POSTECOGLOU IN ‘UNITED’ CALL
ANGE POSTECOGLOU was delighted to see his Celtic team sparkle for lengthy periods in the 4-2 win over Dundee at Dens Park yesterday.
However, the Hoops boss has called for a united front – on and off the field.
Prior to the kick-off on Tayside, some fans within the away sections of the ground disrupted the minute’s silence being observed for Remembrance Sunday.
Moments later, the game was delayed shortly after the start when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch by supporters in protest at the potential appointment of Police Scotland chief Bernard Higgins to a post within the club.
A LOAD OF BALLS…Filipe Jota attempts to clear some of the tennis balls that were launched onto the pitch shortly after kick-off.
During the minute of respect, Postecoglou stressed the majority of the club’s followers remained quiet.
However, the Greek-Australian gaffer, reflecting on those who failed to observe the silence, said: “You would have to ask the individuals why they felt the need to do that.
“My view again is pretty simple, that we treat these things with respect and dignity and that’s what we try to do.
“We certainly did and I think the majority of the fans did because that’s the kind of football club we are.”
On the tennis ball incident, Postecoglou commented: “My view on all those kinds of things is that we live in a society where people are allowed to express themselves. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing.
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE…Ange Postecoglou recognises the performance of his players as they race to a 2-0 lead.
“My preference is that it doesn’t affect the 90 minutes of football.
“The 90 minutes of football is the time when I want us all united, the whole football club. Ultimately, that is what we are all here for, those 90 minutes.
“That would be my preference, but, ultimately, there are avenues for these kinds of things for people to express themselves if they are not happy about something.
“It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but, as I said, I’d rather protect the sanctity of that 90 minutes because I know how precious it is and if we want to be a successful team we need everyone united for that.”
It was put to Postecoglou it was a shame he had to deal with such issues following another eye-catching performance from his player, the manager, speaking to the Daily Record, replied: “I don’t think it’s a shame.
ON THE RUN…Filipe Jota races away after scoring his second – and Celtic’s third – goal in the 4-2 win at Dens Park.
“You need to understand when people aren’t happy about issues they have every right to express themselves, it’s just the manner in which they do it. I
“t’s a special football club and we want to have success here and I think we all live and breathe for those 90 minutes and I’d like in those 90 minutes for us to be a united club.”
The Hoops’ main aim of three points on the final day before the international break was achieved when the deadly double-act of Kyogo Furuhashi and Filipe Jota both claimed a double to ease the team to victory.
Once again, Celtic dominated possession, but, alarmingly, the defence once more failed to deal with a couple of crossballs which saw Danny Mullen and Lee Ashcroft made the scoreline a lot more respectable from their point of view.
MAKE OURS A DOUBLE, KYOGO, JOTA