Having criticised Newco’s players for their statuesque appearance ahead of Celtic’s goal on Sunday, we should probably add some context. I watched the game again yesterday (didn’t we all) and honestly, Raskin had every right to expect referee Don Robertson would award a foul against him for his challenge on Matt O’Riley. He knew what he did and stopped accordingly, his team-mates saw it too, I have no explanation why Robertson looked the other way.
The game finished without controversy because Celtic won a game which saw Kyogo assaulted on two occasions, without appropriate consequences. On Saturday, I wrote ‘Newco’s other midfield strategy [will be]– “get in amongst them”, which is a euphemism for kicking and elbowing people.’ You didn’t need to be Nostradamus to predict this. Our game’s best talent must be protected.
My other big takeaway from watching the game over was the positive contribution from Tomoki Iwata. In his 30-minute contribution he covered a lot of ground, always with his head up, looking for (and making) a telling pass, or to get in the way of danger. I would consider him for a start on Sunday.
The game’s bookings were also informative. Daizen Maeda got his yellow for battering into Cantwell, in my book, marking the card of an opponent who was giving out the same with impunity. Callum McGregor took one for the team late on to stop a breakaway.
Early on, Newco fullback, Barasic, was cautioned for a lunge at Matt O’Riley. Fast forward to late in the first half. When Barasic collapsed inside the Celtic box, Greg Taylor physically manhandled him to his feet. This was bait for Barasic, who either had to suck it up, or get into a spat with Taylor and pick up a second yellow. He sucked it up and was diminished as a consequence. Greg Taylor has a strategic brain.
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Boaby Madhun hahaha 😂😂😂
Scullybhoy, thanks for those wonderful photos of Big Billy and the Big Cup. I was not far from the presentation place. My one regret that day was that those who entered the pitch stopped the rest of the team joining Billy for the presentation. But for the rest I have great memories. Went back to the stadium years ago and kissed the pitch. Could do nothing else. But I did remember all those who sat beside me and offered up a wee prayer for them as they have all gone home to God.
Anytime I met Big Billy he was a very courteous and wonderful human being.