Jota would welcome Celtic transfer return as Parkhead favourite reckons money side makes sense- Report

Jota would welcome Celtic transfer return as Parkhead favourite reckons money side makes sense- Report

Mark Wilson suspects the Portuguese winger would be back in Celtic’s price range amid tough time in France

Rennes’ forward Jota (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Mark Wilson reckons Jota WOULD be open to a Celtic return.

The Portuguese wide man smashed the Scottish football transfer record when the Hoops flogged him to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in summer 2023. But he endured a nightmare spell in the gulf state after being snubbed from their Saudi Pro League squad, limiting his gametime to the Asian Champions League clashes.

Ligue 1 outfit Rennes eventually offered him an escape route in a £6.7million switch to France. But he hasn’t fared a whole lot better there. New boss Jorge Sampaoli has benched the former Benfica starlet and with the club looking to raise funds in order to bring in new faces next month and Jota could be a prime candidate to be moved on with the player himself keen to play more.

This is where Celtic should step in, according to Wilson. having banked serious money when selling hom first time around, the former Parkhead defender reckons the relatively small outlay it would take to bring him back to Glasgow would be well worth it, and is convinced the 25-year-old would welcome the chance to join up with the Hoops once again.

“Well, someone called in, was it last week, and mentioned Jota,” he told Clyde Super Scoreboard. “So they paid, what, £6million to take him there? If Celtic can do any sort of business and he would be interested in coming back, which I’m sure he would, I think the Celtic fans would take that all day long.”

Brendan Rodgers is seeing the true worth of his Celtic squad over this festive period.

Due to a high number of matches over a short period and injuries, the bench is being handed chances to prove why they should start.

Celtic drew 0-0 at Dundee United before Christmas, several players didn’t answer that question and some of the usual suspects returned for the showdown against Motherwell on Boxing Day.

That included main centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has had his injury issues, but is still a starter whenever he is fit and ready to play.

But changes have been made for who plays alongside him, including Auston Trusty replacing Liam Scales as the regular starter, before illness meant that the American didn’t play at Tannadice.

That opened the door for Scales to start again and keep his place for Celtic’s 4-0 win over Motherwell, with Trusty returning to the bench.

Ross McCormack says Liam Scales has been ‘harshly’ treated at Celtic

Last season, before a ball was kicked, Scales was seen as a fringe player, at best, before producing his best campaign and starting regularly alongside Carter-Vickers.

But, since then, Trusty has been signed for big money and, eventually, has started alongside his fellow countryman at the heart of the defence.

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Ross McCormack suggested that is the wrong call and stated that the Republic of Ireland international has been ‘harshly’ treated by his manager, as he told Open Goal.

“I think you know what you are going to get, especially with Scales,” said McCormack. “He has never let anyone down. I think he has been harshly dealt with, to be honest with you, with Trusty.

“I don’t think there is a great deal between them. I think, Scales before Trusty come into the team, I thought Scales was probably the best centre-half at the start of the season (last campaign). Obviously, CCV (Cameron Carter-Vickers) is better than Scales.

“But, I think Scales, at that point in time, was consistently playing very well, then all of a sudden, he’s out of the team and Trusty is in the team. I know they paid £6 million, you have got to find the space. I think he has been harshly dealt with.”

Scales’ stats for Celtic against Motherwell

Even if it is by default, Scales has returned to the XI and can do nothing but do his talking on the field of play.

Trusty was taken off at half-time against Rangers, and since then, Scales has played the majority of the time and not done much wrong.

That was the case during Celtic’s win over Motherwell on Boxing Day, with WhoScored rating his performance at an impressive 8.15.

You suspect, he keeps his place in the XI now.

ShotsAssistsKey PassesPA%Accurate Long BallsAerials wonTouchesInterClearRating11196.918137128.15

‘Baffled’ Kettlewell takes aim at referee after Celtic loss

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell was disappointed by the way that referee Ross Hardie spoke to his players in the defeat to Celtic. (Image: Jane Barlow – PA)

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell was ‘baffled’ by the inconsistency shown by referee Ross Hardie in his side’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic, with the Fir Park boss also taking issue with the way that the match official spoke to his players.

Kettlewell was angered as Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise was cautioned for simulation in the first half of the contest at Celtic Park after going down under a challenge from Hyun-jun Yang, feeling that while there may not have been enough contact for a penalty, his player also hadn’t dived.

Yang then won a spot kick at the other end after referee Hardie judged that contact on his back from Motherwell keeper Aston Oxborough merited a penalty award.

Arne Engels subsequently tucked the ball home from 12 yards to give Celtic the lead right at the end of an otherwise uneventful first half, but while Kettlewell didn’t blame the officials for his side’s eventual defeat, he was far from pleased with the way they handled the match.

“Again, this is where I’m left baffled,” Kettlewell said.

