Of Bhoys and Men - No Take Backs!

A few words on the past Old Firmer.

In the recent Scotsman, referee Kenny Clark, one to the presiding officials of last Sunday’s Rangers/Celtic match, admitted his error in not awarding Hoops a deserved penalty, when Neil Lennon was taken down in the box by Gers’ Steven Smith.

“From the angle I had at the time, I saw the challenge but obviously didn’t think there had been an infringement. Having now had the benefit of seeing the incident from various camera angles, there certainly was contact.”

The Scottish Football Association’s head of referee development, which sounds like human resources hell, said that he agree with Clark’s second assessment, but thinks he should be praised for his overall handling of the “potentially explosive fixture”.

Have some cake. Eat it too. As reported by the Celtic Offside (yep, speaking in the egotistical third person), the obvious penalty would have likely given Celtic a 2-nil first half advantage, and most likely their second derby victory, full points and Glasgow bragging rights for a few more months, until a return to Parkhead and the final Firm match of the year.

But this recanting of Clark and the SFA is typical Scottish Premier. Beat the drums. Cry ‘God’ for good competition and for the alleviation of sectarianism. But if you bend to the crowd, those crying ‘Finians’ blood’ and ‘Singin ooh-ah up the ra’, and don’t give a call to appease the home crowd who is looking to jump out of its seats for the slightest chance to act out, has not sectarianism won out?

Don’t appease the crowds and avoid the call just because you think it will serve the most good. Referees are on the pitch for a reason, as officers are in the stands for a reason. Call the game fair and let the crowd worry about the crowd.

We are Celtic. This is the Celtic Offside Report.

Category: Celtic, Of Bhoys and Men

Tags: Celtic, Of Bhoys and Men

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