Brown could be sidelined for ten weeks
13 Oct 2010 - 16:13:11
Celtic captain Scott Brown may not play again until the festive period because of a metatarsal injury.
It had previously been estimated that the 25-year-old former Hibernian midfielder would only be sidelined for six weeks.
However, a brief statement on the Bhoys' official website read: "Following a visit to see a specialist, it has been confirmed that Scott Brown will not require surgery on his injury.
"The Celtic captain has suffered a stress reaction in the third metatarsal on his right foot. However, with the extra rehabilitation work required, the midfielder is likely to be out for between eight to ten weeks.
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Labels: Brown, could, sidelined, weeks
Brown injury blow for Scotland
06 Oct 2010 - 09:47:05
Celtic midfielder Scott Brown will miss Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic with an ankle injury.
Brown is still troubled by a problem which required two rounds of surgery last season and is not in contention for the first game of an international double header on Friday evening.
The midfielder's injury absence is the latest blow for Scotland manager Craig Levein with the likes of Lee McCulloch, Kevin Thomson and Paul Hartley also absent and Barry Ferguson's recent decision not to come out of international retirement.
However, Levein hopes to have the Celtic captain available for next Tuesday's qualifier against world and European champions Spain.
Speaking about his injury problems, Brown recently explained: "I am not sure what it is but it's sore.
"I get it strapped up and it doesn't bother me on the park. It is just after the games are finished.
"Playing for Scotland means a lot to mean. Every cap could be my last one so I have to go out and make sure I am fully committed.
"We're missing a few experienced midfielders so it is not ideal if I am out as well."
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Labels: Brown, injury, Scotland
Keeper Forster wants Celtic stay
06 Oct 2010 - 13:59:39
On-loan Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has admitted it would be a wrench to return to parent club Newcastle United in January.
The youngster could make a return to the Premier League club with first-choice shot-stopper Steve Harper out injured with a shoulder problem.
Although Dutchman Tim Krul is deputising, the Magpies appear to be light on reinforcements.
But Forster believes it would be in his best interests to remain in Glasgow.
"It's pointless worrying. Football can change in 24 hours but hopefully I can stay. I would be a bit gutted to go back," he said.
"It depends on the circumstances if I go back to play then. Obviously, I am Newcastle's keeper and it is up to them.
"But I want to play week in, week out and sitting on a bench is not something I want. The only way I will progress in my career is if I am out playing in front of big crowds.
"I knew with being in Scotland I couldn't be called back right away when Harps got injured. That is fine by me as I want to be here playing for a massive club. I am exactly where I want to be."
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Labels: Celtic, Forster, Keeper, wants
Celtic lose out
24 Oct 2010 - 17:54:59
100% record goes after being ahead Kenny Miller scored a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm game of the season. They now sit three points clear at the top of the SPL. Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear a Kyle Lafferty header. Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting from the spot 10 minutes later after referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled Light Blues' substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box. While there was no difference between the teams in points going in the game there was a huge difference in their respective experience of Old Firm games. Celtic, starting with the same side which beat Dundee United at Tannadice last week, had six players making their debut in the fixture. Rangers manager Walter Smith, who started the game watching from the stand, made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Valencia at Ibrox in the Champions League in midweek. Midfielder Lee McCulloch returned after injury and Lafferty also came in as Richard Foster and Vladimir Weiss dropped out. All eyes were on referee Collum and it took him only 70 seconds to produce a yellow card for Anthony Stokes, for a crunching challenge on Ibrox defender Sasa Papac. Then, after Steven Whittaker had powered a 20-yard shot off the base of the post, and Steven Naismith had his drive from the rebound