“I don’t think it’s a penalty, but it’s not a dive. He has not tried to buy a penalty. He’s running at pace, the Celtic player is touch tight. I would say that there is some sort of contact there, but not enough for a penalty in my opinion, and the referee instantly books him and regards it simulation.

“I’m kind of blown away by that, I really am.  I think we’ve probably all seen at the time that it was close. Are we claiming for a penalty? I think you naturally do instantly, but very quickly after it, I didn’t feel there was a penalty, but I certainly don’t think JT’s took a dive at that stage.

“That’s incredibly frustrating because it comes back to this level of consistency in the decisions that we make, that we see that completely different from, for example, the Celtic penalty. I struggle to see that there’s a ridiculous amount more contact in either situation. I certainly don’t think JT’s was a penalty, and I think it’s a complete overreaction to give him a yellow card.

“Probably one of the things that I come away feeling a wee bit aggrieved with, because I feel we’ve got a really honest bunch of players, what they were a wee bit irked with today was by the referee’s demeanour and how he communicates with them.

“I’ve went on record a number of times saying that if you speak to someone in the appropriate fashion, then I think you’ll get better reactions from players. I don’t think you’ll get as much petulance and as much firing at the referee.

“Genuinely, the players felt that that’s been better over the course of the season than what it was. That’s nothing to do with the decisions, but it’s probably just a wee feeling for me that we can all have a conversation.

“Sometimes we’ll disagree, sometimes we’ll fall out, but I just think that that communication element is so important.

“I’ll take my bit on that as well. I can be a bit emotional, so can football players, but sometimes you just need to put it on a level and almost not having the mannerisms as if you’re a kid at school to waft you away from situations.

“Communicate, speak, give players an understanding of what your thought process was and I’m sure they’ll respect you.

“I know as a player that I always did with the referees that communicated the best with us and it was one thing that they spoke about in the dressing room after it.

“Nothing to do with the result whatsoever, but again if we’re trying to chip away at making this better, communication is vital. And I think that the communication has been good off the pitch with the likes of Willie Collum. I think we can still work towards improving it on the pitch.”

Slow-burning Celtic end up having a brilliant Boxing Day – but one player failed to impress

Celtic celebrate convincing Boxing Day victory after first half struggle

What had been shaping up as a frustrating Boxing Day for Celtic ultimately proved to be a satisfying one as Motherwell found to their cost that a solid first half guarantees you nothing at the home of the champions.

When the clock struck 45 minutes, the away side had every reason to feel content with how they had contained the league leaders, surviving just one scare – when goalkeeper Aston Oxborough made a brilliant double save from Daizen Maeda – as Stuart Kettlewell’s men looked set to head into the interval with a clean sheet.

In the home dugout, Brendan Rodgers would have been contemplating how to solve the puzzle of a third straight half of football without a goal for his side following the stalemate at Dundee United on Sunday.

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda scores to make it 2-0 over Motherwell. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

That was until the game swung on a debatable penalty decision in first-half injury time, which was inflated to four minutes by VAR checks and a stoppage in play due to a medical emergency in the crowd.

Greg Taylor’s deflected cross caused uncertainty in the Motherwell defence which winger Yang Hyun-jun seized upon, sprinting inside from the right to reach the ball ahead of outrushing goalkeeper Oxborough before hitting the deck.

The contact appeared both brief and minimal – not too dissimilar to an incident in the Celtic penalty box earlier in the first half where Tawanda Maswanhise earned a yellow card for diving under Yang’s challenge – but referee Ross Hardie felt a penalty was merited on this occasion and VAR Steven McLean chose not to intervene.

It left Arne Engels with the chance to break the deadlock, which he did unerringly by firing home low and hard, while sending Oxborough the wrong way, to make it four from four from the spot for Celtic.

It was a happy ending to a half that had been a frustrating one for Celtic, and in particular for South Korean winger Yang, who could not be faulted for effort but was too often guilty of running the ball out of play as he struggled to win his individual battle with Scotland Under-21 full-back Ewan Wilson. Winning the penalty may well have saved him from the half-time hook.

The failure, marginally, to get to the break with their goal intact, could have spelt the end for Motherwell. Yet they had a huge chance to level the game 10 minutes after the restart. Maswanhise’s header from a corner was on its way into the net until it struck teammate Tony Watt and deflected over. The ex-Celtic man inadvertently doing his former side a massive favour.

From a let-off at one end, Celtic effectively put the game to bed 90 seconds later. Engels provided another major contribution in only his second start in seven appearances with a wicked corner kick delivery to the near post that Liam Scales flicked on for Maeda to leap onto with a close range diving header.

Celtic’s Arne Engels (L) celebrates scoring a penalty to make it 1-0 over Motherwell. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Celtic specialise in demoralising the opposition and having gone 2-0 up without a vintage performance, they then brought Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate off the bench on the hour mark.

Two of the star trio managed to get on the scoresheet with deflected strikes from both Kuhn and Hatate ensuring no way back for Motherwell. By the end Celtic were playing football that was drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd but the search for a fifth proved elusive.

