Celtic’s valiant capitulation last night had a familiar feel to it. We took the game to Milan, bossed them in many areas while the tie was still close enough to be called a contest, created chances but had no cutting edge and lost heavily, at home, to what is clearly the weakest of four Milan teams we have faced in the last decade. It was a similar story when Juventus came to Glasgow last season.
Am I the only one who thought it was familiar from stirring European nights of the 80s? Take on one of the most experience teams in Europe with two out-and-out wingers, inspire for a time but only earn a lesson in how unforgiving the game can be at the top level. Or at least, hope we learned a lesson.
We loved it in the 80s, of course, but it was like going to school when Martin O’Neill arrived and taught us how to win in Europe. Despite the defeat, the 10 men got it right at home to Barca, and in the home win over Ajax, where we allowed the visitors the majority of possession and territory, but with four minutes on the clock and Celtic playing well last night, I noted the game was “worryingly open”.
In Europe, an open game means defeat. We don’t have the midfield or attack to win playing adventurously. When setup properly, we can defend as well as anyone in Europe, this is our irrefutable strength, play to it.
Paul McConville
The first thing I did when I met Paul McConville at the Columba Club on Friday was dig him up for not being in touch recently. This gave him an opportunity to wax enthusiastically about the consuming joy of being back on the tools as a solicitor in Glasgow. He was a man who had arrived exactly where he wanted to be in life.
He was so full of drive, clarity of vision and purpose that it was with utter disbelieve I heard the news of his sudden passing yesterday.
As anyone who read Random Thoughts Re Scots Law knew, he loved his family. He also loved practicing law and held Albion Rovers in high affection. He was not, as has been suggested, part of the Celtic family. Had the snake oil salesmen turned up at Celtic Park they would have endured the same forensic analysis from Paul as he applied elsewhere, but he was an important friend and resource to our community, and ultimately our club, during an historically important time.
To most of us he was a unique blogger. Cheerful, incisive and unrelenting. He charted the story of Rangers insolvency, administration and liquidation, then picked up the even more complicated events surrounding the phoenix.
When asked on Friday why he had been less industrious recently, specifically covering the leaks from Charlotte Fakes, he conceded he just didn’t have the time anymore; he was back litigating and loving it.
The personal cost of his blogging was often all too clear, he was out there, but Paul managed to retain his determination not to be browbeaten, while enduring the numptites with more good grace and humour than most of us could muster. Before taking up his new role in Glasgow he worked a few minutes walk from me. We collaborated on a number of matters in recent years and marked one auspicious afternoon last year by sharing a bottle of Champagne; a genuinely treasured memory.
The fragility of it all is breathtaking. Our condolences to the McConville family. May he rest in peace.
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winning captains
Thanks , agree 100%
Rightly or wrongly we take the moral high ground over sevco as supporters and human beings. I dread to think what shock tactic these so called supporters will try next, I would like Paul to echo your thoughts in his next article. I have been going to Games for 40 years and in my mind we get rid of the GB NOW and the atmosphere will return soon enough
the long wait is over
22:04 on 27 November, 2013
Legislation at Holyrood is drafted by this mob.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/OSPC
I was going to post earlier about what communication there was between the club and the GB, then hey presto a press release from the GB.
It would appear from 1st reading that there are games being played on both sides but I have to say the GB’s actions were intended to bring about a confrontation with the board. I suspect they know the board will close the section.
The offensive behaviour bill has to be challenged and it saddens me that the board have let the fans take this “hit” with no official support from the club. The club publicly stated they were against this legislation but to my knowledge have done nothing to support those fans affected by this pathetic bill.
Personally I really don’t care what UEFA do, they are a bunch corrupt, dishonest, dishonourable, unscrupulous, unprincipled, amoral, untrustworthy, underhand, deceitful, double-dealing, disreputable, discreditable and shameful sycophantic self serving cabal who are only interested in their own self promotion. There are more overtly political groups at several clubs participating in the CL than the GB, I am very suspious as to why a match commander chose to report the Political chanting previously. I would be very surprised if this wasn’t sanctioned at some level within the club.
For me it’s time we got our club back, I don’t want to be the cannon fodder seeded 4 in CL group stages for years to come, where every now and again we punch above our weight but more often than not are knocked about and eliminated while everyone applauds how great the fans are and what an atmosphere we create.
Sorry but I don’t want to be patronised and expected to get all excited about that patronism.
I’m not expecting to win CL or even get out the group every year but I expect given the amount we spend on our 1st team wages, in comparison to other teams in Scotland, to be entertained by the product on the park in the Premier League. I want to go to a game where I expect to see a central midfield player try and run through the opposition midfield or even provide a defence splitting pass. I expect to see a centre forward who can get on the end of a cross. I don’t expect to see this crab football which we have developed and I certainly don’t expect my club to sell every good player we produce because it makes good business sense.