blocked, McCulloch was booked for a foul on left back Emilio Izaguirre. In the midst of the initial madness, with bodies falling to the ground all over the pitch, Rangers midfielder Steven Davis tested 'keeper Fraser Foster with an effort from 20 yards. Celtic lost captain Shaun Maloney in the 14th minute with concussion after a clash of heads with Naismith, to be replaced with another Old Firm debutant, Efrain Juarez. On the half-hour mark Davis had another shot, this time on the turn from 16 yards and again Forster dealt with it easily before Izaguirre fired over from the distance at the other end. In the 33rd minute, when McCulloch brought Georgios Samaras tumbling to the ground 30 yards out, the Ibrox bench and supporters held their breath lest Collum reached for another yellow card for the midfielder. However, the referee showed leniency and Ibrox keeper Allan McGregor made a decent save from Ki Sung-yong's free-kick. Just before the interval Ki's corner from the left came off the head of Whittaker and headed for Hooper. The former Scunthorpe striker quickly brought the ball under control and hammered it past Davis, who was guarding the far post. Broadfoot replaced Papac at the break and within three minutes the visitors drew level with the help of Lafferty, who had been sandwiched to win a free-kick. Davis floated the ball in and his Northern Ireland team-mate headed towards goal, with Loovens only helping it in as he tried to clear. The home side were the architects of their own downfall again in the 55th minute when Miller dramatically put Rangers ahead. Forster made a mess of a routine clearance and Naismith quickly tried to put Maurice Edu through with Miller looking to be in an offside position. However, when the ball broke to the former Hoops' striker 16 yards out, he buried his volley low past Forster. More drama arrived in the 65th minute when Collum awarded a penalty to Rangers after Majstorovic brought down Broadfoot in the box, although contact seemed minimal. After the referee brushed aside Celtic complaints Miller drove the spot-kick in off the post. The home side men fought to get a foothold back in the game and McGregor made good saves from Ki and Joe Ledley - but Rangers were happy to see the game out.Celtic: Forster, Izaguirre, Majstorovic, Wilson, Loovens, Ledley, Ki Sung-Yeung, Samaras, Stokes (McCourt 68), Maloney (Juarez 14), HooperSubs not used: Zaluska, Cha Du-Ri, Towell, Twardzik, McGinnBooked: Stokes, Ki Sung-Yeug, SamarasGoal: HooperRangers: McGregor, Weir, Papac (Broadfoot 46), Whittaker, Bougherra, McCulloch, Edu, Davis, Miller (Weiss 79), Lafferty (Beattie 89), NaismithSubs not used: Alexander, Foster, Fleck, HuttonBooked: Bougherra, McCulloch Gals: Loovens (OG) Miller (two)Attendance: 58.874Referee: Collum
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Labels: Celtic
Lennon shares credit for Bhoys award
02 Oct 2010 - 12:26:10
Celtic's Neil Lennon shared the credit around after being named as the SPL Manager of the Month for September.
The Bhoys have won all six of their league games to date, including three out of three last month.
Lennon told the club's official website: "I'm pleased, but it's a reflection on the work that not just myself, but my backroom staff have done.
"It's also a reflection on the players as well, on their efforts so far. We've got good players and everyone has made a contribution in a positive way.
"There have been no players who have let us down, not just the players who were already in the squad, but also the ones who've come in. We're very pleased with their contribution so far."
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Labels: award, Bhoys, credit, Lennon, shares
Ki defiant after Old Firm setback
26 Oct 2010 - 18:00:28
Ki Sung-yueng believes Rangers are not any better than Celtic despite the Hoops going down 3-1 to their Old Firm rivals in their first meeting of the season at Parkhead on Sunday.
Both teams went into the match with 100% records in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but it was the visitors who drew first blood to take them three points clear at the top but the South Korea midfielder believes Celtic were the architects of their own downfall and claims they can make up for the disappointment when they travel to Ibrox on January 2.
"The atmosphere was amazing. I had never felt anything like it before, it was a very good experience," he said.
"We scored the first goal and then for 15 minutes in the second half there was a lack of concentration.
"But I don't think that they are better than us. We just made some mistakes and it was unfortunate that we lost because of mistakes.