Given Rangers lost 2-1 at St Mirren to a stoppage-time strike, Celtic ended the day 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership – a very welcome late Christmas present.

Rodgers keen to see even more from Celtic stars after easing to win over Motherwell

Celtic boss insists his side have plenty room for improvement after stretching their lead at the top

Parkhead club put disappointment of weekend draw at Dundee United behind them with slow-burning victory 

Brendan Rodgers has promised Celtic can still find another level after victory over Motherwell saw them continue their unbeaten start to the Premiership season.

Having seen Arne Engels’ penalty put his side on the board just before half-time, Rodgers was pleased to see an improved second-half display capped with goals from Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate.

But he said: ‘I think there is still more to come. If you compare the performance level to the early parts of the season, obviously, of course, you’re playing less (at that stage) and you’re maybe not as fatigued or whatever else.

‘But we still demand — even in a really hectic schedule — the intensity that we want to play at.

‘It’s important that we continue to always look to up the level.

‘Against Dundee United (a 0-0 draw last weekend), we didn’t create as much in the final third.

‘We arrived there but weren’t as ruthless or as clinical as we could be. But that was there today.

‘Motherwell were well organised, compact, tight, with lots of numbers behind the ball, so you’re having to really shift them about and then you get that little break before half-time.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was happy to bounce back from his side’s draw at Tannadice

Rodgers was delighted to see Arne Engels on the scoresheet after recent criticism

Motherwell keeper Aston Oxborough concedes a spot-kick for a foul on Hyun-jun Yang

Hibs unite to condemn alleged racial abuse aimed at Obita

‘In the second half, I felt we needed to get the tempo up that wee bit more and just keep that risk in the game.’

Rodgers was delighted Engels claimed a goal from the spot after recent criticism.

‘I’ve taken him out for some games just to let him see it from the outside looking in, and take that pressure away from him,’ he said. ‘I’m really pleased with Arne.’

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell felt the decision to penalise Aston Oxborough for a challenge on Hyun-jun Yang at the penalty incident was harsh.

‘At the stage that Celtic scored, I didn’t feel that our goalkeeper had been overly worked,’ he said.

‘I’ve genuinely not analysed the replays of the penalty. At the time, my gut feeling was that it was soft in terms of how the Celtic player went down from what I felt was minimal to little, if any, contact.

‘I would need to see that again. I didn’t feel that there was much in it at all.

‘That goes against you, but that’s not the game done. We think about trying to galvanise ourselves and coming out stronger in the second half.’

Anthony Ralston was in the starting XI again as Celtic picked up three points on Boxing Day.

Celtic took their time and a first-half penalty ignited it, but in the end, the Bhoys secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Motherwell.

With Alistair Johnston still out injured, Ralston kept his place in the XI and in with a chance to prove why he should be starting more matches.

Look, even if the Scotland star produced outstanding performance after outstanding performance, Johnston is still going to remain number one because of the consistency he has shown over the years.

Usually, when the Canada star is playing, he has Nicolas Kuhn ahead of him, perhaps Celtic’s best-performing player this season.

But Ralston, in recent starts, hasn’t had that luxury and has played with Yang Hyun-Jun.

Pat Bonner on Anthony Ralston not going forward before assist for Nicolas Kuhn’s goal

There is a gulf in quality between Johnston and Ralston, especially when they go forward, and the former has gone to another level this season, in that regard.

But Pat Bonner noted how Ralston hardly ever bombed forward when playing with Yang on the right-hand side in the first half, as he told BBC Radio Scotland.

Yang was subbed after the hour mark and, surprise, surprise, it’s Ralston in the attacking positions assisting Kuhn for his goal.

“That’s the bit we didn’t talk about at half-time, that relationship with Tony Ralston and Yang down the right-hand side,” said Bonner.

“I can’t remember Tony Ralston getting himself into them forward positions too often in the first half that Johnston would do with his partner Kuhn.”

Ralston’s stats for Celtic after win v Motherwell

Even if Ralston isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, at the end of the day, he is doing his job and helping the team to three points.

You do synthesise with him slightly that, for large parts of the last two matches, he has hardly had Kuhn ahead of him, so it doesn’t help matters.

But for Celtic’s win over Motherwell, Ralston was handed a rating of 8.67 by WhoScored.

TacklesClearPassesKey PAcc CrossesAerials wonAcc L’BallsDrbTouchesRating4286422311098.67

Celtic Extend Premiership Lead to 12 Points After Rangers Slip-Up

Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 12 points, with Rangers dropping 3 points against St. Mirren at the SMISA Stadium this evening.

The Hoops earlier today defeated Motherwell at Celtic Park 4-0 thanks to goals from Arne Engels from the penalty spot, Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, and Reo Hatate.

