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Celtic Diary Wednesday October 22: Daily Record. Just why….?

Lukasz Zaluska is back in training after he was ambushed by a couple of fellow professional footballers. The Polish goalkeeper was beaten to the ground in a cowardly attack from behind whilst walking with his wife in Glasgows west end after a pleasant evening out with friends. His wife is okay, but obviously distressed, while the keeper suffered several wounds to his head and face.

It is not yet known if either have suffered any permanent psychological damage after the brutal attack.

I’m sure thats what the Record meant to say with this front page report of the incident.

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With William Shakespeare dead, William Wordsworth long since moved on to his lonely clouds, it was left to whichever William does the headlines at the newspaper that brought us the Thugs and Thieves story when one of their cameramen took some photos he shouldn’t have, and had his camera nicked, to bring us imaginative and thought provoking phrases as “The Goal Keeker”-a clever play on glaswegian slang for a black eye and the victims employment status, “Peek a Bruise ” , which should appeal to the target audience of the paper, as its what their parents say to them when they try to keep them amused after Teletubbies is finished, and the “Battle of Bashed -In Lane “, which refers to where the incident took place.

The English language need not worry the onset of words like “chillax ” and “bling ” when it has such brave and resouceful defenders such as these.

The paper, which has seen circulation figures enter a downward spiral after its reluctance to consider objective reporting on virtually any subject, has been forced to diversify to balance the books;

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but as most of us already know, it just isn’t absorbent enough.

Zaluska himself has pointed out that he was attacked from behind, and has no idea who did it, so Police Scotland, who are investigating the matter, have put their best man on the job ( which , of course, is all relative ) and are relying on eye witness statements and cctv.

Will the crown offer any evidence ?

Indeed, will the club come out and tell us what they think of the attack ? Will they condemn the player-or players -involved and ask the club to dismiss them ?

Will they refuse to play in a game which features any of the guilty parties-if they manage to stay out of jail, that is ?

Know what?

If the club were to make a firm stance about this sort of disgusting behaviour, I’d feel like the old Celtic had crept back into the boardroom.

By the way, just to clarify, I’m on about the violent and unforgiveable behaviour of Zaluskas attackers . Not the Records, although a wee shot across their bows wouldn’t go amiss.

And if you want to help the keeper in his hour of need, theres a fund being set up soon.

LukaszAid 

The press can often print hurtful stories and comments. Sadly, I’m not immune to it either, as this letter shows, which appeared in a downmarket publication some time ago. Its only recently I have got over the trauma;

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The Record also had a go at Astra , who are Celtics next opponents , on Thursday, in the Europa League.

 

Unpaid bills and stars left behind:

Celtic’s Europa League foes’ farcical trip to Glasgow

Unpaid bills ? When did the paper suddenly start criticising clubs for not paying their bills ?

 

 Europa League opponents Astra Giurgiu were delayed on their way to Scotland last night – amid claims their flight had not been paid for.

The hold-up wasn’t the only problem for the Romanian club, because when they finally got off the ground they were forced to leave two of their biggest stars at the airport.

Astra first-team players Kehinde Fatai and Seidu Yahaya were turned away from the flight as they did not have the appropriate visas.

The club were due to leave Bucharest at 4pm yesterday but their flight was grounded by local carrier Tarom, with the company reportedly claiming they had not received proof of payment from Astra. 

 I had a similar experience when my Astra was repossessed when I couldn’t show any proof of payment.

 Anyway, the Romanians eventually made their way into town, and are desperate to end their dismal run of one win in eight matches. Defeat tomprrow would finish them off as far as Europe is concerned, while the hoops would move to seven points from three games, which would set them up nicely for a spot in the knock out stages.

 Ronny Deila may well be getting it together now, and although he’s had a difficult start, raise where its due, he hasn’t buckled. Sure , there have been one or two signs it all might be too much for him, actually more than one or two, but he’s weathered the storm and and may now have the ship heading in the direction he wants it to.

 Astra are not one of Europes biggest clubs, in fact they are not one of Romanias biggest clubs, and its kind of refreshing to be playing someone we haven’t played before at this time of year, when airlines are normally bankning on the income from  flights into Barcelona, Milan and Lisbon to ensure their Christmas bonuses.

 So, what do we know about Astra ?

Fotbal Club Astra Giurgiu is a Romanian professional football club from Giurgiu, Romania. They were founded in 1921, inPloiești and spent their vast majority in the lower leagues. Only after 1990, when the club was taken under the ownership of Ioan Niculae, it began to achieve some performances, starting with the first season of Liga I in 1998-99. They are currently playing in the country’s top league, Liga I.

It qualified for the very first time in history to the UEFA Europa League at the end of the 2012–13 Liga I season, after it finished 4th in the table.