"It was the first Old Firm experience for some of our players and so maybe when we go to Ibrox the next time we will be stronger.
"If we play the way we played in the eight games before Sunday and we don't panic when we go there, I think we can win."
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Labels: after, defiant, setback
Rangers game not decisive - Majstorovic
23 Oct 2010 - 16:31:39
Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic has played down the significance of Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead.Hoops boss Neil Lennon has yet to lose a league game since taking over from Tony Mowbray in March, while the Ibrox men are unbeaten in three competitions this season, including three games in the Champions League.However, the Sweden international, who will be one of several Celtic players making their Old Firm debut, said: "I don't think this game will decide anything in the league. It will be a psychological boost but I don't think it will change too much."But, of course, if you win the game you are three points ahead and that's always good."We are playing against a very good Rangers side, who have had a very good run in the Champions League as well as in the SPL. We have quality, they have quality, so it will be tough."
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Labels: decisive, Majstorovic, Rangers
Lennon hopes officials stay
26 Oct 2010 - 17:30:35
Neil Lennon hopes Steven Craven is not the first of many officials to walk away from the game amid the current climate of inference and innuendo which also saw Old Firm referee Willie Collum receive threats following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead.
The news on Tuesday morning that Collum had answered a number of threatening phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home afterwards came the day after assistant referee Craven resigned after being caught up, along with referee Dougie McDonald, in a furore over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United last week.
"I'm sorry to hear that the linesman resigned and we are still waiting to hear the reasons why," he said.
"I don't want to see anybody losing their job. They do it for the love of the game for a start.
"Every season seems to bring an increasing amount of pressure, not just on referees, but on managers and players because of the spotlight they are under.
"I don't want to see them (officials) walking away from the game when they have worked so hard to get in to that position. But all we want is the big decisions to be called right.
"I think we have a decent relationship with the SFA but if you get an incident like last week, very high profile and controversial, we are within our rights to ask questions as to what went wrong and why the decision was changed. That's all.
"I was asked a question about the penalty decision on Sunday and I gave an honest answer.
"I think the majority of people would have agreed with me that it shouldn't' have been a penalty. Maybe (the relationship with the SFA will become frosty) but all we are looking for is clarification."
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Labels: hopes, Lennon, officials
Stokes hopes for long Bhoys stay
01 Sep 2010 - 12:33:41
Anthony Stokes is hoping to establish himself in the Celtic first team after completing his transfer from Hibernian to Parkhead on a four-year contract.
Despite only being 22, Stokes has already played for Arsenal, Falkirk, Sunderland, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Hibs and accepts it is now time for him to settle down.
He told his new club's official website: "I'm delighted to get the deal all done and dusted. The last few days have been hectic and I'm now looking forward to getting into it and playing games.
"I'm hoping I can get one or two contracts here and really settle down for a long time because I'm enjoying myself in Scotland and the people up here are great, so for me it couldn't have been a better move.
"It's hard to settle when you're going to clubs on loan for two or three months at a time. It's hard to get into your stride and into your football so a few years here will give me some stability and something to focus on.
"The main thing for me is to keep my head down, work my socks off and get myself into the team and I'm sure the goals will take care of themselves after that."
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Labels: Bhoys, hopes, Stokes
Celtic V Rangers - Follow LIVE text commentary
24 Oct 2010 - 12:45:00
Celtic V Rangers
Follow every kick as Celtic take on Rangers in the Scottish Premier
on 24-Oct-2010, kick off time 12:45
Celtic v Rangers Live
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Labels: Celtic, commentary, Follow, Rangers
Celtic's Brown faces six-week lay-off
08 Oct 2010 - 14:52:05
Celtic have revealed that Scott Brown will be sidelined until at least the end of November with a broken metatarsal.
The 25-year-old former Hibernian midfielder was forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad earlier this week with the problem.