It cost me more money than I get from the benefit office to attend last nights game, if Peter Lawell had to spend a weeks income to attend last night’s game he too may have cause to share some of my sentiments.
Good night to all. Might leave the blog for a week or so. Too much talk about a non-issue concerning immature teenagers and banners. Hopefully we’ll get back to talking about serious problems when I read back.
dessybhoy
It should be with you tomorrow or Friday, as I have said the Annual is first class but the post isn’t! If there is a problem please email me – david@CQNMagazine.com and we will send a replacement.
Tomorrow we are interviewing Willie McStay for CQN Magazine. This interview will be in the next issue of the magazine alongside the exclusive interview with Pat Nevin.
justafan
I am not defending the GB
What i am trying to point out that most people seem to be more concerned about the GB rather than the crap that has been served up on the park
My friends in Celtic,
Its understandable that feelings are running a wee bit high after last night, but its not PL who is going to fine Celtic again.
Can people not realise that Celtic are being forced into doing something. UEFA are forcing his hand, Its that simple.
It seems trust was broken and Celtic are again going to have to face the consequences.
The meaning of the banners is irrelevant as the vast majority of people watching the news are not conversant with the fine tuning of the GB. They only observe political slogans and banners which they cannot equate with a football match.
The vast majority again will only remember that we have been fined once more.
Our fair play and magnificent reputation is being tarnished. To me this is not acceptable. This reputation was hard won after the 70’s and these misguided people do not have the right to deprive us of what we worked so hard to achieve. It also makes it harder to argue our case to our friends in Scotland and England that we are not the opposite side of the coin that was the “Old firm ”
On a practical level; Will this make it easier to move leagues? This damages the club; without doubt.
Times have changed, what was once tolerated and acceptable is no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, certain people who claim affinity with Celtic must do the same.
Support the team ( Not necessary the club ). Divisive political agenda had no place on a night we needed to do our talking on the park. Sadly we failed on both counts.
What is really disappointing and becoming familiar is that instead of analysing what happened on the park and how to rectify it, we are again debating this rubbish.
HH, Always in Celtic.
An Dun
21:52 on
27 November, 2013
The GB banner certainly is a distraction from much more pressing concerns.
Profoundly disagree.
There is no more pressing concern for Celtic F.C. than the Celtic “trust” and the G.B.and their ,IMHO,damaging influence on the Club we all love.
Please read P.L.`s statement,if you haven`t already done so.
justafan
21:49 on 27 November, 2013
‘Roamin’ in the Gloamin’ for one mate.
Strange that on the day a supposed investigation into sevco share fraud – we seem to be at each other’s throats about the result last night and the naughty gb- ole jack irvine certainly earning his corn hh
Ernie
Cheers. All civil servants it seems.
Question is would Paul Mcbride have been involved in the drafting of the Offensive behaviour bill. Doesn’t seem so to me
Tlwio
@oglach
You don’t have to imagine , no green brigade no sound , it’s embarassing when what little travelling support come to parkhead they make more noise over the 90 mins than we do just need to wait till rangers are back …..
Stairheedrammy
22:00 on
27 November, 2013
Interesting to see the level of debate on here about a section of our own support- seems we were less fired up when being cheated by all and sundry to keep deadco alive- are we really that used to sitting at the back of the bus that we attack those who say NO
I dont necessarily agree with how the GB did it- but its about time that someone pointed out that as a support we are being treated like mugs- second class mugs at that
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Well said.
HH
eddieinkirkmichael
22:08 on
27 November, 2013
====
Post of the day sir, well said.
You can take politics out of sport but not out of entertainment.
Putin sings Blueberry Hill. Classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV4IjHz2yIo#t=258
The Green Brigade? Who do they think they are? What kind of Celtic supporters are they ? They are an embarrassment to the club. They have done more damage to the reputation of the club than our worst enemies or the Scottish media. Not long ago Celtic supporters were considered by F.I.F.A. and U.E.F.A. to be the best in the world , a hard-earned tribute won by thousands of real supporters over many years. Now they have managed to drag us down into the mire alongside our Glasgow neighbours. I hope the Board give them no more second chances and ban them ‘sine die’ fom Celtic Park. GOODBYE!
stairheedrammy
22:00 on 27 November, 2013
Interesting to see the level of debate on here about a section of our own support- seems we were less fired up when being cheated by all and sundry to keep deadco alive- are we really that used to sitting at the back of the bus that we attack those who say NO
I dont necessarily agree with how the GB did it- but its about time that someone pointed out that as a support we are being treated like mugs- second class mugs at that
One of , if not the best post I have read on here all night .
Well said .
TTTT
Who was the guy you spoke to?
Corkcelt
Many thanks for those words, they’re genuinely appreciated.
winning captains
will do thanks
lennybhoy…supporting the dam 5, neil lennon, wee oscar knox, and cfc until i die
iPhone 4
Get one that is unlocked. Pay no more than £150- £170
Correction to earlier post. The UEFA Rule is apparently Article 16.2 which is probably this one and makes closed doors an unlikely consequence. My point though is that it is not those who made the decision to use the banner who face the consequences from UEFA.
