Defending champions Celtic get their season off to a winning start with a hard fought 1-0 victory over St. Mirren at Parkhead. The goal came from a controversial penalty in the 64th minute, taken by Barry Robson, for which St. Mirren defender Will Haining was sent off. Before the game, Rosemary Burns, widow of Celtic legend Tommy Burns, was present to unfurl the Championship flag in front of the 57,000 people packed into the stadium for Celtic's first game of the season. St. Mirren play Kilmarnock next while Celtic are way to Dundee United.
Sorry to contradict your post there was nothing controversial about the penalty. Will Hanning tugged back Hesselink in the box and was then brought down - thats an immediate penalty - take a look at the recent EURO 2008 game when the ref awarded a penalty against Poland for pulling in the box. It was a clear cut penalty and Hanning as last man should have walked and did walk. Celtic also had another equal shout for a penalty disregarded by the referee after Howard i nthe buddies goal brought down Hesselink in the box - the goalie got nowhere near the ball and although the ball seemed to be going out Hesselink could have still reached that - a clear goal scoring opportunity also but as there was another defender close by then it would have just been a yellow. The scoreline might make you think that it was a tight affair but in actual fact it wasn't. Celtic dominated the play except for a few minutes here and there. Unlike Falkirk yesterday who went out and attacked Rangers, St. Mirren did a Rangers playing all 11 men behind the ball and then punted it up field now and again to launch a couple of attacks. Except for one shot from St. Mirren Celtic were comfortable at the back. Celtic could have had more goals if it wasn't for some players McGeady included trying to walk the ball into the net.
ReplyDeleteAs for the referee he got a handful of decisions right including the Hesselink penalty decision, however he got far more wrong or blatantly blanked good shouts for celtic and st.mirren at times also. 800 quid??? not worth 80 quid on that performance.
Many people thought that Hesselink was doing a fair share of tugging himself, if you pardon the expression. And 800 quid, I agree, it's ridiculous to think that they'll be getting 1000 next season. How did the support react to Rosemary Burns? Did she say anything at all?
ReplyDeleteRosemary Burns didn't say anything think it would have been too much for her in all honesty. Reid actually made a heartfelt speech to her and the family that Celtic will never forget Tommy and the family that they will always be in celtic's heart etc. The fans gave her a brilliant welcome and even more so when she unfurled the flag. Celtic also played Mack the Knife over the tannoy sung by Tommy Burns actually and afterwards it was given one of the loudest cheers that day.
ReplyDeleteI was to late to see that match; hoped Celtic won; as they did :)
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