The Bhoys confirmed in a statement on their official website: "Following scans, it has been found that Scott has suffered a stress reaction in the third metatarsal on his right foot.
"Investigations are ongoing but it is likely that Scott will, unfortunately, be out for a period of six weeks.
"However, this could potentially be longer, though the club will only know after Scott sees a specialist next Tuesday."
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Labels: Brown, Celtics, faces, layoff, sixweek
Samaras in clear over McGregor incident
25 Oct 2010 - 15:37:56
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras will not be punished by the Scottish Football Association following an incident with Allan McGregor in Sunday's Old Firm derby.There was speculation Samaras could be in trouble after appearing to clash with the Rangers goalkeeper during the match at Celtic Park.McGregor, himself, was recently given a retrospective ban for aiming a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire.However, the incident with Samaras was deemed not to be violent conduct.The laws of the game state: "A player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball."
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Labels: clear, incident, McGregor, Samaras
Referee targeted after Old Firm clash
26 Oct 2010 - 10:07:32
Old Firm referee Willie Collum received a number of threatening phone calls following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead, the Scottish Football Association have confirmed.The 31-year-old made his debut in the fixture and was criticised by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the 3-1 win for the visitors.The official reportedly answered a number of phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".It is understood that Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home.SFA spokesman Darryl Broadfoot told the Daily Record: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday night, one of which was taken by his wife. This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
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Labels: after, clash, Referee, targeted
Gers claim Old Firm bragging rights
24 Oct 2010 - 17:32:55
Kenny Miller grabbed a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm encounter of the season 3-1 and go three points clear at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Hoops defender Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear Kyle Lafferty's header.Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting a penalty 10 minutes later after Old Firm debut referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box.It was a statement of intent from the champions, who extended their winning run in the league to nine games while at the same time ending their bitter rivals' winning run in the SPL this season.While there was no difference between the teams in points going in the game there was a huge difference in their respective experience of Old Firm games, with Celtic handing six players their debuts in the fixture.
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Labels: bragging, claim, rights
Craven resigns over Celtic furore
25 Oct 2010 - 20:04:51
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has announced the resignation of assistant referee Steven Craven as the fall-out to Celtic's controversial 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at Dundee United continued.
Regan today met to discuss the events of the October 17 match with Hugh Dallas, the SFA's head of referee development, as well as the fixture's referee, Dougie McDonald, and Craven, his assistant on the day.
Following the meeting at Hampden Park, Regan said: "I can confirm that I have met with the relevant match officials and members of the referee departments regarding the events that occurred during the recent Clydesdale Bank Premier League match between Dundee United and Celtic. I can also confirm that Steven Craven has tendered his resignation and will no longer officiate in the professional game."
Regan added: "I hope to conclude the investigation within the next 48 hours and will make further comment at that time."
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven. Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Celtic boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out continued all last week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven was reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since the fixture, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse. The official's resignation was anticipated and it was confirmed on Monday.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, something which was exemplified ahead of Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead by Celtic boss Lennon appealing to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
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Labels: Celtic, Craven, furore, resigns
Brown nets as Bhoys win again
25 Sep 2010 - 17:13:21
Former Hibernian midfielder Scott Brown opened the scoring as Celtic maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign by beating John Hughes' team 2-1 at Parkhead.
Brown rifled a fantastic 25-yard shot into the top corner of the net in the opening minutes before Glenn Loovens made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Derek Riordan halved the deficit three minutes later, but Neil Lennon's side deserved their sixth win of the campaign.
Hamilton threw away a two-goal lead when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kilmarnock. Flavio Paixo gave Accies a 15th-minute lead and Nigel Hasselbaink doubled their advantage seven minutes before the interval.
However, Killie hit back to salvage a point from the match thanks to late efforts by Jamie Hamill and Conor Sammon.
Eric Odhiambo scored twice as Inverness won 2-1 at rock-bottom St Mirren. Paul McGowan's 77th-minute goal was not enough for the Buddies.
