Glasgow Celtic

[CelticBhoy]

Unbeaten in the SPL so far Salty old son.

Nobody locked up in Amsterdam.

And Hearts are sh*te.

Be positive!

[salty]

Celtic 0 AC Milan 3

With this result and an Ajax win in Amsterdam Celtic will finish last in the group and out of Europe. Celtic were lively enough at the start and Boerrighter as early as the 2nd minute had a difficult chance but poked it harmlessly wide. A minute later Ambrose sold himself and Ballotelli fired wide. Kayal onside in the area was too slow to control and shot harmlessly wide under pressure. In the 13th minute from the 2nd of 2 corners Milan were ahead. Kaka standing still in the 6 yard area had a free header to score, It was shocking defending with all the Celtic team standing still. Forster stayed on his line when it would have been a simple catch if he had come to collect. Celtic were trying to force the pace in search of an equalizer. Milan were looking dangerous on the break with Kaka making good use of the extra space as Celtic pushed forward. He put Balotelli away but Van Dijk forced him wide and he shot over. Kaka was just wide from distance and Balotelli was just offside when he netted later on. Commons was high and handsome and Mulgrew had a poor effort inside the box straight at Abbiatti who had an easy save.

Celtic still in the game got a close in free early in the 2nd half . The wall blocked the free but it was returned and Van Dijk onside volleyed cleanly but straight at Abbiati who probably could not believe his good fortune. Within a minute Milan firmly closed the door. Another corner was headed out but returned across the area to the far post. With the Celtic defense motionless Zapata prodded it home for 2-0. It was another very soft goal to give away. A few minutes later Van Dijk headed in a cross after the ball was cleared and returned but he was offside. In the 59th minute Balotelli made it 3-0. He raced onto Montolivo excellent pass held off Ambrose and rolled it inside the far post. The last half hour was really boring as the Milan coped easily with any thing Celtic attempted apart from a Forrest toe poke wide under pressure.

I would have to say I have never felt Celtic were good enough to qualify from the group. The departure of Hooper and Wanyama have seriously weakened the side. Apart from Van Dijk the replacements have so far been far inferior and we were just not good enough for this kind of company.

[CelticBhoy]

Just woke up. Pathetic score.

I'm going back to sleep.

[CelticBhoy]

Forster had the worst game of his life I'd say.

Three tap-in's beat him. Three.

As Kevin Bridges once said, "Lennon should have sent on the

nail bombs he received to Forster as he would never have

come out to collect them."

Sad to see the 'Tic go out in such a fashion. A re-build required

if we want to be taken seriously on the bigger stage.

[CelticBhoy]

Some people have too much time on their hands.

This from today's Record:

UEFA has begun disciplinary action against Celtic over a banner displayed by fans during their Champions League defeat by AC Milan.

Supporters displayed banners of Scottish historical figure William Wallace and IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands along with a set of lyrics as their side lost 3-0 to the Italians at Parkhead to end their hopes of European football after Christmas.

A UEFA statement read: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Celtic FC for an incident of a non-sporting nature (illicit banner: Art. 16.2 of the disciplinary regulations) at (Tuesday) night's UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan in Glasgow.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body meeting on December 11."

The banners, which were displayed in and around the section housed by the Green Brigade group of supporters, read: "The terrorist or the dreamer, the savage or the brave, depends whose vote you're trying to catch or whose face you're trying to save."

[salty]

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/lawwell-turns-on-celtic-fans-as-uefa-probe-banners-1-3210922

I think Celtic have indulged these bastards far too much.

[salty]

Hearts game not on TV on Sunday. They have turned over Celtic several times in the last number of seasons in knock out matches, So despite CB's assertion they are rubbish I hope the Bhoys will be focused and up for it. They cannot afford to ponce around and expect to stroll through the game. It could be a nervy afternoon.

[salty]

Hearts 0 Celtic 7

Looks like my forecast on this one did not materialize And what's more the game was live on BBC Scotland. Celtic made a quick fire start with Stokes and Ledley setting up Commons in the 3rd minute who finished from a tight angle in off the far post. Hearts were still competing well but a 2nd goal in the 21st minute seemed to knock the stuffing out of them. Celtic got a free kick about 25 yds out. Mulgrew took it very quickly to an alert Commons who finished emphatically as the Hearts defense went to sleep. Indeed the TV cameras missed it live as well. It was nearly all Celtic as they moved the ball around smartly though it has to be said there was very little pressure on them. It was 3-0 in the 31st minute. Mulgrew set up Stokes who set up Ledley for a shot which rebounded off the post to Brown who had a tap in. In the 42th minute it was 4 when after a good passing movement Lustig played a superb ball across goal and Ledley finished at the far post. A minute later the Swede got on the score sheet with a terrific drive which went in off the underside of the bar. 5-0 at HT.

