ian1964

Barry Ferguson has spoken to STV Sports Centre about the ââ?¬Ë?Boozegateââ?¬â?¢ scandal and the lasting effect it has had on him. In the full interview he speaks of his regret over the ââ?¬Ë?Vââ?¬â?¢ sign incident, his admiration for Craig Levein and how he still has to consider his future for Scotland. Ferguson spoke at length about his career at length, from his early days when he feared he may be too small to make it as a professional footballer to the current success he is enjoying at Birmingham City. The former Scotland captain also set the record straight on the scandal that saw him excluded form the national team and insisted he did not direct any gestures at the Tartan Army. ââ?¬Å?People were having a go, saying 'that's to the Scotland fans and the Tartan Army',ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Well, if that was to the Scotland fans, I'm doing that to a lot of my pals because they were in the stand. It was nonsense and it was nothing to do with the fans. ââ?¬Å?It was 24/7 cameras and press. It wasn't fair on the other guys, who were trying to build up to a big game on the Wednesday. I want to slap myself every time I see it.ââ?¬Â "I was stupid, I was first to admit that," Ferguson added. "The biggest thing I admit was the thing I did on the Wednesday night. I look back now and I cringe. That's the one thing I would turn back. "Every time there's something about Scotland, that's flashing up. I want to smash the TV every time I see it. But what can I do? It's happened and I can't change it. But what I can say is that I was totally wrong. I admit that." Ferguson also spoke about Rangers, the club that remains closest to his heart. The midfielder has been watching his former team-mate Kris Boyd banging in the goals at Ibrox but admitted he would love to team up with the striker at Birmingham. The former Rangers skipper insisted that Birmingham were his top priority but said he still checked for Rangers results every weekend. He admitted the club will always be important to him. ââ?¬Å?It was time for me to go,ââ?¬Â he admitted. ââ?¬Å?Time for me to make a clean break but listen, I was at the club from eight years old. You always want them to do well.ââ?¬Â Plus video interview: http://sport.stv.tv/sports-centre/161771-full-interview-barry-ferguson-on-his-scotland-regrets-rangers-finances-and-how-he-almost-quit-football/

Rangers Football Club is at the centre of a Ã?£33m takeover bid. A property developer made the offer for the Ibrox side on Monday through his company. The 41-year-old is understood to be leading a consortium to take the boardroom reins of the Scottish Premier League side which is in debt to Lloyds Banking Group to the tune of around Ã?£30m. It is believed the London-based businessman is linked to another wealthy property developer who has made his fortune from deals in the affluent Knightsbridge area of London. The offer was submitted to director Donald Muir, the man whose appointment to the Rangers board last October caused controversy among the club’s supporters. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/rangers-faces-33m-takeover-bid-1.1011501

