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Celtic Diary Thursday September 13: They’re Not Even Trying To Hide It Now

Yesterday, the SFA charged Stevie Clarke of Kilmarnock for his comments on referee Willie Collum.

From the BBC…

Kilmarnock and boss Steve Clarke have been charged by the Scottish FA over comments made criticising the governing body’s disciplinary process after Gary Dicker lost his red-card appeal.

The Killie midfielder was sent off for a challenge on Hearts’ Calumn Morrison.

Clarke claimed the appeal was rejected because Willie Collum, who dismissed Dicker, had been appointed to referee the forthcoming Old Firm derby.

He and the club have until 18 September to respond to the charge.

The principal hearing date has been set for 25 October.

Dicker, 32, has served one game of the two-match suspension upheld by the independent tribunal, who backed Collum’s “serious foul play” verdict. 

Reading a prepared statement at a press conference on 31 August, Clarke said that the “perception of most and certainly of our club is that the (appeal) hearing was pre-judged by Collum’s early appointment”.

The Killie boss also said that “small clubs like Kilmarnock may be fair game”, adding “the period of time between the tackle and red-card decision was ridiculously short and lacked a calm and rational approach from such an experienced official”.

The SFA allege those remarks brought the game into disrepute.

They have accused Clarke of breaching Disciplinary Rule 72, which says no team official under SFA jurisdiction shall “in any manner likely to lead to publicity (i) criticise the decision(s) and/or performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character”. 

Derek McInnes will be checking his emails with a sense of foreboding over the next few days, as he, too, has criticised the SFA and their referees.

However, there is a possible defence that Clarke may wish to consider, and I’ve helped him to produce his opening statement for when he appears in front of the SFA..

Image result for fuck off

It worked for Craig Levein in 2003..

Hearts manager Craig Levein yesterday won a legal battle to have a touchline ban suspended. Lord MacFadyen at the Court of Session in Edinburgh agreed to impose an order lifting the four-month ban while Levein fights the Scottish FA ruling.

The SFA imposed the ban on Thursday after Levein refused to pay a fine handed down following comments he made about referee Dougie McDonald following a defeat at Kilmarnock in May.

Hearts players Andy Webster and Austin McCann were sent off and Levein claimed he had lost count of the number of mistakes made by McDonald “after the 97th”.

The Hearts manager was initially fined £1,000, but it was doubled twice as a result of his non-payment. Levein’s lawyer Neil Davidson QC argued that the SFA had behaved “unlawfully” by first increasing his fine and then changing it to a touchline ban. He also claimed that Levein was being “stopped from carrying out his job” by the ban.

Levein has refused to pay his fine or appear before the SFA’s general purposes committee at Hampden. 

Clarke responded to the charge in such a way that one can be optimistic he will adopt a robust defence..

I’ll accept any punishment when you treat these cases in the same manner.

 

Bringing the game into disrepute is a sort of cover all charge where anyone who says anything the governing body doesn’t like can be brought into line, and as a result, there are some glaring inconsistencies in what constitutes an offence.

For example, some people seem to have slipped under the radar with their remarks..

If only there was a theme running through this story…

One could argue that its only the relatively smaller clubs who are suffering, and yet one Kilmarnock employee has managed to evade any disciplinary action..

 

 

PLAY TO IMPRESS

What’s Lee Congerton’s Celtic role and why’s there a wage being spent on him? Kris Boyd has his say on Hoops’ transfer dealings

On the face of it, all you need to do is have a good game against Celtic and you’ll either be linked with a move or you’ll end up signing for the Parkhead club 

Kris Boyd Says He’s Been Told Olivier Ntcham Wants to Leave Celtic This Month

And this one, which many failed to notice..

Why was Rodgers pictured at the Manchester City game last weekend?” Boyd wrote in The Scottish Sun. “Initially, I thought it was because he was holding signing talks with Jason Denayer. The Belgian defender, however, has sealed a move to Lyon ruling out that possible theory.

“I can’t fathom the use of another kid from the City academy coming in on loan, not when guys like Scott Allan and Ryan Christie can’t get a game for them.”

“I wonder if his timely appearance at the Etihad was Brendan reminding everyone down south that he’s still here,” added Boyd. 

