Alan Thompson defends Celtic players

Alan Thompson has leapt to the defence of the Celtic squad after the condemnation of Wednesday’s Scottish Cup win over Rangers.

SFA Chief Stewart Regan was first to lump the behaviour of both clubs together claiming: “Last night’s actions – which culminated in three red cards and 13 cautions in total – also re-emphasised the ongoing lack of respect for our match officials.

“It was a source of comfort that at least one person retained his composure amid last night’s chaos. Only a matter of months after our referees withdrew their labour, we had to witness the match official, Calum Murray, being manhandled, while another player who had been dismissed brazenly walked to his own supporters in defiance.

“It is a tribute to his professionalism that Calum and his team kept calm.

Since then a bandwagon of attention seekers have jumped on board condemning the Old Firm without detailing any incidents or singling out any individuals.

Leader of the Scottish council Alex Salmond has called for a meeting, grandly titled a summit, to discuss the events of Wednesday with Police Federation chief Les Gray wanting the fixture played behind closed doors without television coverage.

A straw poll of his members might convince Gray of the ‘merits’ of that particular brainwave.

Behind the shame game headlines it should be noted that 3 of the 13 yellow cards were issued to Celtic players with all three red cards dished out to Walter Smith’s side.

Speaking yesterday Thompson said: “It would have been nice if it had been kept within football people rather than the people who have got involved. It could have been dealt with in house.

“How many times have we seen things like this happen over the years whether it’s in Scotland, Old Firm games, or Manchester United-Arsenal?

“I don’t think that it was any different or worse than ones I played in. Not at all.

“Listen, we reiterated to the players before the game, at half time and during the game, the need for discipline. I know better than anyone – I got three red cards in this fixture.

“You’re not doing yourself or the team any favours, so we stressed that discipline was paramount.

“We congratulated them for keeping their discipline, the way they tried to play the game – and for keeping 11 boys on the pitch.

“Without a doubt, it’s surprising that this was overlooked in the aftermath.

“A lot of the focus has been on the gaffer, which I find fairly staggering. I suppose that’s because of who he is and what he is.

“I’m sure he’ll try to tone it down. I’ve noticed a change in recent months. I’m sure the older he gets, the longer he’s in the job, that’s something he’ll try to do.”

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