Art 16.2
e) the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature;
Article 17 – General principles
1 The competent disciplinary body determines the type and extent of the disciplinary measures to be imposed in accordance with the objective and subjective elements of the offence, taking account of both aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
2 If the competent disciplinary body is of the opinion that information provided by the party charged has been decisive in uncovering or establishing a breach of UEFA’s rules and regulations, it may exercise its discretionary powers and scale down its disciplinary measures or even dispense with them entirely.
3 The disciplinary measures enumerated in Article 14 of these regulations are standard measures and can be reduced or increased by the competent disciplinary body only under exceptional circumstances.
4 The disciplinary measures enumerated in Article 15 of these regulations are standard measures. Unless stipulated otherwise in these regulations, disciplinary measures can be reduced or increased by the competent disciplinary body on the basis of the circumstances of the specific case.
smoke and mirrors
21:55 on 27 November, 2013
Oglach
imagine the scene .We get sevco in the cup., the brigade unfurl 2 flags 1 says FTQ other says PIRA. still buying it??? Oh before you say it Dim man it would never happen ??
——-
I take it I’m ‘Dim Tim’?
Why thank you I’ve always wanted a CQN nickname.
Greenpinata
22:09 on 27 November, 2013
‘Our fair play and magnificent reputation is being tarnished.’
###
I don’t think we ever had a reputation for being non political nor for being deferential to any form of authority.
These are not characteristics that most people would attribute to the Celtic support.
Probably quite the opposite.
And I think that’s the basis of the attraction we seem to have for the otherwise non aligned.
The Green Brigade have lost my support.
They are now just a parody of the Tartan Army.
“Oh look everyone. See how clever we are.”
The fact that they make their protest, then slam the club for not supporting them says it all. Faced by yet more UEFA sanctions, the board is actually criticised for not sticking two fingers up to UEFA and telling them where to go.
Seriosuly, what did they expect the club to say?
I supported them against the closure of their section, but not on this.
It is nothing more than alpha male posturing.
Green fascism is alive and well and living in cloud cuckoo land.
Not in may name.
Winning Captains
It’s not a low blow, but I doubt you’ll change your view. I’ve obviously not made my point clear enough for you.
You’ve taken it personally, and that in itself is commendable. But it doesn’t change the nature of purchase. And if I had been on Celtic Scarf Seller News and I’ve have made the connection between the scarf and the TIFO poster.
You’re getting bogged down in my perceived slight of the vendor – whereas I was being mildly jarring of the consumer… and some inherent hypocrisy.
I suppose the PLC could sell off the rights to marketing to some other conglomerate, leaving the decisions of the consumer more clear cut. Cue a smiley…
And trust me friend, there’s not many know better than I about putting a lot of effort and money, time and travel into something which has no discernible recompense – materially…
U
Whats the latest total re the Dam collection?
Auldheid
22:17 on 27 November, 2013
Do you know anything about the Respect Fan Culture campaign that UEFA used to run?
Maybe someone should ask them to support their own initiatives.
Such a moody, moody blog.
HH
CRC
Maybe we could fine UEFA.
The political machinations that go on in that organisation surely break their own rules ?
Meanwhile back in Sevco land , your average Sevconian spouts his/her filth with near impunity and we are being hauled over the coals for having a social conscience.
Beggars belief.
Tom McL
Exactly…
Well said!
Tom
Please take this the right way but you live in Australia the GB aren’t really doing it in your name.
I’m not being insulting but the recent displays are to highlight how the OBB is being used on young Celtic supporters to systematically demonise/criminalise them.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever 22:17:
Cheers, the cheapest I can find is the 4S online, 16GB unlocked £239, or 64GB for £275, what you think?
Keep the Faith!
3 soldiers holding up a scarf stating Keep Ulster Protestant. Is that not political?
Just a wee reminder to the scouting team brilliance can be found for a pittance.
And we had the pleasure of watching a footballing genius
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiSq_-u4UfI
Maybe the club can pay the fine from the profits they made on the GB Tifo at the Barca game last year ?
Tom McLaughlin
22:21 on 27 November, 2013
‘Green fascism’?
I used to credit you with having a bit of political nous.
Has someone purloined your login details?
In all honesty I think we need to get this in perspective.
The GB display a banner that offends the bigots, the club are reported by the bigots, and get a fine, a fine of say 20K, or whatever, bad enough, but at the end of the day, little money in the grand scheme of things.
Yet the self same suits oversee a corrupt governing body cheat them out of untold millions and say sweet feck all.
I know where my anger is directed.
Seen posts talking about the GB being extreme, dearie me, you really need to get out a bit more, they are kids playing at it.
HH
Former Rangers chief executive Charles Green has been reported to the Serious Fraud Office, according to a stock exchange announcement.