Boyd is a full time employee of a Scottish club, and yet has not been called to task for his public musings on another Scottish club.

So, it cannot be an anti-Kilmarnock thing.

If you factor in the reluctance to punish Alan MacGregor with violent conduct-twice- and the fact that his life time ban has been ignored in order for him to play for Scotland against Albania, one cannot help but conclude the SFA have a different set of rules for those associated with, or formerly associated with, one club than they operate for the rest.

In the past, this page has wondered if they are guilty of corruption or merely just incompetence.

I think we’ve pretty much concluded that they are corrupt based on the evidence above alone.

But it appears they are also incompetent as well…

The SFA are going to ask someone to explain the rules to them.

Seriously.

The people who govern the game in Scotland are going to ask someone to explain the rules to them.

Because they don’t understand them.

Image result for stupid people

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Brendan Rodgers has been in quiet, contemplative mode…presumably to avoid incurring a fine.

“I normally use a few days of the international break to reflect on the previous round of games,” 

“It’s been nearly three months so it’s been such a busy period. I like to have thinking time to go away and take stock of everything that’s gone on.

“When you’re trying to be creative as a manager you need that time to reflect. I try to take that opportunity to do that when possible.

“We still have a group of players who have still been here working. We’ve all met up now and we’re preparing for our next batch of seven games inside four weeks.” 

He looked ahead to tomorrow nights  match with St Mirren in Paisley…

I grew up with Celtic playing games at Love Street when the two sides met and it was always a renowned Scottish ground,”

“They have a different stadium now and nice so it will be interesting to play in that for the first time.

“I’m obviously very disappointed for Allan and how quickly in the season he’s lost his job. He’s an excellent coach and manager but he’s now gone and Oran Kearney has come in.

“He’ll now doubt look to come in and work closely with the squad to get a bit of momentum going. We expect a tough game and we will prepare for that so I’m looking forward to going to the stadium and playing the game.

“I’ve never met Oran. I’ve been aware if his work back home in Ireland. I think when he first went for the job in the summer through a mutual friend of ours he wanted a chance to speak and we talked briefly for the first time. He’s clearly ambitious to move on. He did a very good job at Coleraine and after Friday, I’ll wish him all the best. 

Its not going to be easy. a new manager always lifts the players, no matter what level they are at.

 

The second phase of the season, which includes action in three competitions, runs up until Christmas, and could see the first leg of a third treble completed, as the League cup final is on December 2.

The heavy schedule means that the squad will be utlilised to the full, and perhaps even a few different formations will be used.

Its not going to be boring, even if sometimes its looks that way on paper.

Some might argue that the squad still needs a few new faces, and we may not have to wait until January to see them.

John Terry had agreed to join Celtic if the club made the group stages of the Champions League, and as we didn;t, in came Filip Benkovic.

With Terry’s move to Moscow falling through yesterday, one wonders of anyone has already rang him about spending the next twelve months a little closer to home…

 

He wouldn;t be my first choice, or indeed in my top five choices, but he does have experience, and whilst it could be argued that Kolo toure was brought north to do that job until it was found he couldn’t, theres no doubt the idea is sound, its just finding the right guy with the right level of fitness.

Toure had the heart, but as the game against that German team proved, he no longer had the legs.

Marvin Comperr and Kouassi Eboue-somewhat bizarrely-have been told they can go, and its important to make sure those mistakes are not repeated, although its difficult to say what went wrong with Kouassi.

With wages and fees combined, thats a lot of money thrown away, and maybe its not just Peter Lawwell who has been keeping an eye on where the money is being spent.

Maybe Brendan is having his doubts about his scouts as well.

Which could also explain the interest in Stephen O’Donnell.

He may well be one of those who Billy McNeill described as those who could quickly get used to being a Celtic player.

 

Having said that, would O’Donnell want to curtail his Scotland career by signing for Celtic ?

Befuddled manager Alex McLeish has chosen to largely ignore Celtic players during his brief tenure as boss, a move which has upset a few of them, as they do want to play for their country.

However, there’s little doubt this will be a major factor in his demise, which will be sooner rather than later, although we hear the time of his exit will be decided as soon as he gets his final tax bill, so that the SFA will have a guideline for his pay off cheque.

