By Steven Craigan<\/p>\n
As soon as I was aware Gordon Strachan was in the ESPN studio I knew Dundee were in trouble. His tactical analysis, fairness and all round knowledge of the game realty gets on my nerves as he continues to show me up as a clown. This time however I was ready.<\/p>\n
With the Celtic support inexcusably dancing around as if it was Christmas \u2013 something I shall be reporting to Vincent Lunney and Michel Platini \u2013 it made for an uneasy atmosphere for this impartial British subject.<\/p>\n
The game kicked off and with a strong gale behind Celtic it was no surprise to see Dundee pegged back as they fought gallantly against the elements and Celtic\u2019s hoof ball tactics. Dundee were brave as they retained possession and at one point had 99.5% possession, just less than Barcelona had against Celtic in the most one sided Champions League games I\u2019ve never seen.<\/p>\n
From their first corner of the game the away side struck the opening goal. A Mulgrew corner, which looked as if it was well outside the corner markings, was directed to the back post. Watt, who appeared to push his marker in the back, headed the ball towards goal. It was magnificently cleared by a brave Dundee rearguard but only as far as Samaras. The Greek forward raised his feet shoulder height and referee Brines incredibly refused to rule the goal out for an obvious dangerous play infringement. Let\u2019s be clear, Samaras\u2019 high feet could have killed someone.<\/p>\n
The major talking point of the match was how on earth Kelvin Wilson wasn\u2019t red carded for a shocking assault on three Dundee players. With the Dens men on the break Wilson pulled a metal cosh from his socks before violently setting about half the Dundee team. Incredibly referee Brines waved play on with blood strewn bodies lying all over the Dens Park surface. From my vantage point 50 yards from play and looking through a rain soaked camera angle and phlegm on my video monitor it was a clear red card and 10 year jail sentence. Why my fellow commentator Derek Rae wasn\u2019t as irate as me I\u2019ll never know.<\/p>\n
The second half was all Dundee and showed Celtic up for the average team they are. A Nish header was fortunately saved by Forster but from where I was watching the ball clearly looked over the line. Time for video replays to be used in the SPL and games involving Rangers.<\/p>\n
With Dundee camped around Celtic\u2019s penalty area and looking certain to equalise it was a major surprise when Celtic went two goals ahead. A punt up the field put Hooper through. He looked yards offside before miskicking the ball over Robert Douglas\u2019 head. Another incident that video replays would have quickly sorted.<\/p>\n
Dundee were heartbroken at this time as was I as tears strolled down my face. This was basically daylight robbery in the evening.<\/p>\n
The final whistle was blown and Celtic fortunately increased their lead at the top of the SPL. Justice wasn\u2019t done on the pitch but I will ensure it is off the field when I issue a strongly worded letter to the SPL\u2019s compliance officer Vincent Lunney – and – Anne Robinson at Points of View.<\/p>\n
Steven Craigan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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