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic’s Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

With Rangers going into tonight’s game 12 points behind, with the pressure on, Philippe Clement’s men crumbled, with Oisin Smyth opening the scoring for St. Mirren in the 30th minute from the penalty spot after a foul from Jack Butland on Greg Kiltie.

The Ibrox side would equalize through second-half substitute Danilo in the second half; however, Caolan Boyd-Munce would strike in stoppage time from outside the box to all but end any title hopes that the Scottish media would have you believe Rangers still had before the game.

With Celtic facing St. Johnstone at Celtic Park on Sunday and Rangers traveling to Motherwell before they meet at Ibrox on Thursday, the Hoops will look to lay down yet another marker with a convincing victory at Celtic Park.

BIG PHIL’S PAISLEY PAIN

PHILIPPE CLEMENT looked on in utter dismay as Rangers nosedived to a 2-1 defeat against St Mirren in Paisley tonight.

The Ibrox side are now a massive TWELVE points behind champions Celtic at the Premiership pinnacle ahead on the New Year fixture at Ibrox a week today.

Brendan Rodger’s side made no mistake earlier in the day as they overwhelmed Motherwell 4-0 at Parkhead with goals from Arne Engels (pen), Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate.

That left the Govan club the opportunity to respond against Stephen Robinson’s team at the SIMSA stadium to give themselves a forlorn chance to keeping in touch with the Hoops.

However, they struggled to cope with the basic tactics of their opponents who bombarded their suspect central defence with long, high balls.

Jack Butland escaped a red card when he flattened Greg Kiltie in the box on the half-hour mark as the home side were awarded an undisputed penalty-kick.

Oison Smyth made a perfect job of his kick as he sent the keeper the wrong way to tuck the ball in the corner.

Clement was smiling, though, in the 61st minute when Brazilian frontman Danilo thumped in the leveller after a penalty-box melee.

However, any thoughts of adding to the point were dynamited when Caolan Boyd-Munce rifled in the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.

There could be no complaints as Clement and Co reflect on the carnage of a league season – even before the turn of the year.

They have now lost to Celtic, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and St Mirren as they look to battle the Dons for second place.

Celtic cruised to another three points on Boxing Day.

It wasn’t easy in the first half, but eventually, Celtic recorded a 4-0 win over Motherwell and moved 12 points clear of second-placed Rangers in the table – this is before Rangers’ trip to St Mirren.

Whilst Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate helped themselves to goals in the second half, the opening goal came via the penalty spot.

The on-field referee judged that Yang Hyun-Jun was fouled by the opposing keeper, Aston Oxborough and he pointed to the spot.

Arne Engels was the calmest man in Parkhead, as he stepped up and opened the scoring for Celtic just before half-time.

But that moment or call didn’t sit well with the Motherwell manager, Stuart Kettlewell.

Stuart Kettlewell slams Yang Hyun-Jun after Celtic beat Motherwell

It needs to be noted that VAR checked the decision and backed up the call, but Kettlewell wasn’t a happy man after he saw a replay.

The Motherwell manager suggested there wasn’t much in the game, before the penalty went in and he thinks the call was ‘so soft, it’s not true’, as he told Motherwell’s YouTube channel.

Kettlewell noted how Yang went to ground far too easily and doesn’t think there was enough contact for his actions.

“I’ll be honest with you, until Celtic score their first goal, that’s how we are, that’s exactly the stage we are at in the game,” said Kettlewell.

“I thought we were looking like heading into half-time with a clean sheet. To galvanise ourselves and freshen up. Then the referee awards a penalty.

“From the angle I have seen, I just think it’s incredibly soft. I think it’s so soft, it’s not true. The one thing I can tell you is that, the contact or the lack of contact doesn’t signify how the player goes down and hits the ground. But that said, the referee has awarded it.”

Kettlewell praises Liam Scales

Liam Scales kept his place in Celtic’s XI, after returning to the side when Auston Trusty missed out on the trip to Tannadice before Christmas because of illness.

The Irishman was involved in the second goal when Maeda headed home from a corner.

Kettlewell noted Scales’ run at the near post and how Celtic do that ‘time and time again’, before Maeda came charging in from towards the penalty spot to score.

“The second one is a corner kick,” added Kettlewell. “It comes from the touch in the front area, which we spoke about and worked on.

“We know it’s possible with somebody like Scales, who is really, really good in the air. Trying to mark on that front side and protect that area. The big no, no for us is, I will namecheck Marvin (Kaleta). I thought he did very, very well in the game. He just drops Maeda peeling around the back. Again, a movement, we know Celtic use time and again.”

Celtic target “would snub other offers” to seal Parkhead move – ex-scout

A Celtic target is reportedly ready to “snub other offers” in order to seal a sensational move to Parkhead in the New Year.

Celtic transfer news

Celtic secured their first trophy of the season with a victory over Rangers in the League Cup final earlier this month, and Brendan Rodgers’ men continue to impress in the league, sitting at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

While there’s little urgency for Rodgers to make drastic changes to his squad in the January transfer window, rumors suggest he may still be active in the market. Several players have been tipped as potential additions this winter, including Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen.