 

Yesterday, we had this endearing image…

Spudscave September 12, 2018 at 9:22 am · Edit · Reply →

Caption Jimmy bell is over the moon with his new spin dryer 

And not out of sympathy either…

Today, we go back to the early 1970s in old London Town, and there’s a something in this picture I couldn’t help but notice…Whats it all about ?

All round good guy James Doleman is not very well at the moment, and I’d like to wish him all the best and a speedy recovery, if I may.

James does great work in keeping us informed about whats going on in interesting court cases, before the media get a chance to distort it.

Get well soon, mate.

 

 

 

 

 

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D'Fhinnein Mick
5 years ago

Not so much a caption,more a chance to put this guy in front of a wider audience!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yhuMLpdnOjY

Bognorbhoy
5 years ago

Caption …

Is it the first recycle a fenian sign post…which led to the fenian lamp post…

Bongo
5 years ago

Caption: Londoners decide that they should gift lamppost to Amsterdam

portpower
5 years ago

Get well soon James.
We`re all in need of divine good men within Football lives vocation.

Caption: Billy and Sammy feed the hooped chevron pigeons.

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Caption…. at least the Provisionals haven’t bombed this place.

As for the cabal, there is nowt more too say.
Fans can pressure them, they don’t care.
Are the clubs going to get tore in, doubt it.

As for James F Doleman, he’s seriously, seriously ill. I hope he gets better as well.

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  Noel Skytrot

Noel,

Fans could pressure their clubs otherwise it is difficult to see how direct action could work. Is that likely? Judging by our club, I suspect there is a disconnect between clubs and their fanson serious issues.

Coordinating a fans initiative vs the SFA would be a massive undertaking. Puting aside inter club rivalry would be a hard sell.

So more doom and gloom will follow.

Yes, best wishes to Mr Dolman who has contributed more than most towards the understanding of what is going on in Scottish football.

Rebus

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Rebus, the fans of other clubs never said much when we asked them to pressure their own boards over the Sevco fiasco apart from Hibs. The only time I’ve saw fans of different clubs coming together was for the Kill the Bill demo in George Square a few years back. Somethings got to change. It’s brutal as I refuse to give them a single penny meaning I miss out on out games at Hampden.

George Lazenbhoy
5 years ago

Jessica fletcher in the bottom left?

5 years ago

McLeish just can not hide his hate for all things Celtic. Why is he in that job in the first place?. He has pals at the SFA who have had his name on every job that has come up in the Freemasons arms!. As for Naiysmith? A thug, and McGregor? Another thug!. Yes McLiesh will gain himself a great reputation of filling his team with thugs!! Footballers robot get a chance!!

charlie
5 years ago

caption london toun ye say …that picture looks like london road going down tae the saltmarket wae the motors going doon the trongate the rang fuckin wae ……google it

Admin
5 years ago

Traffic lights..sponsored by PACER sweeties.

They will privatise anything down that way!

Yer da!

Spudscave
5 years ago

The Tooting Csc stock up on their wrigley’s spearmint gum for the bus to Celtic park

portpower
5 years ago

When shall it change?
Shall it take a held assertion from Scottish Football Managers to take industrial action?

Fraser Wishart`ld shite it,if so it be!

Rebus67
5 years ago

I am not going to argue that the SFA is a well run organisation. It isn’t. However, I think many will agree that it requires to change the organisational culture. To achieve that attitudes have to change; personnel will have to change, and somehow the organisation needs to find a measure of innovation.

None of these things can happen overnight, nor in a few months. How long has Mr Maxwell been in post? Fundamental change might be too much for him to achieve, but he needs a chance.

A different take on the SFA asking for guidance on the regs…maybe, just maybe, this is Maxwell sending the organisation, and refs in particular, back to school.

As I say, give Maxwell time before closing the book on him.

Rebus

Pedro71
5 years ago

Caption: Dave catch that pidgeon before the Hampden Hill Mob arrive.

Terry John
5 years ago

caption

drunk holds on to the railings to avoid an involuntary right turn

Rebus67
5 years ago

Charlie,

It seems that the national team is just a reflection of the football association………full of has beens or never weres; short on innovation and high on prejudice.

Big change from the Wullie Henderson/jimmy Johnstone; McNeil/McKinnon; Davie Wilson/Yogi days. Sure there was prejudice back then, but at least there was quality.

