Dear reader, it is wise advice to always believe people when they reveal themselves.
That is also true of societies, and not just individuals.
Since John Beaton pointed the spot last night, VAR Check complete, many on Planet Fitba have lost their collective excrement.
I was reminded of a furore when Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi scored a match-winning goal against Hearts at Celtic Park in December 2021.
The Japanese striker could have been offside, and as it was pre-VAR, there was no second look.
However, the very fact that Celtic MIGHT have got away with one was enough to have many in Fair Caledonia spiralling into a hissy fit at the time.
Since last night, many in the Stenography Corps have been unthinking in their response.
No reasoning, just a cultural reflex.
It has been all quiet on the frontal lobe.
Only their collective limbic system has been in play:
That’s the old part of the brain that covers the “Four Fs”.
In this case:
Fighting, Fleeing, Feeding and Fenians.
For the club formed by immigrants, it has ever been thus.
However, at times like this, it is more visible.
Even punditry appears to be subject to these quintessentially British protocols from the Ibrox klanbase.
Indeed, I’m told there is even a prominent figure in Scottish football on camera singing about being up to his knees in “Fenian blood”.
I know, I know, imagine that…
Of course, if such footage had emerged in the era of social media, it should have been that person’s Ron Atkinson moment.
Terminado.
The fact that it isn’t could be characterised as “disgusting”.
Celtic Park will be rocking on Saturday.
The nativists in Fair Caledonia will be hoping that the men in Hoops, led by a wily Irishman, will stumble at the last.
Because of that and so much more, another chapter in the fairytale of Celtic would be glorious.
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So many very bitter people Mr mc innis should be up before the SFA for his very strong comments.
The very notion that Referee John Beaton (a well known Ran*ers supporter) and Andrew Dallas (a man whose father lost his job as Head of the Scottish Referees for sending joke emails which were deemed to be anti-Catholic) would conspire to award Celtic a last minute penalty to help them win the league is utterly preposterous.
The hysteria surrounding the comments from anti-Celtic pundits and commentators is frankly …….hysterical.
While we’re on the Frontal Lobe tip, Psychologists have written widely about individuals who have managed to function with no frontal lobes, the areas of higher intellectual process. These individuals can be charming and can perform menial tasks but tend to have a short fuse and are prone to violent mood-swings and unreasonableness.
Sound familiar?
Hail and Hail again!
Hi Phil,
I’m looking for a copy of theThe Squad, could you let me know when its available again, thanks Paul
I’ve spent the day enjoying reading and listening to the various reactions to last night’s penalty decision. Reading your take on it was a fine way to cap off the day with a dram. Thanks Phil. Enjoy Saturday!
“All quiet on the frontal lobe”, beautiful stuff.