Celtic as you would expect were well in command now and in the second half added 2 more. A penalty from Commons which was Harsh as the ball hit Wilson on the arm who was a few feet away from Commons. No 7 from Brown was a deflection to complete the scoring.

As so often in a game of this sort the team well in command got nearly all the breaks when they were not needed. Also Hearts put very little pressure on them though Celtic did move the ball around smartly which was pleasing to watch..

[CelticBhoy]

Now that's a scoreline.

Magnificent seven.

Bring on Monday's draw.

[salty]

5th Round draw.

Celtic v Aberdeen.

[CelticBhoy]

Another breeze Salty old son.

Double looking good now . . . .

[salty]

Motherwell 0 Celtic 5

Another easy win for the Celts at Fir Park. They started in the same vein as last Sunday and Lustig set up by Pulli was in for a shot after 20 seconds but it was beaten away by the keeper. Soon after he saved from a Stokes free kick. Celtic were well on top but lacking the cutting edge of the Hearts game. Lustig headed over with a decent chance after a cross from Izaguirre. Pukki had a very tame effort. The keeper saved from Commons who was high wide and handsome a minute later. The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. A cross from Pukki was returned across goal by Stokes and Commons played onside by a Well defender back-heeled it in from close range.

Ledley headed wide early in the 2nd half. A Motherwell close range header landed on top of the net. A Mulgrew corner in the 54 minute was headed in by Ambrose who then performed his cartwheels party piece. A good saving tackle foiled Pukki in 64th minute. A few minutes later he was booked for diving. A replay confirmed he had been caught by a defender and it should have been a penalty. In the 76th minute Izaguirre after a mazy run tried to bend it in but the keeper pushed it out to Commons who finished for no 3. Within 2 minutes Mulgrew put Pukki away and his excellent cross was turned in by Stokes at the far post. Boerrighter and Atajic came on for Pukki and Commons and the Bosnian youngster showed good composure in the 90 minute

with a well timed run and a neat lob over the advancing Well keeper.

The Celtic journal have been campaigning recently for him to be given some game time and he will not have done himself any harm here.

http://celticjournal.org/3637/its-time-to-test-bahrudin-atajic-lennon/

[CelticBhoy]

Two games - twelve goals.

Tremendous stuff.

[Chicog]

As if clubs like Motherwell don't have enough to worry about without Celtic "fans" smashing up their ground.

Pathetic.

[salty]

I agree. It is disgraceful.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2519675/Efe-Ambroses-night-Fir-Park-spoiled-Celtic-fans-ripping-seats-letting-flares-5-0-Motherwell-win.html

[Chicog]

Great Response: Celtic have banned 128 fans.

Now if the police could do them as well...

[salty]

Some decisive action at last against some of those yobbos. Hopefully it will act act as a deterrent to those of the same ilk.

[CelticBhoy]

6-1 . . . and it could have so easily been much more.

Time to concentrate on the double.

[salty]

Dreadful performance. Mercifully after a long day travelling I slept through nearly all the game and only saw the em "highlights". Barcelona were excellent but helped by a powder puff display by Celtic. Lack of control giving the ball away constantly not closing down all the usual faults were there in spades. In our first 3 games we were competitive but in the last 3 we have been dreadful.

[CelticBhoy]

Dreadful performance. Mercifully after a long day travelling I slept through nearly all the game and only saw the em "highlights". Barcelona were excellent but helped by a powder puff display by Celtic. Lack of control giving the ball away constantly not closing down all the usual faults were there in spades. In our first 3 games we were competitive but in the last 3 we have been dreadful.

Agree Salty old son. No heart in it at all from our Bhoys.

We can now look at the double as our goal for this season.

[CelticBhoy]

From The Mail. Sums it up I think:

Neil Lennon called the character of his Celtic flops into question after a Neymar-inspired Barcelona smashed the Parkhead side for six.

The brilliant Brazilian - villainised for his role in Scott Brown's red card in Glasgow - took his vengeance with an outstanding individual hat-trick.

A 6-1 defeat equals the margin of Celtic’s worst ever defeat in Europe, with a Georgios Samaras header two minutes from time of little consequence.

The result means Barca win the group while Celtic end Group H with just three points – their poorest tally ever. It was also the first time a Celtic team has shipped six goals in 50 years.

[salty]

A 1-0 win today over Hibs at Parkhead.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25275639

[salty]

Celtic 2 Hearts 0

Another win over Hearts today but it was much more difficult than the recent Cup Tie. Hearts defended doggedly and were inspired by a superb display from their goalkeeper McDonald. He was in action early blocking from Commons and when the resultant corner eventually fell to Stokes he pushed the shot on to the bar and away to safety. During the course of the first half he made an excellent save from Commons and a terrific save from a close range header by Ledley.