Astra Giurgiu was known as Astra Ploiești until September 2012 when it was moved from Ploiești to Giurgiu, by owner Ioan Niculae.

The traditional colours of the team are white and black.

Club world ranking[edit]

These are the IFFHS club’s points as of May 2014:[7]

P Club Points
36 Scotland Celtic F.C. 179,0
37 Russia FC Zenit Saint Petersburg 171,0
38 Paraguay Club Nacional 169,5
39 Romania Astra Giurgiu 169,0
40 Paraguay Club Libertad 166,5
41 China Guangzhou Evergrande F.C. 166,0
42 Greece Panathinaikos F.C. 166,0

Which shows how useless that particular ranking system is…

Astra’s primary colors are white and black, although the kit design also included red on many occasions, especially on the away outfits.

Astra’s home kit consists of white and black stripped shirts, white shorts and white socks, making them similar to those of Juventus Torino. The away shirts are decorated with red and black strips, making them similar to those of AC Milan. The shorts and socks are predominantly black, but they also include splashes of white.

The present Astra crest was adopted in July 2009, following the team’s promotion from Liga II. The design is based on a classical template, and is characterized by the same black and white stripes which can be found on the team’s shirts. The numerous stars which adorn the crest have their origin in the club’s name, with Astra (like Steaua) being a Romanianword that translates as “star”. 

After Astra’s premiere promotion to the Divizia A in the summer of 1998, its few fans engaged in a grudge with their cross-town rivals Petrolul Ploiești. Often, the matches between Astra and Petrolul ended with violent clashes between the supporters of both teams. Most Astra fans consider Petrolul as their main rivals, but the Yellow Wolves regard Rapid București as their main arch-enemies. Even after the moving of the team to Giurgiu, the rivalry is kept, because between Giurgiu and Petrolul, there’s an old rivalry kept from the time when Petrolul was playing in the Romanian 2nd league. 

 Sounds like a fairly new club trying to establish its identity. Wonder of Mike Ashley will put in a bid for the merchandise ?

 Their manager-or coach-is a familiar name, though.

He’s Oleg Protasov, who used to play for Dynamo Kiev , amongst others, back in the eighties, and is actually the old Soviet Unions second top scorer, behind Oleg Blokhin.

 Mind you, he’s managed about a dozen clubs since he retired from playing and so far his best achievement is getting all his players to remember to bring their boots for a crucial relegation battle.

 So, it should be another Suduva, but it could be a Politechnica Timisoara. That’ll scare the older readers.

 On a different subject, Diary comments regular Bondibrian asked if it was only Ralph Malph who wrote articles on here, and of course it isn’t. The structure of the website credits the person who posts the article, which due to my particular work schedule makes it easier for me to do that side of things.

A lot of the work done here is decided behind closed doors. Which are only opened to let us out for food and excercise.

 Like the team of writers behind Friends, or Modern Family, ideas are discussed, dismissed or a decision to move ahead with the article is taken after lengthy consideration between the team.

 The team, incidentally has written for such top comedians as Michael McIntyre, Miranda Hart and Stephen K. Amos, material of such quality which has cemented the aforementioned at the very top of the light entertainment industry.

 Actually, thats why we use pseudonyms and write about football. Even genius such as that couldn’t turn our tripe into comedy.

 It was fifty years ago today that Paul McStay came into this world, and fifty years ago next Monday when he signed for Celtic, and he didn’t leave until his ankles were destroyed and he could give no more.

 There aren’t many like him these days. Happy Birthday to the Maestro, shown here signing an extension to his original contract.

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Actually, thats not quite right. Read this, the story of how Sean Fallon signed McStay, from his son , on twitter.

maestro signs..

Lisbon Lion on twitter for a wee teaser today… whats going on here ?

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jim orourke
9 years ago

It’s big jock going into crowd at Stirling in early 70’s as he didn’t like the songs our fans were singing.. or maybe he seen a fan with daily record and was tearing it up in disgust.

Iain McAllister
9 years ago

Big Jock having words with the GB’s parents at Falkirk/Stirling?

9 years ago

jok stein doing his impersonation of a modern day steward……cant think or remember why though.

JRB1
9 years ago

Big Jock tellin’ the crowd tae cut-oot the Sectarian crap?!

Una
9 years ago

Having watched the ross county game at the weekend i think the team is going in right direction apart from Scepovic at the minute he looks like a vampire without wings!!

holy sea
9 years ago
Reply to  Una

How’s Charlie ?
Is he compiling stats ?

Honest Hoops
9 years ago

Big Jock doing something the Ipox managers of the past failed to do….ever…trying to stamp out bigotry!!
The Daily Ranger is so anti – Celtic, I have never bought / read one for over 10 years and this will remain.

