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Celtic Diary Saturday July 25: Scorching The Earth At Ibrox

We’ll get to them later, because everything about them is second placed.

 

Fraser Forster might yet end up back at Celtic as reports suggest-see what I did there ? – Southampton are about to offload him. If thats the case we’ll get him for peanuts although the wages will have to be cash.

 

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Thats not to sat Celtic won’t still move for Vasiliss Barkas, but it might mean there’s a little bit less urgency about bringing him in. Having apparently offered him £10,000 a week to join the hoops , it’s hard to see how the club could be less urgent, although it’s still not a crisis if Scott Bain were to hurt himself in training this week, the truth of the matter is Celtic would face Hamilton with a youth or reserve keeper with little or no experience.

 

That explains the anxiety that is coming across on social media, and maybe there is cause to worry, but it’s not a serious concern yet for the club, for whatever reason, otherwise the Barkas would already be here.

 

Reports from Greece suggest he will sign, as this tweet suggests..

 

Tasos Kapetanakos
@Tasos_kapet
Γειααααα… Αρχικά 3.5+1, τώρα πάμε κοντά στα 5 μαθαίνω. Κ επίσης γνωρίζω για συμφωνία ήδη με τον παίκτη και την Celtic.

 

Albien Ajeta, the forward who cant get a game at West Ham has been linked strongly with a move north, having failed to make his mark in London.

 

One interesting aspect of this possibility is that he played together with Mo Elyannoussi at Basel, and therefore has probably already been given a favourable review of Glasgow.

 

A loan deal, certainly at first, looks a likely option, with Bayo and probably Griffiths moving out. Shved we can already discount as he doesn’t seem to like it here, and hasn’t featured in any pre season action.

 

That leaves Edouard, and I’m not in the least bit worried that he hasn;t signed an extension yet, or been given the number seven shirt…

 

Then there’s the emergence of stories that Ryan Christie may be looking at a move south. Those who watch that sort of thing may remember him referencing this in a BT interview, and, as with Keiran Tierney, having had a long term serious injury, he and his agent, who also happens to be hs dad, may well be casting envious eyes at Tierney’s bank account, knowing that the hammer throwing could be career ending this season…

 

All of the above, however, could be down to the usual restlessness of the close season, maybe even a sign that things are getting back to normal, but just as you think they might be, guess who comes along to throw a spanner into the works…

 

Rangers face SFA probe as governing body demands answers over potential testing breach

It’s feared up to nine players may have played without medical clearance.  

 

The report, by the Record’s Keith Jackson-yeah, I know, but praise where it’s due, as I imagine there were some tantrums when he submitted this one- says;

 

Rangers are facing a top level SFA probe over fears the club broke coronavirus testing protocol.

Record Sport understands Hampden top brass suspect as many as nine of Steven Gerrard’s first team squad played in a bounce match against Dundee United without having been given the mandatory all clear by medics.

SFA stand in president Mike Mulraney was alerted to the developing situation on Wednesday night and it’s believed he has demanded the Ibrox club are asked for a full explanation of the events.

The potential rule break was discussed as a matter of urgency on Thursday afternoon at a crisis meeting of the Covid-19 Joint Response Group which lasted almost two hours.

Motherwell will also be asked why their test results were not returned until just two hours before kick-off at Ibrox – while Hibs are facing similar questions from the beaks over Saturday’s late cancellation of a friendly against Ross County.  

It’s believed the Rangers anomaly came to the attention of the authorities after Gerrard’s side had to delay a pre-season friendly against the Fir Park side by two hours – from the scheduled 6pm kick-off time to 8pm – while both clubs waited for their latest batch of test results to come through.

 

Anomaly ?

Yeah, like a previous Ibrox entity had an anomaly with their tax payments

 

But the re-arranged time was a full seven hours after a Rangers B team took on at United behind closed doors at their Auchenhowie training base.

Nine of the players who featured in that match had been part of Gerrard’s squad for last week’s mini-tournament in Lyon – Andy Firth, Calvin Bassey, Greg Stewart, Jordan Jones, Glenn Middleton, Ross McCrorie, Greg Docherty and youngsters Nathan Patterson and Lewis Mayo.