Motherwell are third after winning 2-0 at Hearts - Nick Blackman and John Sutton scoring second-half goals for Craig Brown's Steelmen, while David Goodwillie's 61st minute goal proved to be enough for Dundee United to edge past St Johnstone 1-0.
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Labels: again, Bhoys, Brown
Celtic seek clarification
26 Oct 2010 - 14:30:26
Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic have written to the Scottish Football Association for the second week in a row seeking clarification on a refereeing decision.The Hoops boss was incensed that Old Firm debutant referee Willie Collum awarded Rangers a penalty at Parkhead on Sunday when defender Daniel Majstorovic clashed with Kirk Broadfoot.Kenny Miller scored from the spot to give the Light Blues a 3-1 win in what was Celtic's first Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat of the season.Lennon was similarly puzzled last week in the game against Dundee United at Tannadice when referee Dougie McDonald rescinded a penalty award for Celtic when the game was balanced at 1-1, although the visitors went on to win 2-1.The former Parkhead skipper, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, said: "There has been correspondence. We are asking for clarification on the (penalty) decision."We want to see the referee's report and we want clarification on last week's decision as well. It's not sour grapes, we just want an explanation for what we feel are strange decisions going against us."
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Labels: Celtic, clarification
Somethings gotta give
24 Oct 2010 - 09:54:08
Both Celtic and Rangers have straight 'A's this season but that can't continue today Daryl Murphy will miss today's home game against Rangers with an ankle injury that will keep him out for the next three or four weeks. James Forrest's ankle injury will also see him miss the game but Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Thomas Rogne (calf) have been back in training and in contention. Neil Lennon believes his Celtic side have their "tails up". He has been in charge for 16 unbeaten SPL games since taking over from Tony Mowbray in March and his team enjoyed what he described as their best performance of the season, the 2-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice last week. Lennon is pleased by the way his squad, many of whom he recruited in the summer, have gelled together and claims they are in prime condition ahead of the visit from their rivals. He said: "I think it's as good as it gets from where we started from. We have a lot of new players who have to get used to the culture and environment of Scottish football and I think they have coped very well with that. They are playing some good stuff and they were excellent against Dundee United last week. I couldn't have asked any more from them in terms of a team performance and an attacking performance. So the tails are up, there is a wee bit of excitement about this game and the players are looking forward to it. We have gone about things as normal this week but we have worked on a few different things and ways we think we can exploit Rangers.'' Walter Smith has both Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch back in contention for a place today. Broadfoot has been out with a bruised foot, while McCulloch has been suffering from a groin injury. They both had to sit out the midweek draw with Valencia in the Champions League. Steven Naismith insists there is no danger of fatigue being a problem despite having the more gruelling schedule. Rangers were forced to come through a difficult Champions League game against Valencia in midweek, their third European tie of the season so far. Naismith said: "On paper, you would say they are going to be much fresher with one game a week. But, with the run we're on, we have shown in the last two Champions League games we are capable of coming back and putting in good performances and getting good results. I don't think it will be a major factor on Sunday. If you are a player and you can't get up for an Old Firm game, you shouldn't really be playing football. We have shown in the games after the European competition that we do go to the final whistle and we will definitely be up for this game.'' Rangers - like Celtic - have yet to drop a single point in the league and Naismith's view were echoed by his manager. Smith said: "I don't think there will be any problems in terms of motivation. I always say it is more mental than physical, the tiredness aspect of it. Both teams will be confident.''