Hail,Hail all things Celtic!

holy sea
9 years ago

Excellent diary.
The Daily Dump ? Stopped buying this anti-Celtic rag,many many moonbeams ago.They also gave us,a few years ago, Who’s hated more at ibrox,the tax man or Neil Lennon ?
A total piece of pish,if you ask me.
Why did police scotland,not jail Zaluska’s attackers,and have them up at court,the next morning.They know who they are,
and if it had been joe public,this would have been their course of action ?
Yes,Ralph,our club has to come out strongly,and ask for said players to be dismissed.It is hard enough trying to attract players to Glasgow,without this.Down the years,in the main,
Celtic players have suffered attacks in Glasgow,more than any other club.
FIRM ACTION BY CELTIC HAS TO TAKE PLACE.

9 years ago
Reply to  holy sea

What do the club do ? Its a leagal matter. Its ok in a pub talking pish but Celtic plc are expected to act in a certain way, legally, professionally.
Im sick hearing Celtic fans have a go at the club , this is a prime example, nothing they can do .

holy sea
9 years ago

Fraz,
You are the one that is talking pish.
OBVIOUSLY,a trial has to take place.Like-minded,on Ralph’s
blog,are wanting our club to take action,AFTER said trial.You really are THICK !!

Vin The Tim
9 years ago

At least the Daily Ranger has been withdrawn from circulation in Ireland (as of this month) due to surprise surprise falling sales

mattgallscot
9 years ago

big jock doing what no other manager would have the balls to do, telling the support to stop sining ira songs,icouldn’t imagine fat sal trying that onbe he could not get over the advertising boards to start with.

Fraser Iain Munro
9 years ago

Who ever wrote this pishing is worse than a record hack , Zaluskas attacked , you in turn attack the club ???
Your a disgrace

andybhoy
9 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

FIM is a balloon.

9 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

Yeah andy try and make a sentence. Im a celtic fan sick of fannies having a gomat the club on line not supporting them in person , sound familiar ?

andybhoy
9 years ago

Who is having a go at the club?
Do you think you’re the only one who goes to the Park?
I used to be like you and was never able to understand any criticism thrown at the people who run and manage our club. but, as you get older, you tend to get wiser and maybe a bit more cynical.
As for calling Celtic fans fannies? Just shows what a twat you are.

holy sea
9 years ago

Well said,Andybhoy.
Fraz seems to have his knickers in a twist.Or back to front !

9 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

So the club should break the laws of football, and prejudice a possible up coming crimina trial ? When did any board of Celtic act in this way ?
These events have zero to do with the club

Monti
9 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Ralph,
I have said it many times, Q.C. Paul McBride is sorely missed at the club.

Fraser Iain Munro
9 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Failing to play an arranged game can cause expulsion

9 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Thats not true as regards to time line of charging or trial , your wrong.
Its a relatively minor incident in the murder capital of Europe. Names of alleged attackers will be known and they will be interviewed when the v police have all the evidence.
Are you saying you didn’t hsve a go at the club?

andybhoy
9 years ago

Surely you mean you’re

9 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

So the club should break the laws of football, and prejudice a possible up coming crimina trial ? When did any board of Celtic act in this way ?
These events have zero to do with the club

Bigdunno
9 years ago

if you are saying that this has nothing to do with the club, are you saying LZ wasn’t attacked – at least partially – because he plays for Celtic – how do you know this?

Are you also advocating that the club should do nothing when one of their players is (allegedly!) attacked by another player from a club who play in the same league and are governed by the same rules of that league?

You, Sir, are a clown!

Monti
9 years ago

Fraser,
Has anyone ever called you a tit?
If not, consider it done.

9 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

Dont know what you mean? You’re?
Criticism of the club is out of hand. Lawell has been in charge of Celtic through their most successful period , 67 aside.
We have a squad of international players 2/3; for each position.
Prophit made , player bought low sold high the best club in Europe for management.
Celtic are ket down by their fans , thick secterian and not at the games . Obviously not all

holy sea
9 years ago

Fraz,
Get a life !
Try brushing up on your spelling.It’s ATROCIOUS !
Yes,we are doing that well,under Lawwell ? Remind me,what
CL group are we in ? Nuff said.
Don’t reply,you have done my head in.

andybhoy
9 years ago

I take issue with you regarding our most successful period out with the Stein era. That most certainly was the first 2 decades of the 20th century.

andybhoy
9 years ago

Happy 50th Maestro.
Had the great honour of singing the Willie Maley song with Paul and Willie at the Greatest Ever Celtic Team night in 2002.
It was magic.

holy sea
9 years ago

Humpty King can sing Derry’s Wall,
Humpty King then had a great fall,
All the King’s horses(laptop loyal),
and all the King’s men(Zombies),
Couldn’t put King’s Sevco bid together again !

