It's not unusual for there to be a 'bit of spice' in the old firm derby, but last night was a new low in old firm matches. There was hatred everywhere. On the pitch, on the stands and on the touchline, this is football not a civil war.
El Hadji Diouf was at his cretinous best. In the first half as tempered flared up on one side of the pitch, Diouf was having an altercation with Neil Lennon on the other. At half time everybody's favourite footballer continued his tirade at the Celtic bench by having a pop at Johan Mjallby. After the 2nd half where Diouf had run ins with officials and players, he finally saw his marching orders after the full time whistle.
Celtic were not the innocent party in this one, they were just as bad. It was just they did not see anyone sent off. Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon should of been banished to the stands, and not being able to clash at full time. An embarrassment all round.
Sectarian chanting was at it ferocious worst as well, with a high percentage of the arrests made was for the chanting. Something needs to change. These matches put a strain on policing and nursing staff (knock on effect - fights in pubs/ home) It is not fair on them.
They have tried fining the clubs, warning fans of their conduct. The usual half arsed measures. The only way which will make fans sit up and take notice is to play a full season of Old Firm games behind closed doors. 4 guaranteed games with no fans, and no live TV coverage. If the fans kick off in town during the game, add another game on. The message would get through. If they try it on when they get back in the ground. Match abandoned and the re-scheduled game is played behind closed doors.
I understand the Old Firm Derby is a feisty , but what I have seen over the past few derbies I've seen is enough for drastic action.
A fantastic stat from @OptaJoe7 - There have been seven red cards in the last four Old Firm cup games, six of them for Rangers. Rage
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