It’s believed the entire travelling party did undergo testing On Tuesday after returning home following their 2-0 win over Nice on Saturday night. 

But a backlog at the laboratory meant the results did not arrive back at Ibrox until around 7pm on Wednesday night. Motherwell’s squad was also affected by the same delay with their results coming back shortly before 6pm – more than 50 hours after Stephen Robinson and his players had been swabbed on Monday. 

It was only then that were finally allowed to make their way to Glasgow’s south side to take part in the match which Rangers won 4-0. 

The strict testing protocol was put in place by the Joint Response Group in order to secure government approval for a safe return to training and playing for all 12 top flight clubs.

 

Interestingly, two linemen were turned away from the United game for not having the proper Covid tst certification, which Jackson doesn’t mention, but to give him the benefit of the doubt, he might not have known.

 

The report mentions a letter to clubs from Ian Maxwell of the SFA, which points out the possible consequences…

 

“There will be enhanced media attention on squads as training gets underway and the behaviour of all of our players and staff will be under scrutiny.

“We have been able to negotiate a dispensation for Premiership first team squads to return however all involved should be under no illusions that breaches of the agreed parameters will lead to the Scottish Government removing our exemption, having a catastrophic impact on our game.

“Please ensure all staff and players are reminded of their responsibilities on an ongoing basis.”

 

 

Which means the club/company can have no excuses…

 

 

We’re not sure whether the anger from the SFA is because they weren’t in on the rule breaking this time, and thus leaving them open to criticism and pressure to actually do something about it, or the simple fact that a rule breach like this, where the game really could mean life or death, may invoke the wrath of Nicola Sturgeon, who may even delay r postpone the start of the season, and no one wants that.

 

 

Or do they ?

 

Alfredo Morelos wants away….Jermaine Defoe and Nikola Katic are injured….Ryan Kent, Scott Arobo and that Hagi bloke are shite…

 

Am I off the mark when I wonder if a delay would suit “rangers “, and thus their actions-or inaction-regarding the coronavirus testing regulations were deliberate ?

 

If there is another ban on football being played at all, and remember this is a breach by a club, and not by a supporter, then that club-or company, could even delay paying bills, such as wages and running costs until fans are allowed back in to games, whilst still sitting on season book money.

 

With players out already it would certainly help them continue their splendid run of pre season form ….

 

Or perhaps they simply cant muster the cost of a pre-match overnight stay in aberdeen now that their opener has been moved to an early kick off.

 

You might think i’m joking, but with no retail money coming in because they’ve flouted another rule which has got Mike Ashley’s lawyers looking at brochures for new cars, holidays and houses things musyt be pretty grim over there, and if they are allowing Keith Jackson to publish a story that is critical to the point where no amount of spin will fix it, then one is tempted to look behind the story, and ask what is really going on.

 

If the season is stopped , the next step could be null and void, perhaps starting up in 2021 with only half the games.

 

Anyone would think I’m paranoid, but they are not capable of stopping ten in a row on the pitch, and so will do their utmost off it.

 

 

I don’t trust them, the SFA or the SPFL, even with Lawwell on the board, and if there are any suspicions about any of their motives, then it needs to be addressed.

 

They tried to destroy Scottish football once, so there’s no reason to think they wouldn’t have another go at it.

 

 

There’s a lot of heartbreak around just now, none more so than in the tortured mind of this tortured soul….but praise has to go to a someone who doesn’t even know him for trying to help….

 

 

 

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some of them just ask for it….

 

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This week, yeah, i know it’s not Friday, we have a guest Knob of the Week….

 

Oak Football Club
@TheOakFC

CLUB STATEMENT We can confirm the retirement of the number 17 shirt in honour of youngster Ioan Webb after we released him for being a knob on WhatsApp. Ioan had 1 goal and 1 assist for the reserve team and 0 goals or assists for the 1sts in his time at the club.

 

Will other clubs follow suit and remove players for being a knob on social media ?

 

Nah, can’t see it….