FFS Monkeyheid, get over it

TONY Mowbray has heaped scorn on the SFA appeals system following Celtic's failure to have Scott Brown's red card in last Sunday's Old Firm match rescinded. n a withering appraisal of the procedure which saw referee Dougie McDonald uphold his decision to send Brown off at Ibrox, the Celtic manager also claimed the real villain of the piece has gone unpunished in the shape of Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty. Mowbray suggested Lafferty was guilty of embellishing his reaction during the off-the-ball clash with Brown which saw the Celtic captain shown a straight red card midway through the second half of the match Rangers won 1-0 to stretch their lead at the top of the SPL to ten points. He also claimed Lafferty, who received no sanction from the referee, had placed Brown "in a headlock" and thrown him to the floor. Mowbray believes the SFA appeals process, which requires the match referee concerned to agree to his decision being re-assessed by an independent review panel, is flawed. He would like to see the appeal system being taken out of the referee's hands, as it is in England where claims of wrongful dismissal go directly to an independent FA regulatory commission which does not allow submissions from either the match officials or clubs involved in an incident. "People talk about an appeal, but did we have an appeal?" asked a bewildered Mowbray. "Who was the appeal to? My frustration is that the same referee who made the decision on the day has had another look at it and the matter is finished. "It doesn't seem much of an appeal. If you appeal something, then you want to do so to an independent body. But that is not the case. "I have watched the incident again and I can't see a sending off. Even if you think I have a level of bias because I work for Celtic, I still can't see a sending off. As a guy who looks at things honestly, I can't see what Scott has done. "People have said to me that it might be a headbutt, but is there a headbutt? The crime of feigning a potential headbutt might be more of a crime than what Scott Brown did. If you honestly believe Scott threw his head towards him (Lafferty) and that his headbutt was a violent act, then fine. I have watched it and I just can't see it. Scott has been flung around (by Lafferty). He was put in a headlock and thrown to the floor. "My disappointment is that the referee has had a look at it again and he thinks he was right. I'm sure you can look at the statistics and see how many appeals have been successful. How many times have the refs decided they got it wrong? "I didn't know the appeals process in Scotland before we went into this. I thought we would appeal, someone would have a look at it and think 'yeah, maybe the referee got that one wrong', without going over the top of the individual and wagging a finger at him. "A club has to pay �£1000 to make an appeal. If you think there are grounds to spend �£1000, you do. You don't want to throw money away. You appeal because there is something to look at. If it gets thrown out by an independent panel then you say 'fine' and move on. It just seems harsh to me that the guy who makes the original decision is then asked to make another decision. My own personal view is that the procedure is not correct at the moment. "I only want a procedure that works and gets us to the right decision. We all know Scott is a hot-headed boy who has done things in the past. But I can't sit here and say he was irresponsible last Sunday." As Celtic's currently fractious relationship with the SFA shows no signs of easing, Mowbray also labelled the outcome of their appeal as "political" in the wake of the controversy over decisions going against the Parkhead club in the previous two Old Firm fixtures this season. "Maybe another decision in a massive Old Firm game not to go Celtic's way would be just a little bit too much," he said. "If it had been upheld, it would have been proven to be a wrong decision, I think. So maybe the political decision was taken that maybe the right decision had been made. "Was there extra pressure on the referee last Sunday? All he has to do is watch the game, see the decisions, make the decisions and nobody is going to question him. But when you watch it back, it is wrong. "In a massive game the whole world is watching, and given what happened in the previous two Old Firm matches, why make such a big decision if you weren't sure of it? If you look back at it, he (McDonald) has got to look through two or maybe three bodies to actually see the incident. "I would have thought when he watched it again that he almost had an out, to say 'listen I saw the boy go down but there were two or three people in my way and having seen it again, I don't think it was a red card'. In my mind, you can't see something that didn't happen. So why come rushing over with your red card out? If you have a doubt, stand there with the players for two minutes, lecture them and show the world you are in charge of the situation." Mowbray will be without the suspended Brown tomorrow when Celtic travel to face a Falkirk side against whom they have already dropped four points in two previous meetings this season. Despite last week's massive setback at Ibrox, however, Mowbray remains defiantly positive about his prospects of ultimate success as Celtic manager. "I think I signed a four-year deal," he said, "and I am here to build a team that can be successful for a long, long period. I want to play expansive football at this club and the people who brought me here bought into that. At times, it can be like a rollercoaster. "This club has to win something every season, it has always been that way. But there are some seasons when it wins everything, some when it wins something and some when it wins nothing. If you don't win anything, do you throw everything out and start again? "The train keeps rolling until you get better opportunities or you are told it is time for a change. I don't make those decisions. But, for me, if you believe in what you are doing, you keep going." http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Tony-Mowbray-says-Lafferty-reaction.6129515.jp

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray says he is bewildered by the Scottish FA's rejection of their appeal against Scott Brown's sending off in the recent Old firm match. Mowbray feels it was a political decision and that the appeals system itself is unfair, as BBC Reporting Scotland's David Currie explains. :spl: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/8552925.stm

I'm sure if the MOPES take up legal action against the SPL, which I very much doubt, then they will compile a much better one than that

Aye, right you are Billy, every decision goes against you chunts http://splwatch.blogspot.com/

MON the Accies, get intae the SHEEP scum

So................Monkyheid who gives a flying fuck what you think ?, Sir Walter is happy with the system and that's all that matters as he is the boss, of the establishment, so if you don't like the rules FUCK OFF HOME

KDS: Meeky Today, 1:26 PM Post #177 Member Avatar Everyone's Fantasy Football first pick [ * * * * * * * ] Posts: 2,060 Group: Members Member #20,233 Joined: 24 June 2008 Another minutes silence before the game, not quite as cynical as the last one right enough. Im sure this one will go smoothly. minute's silence at falkirk Newsroom Staff SUPPORTERS travelling to this Sunday’s match should note that there will be a minute’s silence before the game. The minute's silence prior to the game is in memory of former Falkirk player Jack McAndrew who sadly died recently. http://celticfc.net/news/stories/news_050310113930.aspx

There is a minutes silence before the Falkirk game for an ex Falkirk player, I wonder if the BHEASTS will stay silent ?, I wonder if the BHEASTS will accuse Falkirk of trying to cause trouble by holding the silence ?,or I wonder if it is just when Rangers have a minutes silence for an ex player the BHEASTS find hard to accept ?, or will the BHEASTS just do as they normally do and just shout political things ?.

You're forgetting the mystery end of season tour of Japan that never happened

C'mon now, let's be honest here,it's ok for any other team/players but how can you expect the BHEASTS world class,muti million pound talent to play football on these kind of pitches ? :spl:

I knew you weren't talking about me or Johnny as we are not senior gersnet members

Who could you possibly be talking about Cammy ??

You are scraping the bottom of the barrel now Craig !!