According to a report by Football Insider, the Hoops are targeting a move for Eriksen, with the publciation claiming Rodgers wants the Dane to add some European experience to his squad.

Also among those rumoured to be Glasgow-bound is Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The English midfielder has found opportunities at Stamford Bridge scarce this season under Enzo Maresca, failing to make the squad for any of the Blues’ 15 Premier League games.

AC Milan are also interested in Chukwuemeka, but according to reports from Italy, Celtic are in pole position to land him, with a loan move with an option to buy touted.

Kieran Tierney wants Celtic return

Another player who could reportedly be on his way to Celtic Park in January is former Hoops defender Kieran Tierney. The Arsenal left-back has recently been linked with a return to Glasgow, with the Gunners reportedly ready to sell him in January to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season.

A number of other clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle, are also understood to be interested in Tierney, who would be keen to take a pay-cut to join the Hoops. According to Football Insider and ex-scout Mick Brown, however, the Scotland international is happy to turn down other teams in order to move back to Parkhead.

“I know a lot of clubs are interested in him, including in the Premier League, because there aren’t too many top-level left-backs available at the moment. But from what I hear, he’s very much in favour of a move back to Scotland and a return to Celtic and would snub other offers in favour of that move.”

Tierney, 27, rose through Celtic’s academy and was a pivotal figure in the team during Rodgers’ first successful stint, before eventually making a £25 million switch to Arsenal in 2019. Rodgers himself recently refused to rule out re-joining forces with his former star.

“We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here,” Rodgers said in a recent interview.

“His talents then took him to another challenge but we’ll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we’ll only talk about a player once he’s signed.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has also recently fueled the rumours about a return to the club for Tierney, saying the defender would be a “quality” addition.

Philippe Clement could face SFA action after comments he shouldn’t have uttered in wake of Celtic vs Rangers

The Rangers boss was fuming in the aftermath of his side’s Premier Sports Cup final defeat to Celtic.

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has blasted Philippe Clement for his ‘crass’ reaction to being denied a Premier Sports Cup final penalty against Celtic – comments he could still be punished for.

Rangers boss Clement was left raging after his side lost 5-4 on penalties almost a fortnight ago, following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra-time at Hampden Park. Vaclav Cerny was fouled by Liam Scales, with a shirt pull starting outside the Celtic box and appearing to continue into it.

Referee John Beaton failed to give a spot-kick and was not instructed to review the incident by VAR, a call Clement described as ‘decisive’ and ‘really weird’ in his post-game press conference. And at the end of those media duties, the Belgian urged journalists to ‘really dig in to things‘ regarding the failure to award his side a penalty – something Hackett believes is potentially worthy of punishment.

“[Clement] is allowed to write a letter, or pick up the phone to the FA and [Willie] Collum (SFA head of refereeing), if he’s not happy,” Hackett told Ibrox News. “Collum would no doubt have agreed to meet him. The point here is that, if you question the integrity of a match official, which these comments appear to, it’s down to the Scottish FA to take action on the manager’s comments.

“It’s not good enough. Referees don’t question errors made by players. The channels in place are there for him to express his concerns. These comments don’t help with the integrity of the competition. It’s a crass statement that shouldn’t have been made.”

What did Clement say?

The Rangers boss was far from happy to have missed out on what could have been a decisive spot-kick. But rather than referee Beaton, Clement’s frustration was aimed mostly at the VAR’s failure to recommend a review.

“My phone is overloaded with the penalty situation with Cerny,” the Rangers boss said. “I am getting messages now and that is a decisive moment in the game. He [Beaton] cannot see that moment. He didn’t get the communication from VAR to go to the screen which for me is a really weird situation.

“I didn’t see it at the time. My phone is full of messages from everybody. I am focused on my team and those are things I can’t control. I know all of you like to dig deep into things. Maybe it’s a very important moment to dig into, about why there is no communication in a big moment like that and a big decision like that.”

And on his way out of the press conference, Clement then said: “So, last thing, I hope that you guys really dig into things, I hope. Thank you.”

SFA reaction

The fallout to the missed penalty has been massive, and SFA chiefs have come out to explain the decision since. Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has written to demand an explanation from the governing body, while SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum has also admitted a spot-kick should have been awarded.

“People will obviously hear me say that it’s wrong, but that’s not enough,” he said on the Scottish FA’s VAR Review show. “We need to now understand why did we get it wrong and how do we make things better, how do we improve, what’s the lessons learned from this incident?

“People will find it very hard to accept this error. It’s a really, really poor decision. It’s an unacceptable decision. The VAR team know that, everyone in refereeing knows it.”

Club can ‘win the battle’ for Celtic player – Transfer tussle building for Bhoys man

Palmeiras are looking at Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei and could make an attempt to take him away from Brendan Rodgers’ side in January.

