So, the Scottish title race all comes down to the final round of games tomorrow night. Who will claim the prize, Celtic or Rangers? After watching Celtic crash 1-0 at home to Motherwell whilst at the BBC in early April, it seemed that nothing would stand in Rangers’ way- they had a big lead, and games in hand. But as the Manchester hysteria took over, Celtic crucially defeated their rivals twice (2-1 and 3-2)at Parkhead and as Rangers have stuttered, struggling with their heavy schedule, Gordon Strachan’s team have moved in and currently head the table, courtesy of a superior goal difference.
This means that if Celtic win at Dundee United, the title is almost certain to be theirs unless Rangers somehow thump a few goals past Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Of course, it is not set in stone that either, or indeed both, will win their games but that hasn’t stopped the conspiracy theorists, who only exist in our country.
The more paranoid Celtic fans seem to think Jimmy Calderwood’s Aberdeen will roll over for Rangers and this train of thought goes back to 2003. Celtic had lost the UEFA Cup final the previous Wednesday, and went into a final day shoot-out with Rangers for the flag. Despite drubbing Kilmarnock 4-0, Rangers’ 6-1 defeat of my Dunfermline (where they got a ridiculous penalty and their keeper made a great save to prevent us taking a 2-1 lead and getting back to 3-2) ensured the Ibrox club won the title by a goal.
This led to Celtic striker Chris Sutton accusing the Pars of “lying down” to Rangers to hand them the title afterwards. Bad feeling rightly ensued from our side as, not only was that idea ridiculous, he also forgets that Celtic missed a penalty in their game, which also had a massive bearing. So the Celtic contingent are worried there, even though Sutton retracted his comments.
Similarly, some Rangers supporters are questioning the committment of United, given they have “a few Celtic fans” in their squad. Again, this is nonsense. Craig Levein’s men have had a superb season and will want to bow out in front of their fans on a high, and certainly will not want to see another team celebrate on their patch. Its sure to be a fascinating evening, and you can be sure Aberdeen and Dundee United will give it their all.
But the sad events of yesterday puts everything into perspective, and should make these conspiracy theorists stop spouting drivel. Celtic legend Tommy Burns was laid to rest, with famous names from throughout football there to pay their respects. Here was a man who bridged the Old Firm divide and the sight of Rangers boss Walter Smith and his assistant Ally McCoist, who was moved to tears, acting as pallbearers showed what a great man he was to both sides of Glasgow, and Scottish football as a whole.
Burns would know that there would be no team not giving anything but 100% in these final games. Perhaps it would be fitting if the Parkhead side could lift the title in tribute to their legendary former player and manager and first team coach. But Tommy knew that while football was a huge part of his life, it came behind his family and his faith.
The destiny of the Scottish Premier League may be important, but it isn’t that important. To sum up in footballing cliches, at the end of the day, it’s only a game.
hartypar