Many of the national papers where pretty scathing in their assessment of the performance of Scotland's UEFA Cup finalists from last season. The Daily Express, the BBC, The Daily Hun (sorry, Record), the Press and Journal and even English quality broadsheets The Independent, This Is London and The Times got in on the act. If you're not too sensitive about bad language and references to both male and female genitalia, check out the various forums, links are on the left of the page. There's not much more to add, except to read the excellent analysis of the consequences of yesterdays game over at The Scottish Football Blog - it's well worth the effort.
Still on the topic of Lithuania, Vladimir Romanov has been at it again. In his latest mad rant, the Hearts and FBK Kaunas owner lashed out at the injustices done to himself and his club, claiming that Hearts will never win the league because of the actions of the Scottish Mafia. He's half-right there: Hearts will never win the league but not because of the existence - as Romanov insists - of a sinister Cosa Jockstra, but rather because his constant interfering in team affairs has turned Hearts into a completely gash side. Still, he's been so impressed with new manager Csaba Laszlo that he's even considering cutting down the amount of time he meddles about in team affairs, from "all the time" to "most of the time", possibly. Mind you he's said that about every manager whose come through the revolving door at Tynecastle, so the statement itself carries no weight and Csaba should keep his CV up on Monsterboard for a bit longer, just in case.
In other news, the strike threatened by Scotland's top flight referees has been called off - for now. The Scottish Referees Association accepted a temporary increase to £800 per game, though negotiations are still ongoing. For now though, expect your game on Saturday to go ahead.
And speaking of referees, Dundee United manager Craig Levein was up before the SFA yesterday to hear the outcome of his complaint about the way Mike McCurrie handled the game between Rangers and United last season. Levein was angered - and that's putting it mildly - when McCurrie refused to award a clear penalty and then went on to disallow a perfectly good goal (according to Levein). Levein has been fined £5,000 for his troubles, while McCurrie's conduct is rewarded with a 40% pay rise. A tip for Levein: become a top level referee, you'll pay the fine back in a month and a half!
Some friendlies news then to finish off today. Hibernian continued their consistent pre-season form by losing to Wigan Athletic at Easter Road (0-1). The Hibs website has you believing that Mixu's men played well, but they would wouldn't they? We've heard from those at the game that it was another dismal performance, with Mixu sending out his entire squad over the ninety minutes and still losing despite having 22 men on the field (cue laughter).
At least Aberdeen are winning. They beat local powerhouse Inverurie Locos (0-2) at Harlaw Park. Encouraging news for the Aberdeen faithful came in the shape of a return to fitness for Zander Diamond who played the first half before being substituted just after the break. The goals came through summer signings Sammy Stewart and Michael Paton either side of half time.
Celtic play their last pre-season game tonight against Manchester City, no doubt still recovering with sore sides following the result from Lithuania last night.
Ok, that's all for now. If there's anything else we missed out on, leave a comment!
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