That’s according to Bolvaip in Brazil, and they make it clear they have found out about the Brazilian club’s interest in the Celtic player.

Back in March, Celtic allowed the left-back to join SC Internacional on a loan deal until the end of this year.

The Argentine has made 25 appearances in all competitions, managing three goals and eight assists in the process. His performances and involvement in scoring goals make him one of the star players in Brazil’s top division.

On December 11th, we covered claims from Brazil which stated Internacional will make an attempt to retain the player beyond this year. It was also said Celtic are demanding €5m and this is high for the Brazilian club.

Bolvaip points out claims made elsewhere about Bernabei wanting to continue in Brazil with Internacional.

The report claims Palmeiras could ‘win the battle’ for the Celtic man and beat Internacional in the process.

Bolavip say Palmeiras have more than R$200m [€30.6m] for signings in the winter market and may not have an issue meeting Celtic’s €5m demand. They will have to offload one of Caio Paulista and Vanderlan before making an approach for Bernabei.

Either way, it looks like Bernabei’s future could be away from Celtic Park.

Celtic outcast suitors send take-it-or-leave-it offer for star loanee

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 01: Alexandro Bernabei and Luis Palma during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown Training Centre, on March 01, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) (Image: Craig Williamson – SNS Group)

Internacional have sent a final take-it-or-leave-it loan offer to Celtic for their star man Alexandro Bernabei – with Palmeiras waiting to pounce.

The Argentinian enjoyed an excellent season and was named in the Brazilian Serie A Team of the Year at left back.

Internacional’s original loan agreement had a clause in it where they could buy the 24-year-old if they met Celtic’s release clause of around £7 million before the end of this month.

However, they have given up trying to raise that amount and have instead submitted another loan offer in the hope Celtic will accept.

According to reports in Brazil, though, the Porto Alegre club are ‘not optimistic’ that Celtic will agree to another loan and they have resigned themselves to Bernabei not returning.

Big-spending Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras are waiting for the deadline to pass before making their move.

They are owned by Brazilian businesswoman Leila Pereira, who was named as in the top ten richest people in the South American country and bankrolls the club.

And they would have no problem finding the funds to land Bernabei.

Celtic player is ‘great market opportunity’ – Two clubs in the mix to sign him

Palmeiras have joined SC Internacional to chase for Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei and this should please Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Back in March, Celtic allowed the left-back to join Internacional on loan with an option to buy until the end of this year. He made 23 league appearances, and his performances and goal contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.

Internacional are keen on retaining him and their president, Alessandro Barcellos, stated last week that negotiations with Celtic are in “full swing”.

UOL now claim Palmeiras are closely watching their league rivals’ efforts to try and agree a deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Internacional haven’t yet found an agreement with Celtic, who are requesting €5m for the Argentine. They are trying to lower the fee and have until the end of this month and after that, the Scottish champions would entertain other clubs.

Palmeiras feel Celtic’s €5m request makes the 24-year-old a ‘great market opportunity’, but the report states there’s no assurance the Glasgow club won’t ask for more.

Either way, Palmeiras are in the picture to sign Bernabei and will wait until Internacional’s preferred deadline before approaching Celtic. UOL add the former need to sell Caio Paulista or Vanderlan if they are to sign the Celtic man.

Alexandro Bernabei has been one of the surprises of the year.

The Celtic defender may not have succeeded in Glasgow this season but his time on loan in Brazil has been a really interesting saga to watch play out from afar.

Bernabei was named in the Brazilian Serie A’s team of the season in what was considered a prestigious honour for a player who struggled in Glasgow before being farmed out.

He is now expected to rake in around £8million for the Hoops having joined back in 2022 for around £2.5m.

Internacional, his loan club, want to keep Bernabei and their sporting director has already confirmed they are in talks with Celts over a permanent switch.

Now, however, reports in Brazil suggest they are growing weary with negotiations as their financial difficulties have been laid bare.

And other clubs are believed to be keen on taking the fiery left-back away from Parkhead as he remains in high transfer demand with the January window opening in just over one week’s time.

Internacional have issued Celtic a ‘take it or leave it’ deal on Bernabei

Palmeiras have been named this week as one club who are waiting in the wings to take the Argentine should a deal with Internacional become more difficult.

According to similar Brazilian reports, a £7m agreement was previously in place with Internacional but there is a deadline on that deal and Palmeiras are waiting for that to expire before making their move.

They would seemingly have little difficulty in raising the funds to sign the Hoops outcast having been bankrolled by businesswoman Leila Pereira who has been named among the top 10 richest people in the country.

What Brendan Rodgers has said about Bernabei’s Celtic future

We told how Brendan Rodgers had addressed Bernabei’s future as he stopped short of confirming whether or not the 24-year-old might ever be given another opportunity to play for Celtic.

The Northern Irishman said: “I think it’s great that he’s gone away and done well and sometimes you just find that.