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Labels: gotta, Somethings
Team lineups: Celtic v Rangers 24 Oct 2010
24 Oct 2010 - 12:27:00
Confirmation of the starting eleven and substitutes named for today's early kick-off at home to Rangers. Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier, Sunday, 24th October 2010 @ 12:45 CelticvRangers Starting Line-ups 26 Forster12 Wilson22 Loovens5 Majstorovic3 Izaguirre18 Ki16 Ledley13 Maloney88 Hooper10 Stokes9 Samaras Substitutes 11 Cha14 McGinn31 Towell4 Juárez56 Twardzik20 McCourt24 Zaluska Starting Line-ups 1 McGregor3 Weir24 Bougherra5 Papac16 Whittaker7 Edu8 Davis6 McCulloch14 Naismith9 Miller11 Lafferty Substitutes 25 Alexander4 Broadfoot12 Foster41 Hutton20 Weiss10 Fleck19 Beattie
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Labels: Celtic, lineups, Rangers
Regan 'set for crunch talks'
23 Oct 2010 - 21:30:46
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has convened a meeting with the SFA's head of referee development, to discuss the events of last Sunday's Dundee United versus Celtic game which has led to assistant referee Steven Craven reportedly set to resign.
Regan will meet with Hugh Dallas and the referee from Tannadice, Dougie McDonald, at Hampden on Monday afternoon.
While Craven, his assistant on the day is also expected to be invited along.
With the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on Tayside level at 1-1, McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty then controversially changed his mind after consulting with Craven.
Despite scoring a last-gasp winner through Gary Hooper, Parkhead boss Neil Lennon was furious at the referee's U-turn and the fall-out has continued all week.
Dallas made a statement applauding McDonald for arriving at the "right decision in the end" but Craven is reportedly angry that it was not made clear that, contrary to perception, he did not instigate the discussion with McDonald.
It was reported that since Sunday, Craven has been the victim of threatening remarks with his teenage sons suffering verbal abuse and consequently the referee is believed to be ready to quit, although no letter of resignation has yet been received by Dallas.
It is believed there is growing concern among the refereeing fraternity about the increasingly stressful conditions in which they are being asked to perform, exemplified by Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead where Celtic boss Lennon appealed to Willie Collum, making his debut in the fixture, to "get the big decisions right".
While officials will accept criticism for major mistakes, there is real concern not only about the forensic examination of decisions, but the current climate of innuendo and inference about agendas and bias which pose possible safety fears for them and their families.
Last month Dallas had to dissuade referee Brian Winter from quitting the game following his failure to send off Steven Anderson at Tannadice, despite showing the St Johnstone defender two yellow cards in the game against Dundee United.
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Labels: crunch, Regan, talks
Maloney at the double for Bhoys
02 Oct 2010 - 17:10:55
Celtic made it seven wins out of seven in the SPL as they came from behind to win 3-1 at home to Hamilton Academical thanks to a Shaun Maloney double and a clincher from Gary Hooper.
Mark McLaughlin netted after just three minutes for the Accies, but Maloney scored once in both halves to hand the Bhoys the lead, before Hooper made certain.
Rangers needed a last-gasp Steven Naismith goal to maintain their 100 per cent record, with the Scotland forward's strike securing a 2-1 victory at Hearts in the lunchtime kick-off.
Rudi Skacel had early opened the scoring for the home side, before Kyle Lafferty levelled ten minutes from time.
Inverness Caley Thistle took the honours in the Highlands derby with Aberdeen, as goals from Jonathan Hayes and Adam Rooney gave the home side a 2-0 triumph.
Motherwell beat St Mirren 3-1 at Fir Park, with the loss keeping the visitors at the foot of the table, while goals from David Goodwillie and Jon Daly gave Dundee United a 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock - with Conor Sammon netting a late consolation.
Late goals from Liam Craig and Marcus Haber deepened the gloom for Hibernian as they lost 2-0 at St Johnstone.
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Labels: Bhoys, double, Maloney
Lennon warned of Rangers threat
25 Oct 2010 - 08:04:56
Neil Lennon revealed he warned his players at half-time in Sunday's 3-1 Old Firm defeat by Rangers at Parkhead not to write off their Old Firm rivals.
The Hoops led after Gary Hooper slammed in from close range in first-half injury time following a Ki Sung-Yueng corner. However, Glenn Loovens' own goal three minutes in to the second half cancelled that out and Kenny Miller volleyed Rangers ahead before adding a third with a controversial penalty.