 

 

Some stories you see out there on the web kind of defy belief, even more so than the same club myth, or the LNS enquiry result, such as this one…

 

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And this one….

 

Police hunt sectarian thug carrying Celtic scarf and power tool after incident in Scots town

It’s believed that the young man might have been carrying a power tool at the time of the incident.  

 

 

 

Cops in Argyll and Bute are hunting a man who hurled sectarian abuse.

Officers from Police Scotland stationed in Dunoon are looking for assistance in identifying a young wearing a Celtic scarf who uttered “comments considered to be of a Sectarian nature”.

Believed to be in his late teens, he might have been carrying a power tool or something similar at the time of the incident.

He is described as five foot eight inches tall and of a slim build.

 

 

So, they don’t know what he said, and they don’t know what he was carrying….but there was definitely a Celtic scarf involved.

 

And it’s Dunoon, where pretty much everyone knows everyone else, and this guy remains unidentified ?

 

Though one thing may have a ring of truth….

 

He was also wearing a beige jacket and dark trousers. 

 

They like fashion in Dunoon, thats why they’ve not changed it since I left.

 

 

On Thursday, we had this…

 

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Whitearra

Caption “Right, before this all kicks off, are you sure that’s him with your bike”.  

 

 

Today….

 

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SteveNaive
3 years ago

Caption,
Extra fitness routine for Ajer, Christie, Griff.

Unlock your “Passport to Paradise“ PIN number

3 years ago

Hi is that the rangers we are speaking too. Yes who is it? Its the SFA here really sorry to trouble you but reports have reached us about a breach in protocol over covid testing.
Oh that yes really sorry about this complete misunderstanding can you file it with the ebt stuff.
Yeah no problem of course, thank you for taking part in our top level sfa probe into this.
No problem anytime, you know we are only a phone call away.
End of top level probe.

tony carlin
3 years ago

Caption. Russian roulette for the weans!

PJYogi
3 years ago

Caption 2, 4, 6, 8, never too late 10 in a row coming down the line,

3, 5, 7, 9 another white line 10 in a row will be the end of the line.

Pat Higney
3 years ago

One, Two, Three, Four, Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…

George Lazenbhoy
3 years ago

Is it the league positions for 20/21

Level 5 plant
3 years ago

Rangers do away with the number 5 in anticipation of Celtic winning 5 trebled in a row. But when questioned about this Stevie G said “they are saving them up for when they win 55”

SteveNaive
3 years ago

Caption
John Brown continues his search for the deeds.

In Islington, police search for a person of non specified gender hole cover.

3 years ago

This is all very entertaining but we need to be making sure that we area s strong as possible to ensure the ten. And we are not. Forster should be a priority. Griffiths is far and away our second striker. Klimayla seems energetic and enthusiastic but this will not cover up him limited ability. He is nowhere near as good as Griffiths. Hopefully, he will improve but he is not going to score 20 goals in a season. Griffiths will score this, coming off the bench in over half the games. The team needs to be freshened up. And sooner rather than later.

CarlJungleBhoy
3 years ago

Caption: Racist Child Assassin awaits Morelos’s Lamborghini

CarlJungleBhoy
3 years ago

Caption: Racist Child Assassin (wearing Celtic scarf) awaits the arrival of Morelos’s Lamborghini

Damian Gallagher
3 years ago

caption : Going for fityfiveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Cartvale88
3 years ago

Caption
New Covoid testing system at Ibrokes

The journos in Scotia are stupid, as their vapid comments about Sevco continue. They appeal for contributions to survive, as their so called papers die on the vine. Ignoring any truth regarding the stupidity at a Ibrokes towers, the strip advertising in France, the farce with Castore Oil, SD and upcoming injunctions, lack of testing for players, My Gers a rip off, continuing transfer speculation, freebies built up into superstars and general diarrohea.
But any negative on Celtic or its alleged supporters a go to story.
As for the SFA SPFL there bias oozes out of every pore, the knuckledraggers to stupid to realise reality!

Hilltophenrik
3 years ago

…And that’s how you play ‘Hopshock’!

pilsbury dough bhoy
3 years ago

Caption
The Celtic formation

3 years ago

Caption:
Efforts to re-kindle the auld Hop-Scotch is a big let down.

