blasted it in his face. He should have been FACING the play when the ball was swept back, in a-la Franco Baresi, AC Milan captain and ultimate sweeper. Sharpen up Virgil.
Izzy – 7/10
Typical wild slash at their 2nd but a terrific threat going forward, had them scrambling after him many a time and if he hones his delivery we’ll take many a bigger side.
Biton – 8/10
A revelation. Proved he has the composure, aggression and passing speed to live in such company. Great game, pleasure to see him always look to create.
Broon – 7/10
But for Broony, where would we be? Probably nursing a 5-0 pumping. His character, strength and sheer manic will to win is never to be underestimated; exactly the sort of captain we needed to drive us back into the game with belief. And competed superbly all night against the wannabee aristos of their midfield; just thought he mis-used the ball in attacking positions more than he usually does.
Armstrong – 8/10
Can you ask more than a new young talent to come in against Inter Milan and play with the head constantly up and provide the platform for an amazing comeback? Great stuff, and what a thrilling future prospect.
GMS – 8/10
Like his new mate, a blinding performance. Thought he was tiring and done at 60 minutes then he avoids the hook and rallies to cause them more problems for the last 20! Outstanding young player. We stole a fortune getting the two of them for £2 million.
Johansen – 7/10
Guy who looked like a classic heidless chicken proving us doubters wrong (and Ardman studios) by constantly getitng into Inter (see what I did there?) faces and making penetrating runs behind their lines. Very efficient with his energy expenditure, kept him on the go at vital times. Looking like a quality athlete and useful player.
Griffiths – 8/10
Busy, troublesome, agitating, always on the end of a searching ball, always causing them problems by his sheer presence (as four burds will testify to…). Easy for the lone striker to disappear with a shrug against quality opposition like them, but LG was a permanent headache and deserving of his start. Pish free-kick when glory beckoned, but he’ll be more annoyed than us which is a good sign.
Henderson – 7/10
Brief, but excellent appearance; right in about them, no respect for experience, almost scored with a dig, great ball in for last-minute orgasms; well done the bhoy.
Efe – 6/10
Panic is never good when you’re on edge as it is, but his introduction at RB seemed like a brief LSD flashback; however, kept his composure, kept possession, no silly stuff and pressed them back.
Guidetti 9/10
9 for impact alone. The conundrum that is JG lef this indellible mark on Celtic folklore with that stunning equaliser, even if it did look like an opportune slash at first view. Nonetheless, he was there, RIGHT THERE, at the vital second and crashed it into the roof of the net. Better than sex? Hmm, but it reminded me of what I used to tell the burd/missus around Henrik’s glorious years: ‘That guy makes me feel things you, or any woman alive, could never hope to match’…
And she’s still with me.
Only ‘cos Henrik’s not…
;))
Ronny Deila – 8/10
I’m one of the real skeptics. Looked for an improvement tonight over the tactical ineptitude of the Salzburg humuliation. I think I got it. Whatever the cost of the individual errors that had us trailing, the FACT that a young Celtic side could rally from 2 down against an Inter Milan side – regardless of ‘expert’ opinion of their current state they’re still graced by hundreds of millions of squids wrth of talent – and then suffer another crushing blow, and THEN still pull a draw out of the hat, HAS to be applauded and the manager’s input has to be credited.
I want to love him. I dig the attitude, the relentless ambition to play exciting attacking football; I frown at the seeming naivete of some tactical choices and wonder if the fantasy can ever meet the reality of top-quality competition in Europe; but show up well in the San Siro, and get us into the CL next season and I’m a convert.
The Crowd 10/10
Hun Monkeys, you’ll NEVER achieve such magnificence of support; and the world’s media will tell you tomorrow/today. A cauldron of thunderous, inspiring positivity. Awesome.
Overall:
To sum Celtic up after all that bluster; two words only needed – EPIC, and BRAVE.
Below is a quote from a fan of Inter.
“Last night I was at Celtic Park … the result is fine but what happened at the end of the game is unbelievable … Celtic fans who cheered us and we pulled scarves. A show that in Italy we will not see even in 50 years. Honor to a fan base that is really the twelfth man on the field, thrilling their passion”
Last night was my first game since the St Mirren game at Celtic park, God how I’ve missed it.
The game it’s self reminded me of the 2-2 v Ajax at Parkhead (still one of my favourites) end to end stuff, mistakes, great goals and a fantastic atmosphere. Let’s hope for a similar outcome over in Milan as there was in Amsterdam
Frantic07.
ACGR
Enjoy your time with the tet legend!
HH jamesgang
Watching Armstrong last night……… potential to be a very good player.
Siesta time zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Rummybhoy
A wee bit of hyperbole re Virgil.
Last night tells him not all games are a stroll in the park. Denyar too, but as they become seasoned professionals they will be much sought after.
Never thought I could feel any better today then read the news regarding wee Jay Celtic legend , that’s what makes this club so special , oh and a big up to Hamilton Accies and their chairman and big Giorgios . HH
On another note , I found myself sitting staring at the 3-3 scoreline on Pauls previous article with a big grin on my face , is this normal behaviour for a 57 year old or do I need help .Any suggestions will be gratefully received . HH
roy croppie.
I too was impressed by Shaqiri.Remember seeing him at Heathrow Airport. A strange shape of a man – like a wee upside down pyramid on legs.Support seem to have taken to him.
Ohits,
Maybe more teeth might help make the grin broader, I’m sure 32 is the normal number but I bet there’s a dentist out there that might try and fit a few more :)
going to remove sutton from my name
12:57 on 20 February, 2015
Nothing profound from me – just to let y’all know that I’m the poster formerly known as SuperSutton.
And when I can think of a clever / witty / pithy / appropriate name, the word Sutton will be erased from my title.
~~~~~~~~~~~~++~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shame it has come to this,mate. But I understand where you are coming from.
Strangely,I don’t understand where Sutton is coming from.
Difficult to think of anyone who has gone from hero to zero so quickly with our support,and over money too.
Oh,aye.
There you go,Chris. You are now on a level wi Le Petite Merde. I hope yer bloody happy.
Greedy tims, first there was no enough schadenfreude, now it’s teeth
Sammi & Neil just on SSN wishing wee Jay all the best for his goal of the month award
Magic
frantic07 @1.41
Celtic shop in town was full of inter fans yesterday. Nae fuss. Loads of civility. Great atmosphere.
After the match, walked through loads of handsome, debonair, chic-dressed footballing connoisseurs. (That was the Tic fans obviously!) and a whole load of inter fans. I was ‘harassed’ by an unrelenting volley of ‘good games’, ‘well played’s’ and retaliated in kind with ‘enjoy Glasgow’. Things got physical when one fan asked for my scarf. As a swap.
So my son’s pal who at the start of the week didn’t even know he was going to the game went home with a 100% genuine inter scarf and a night he’ll never forget.
It’s how it can and should be. A welcome counterpoint to the Chelsea KKK in Paris.
And I went home safe and sound knowing that my Dad and Son had once again been for a night with the biggest football family in the world.
HH jamesgang
Canamalar
Obviously not bumped in to you yet at the corner , the ones I have met will tell you theres plenty room for them .
I don’t enjoy Sutton’s somewhat bitter comments on telly, but to say he’s on a level with Le Petit Merde…I wouldn’t go that far. Le Petit Merde has a shelf occupied in perpetuity only by himself.