"We said to them at half-time that Rangers might score at any time so stay in the game and stick to what you were doing in the first half," Lennon said.
"I felt we were getting better as the first half went on and then we got the goal.
"We gave them all the warnings but we invited pressure for no apparent reason whatsoever at the second goal and goals change the psychology of games although I thought the third one was a soft penalty.
"It was a bad day. There will be regrets in the dressing room and some players will feel that they didn't do themselves justice.
"Inexperienced mistakes from experienced players cost us but hopefully the players will learn, take that on board and make sure they don't make the same mistakes again."
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Labels: Lennon, Rangers, threat, warned
Murphy misses out
23 Oct 2010 - 14:01:58
Celtic striker Daryl Murphy will miss the Old Firm clash against Rangers at Parkhead with an ankle injury that will keep him out for the next three or four weeks.James Forrest's ankle injury keeps him sidelined for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixture but Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Thomas Rogne (calf) are back in training and in contention.Captain Scott Brown (ankle) and Beram Kayal (hernia) are out long-term.
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Labels: misses, Murphy
Question marks over Maloney
26 Oct 2010 - 16:30:27
Shaun Maloney is a doubt for Celtic's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.The Hoops skipper came off early in first half against Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday after taking a bang on the eye and manager Neil Lennon will assess him after training on Tuesday.James Forrest's ankle injury keeps him sidelined but Charlie Mulgrew has recovered from a hamstring complaint and Thomas Rogne is back in training following a calf injury, though he will not be ready until the weekend.
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Labels: Maloney, marks, Question
Lennon warned of Rangers threat
25 Oct 2010 - 08:04:56
Neil Lennon revealed he warned his players at half-time in Sunday's 3-1 Old Firm defeat by Rangers at Parkhead not to write off their Old Firm rivals.
The Hoops led after Gary Hooper slammed in from close range in first-half injury time following a Ki Sung-Yueng corner. However, Glenn Loovens' own goal three minutes in to the second half cancelled that out and Kenny Miller volleyed Rangers ahead before adding a third with a controversial penalty.
"We said to them at half-time that Rangers might score at any time so stay in the game and stick to what you were doing in the first half," Lennon said.
"I felt we were getting better as the first half went on and then we got the goal.
"We gave them all the warnings but we invited pressure for no apparent reason whatsoever at the second goal and goals change the psychology of games although I thought the third one was a soft penalty.
"It was a bad day. There will be regrets in the dressing room and some players will feel that they didn't do themselves justice.
"Inexperienced mistakes from experienced players cost us but hopefully the players will learn, take that on board and make sure they don't make the same mistakes again."
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Labels: Lennon, Rangers, threat, warned
Referee targeted after Old Firm tie
26 Oct 2010 - 09:34:47
Old Firm referee Willie Collum received a number of threatening phone calls following Sunday's Glasgow derby at Parkhead, the Scottish Football Association have confirmed.
The 31-year-old made his debut in the fixture and was criticised by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the 3-1 win for the visitors. The official reportedly answered a number of phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".
It is understood that Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home and SFA spokesman Darryl Broadfoot told the Daily Record: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday night, one of which was taken by his wife."
Broadfoot added: "This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
The incident can only de-motivate further the several top officials who are believed to be considering their futures due to the intense scrutiny they are being placed under.
Assistant referee Steven Craven resigned on Monday after being caught up in a furore over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United last week.
Meanwhile, Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby hit out at his players' performance against Rangers, telling the Scottish Sun: "I was disappointed with how we lost the initiative in the second half.
"It was almost like boys against men in the second half. Rangers were very effective, but we did not get a shot on target in the second half."
Mjallby, however, refused to single out any of his players, saying: "We do not comment on individuals.
"We win and lose as a team, but we gave away goals - and the match - too cheaply."
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