Just a wee ditty,for fraz munro !

andybhoy
9 years ago
Reply to  holy sea

If you go down to Ibrokes today you’re in for big surprise.
If you go down to Ibrokes today, you’ll never believe your eyes.
For super Sally has no cash, soon no place to sing the sash,
Today’s the day the Teddy bears get their pitch nicked.

gerrybhoy
9 years ago

For anyone who missed this yesterday here is a link posted by
Maniche
a must read or every fan of every club in Scotland and after you read it print I out and send it to their clubs board this is how a football club should be run

holy sea
9 years ago
Reply to  gerrybhoy

Indeed,Gerry.
Dortmund kept their word,to their fans,re Lewandowski.Bayern were willing to pay 20M Euros,last year,with him having only 1 year left on his contract.He was going to Bayern,at the end of his contract.Dortmund refused to cash in on him,and promised their fans, he would honour,his contract.
Dortmund are a club with high principles and morals.

Monti
9 years ago

Big Jock heading into the crowd to tell them to stop singing the soldiers song…..and asking them to sing ‘ Go on home British soldiers ‘ instead!

sajfraser
9 years ago

happy birthday Paul Macstay a celtic legend. My favourite player of all time (= with Danny Bhoy Magrain.
Stopped buying the Daily Ranger when they likened Fegus Maccan with Saddam Hussan.

Canarly
9 years ago

Is that John bishop in a v neck pullover just behind big Jock? Stirling away 3-0

jas
9 years ago
Reply to  Canarly

I think you are correct, with Dave Allen behind him, lol

elcormaco
9 years ago

Without wanting to stoke the flames, I think it is appropriate that the club remain silent until the police arrest some one or make a statement about what went on.

Too much at present is unknown. If Zaluska and the alleged attacker have previous antipathy between them its not really a matter for the club imho, if the attack was in any way based on the club Zaluska plays for or his religion as perceived by him being a Polish Celtic player then the club should be very strong in its response, but at the moment the matter is with the police and it is right that it remains so, even given the lack of strust in Police Scotland, and as and when details emerge the club should respond as is appropriate.

I lived down that way for a few years and it is a busy, well lit area as I m sure you all know, so Id be very surprised if no one is lifted for it.

Paul Mc Stay was totally my favourite celtic player until Henke – while the club was being run into the ground he glided above it, giving direction on the pitch while there was none off it and remaining our one world class performer when the old board had sold any one esle they could. Sad but true if he were coming through today the current board would be looking to get him sold before he had played 100 first team games, to balance the books.

I think we could do with a bit of big jock again, I was disappointed to hear the singing on Saturday – each to their own but I dont really think singing Boys of the Old brigade is appropriate at games any more, and we can t claim any moral high ground from the 2nd Rangers lot when this is clearly audible during our telveised games

9 years ago
Reply to  elcormaco

Good comments

brian mc laughlin
9 years ago

Couldn’t agree more with you Jas about the singing on Saturday.
Made me cringe & I was watching on Sky at home.
How can we have a go at that mob when this is just as bad if not worse.
I’ve supported Celtic for over 60 years but listening to that on Saturday is a real turn off.

LiatroimBhoy
9 years ago

Ralph it seems even when you decide to praise our manager you can’t resist taking the P…… “Ronny Deila may well be getting it together now, and although he’s had a difficult start, raise where its due……”

Una
9 years ago

fraser muno, muno
has been smoking the blow the blow
he’s on the dole the dole
fraser muno, muno

fraser where’s your razor
or would you like a taser
ya zombie, ya zombie

holy sea
9 years ago

Una,
You will find Fraz,is now a bit frazzled,around the edges !

Una
9 years ago

Good one Holy Sea lol

Tony Paterson
9 years ago

Celtic fans who buy the Record probably also listen to
Clyde, and will be supporting Sevco in the play-offs v Hibs at the end of the season.

Frank McGaaaaarvey
9 years ago

Disagreeing with a fellow fhan’s viewpoint on here is one thing, posting snide personal insulting comments against them is pathetic and unbecoming of a great site. Give it up Lhads and Lhasses. You know who you are.

holy sea
9 years ago

Frank,
Fellow fan ??
Are you that naive,that you can’t see,when a THICK ZOMBIE
posts ??

Frank McGaaaaarvey
9 years ago
Reply to  holy sea

Is everyone who holds a different point of view to you and yer wee cabal automatically assumed to be a Zombear then?

holy sea
9 years ago

If you can’t read between the lines,then God help you !

Sean cahill
9 years ago

I was at that match in Stirling when big Jock got into the crowd to stop the RA songs.

Una
9 years ago

Yeah dead on Frank he insulted the whole Celtic family with his comments if you read them, another zombie in disguise.

andybhoy
9 years ago
Reply to  Una

Zombies can’t spell.

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