Police decision, Arsenal and U2, they’re all linked

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The decision to play both League Cup semi-finals on the same day lies with Police Scotland.  The SPFL’s contract to use Hampden stipulates these games must take place there, unless the police object.  The broadcasting contract with BT Sport also stipulates the games must be scheduled to take place that specific weekend, so delaying one game is not an option, as it would clash with other fixtures.

The police initially declined to authorise to Celtic’s Champions League qualification game with Arsenal, as U2 were at Hampden on the same evening.  The “What kind of outfit cannot police two events in the same city on the same day” line won the day on that occasion, as pressure was brought to bear.  I suspect the police anticipated the same reaction if they objected to the semi-final times.

No one really wants this, but it was always on the cards.

Aberdeen were pretty shocking against Hibs on Tuesday night, not that this is any consolation.  They withheld 120 minutes of pressure without conceding – perfect practice for tomorrow’s visit to Celtic Park.  If we are off our game, we will struggle.

I wish I knew what took place in the dressing room at halftime on Wednesday.  From second half kick-off Celtic were a transformed team, chances flowed and the goal eventually came.  If it was a tactical change I didn’t detect it.  Was it really as simple as a change of attitude?

Whatever it was, it needs to be replicated, not just when the tea cups are flying.  Ahead of Newco’s visit to Celtic Park we were in considerable trauma on and off the field, but there was a correct belief that this game was ideal, as it would focus minds on what they were best at.

It has been left to Aberdeen to deliver a title challenge for the last four years.  They are our most accomplished opponent, so we can hope for a performance matching the one against Newco.

At the Great Scottish Run on Sunday one group of us will do the 10k and another the Half Marathon.  We will on the streets of Glasgow with the Celtic FC Foundation logo on our chest, to support the work of the Foundation as it prepares for the winter.  It is a great thing to be a part of, but the hard work of the Foundation starts when the fundraising ends on Sunday.

If you can offer support, please do so here.

Thank you.

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414 Comments

  1. So the BBC won’t let Sir Rod sing “Grace” on TV because of its ‘anti-English’ overtones, but their National Anthem with line “Rebellious Scots to crush” is OK ?

  2. On Arbroath Emerald CSC Express (c. Hot Smoked), and he is anxious for team news. Please post when known bhoys. Looking forward to seeing a few good faces at CQN Corner around 2.30pm. HH

  3. Here we go again

     

    We’re on the road again

     

    We’re on the road again

     

    We’re on our way to Paradise

     

    COYBIG

  4. Graffiti on the wall

     

    Just as the sun was going down

     

    Up the Celts

     

    We’re magic

     

    We’re magic

     

    COYBIG

     

    YNWA

  5. Does Broony need a rest today?

     

    He was looking very jaded by the end of the game the other night.

     

    I know what he brings to the team but Mulumbu and Ntcham seemed very close at the end of the game in midweek chatting on the park at the end.

     

    They could feed off that in midfield.

     

    Playing Broony may just let the thug that is Shinnie get another dig in before we play European football.

     

    Thoughts anyone?

  6. MINCEYHEIDMAN on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018 12:52 PM

     

    I thought the same the other night. Looks like he needs a rest Mulumbu and Ncham could be worth a try. But Mulumbu needs to keep the heid, he lost it on Wed and needs to learn thats what happens when you wear the Hoops, and dont expect any help from the Ref either. All he needed to learn was what happened to Boyata, complain too vigorously and you’ll get booked or worse. I hope he plays today.

  7. Paul67 et al

     

     

    Full house today, and I suspect there will more than a few of them this season, yet another example of what Celtic (and not just our support) bring to Scottish football. Would like to see Malumbo get a game today, but to do so something has to give, Brendan’s choice. Not played too bad at home this season, but today an opportunity to move up a gear, let’s take it.

     

     

    Murdoch, Auld and Hay, devastating news to receive, hope against hope that there is still some light to shine through. My thoughts and best wishes, Celtic Mac.

  8. MESSAGE TO JOSE.

     

     

    “the more you cheat the worse your luck gets.”

     

     

    FUGOING FOR QUICKSHAVE NSHOWERCSC.

  9. Dilligafbhoy

     

     

    I hear you pal about Mulumbu but we need a change and it was just my thought.

     

    As I say Scott Brown is immense for our team but he gets no protection from the officials and although he has matured we need him when the chips are down to lead the team.

     

    Today maybe a good time to shake things up.

     

    A huge call I know but you never know if you do not try.

     

    Boyata although stupid the other night could have been handled much better by the match official.

     

    If he swore then there is no defense.

     

    Broony should have grabbed Boyata and taken him away from the situation.

     

    He was fouled though and Baeton missed it.

     

    just my opinion ghuys.

  10. Enjoy the game today fholks. Will be in Camp Nou watching Barca against Bilbao.

     

     

    Just came up from Las Ramblas where lots of Catalans are counter-demonstrating against pro-Spanish campaigners. Reminds me of Dublin in the ‘70s & 80s.

  11. Hello again all you young rebels.

     

     

    Well Eddie McGuire’s team got beat today in the grand final of the

     

    Aussie rules and although his family are very Celtic minded credit

     

    must go to West Coast for their battling attitude, some of that

     

    today from our bhoys will do me just fine.

     

    Decided to watch it in our local pub but spent more time answering

     

    questions about the headline act, Jimmy Barnes, ex Cold Chisel

     

    frontman and a wee hun fae coocaddens, but i must admit he was

     

    sensational, an absolute legend here in Oz and i’m glad to say is on

     

    record as saying he regrets the bigotry shown to catholics in his

     

    homeland of Glasgow.

     

    Must say i can’t understand the angst shown to oor Rod on here, it’s

     

    never the best version of Grace but the very fact he has chosen to

     

    record it, and the fact it has already been banned by the Bigoted BC

     

    will only make people more aware of the past dark deeds of the

     

    English overlords.

     

    Just my wee thoughts.

     

    H.H Mick

  12. Gordon

     

    Lustig Boyata Hendry Tierney

     

    Ntcham Brown McGregor

     

    Forrest Griffiths Edouard

     

     

    Subs Bain Gamboa Mulumbu Rogic Sinclair Morgan Christie

  13. Hendry to score for me today :))))

     

    Mon the Hooooooooooooooooooooooooops.

     

     

    KTFcsc

     

    Till later all

  14. MELBOURNE MICK

     

     

    Angst shown to Celtic and our supporters ?

     

     

    Mate I’m just about to set out to the place where I’ll hear the most negative views aired loudly, openly and unashamedly about the Tic.

     

     

    And that’s if we win.