Jeff Winter-We're Haing A Party

[ian1964 10,563]

I have seen a couple of Old Firm games at Hampden and several at Ibrox, but until Tuesday evening I had never been to one at Parkhead. The day did not start well, computer problems wasted an hour, and then my travelling companion Geoff thought I had said a 1.30pm meet and not 1.00pm as agreed.

 

Anyway the tosser turned up at 1.40pm. The day could only get better. We shot up and were checked into the hotel by 4.15. Thinking that we were probably not going to eat until after the game, Geoff had eaten for most of the journey. It was then decided we were going for a meal pre match and obviously a couple of beers to wash it down.

 

On the way to meet Scott and Stan for a very good Italian, we popped into Buchannan Galleries. There is an excellent stand in there that does 'Legends' tee shirts. He got the 'Davie Cooper' one and I plumped for the 'Simply the Best' Baxter, Laudrop and Cooper one.

 

As is usual when with the boys everything seems to be last minute. Having travelled a couple of hundred miles, the game is the be all and end all for me, but at 6.45 we are still polishing off sweet in central Glasgow. A very swift walk to the car park at St.Enoch�s followed and then some 'Lewis Hamilton' type driving got us near to the ground. Well when I say near, we parked in some estate about a mile or so away from the stadium.

 

I have never been to any league game and seen so many coaches for the away side, made all the more incredible by the fact that the game was in the same city as the home team. It was obvious that for security reasons the fans approach the ground from their own sides.

 

But even on a night game it was amazing to see where the coaches had come from. One was from Devon, a journey that I have been complaining that I have to make this Sunday. These guys probably make it every game. For once we got to the ground before the Leven boys. Good to keep them waiting, mind you they would not have been stuck with out tickets, as Rangers fans were walking round without the priceless piece of paper. Bucket gave me stick for having a go at him in the article 'Champions Again'. Once again Scott had done the business and for �£38 I had the ticket for the 'party'.

 

During my many years I have seen hundreds, indeed probably thousands, of games and I have refereed virtually every big derby game in England. As I said earlier I have experienced the OF atmosphere, but never have I witnessed anything like this night as 7,000 Bears had the party to end all parties.

 

The result in Celtic�s Cup Final could have been better, but nothing was going to spoil the occasion. The fans conducted non-stop singing from before the game until long after the final whistle. Song after song was sang with gusto and the terracing literally did bounce.

 

The early in jury to 'Shagger' I am sure affected the outcome of the game. Alexander appeared nervous and both goals could have been avoided. Mind you after the Alamo, had Rangers got off at half-time level it would have been a result. The second half was much better and Rangers were very unfortunate not to get a point.

 

In fairness the ref did not do too badly, keeping the lid on a game that teetered on the edge throughout. Tackles were flying in and the inevitable sending off came much later than I had earlier anticipated. Lee McCulloch was unwise to launch himself into a challenge having already been booked, but McGeady did not help matters by deliberately going to ground without any contact having been made. I hope that he is proud of himself!

 

Boruc, having incurred the usual stick from the travelling fans, bit big time. He appeared to spit on the ground at the Rangers fans as he was substituted and then perhaps lived up to his description as he fondled himself after the match. Pity he went off actually as he would probably not have got to the deflected shot that the sub keeper made an excellent save from.

 

So Lennon got his victory and I, like most Rangers fans, would be happy to see him get the job. He provides an excellent 'hate' figure and also it would mean that he does not join 'Chesney' as a coach at Boro.

 

I don�t think I have ever left a ground having watched my side get beaten in such a relaxed manner. Okay the result was important from a pride point of view, but I had witnessed a party, celebrating number 53 and two in a row. Next season I am sure that there will be more at stake on the outcome of the games and I am sure that Rangers fans will help create a similar atmosphere.

 

Well that�s it for this season. I am up in Glasgow on Sunday night for the Scottish Football Writers Dinner as a guest of my horse racing buddie Fraser, but can�t drive the 476 miles from Bideford Football club in time for the lunchtime kick off at Ibrox.

 

Perth races in a few weeks time promises to be a good weekend especially as a night out with the Leven boys is included in the trip. No doubt this article will provoke the usual responses from cowardly, fictitious emails from 'IRA', 'Gerry Adams' and 'Billy King', but FUCK them all. Freedom of speech, that�s what our brave soldiers gave their lives for.

 

Sincere thanks to Scott and the boys from Buckhaven and Methil Rangers Supporters Club, not only for getting me tickets but for their friendship and loyalty. I have enjoyed speaking at numerous dinners and events and look forward to many more in the future.

 

http://www.jeffwinterentertainmentandmedia.co.uk/rangers/0910006.php

[ian1964 10,563]

CELTIC last night demanded an apology from ex-ref Jeff Winter after he called Aiden McGeady a "cheating b******" and branded Neil Lennon a hate figure.

 

The former Premiership whistler, a Rangers fan, spoke out on his wesbite after attending Tuesday's Old Firm game.

 

Record Sport was inundated with calls from angry Celtic fans about an article on Jeff Winter; the Ref Fights Back in which he described Celtic Park as "The Glitter Dome" - a reference to the abuse scandal at Celtic Boys' Club.

 

Regarding McGeady, Winter said: "Lee McCulloch was unwise to launch himself into a challenge having already been booked but the cheating b****** McGeady did not help matters by deliberately going to ground without any contact being made."

 

Later in the article Winter added: "So Lennon got his victory and I, like most Rangers fans, would be happy to see him get the job. He provides an excellent 'hate' figure and also it would mean he does not join Chesney (Gordon Strachan) at Middlesbrough."

 

Winter later removed the comments from his website but that didn't stop Celtic expressing their fury.

 

A Parkhead spokesman said: "For someone involved recently in professional football and who speaks on various media out lets, t his is disappointing and irresponsible. Celtic will be seeking an immediate apology."

 

Winter, 55, also had a dig at Artur Boruc, saying: "Boruc incurred the usual stick from the travelling fans, but big time.

 

"He appeared to spit on the ground at the Rangers fans as he was substituted and then perhaps lived up to his description as he fondled himself after the match."

 

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/05/08/celtic-fury-at-ex-premiership-ref-jeff-winter-s-internet-slurs-on-club-after-old-firm-clash-86908-22243250/

 

 

 

ALL ABOARD THE OFFENDED BUS

Edited May 8, 2010 by ian1964

[andy steel 0]

Grooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnn

 

Sun's splitting the heavens, I've had a nice day in the nice weather, looking forward to a chicken dinner, swift check of gersnet to see the news and what do we get...........if 'they' can find a way into the EPL I will personally drive every single one of them down there, if it means we don't have to listen to this sort of whining anymore. I'm really sick of it.

 

GROW UP!!!

[maineflyer 0]

More excellent stuff from Mr Winter. How come being a cheating bastart is now a sectarian matter?

[H1ndy 0]

im really starting to like this guy, been reading his articles from the past few months and they a very good read. was shocked when i found out he was a bear.

 

why hasn�t there been a witch hunt on mcgeady like there was with lafferty.

 

mcgeady a diving little bassa

[Gazza_8 233]

So are Celtic saying that McGeady never dived?

 

Give me a fuckin' break!