Celtic continued the onslaught after the break with Forrest on as a sub giving them more width. Van Dijk headed over and another fine save from Commons followed. Celtic finally made the breakthrough after 62 minutes. Brown set up Commons inside the area who held off a defender and drilled his shot across goal into the far corner. Celtic had a touch of fortune in the lead up as they were awarded a throw which clearly should have been given to Hearts. Celtic continued to press with McDonald again saving from Ledley with the help of the upright. Another save from Commons followed before Hearts almost grabbed a shock equalizer in the closing stages when Commons headed off the line following a Hearts corner. Celtic wrapped it up in the dying seconds in a breakaway. Forrest receiving in acres of space beat the full back and curled the ball with the outside of his foot beyond McDonald.

[celtic bhoy]

hail hail, yes i think we lost to many good players in transfer window, for me victor wyamma was to hard to replace, we miss him, and i think joe ledley will head back down south soon, thanks for the updates

cb

[salty]

A 1-0 win at St. Johnstone. Terrific goal from Van Dijk running from halfway and toe poking it home after just 4 minutes . Saints will not be pleased with their defending on this occassion. Game on TV but must confess watched more of the Arsenal game on at the same time. Kept catching up at 6 times the speed on what I missed.

[salty]

Another 1-0 win away to Inverness. The goal came even earlier after 2mns 15 seconds. A 1-2 between Commons and Samaras saw the latter lash the ball in across goal through the goalies legs. Celtic did not have it all their own way and Forster had to make a few good saves. Celtic had been under the cosh a bit in the first part of the second half but wrested the initiative back and were fairly comfortable in the closing stages.

[CelticBhoy]

1-0 again. This time in the Glasgow Derby.

Shame it was only Thistle though.

Nice start to 2014. Stretches our unbeaten run

to 19 games in the SPFL.

We are now 53 points ahead of Hearts.

Happy New Year.

[CelticBhoy]

Celts score in every single league game of 2013

IT was one year ago today, January 2, that Celtic played their first game of 2013 when Motherwell visited on league duty.

The match itself was fairly uneventful apart from two dramatic moments late in the game just three minutes apart.

In the 77th minute, the Fir Park side were awarded a penalty but Fraser Forster reacted magnificently to save Tom Hateley’s strike.

Then, just three minutes later, after a neat interchange with Georgios Samaras, Gary Hooper slotted away what would prove to be the only goal of the game – and he kick-started a rather unique sequence.

For Celtic have scored in every single league game they played in 2013 – 36 games in all and divided equally 18 each between the second half of Celtic’s 2012/13 championship win and the first half of the undefeated bid to defend their title.

In those 36 games there have been 27 wins, six draws and only three defeats with the party-poopers being Motherwell (twice) and Ross County.

The Hoops scored 94 goals during their net-bulging feat and lost only 32 at the other end while claiming no fewer than 14 clean sheets.

Sometimes the record teetered on the brink of meltdown as in 12 of the games the Hoops scored only a solitary goal.

However, on other occasions the goals just flowed in as the Celts scored twice in eight games, scored three in four games, hit four goals an amazing eight times, scored five on three occasions and hit six once.

Those six goals came in the 6-2 win over Dundee United, a game that also produced the most goals scored by both teams with those eight strikes narrowly edging out the 4-3 in over Aberdeen and the 5-2 win over Kilmarnock.

There were no fewer than 13 doubles netted by scorers during the run with Gary Hooper and Kris Commons netting three each with Anthony Stokes and Joe Ledley hitting two braces while Adam Matthews, Georgios Samaras and Virgil van Dijk also struck doubles.

Twice there were two doubles in the one game while the one and only hat-trick was scored by Samaras in the 5-2 win over Kilmarnock.

Commons has weighed in with the most goals by knocking in 17 while the other top scorers were Stokes and Hooper with 11, Samaras with 10 and Ledley with eight.

[CelticBhoy]

Humped St Mirren 4-0 yesterday.

Miles ahead in the SPFL now.

Commons had a blinder.

[CelticBhoy]

Turkish Airlines Antalya Cup
Antalya Akdeniz Universitesi Stadi
Thursday, January 9, 2014

CELTIC…3
Pukki 32, Bamba o.g. 37, Balde 57

TRABZONSPOR…1
Gural 42

A STUNNING second-half strike from Amido Balde was the highlight as Celtic started the Turkish Airlines Antalya Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Trabzonspor.

Teemu Pukki´s emphatic finish from 18 yards put the Hoops ahead and they doubled their advantage five minutes later through an own goal from defender Sol Bamba.

Although Emre Gural reduced arrears as half-time approached, Balde sealed the victory with a venomous shot from distance which left substitute Fatih Ozturk helpless. Neil Lennon´s men will now face either Ajax or Galatasaray in the final on Sunday.