“I think he’d been here for a period of time it hadn’t worked out as probably what he or the club would have wanted and sometimes that happens you go away, you go back into a different culture or a different life and back into obviously South America for him and the reports that I hear is that he’s done well.

“But there’s nothing more to add than that. He’ll finish his spell there and then we’ll look at that and see where that’s at come January.”

What channel is Celtic v Motherwell on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news

Full details ahead of Premiership clash between Celtic and Motherwell

Defending Premiership champions Celtic will be looking to bounce back from dropping points last time out when they welcome Motherwell to Glasgow on Boxing Day.

Brendan Rodgers’ side drew 0-0 at Dundee United last time out to drop points in the league for only the second time this season.

The table-toppers welcome a Motherwell side that is going well under Stuart Kettlewell, sitting fourth in the standings.

Here are all the details ahead of the match:

Celtic take on Motherwell at home on Boxing Day. | SNS Group

Celtic v Motherwell match details

The William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell takes place on Thursday, December 26 at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Celtic v Motherwell TV channel

Sky Sports and Premier Sports, the principal broadcast partners of the Premiership, have not chosen this match for live coverage.

Celtic v Motherwell live stream

Celtic TV will be screening the match live for UK and overseas viewers for £12.99 (£9.99 if you are already a UK/Ireland subscriber). Full details can be found

Celtic v Motherwell highlights

Sportscene will be screened on the BBC Scotland channel at 7.15pm on Boxing Day and will then be repeated in the early hours of Friday, December 27 at 12.10am on BBC One.

Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell and Celtic’s Daizen Maeda will do battle once again. | SNS Group

Celtic v Motherwell team news

Celtic hope to have central defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty back from illness, while right-back Alistair Johnston is nursing a hip flexor issue. Nicolas Kuhn is a doubt with a knee problem, with midfielder Odin Thiago Holm remains sidelined for the long term. James Forrest is sidelined until mid-January at the earliest.

Motherwell defender Dan Casey will be available after his red card against Kilmarnock last time out was rescinded on appeal. However, they remain without injured players Paul McGinn, Ross Callachan, Callum Slattery Zach Robinson and Jack Vale.

Celtic v Motherwell referee and VAR

Ross Hardie will be in charge of proceedings at Celtic Park and will be assisted by Jonathan Bell and Gordon Crawford. Euan Anderson is the VAR and will be assisted back at Clydesdale House by Graeme Stewart.

Running out Time on Celtic loan deal

Internacional appear to be running out of hope to sign Alexandro Bernabei.

In footballing terms the loan deal for the Celtic defender worked out perfectly, the player gained regular football with his club shooting up the table thanks in no small part to the their loan star being voted as the best left-back in Brazilian football.

The practical side of the game, the raw economics now come into play with the market value of Bernabei out of Internacional’s reach.

In football development terms another loan deal with Internacional would make sense but after a breakthrough season Celtic have the opportunity to turn around a nice profit on their £3.5m signing from Lanus in the summer of 2022.

Pocking up on a report from Brazil, The Sun reports Internacional vice-President Jose Bisol saying:

Alexandro Bernabei has settled into the club. He wants to stay at Internacional but we are not going to be financially irresponsible.

The club has financial limits and we laid them out to Celtic. It’s up to them and I hope for a positive outcome.

After his form in Brazil Celtic are likely to have interest in Bernabei from South America and Europe, most likely Italy where Bernabei holds a passport.

There seems to be nothing to suggest a fresh start at Celtic even if the defender officially returns to the Scottish Champions on January 1.

Greg Taylor and Alex Valle are currently competing for the left-back berth with Kieran Tierney strongly linked with a return to the hoops, in a January loan or an a permanent basis in the summer.

Latest news: Desperate star offers Celtic hope of £7m Christmas present that could unlock Tierney return – Parkhead news bulletin

Alexandro Bernabei is said to be ‘desperate’ to ditch Celtic for good – and that could be music to Brendan Rodgers’ ears

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers (Image: SNS Group)

Celtic could be set for a £7m Christmas present with Alexandro Bernabei desperate to seal a permanent move to Internacional – who have spoken out on their final offer to the Parkhead club.

But even if a move to his current loan club doesn’t come to pass, then the Hoops remain in a strong position to sell, with a Brazilian rival watching on from the wings. Internacional have until next week to agree on a deal with the Hoops to sign Bernabei with his loan deal set to expire at the end of the year. They have sent a take-it-or-leave-it offer to the Scottish champions this week, which was reportedly for another loan deal because they had no chance of meeting Celtic‘s £7million price tag. And Internacional vice-president Jose Bisol has insisted they have been as honest as they can.

He said: “Alexandro Bernabei has settled into the club. He wants to stay at Internacional. But we are not going to be financially irresponsible. The club has financial limits and we laid them out to Celtic. It’s up to them and I hope for a positive outcome.”

