Spring Break Musings-Yesterday, Paranoia and Walter Smith

By: Matt | March 13th, 2008

Walter Smith is a baby Ah, Spring Break! The time where college students head for somewhere sunny, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and make decisions that if they become politicians in the future will be called “election liabilities”. That’s happening for thousands of college students next week, well except this one. This one is heading back to Cleveland, OH, to spend a week of relaxation of the luxurious beaches of Lake Erie. Spring break in Cleveland also means the 3rd biggest St. Patrick Day’s parade in the United States with 60,000 guys who were in that “My New Haircut” video wearing a shirt that says “I’m Irish Today!” and wouldn’t know Bobby Sands from Bobby Kennedy.

So yesterday was a bad game. I think my live blog and post game post show my frustration well, yet as football fans sing “Always look on the bright side of life”. The back line probably played their best game all year. It is ironic that they do this when A) the offense couldn’t get the ball in if 4 nets were stacked on each other and B) they really had little to do all game. But 1 point is better than 0 pts and hopefully that game gives Dundee United enough confidence to thrash Der Hun on Sunday.

Speaking of Der Hun, with trying to get Celtic information out to you, the masses, I missed a wee story about everyone’s least favorite former Scotland/current Rangers coach. Smith is facing a two match ban after a little trouble against Hibs last weekend in the cup. Apparently Walter didn’t like the fact that Nacho Novo’s two footed feet first challenge was given a straight red. Honestly, what the fuck were you expecting? Just because the SFA and referees are usually suckling from your teat doesn’t mean that they can ignore one of the most shocking tackles in the SPL all year. Walter was apparently upset with Hibs coach Mixu Paatelainen, for letting his player be the recipient of such a tackle, and wanted to have a word with him. Only problem for Wally was that he left his coaching box, pushed over the fourth official, and looked like he was ready to throw bows. But of course this only earns Smith a two game ban.

Let’s compare that to the incident with Gordon Strachan at Aberdeen earlier in the year. Some Aberdeen fans were giving abuse to Celtic coaches and they returned fire. When some jobsworth Aberdeen steward gets all offended, Gordon Strachan defends his coaches and IS SENT TO THE STAND! Not only that, his initial suspension was four games.

Should Ginger Baws have been sent off? Aye, maybe but you are telling me that Smith’s infraction was deemed not as bad (although now equal I suppose to WGS as his suspension was eventually lessened to two games)? Bull.

“That’s why we’re paranoid!”

Smith’s little temper tantrum can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EONpHgxLdc&feature=related