Village idiot
3 years ago
Reply to  Nickybhoy

CAPTION
New Drop In Centre opened by cash strapped council.

Mistertaximan
3 years ago

Social distancing measures in place at newly refurbished entrance to Ibrox Stadium Tour.

Una
3 years ago

Caption

1 Competition
2 Teams
34 Degrees Heat
67 ? Lisbon

Whitearra
3 years ago

Caption : ‘Express mygers Deposit Facility’

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Caption…………

Has Prince Andrew got a lucky number? Let’s see. A play-park, the number 5 …… et voila, a vacant hole.

R.St.Parsley
3 years ago

Caption:
Sevco demand Bridget O’Fenian’s under-10 hopscotch title be asterisked as ‘she didnae complete a full grid’.

Monti
3 years ago

Caption: ” Right, where’s Monti “?

TicToc
3 years ago
Reply to  Monti

HaHaHa! If ‘reports’ are accurate, you’d probably get stuck an’ need tae hire a crane (large extremely strong bird) tae rescue ye! HaHaHa!
Up to now I can’t break the ‘pass to Paradise’ code. Embdy succeeding here?
HH
FC not PLC, fukk PTL.

Paranoid celt
3 years ago

Am I the only celtic fan who thinks this covid stuff is the biggest over reaction in human history.
I’m amazed more celtic fans haven’t been more sceptical. Seriously when did we all start believing anything that the government and main stream media tells us.
Giving away all our freedom is one thing but future generations will pay dear for our cowardice. Please let there be people like me out there.

Magdalena’s Chestnut Gelding
3 years ago

Caption

Going for Fifty Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!!

Uralius
3 years ago

Caption: 1, 2, 3&4, Rangers are dead, 6&7, we love to h8 them, Celtic’s 9-in a row heaven.

Owen Mullions
3 years ago

Caption:
Senga:’Have ye seen ma manhole cover?’
Billy:’How wid Ah know here ye left yer knickers?’

Una
3 years ago

Caption

1,2,3,4 Hector came knocking at there door
5,6,7,8 we all laught when they hit hells gate

3 years ago

Caption,Come in number5
your times uuuuuup,

Auldheid
3 years ago

Fergus McCann v David Murray by Stephen O Donnell. Check the review of the side of a tale SFA and media lackies buried.

https://sfm.scot/fergus-mccann-v-david-murray/

Auldheid
3 years ago
Reply to  Auldheid

Here is a link to where the Fergus v Murray book can be purchased.

https://t.co/qcZSt7dKTx

Yoker Bhoy
3 years ago

A great piece of news although I was never in any doubt that he’d bounce back. Proven strikers of this type are like gold dust and Griff gives us a far better guarantee of goals and quality attacking play than any 3 million quid new signing would. Keep up the hard work Leigh.

PeteCon
3 years ago

Caption: “Secret team meeting as Stevie G explains the points needed to avoid the drop.”

TicToc
3 years ago

Celts 3 Hibs 1. Supposedly a good work-out today. Apparently The Bhoys were greatly improved when The Griff came on and he had a shot going in only to be ‘robbed’ by Klymala who finished it unnecessarily. Klymala got 2 and Karamoko Dembele got the equaliser as we were 1 down. I think given events over last few years that Leigh needs to see this as his last chance at CP, and hopefully grab it with both hands. He’s a great wee (big) asset when doing what he does best.
HH
FC not PLC
Fukk Lawwell, he’s a bandit. More on that later.

TicToc
3 years ago

BTW, the late arriving comments, lost comments and moderation on here are making a complete cnut of the site and it will go down the tubes, like the old huns, if not addressed.
HH
FC not PLC

The Cha
3 years ago

“It’s the minimum requirement”

3 years ago

Good solid stuff today from what I saw. Luca Connel outstanding second half. First team squad Ntcham is head and shoulders above Christie and McGregor and should start on Sunday.

mabozzaRitchie
3 years ago

stalin? Now theres a man deserving of a lump of concrete. he killed more russians than adolf.

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