Celtic’s woes increased today as Diomansy Kamara became the latest to join the growing band of injured players. Scott Brown is now suspended for the next three-games after the club lost an appeal against his dismissal during last weekend’s Old Firm game. Thomas Rogne will be out for at least three weeks having damaged a hamstring in that defeat, and Glenn Loovens and Jos Hooiveld are still some way from return to action after hamstring injuries. So the chance to bounce back in Sunday’s SPL game at Falkirk is becoming more challenging by the day. Manager Tony Mowbray is ready to bring Morten Rasmussen and Marc Crosas back in to try and deliver fresh impetus to a championship challenge that suffered a severe blow with Rangers’ injury-time winner last weekend. However, he knows the pain being felt by his players is not all physical, and that it is going to take a supreme mental effort for them to pick themselves up in a game which they could kick off 13 points behind Rangers. Confirmation Kamara had picked up an injury on his return to international duty in Senegal’s 2-0 win over Greece in midweek – his first appearance for his country for two years – summed up the bad luck Celtic are having at the moment. Mowbray said: “Diomansy had to come off after 45 minutes. “I’ve spoken to him on the phone and he’s disappointed and frustrated he has picked up an injury. “I don’t think Glenn or Jos will be ready. They have been out for a while now and we have got to be careful about rushing them back too quickly.” There is still no indication when Shaun Maloney – who has been sidelined with tendonitis since October – might be seen in a Hoops shirt again. He also acknowledged on Channel 67, the club’s web TV service, that no-one at Celtic can afford to dwell on the disappointment of the last week, or be distracted by the controversy over more damaging refereeing decisions. He said: “Whatever controversy, whatever decisions, whether you think went right or wrong and whatever luck went your way or didn’t go, the results in the history books and you’ve got to get on with the job.” * Celtic’s trip to Easter Road next month has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, April 4, with a 1.15pm kick-off and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Falkirk for a draw anyone ??

CELTIC have sparked their second war in two weeks after complaining to the SPL that Falkirk's pitch isn't good enough for them to play on. A Hoops official called the top flight's beaks yesterday afternoon to ask for an independent investigation into the quality of the Bairns' playing surface ahead of Sunday's live TV clash. But last night fuming Falkirk boss Steven Pressley hit back at his old club. And in a thinly-veiled blast he questioned their bottle for the title battle if they needed diversionary tactics to deflect attention from their team. Celtic stoked the fires of last week's Old Firm match by complaining to the SFA over refereeing decisions. The timing of that move sparked outrage - and Falkirk are equally upset. However, Record Sport understands there is no danger of the plug being pulled on the game. Pressley told us: "They are obviously concerned about being able to adapt to the pitch. "I have no concerns about my own players. "Regardless of the condition of the pitch my players will be physically and mentally ready for Sunday's game." It is understood that SPL bosses have already had specialists run the rule over Falkirk's pitch as part of their ongoing grading system. The surface was used in Scotland's Under-21 qualifier with Azerbaijan on Tuesday night. It has been fighting a losing battle with the elements for the past two months and the undersoil heating is constantly on. Match delegates have been marking it down during that spell and that prompted the SPL to look into it. However this process took place BEFORE Celtic made their complaint this week. Angry Bairns officials feel their patch is no worse than Easter Road or Pittodrie. And nowhere near as bad as Fir Park - which has come under heavy fire. That opinion has been backed up by the SPL who - despite raising concerns at its condition - are supporting Falkirk's attempts to nurse it back to health. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/03/05/celtic-spark-new-row-after-complaining-falkirk-s-pitch-isn-t-good-enough-86908-22086878/

I have to disagree with that, we all know he is a limited player, but credit where credit is due he has been a consistent performer in our midfeild when every other player has been out injured or suspended and has came up with crucial goals, C****c away & Hertz away spring to mind, which have helped us maintain our lead at the top of the table.

Where's the match preview ?, who is on it ?.

Champions 3 Boyd 2 ,Miller St Midden 0 :spl:

BUMP!BUMP! http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/predictor/

McCulloch has a very good season for us and it wouldn't surprise anyone if WS starts him on Saturday, however it's all about taking your chances when another player gets injured and Edu certainly did took his chance so WS may just take the opportunity to give Lee a well deserved rest and get Edu playing at the top of his game??,maybe half a game each?

This decision is going down well over on KDS Henrik The King 3 minutes ago Post #190 Member Avatar Easily amused [ * * * * * * * * * * * * ] Posts: 21,665 Group: Snr. Member Member #1,715 Joined: 28 July 2005 From Teh Huddleboard: The gearing up of the latest round of spats between Celtic and the SFA refereeing contingent now seems to be heading towards legal recourse. It seems Celtic have for some time ( last 2 years ) been compiling evidence to challenge the SFA on the grounds of "losses arising from professional negligence & mismanagement and failure of duty of care " This evidence is said to be substantial and includes all correspondence to and from SFA on referee'ing matters, the disciplinary and review panel documnetation, video footage of incidents, and minutes of meeting between Celtic and SFA. Seems someone from Channel 67 has been working full time on pulling all the video evidence together, and the mistakes are also categorised, not only by game, but by individual referee. Whether celtic will have to take the SFA to court still remains to be seen, but this level of effort is unprecedented. Behind the scenes it is thought that Reid is gunning for Peat / Dallas and a few referees et all, and has already taken advice on the legal implications from some of the law lords he is acquainted with. The precedent for legal action has already been set in 1967 when St Johnstone were given the go ahead to legally challenge the SFA. This ruling means that the SFA are not above the law, much as they, UEFA, and FIFA would like you to think. Today will see another chapter evolve.