Mick Mac

Well that's a very broad view EC, that noone would disagree with. But when you get a European Cup Winning captain coming out and saying what he has said this week you know the view is deep seated. And you can't argue that his comments are sour grapes having won 9 titles in a row and a european cup - But he still thinks some referees were out to get Celtic. I know what it looks like to other football fans, but I'm interested that Celtic have made the move to take this to the level that they have done. I find that quite surprising.

"People by and large become what they think about themselves" I read this recently. Any psychologists out there agree with this?

I don't think its teasing so much as you are just not in the slightest bit interested. But its a big issue for Celtic.

So Keef, do you believe there should be no action against a referee who admits to lying in his match report? On the wider refereeing issue, most people will see this as Celtic creating a storm in a tea cup. Or whinging about referees being biased against them. Which Celtic fans have been complaining about for decades. I'm not sure what Celtic's agenda is here - I'm not sure I agree with the approach either. It prompts people to think its some sort of sour grapes. I don't know if at a high level in the club they believe there is some underlying unfairness and they are using these two incidents, the McDonald one in particular to highlight a wider belief. But its a big step for the top man at a club to meet with the SFA over this type of issue.

I'm not sure he will resign or whether I want him to, but referees have to above dishonesty and there will be a question mark over whether he is trusted in the future. You can't construct a lie and put it in your referees report and expect not to be questioned. Maybe a suspension would be best.

Keef Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Basically agree with what you're saying Mick, it > may not be fair. However, if people have entered > in to a contract, and then it is torn up, they > have a right to be p!ssed about it. Yes I agree - but in the private sector your contract would not be amended, you would more likely just be made redundant.

Have just had a listen Keef - sounds excellent. Very enthusiastic lead singer too.

Keef Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Personally, I can see both sides of this argument, > but what shocks me here is the apparent ill > feeling towards public sector workers! > > Just for the record, most public sector workers > probably didn't make their career choices because > they thought it would be nice and easy, and they'd > get a nice pension payed for by those mugs in the > private sector. The public sector is for everyone but likewise its a drain on everyones finances to the extent that it is too big for purpose. Which is where we are now. A leaner public sector and the costs that go with it are acceptable to most people. As for pensions - this rightly gets peoples backs up as a huge proportion of what we pay in taxes will be needed to deal with the public sector pensions. The disparity bewtween public sector and private sector pensions is already huge, and private sector workers dont see why their public sector equivalents get a pension which would be completely unaffordable if they were to have to fund this themselves (as private sector employees do). I don't think people need 2/3 of their final salary indexed linked as a pension. Its far too generous. When you are constantly asked to pay more and more in taxes it does get your back up - yes. The public sector pensions needs a compelte new approach. In the interest of "fairness", the current buzzword.

Blackberry is norm for us but if its not cool enough for you the firm will allow you to buy your own iphone and the firm pays the contract.

Keef - "Until they start using TV replays, refs will get things wrong." FIFA seem dead against it during games but I thought the Eduardo investigation was a missed opportunity. I just can't see it happening real time.

You will never get anywhere with bans for diving Keef - as was proved with the Arsenal overturning the Eduardo position, it is so difficult to prove. UEFA had an opportunity there to help the game but the big clubs and their lawyers are too strong. My view is that referees go to their whistle too easily and this offers players an opportunity to try their luck. The best referees for me are the ones who generally give fewer penalties. If a player goes down easily or there is any doubt, don't give them a goal as a reward.

Keef Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > I doubt there is a person on here who could claim > that their team has no players who basically cheat > at times. All teams cheat. But its rather inappropriate for other referees to suggest that we should blame players and not referees for incorrect penalty decisions. That seems defeatist to me - referees should seek to improve their performance and their profession generally, not seek, as a unit, to absolve themselves from blame. When you add to that Referees and assistants being charged with and admitting to having been dishonest is their after match reports it is a bad week for the refereeing profession. Hope that point is clear now. Or do I have to state it again.

I think you are missing the point. The point is not whether it was a correct decision - its that the Referee and Linesman agreed to lie to the referee supervisor and the Celtic manager after the match and have been reprimanded. Not good for referees. On the Broadfoot dive - Again you are missing the point - the point here is you have a former top referee saying you should blame the player and not the referee for the penalty deision if the player dives - The point is where do the referees take responsibility for their decisions.

SCSB79 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The way it's been explained as the > ref/lino/SFA have now said, is where the problem > lies. It was a referee and linesman agreeing to lie to a Manager about their decision. That is what it was. Together with the former referee Kenny Clark stating openly that Kirk Broadfoot dived in the Old Firm match, and that the referee should not be blamed for the wrong decision, you wonder what we are supposed to expect of referees. I'm not one to usually join in referee bashing to be honest and I can usually understand honest mistakes and how difficult ther job is, but its getting beyond a joke, both north and south of the border. Penalty decisions generally and Clattenburg type decisions are key to results of games in that they result in goals to teams that don't deserve them based upon what has happended immediately beforehand. These decisions get people frustrated.

Good response to that hibbs.... Have you ever tried the internet for questons of that type?

6 babies - I expect we pay for their rent.....and probably their pensions too.

Yes, that is crazy.....

You can call that your joker :)

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Predictable I know, but I'm not putting my nuts in > any fooking fire I think your wife might think its a good idea. You need to stop procreating eventually quids.

hibbs Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Shivers...I'm reducing my alcohol intake to only 2 > days per week in November :-( oooh - that is good Hibbs - would that be Friday and Saturday per chance? Melvin Bragg has admitted a liking for alcohol and as a result he does not drink for the first 7 days of every month as a self regulation technique.

giggirl Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I give up booze at least once a year personally - > no particular reason. I just like to go for > amonth without. Exactly - there is no deep lying reason or major concern, but I feel good about it afterwards. In the second half of November we can meet for an orange ! and talk about the Boss, I know you like him.

I am testing my non drinking capabilities. A boring exercise in self discipline. I have a minor beer gut.

Marmora Man Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > on average, there's no financial benefit from > attending many universities. Attending a top > university will probably pay dividends - in two > ways. One the degree will be highly regarded and > therefore ease the way into a top job, two - the > student will network with other bright young > things who will, in due course, be at the top end > of their careers and well placed to assist each > other. > Agreed on all of that MM. Spot on for me. Unfortunatley Labour thought more and more education was good for all, but it was just more of the same for some and another expense for the taxpayer, more debt for the individual and less certainty for the employer who can no longer differentiate between qualifications.

The annual non drinking festivities start tomorrow. Anyone wants to join, please join in the fun. :( PS: [*opens last beer.....*] Edited once to add PS and two to add stars...

SCSB79 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- the linesman > who (rightly) told the ref to over turn a penalty > decision for Celtic resigns because of threats > following the game... > TGFITW my arse. Sorry SCSB - you need to accept when you are wrong - it was not the linesman changing the decision - No we know the truth on this one and its just another cover up of an incorrect decision against Celtic - then proof of lying to Celtic's management etc. Hats off to the linesman who has been big enough to be open and honest - something a little bit short in the scottish game at the moment.