Rebus

Mike Annis
5 years ago

Don’t you just love the SFA. To justify their corruption and cheating on behalf of one club they refer themselves to fIFA after already making a decision. What a bunch of idiots and what a bunch of idiot stuff all those Chairmen letting them away with it.

Puggy67
5 years ago

Caption:

Barton, you snickering, floppy eared hound.
When courage was needed, you were never around.
Those medals you wear on your moth-eaten chest
Should be there for bumbling at which you are best.

So, stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Howwww!

Nab him
Jab him
Tab him
Grab him
Stop that Broonie now.

You, Diouff stop sneaking, it’s not worth the chance.
For you were returned by the seat of your pants.
And Jack, you invent me a thingamabob
That catches that Broonie or I’ll lose my job.

So, stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
Stop that Broonie
How?

Puggy67
5 years ago

I have a level of sympathy with the referees interpretation of the rules. If they wish to assemble in conclave I’d happily furnish each one with a demonstration of excessive violent conduct.

TicToc
5 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

HaHaHa, magic! 🙂
HH

The Cha
5 years ago

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

The Cha,
My thoughts exactly!!

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

I say hey, hey, fuck the SFA, they say that we are all paranoid, fuck the SFA. Brill track from a few year ago.

SteveNaive
5 years ago

Rebus,
As usual a well measured post but this is a dishonest corrupt organisation with a history of discrimination against Celtic. From Patsy Gallacher to the tricolour to numbers on the back of the shirt through to Farry, bent refs and the present day. This was why Maxwell was appointed…to keep it going largely for the benefit of themselves and to benefit one Klan. Your sentiments are worthy but they are not.

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  SteveNaive

Steve,

Why did PL support the Maxwell appointment. Did he not say Maxwell was one of the good guys?

As an option, we have Welsh teams playing in the English leagues, why cannot we? Buy a failing club like Bolton in order to get their licence….have we considered this?

Without Celtic the SPL would go into a death spiral with only one club able to win anything, or only one club allowed to win. Without the contribution that Celtic make to the Scottish coefficient, other clubs would start so far back in competitions that none of them would make the group stages. If we have this power why not use it to clean up the game, or leave it?

Rebus

CarllJungleBhoy
5 years ago

I heard about James. Sad. Must be tough on all those who know him personally. We wish them the strength to get through it. #HH

jimboh
5 years ago

Rebus67, the answer is self evident. Pl is in charge of the PLC.The major stakeholders love the way the club acts Commercially.
There is a significant disconnect between the goals of the Fans and the Celtic Board. Not just the present Board. We do not strengthen from a position of strength domestically. It is not worth the Financial investment Domestically. The other teams, especially the Tribute Act, must not see us as uncatchable. or else the game’s A Bogey. As far as European football goes the Board do not rely on that income, unlike the Klan from the Sou Side. If we qualify 3/4 times in a decade the Board are quite content. Once in a Blue Moon, hate that phrase, we will get into the knock out stages. Again no serious investment as returns not guaranteed.
The Board are Business men and don’t share the dream that Celtic can still contribute to and compete seriously on the Financially doped European stage, There is no Economic case for investment at this level. Even if the Board were of a mind to periodically make major player signings they can’t fund the serious wages desired or do they wish to break their own Player’s Pay Modell. Not good for moral in the dressing room. The Board can’t fund the level of investment required year on year required to make the squad competitive on the Big Stage,

Spudscave
5 years ago

Caption the Sweeny Todd are still trying to find the gold bullion from the train robbery Regan and Carter have spread the word amongst their stool pigeons

BroxburnBhoy
5 years ago

I know let’s buy a club in the Spanish second division and all support that team and conquer Spain! Sounds daft – that’s becuse it is.

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Brox,

As stated Welsh clubs play in English leagues. Monaco is an independent state but its soccer team plays in the french league. For years Ukrainian teams played in the Russian league and won it. In all of these examples no club changed its home park to move to one within the country of the league. Why should Celtic do that if they changed leagues. It would make no sense nor does it fit with precedents.

Did Sevco not do the very same thing when they purchased the bundle of assets and thus became a member of the football association?

If you are drowning in a corrupt pool, it makes sense to at least try to get out of the water.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

🙂

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