Bernabei has also been strongly linked with a move to Brazilian runners-up Palmeiras, who are waiting in the wings if his return to Internacional collapses. That may be Celtic’s best hope of landing the type of cash they want for Bernabei and they’ll be hoping an offer arrives to free up even more funds before January 1.

Alexandro Bernabei

There’s one man they have in mind as they look to strengthen the left-back position next month. And no points for guessing who it is.

Hopes of seeing Kieran Tierney back in green and white have ramped up after the news that he’s set to leave Arsenal when his contract expires. Celtic are hardly short of cash but it would take a mega contract offer to bring Tierney, currently on a reported £110,000 a week, back to Scotland. But landing that sort of fee for Bernabei, which Celtic wouldn’t have envisioned a year ago, would cover at least the first year of that type of contract for Tierney.

Elsewhere Matt O’Riley insists it still hurts that he was snubbed by Denmark at the Euros – because he thought he’d done enough last season at Celtic to be in their squad. The former Hoops midfielder was a record sale by the Parkhead side to Brighton in a stunning £25 million deal in the summer. But he had to endure heartache after he was told he wasn’t in Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad despite scoring 19 goals and managing 18 assists for Celtic last season.

And O’Riley admits he still can’t believe he didn’t do enough in Scottish football to impress then-Danish boss Kasper Hjulmand. He said: “Of course it hurt. I thought I had done enough to come along. But it wasn’t up to me. I thought the season I had with Celtic could have played a bigger role.

“I spoke to Kasper Hjulmand on the phone, and he said ‘right now you’re not in, but you can come over and train with us for two or three days, and maybe something can change’. I said okay to that, and I took over to train with him. I thought I was training well and that maybe I could come in, but then he pulled me aside after training and said ‘sorry, but you’re not coming in’.

Rodgers could cash in on Palma with Celtic swoop for £5m “artist”

Celtic are set to head into Christmas Day in first place in the Scottish Premiership table despite dropping points at the weekend against Dundee United.

The Hoops were unable to find the back of the net at Tannadice Park and were held to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, which was just the second time that Brendan Rodgers‘ side have dropped points in the top-flight this season.

Their 2-2 draw with Aberdeen earlier in the campaign was the only other time, in 16 matches so far, that the Scottish giants failed to secure all three points.

The Bhoys have impressed across all competitions, as well as the Premiership, though, as they have already lifted the League Cup, beating Rangers 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in regulation time at Hampden Park earlier this month.

Celtic are also on course to qualify for the play-off stage of the Champions League, with one defeat in six matches in Europe’s premier cup competition.

Despite all of their success across all competitions, the Premiership champions could look to make some changes to their squad in the upcoming January transfer window, and Luis Palma is one player who could be on the chopping block.

Why Luis Palma should be sold

The Honduras international made a rare appearance in the league on Sunday, as he came off the bench to make his fifth appearance of the season in the division.

He has failed to convince Rodgers to give him regular minutes in the Premiership and has been linked with a move away from Parkhead ahead of the second half of the season.

The Scottish Sun reported at the start of this month that MLS clubs are eyeing up a move for the former Aris winger, who is said to be considering his future at Parkhead due to a lack of game time in the 2024/25 campaign.

Palma has zero goals and zero assists in five appearances in the Premiership, and no goal contributions in his 16-minute outing in the Champions League.

23/24 Premiership

Luis Palma

Appearances

28

Starts

18

Goals

7

Big chances created

14

Assists

9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old flanker had a strong first season with the Scottish giants, with 21 goals and ‘big chances’ created in just 18 starts.

Unfortunately, though, the Honduran star has not been able to kick on after his initial signs of promise in Glasgow, and Rodgers has not felt that he has been in a position to start regularly over the likes of Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, James Forrest, and Hyun-jun Yang.

The Northern Irish head coach could, now, ruthlessly cash in on Palma amid interest from the MLS by swooping to sign one of the club’s reported targets in that position.

Celtic’s interest in Norwegian star

Earlier this month, Norwegian sports outlet Nettavisen, as relayed by The Celtic Star, Celtic are eyeing up a possible swoop for Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter ahead of the January transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claimed that the Premiership champions have been keeping tabs on his performances in Norway during the 2024 campaign, which recently came to an end.

Orjasaeter is currently teammates with former Celtic Player of the Year winner Stefan Johansen and the ex-Hoops star could have plenty of good words to say about the Glasgow giants to convince the 21-year-old gem to make the move in January.

It did not reveal, however, how much Sarpsborg would want for the impressive left-sided attacker, or whether or not the Bhoys are prepared to make an official offer to secure his services.

The Daily Mail reports that Rodgers wants to add a left winger to his squad next month but it remains to be seen whether or not that player is Orjasaeter, who is valued at around £5m by Transfermarkt at this moment in time.

Celtic must, now, swoop to sign the Norway U21 international when the January transfer window officially opens for business next month, because bringing him to Parkhead would free up the space for the club to ruthlessly cash in on Palma.

Why Celtic should sign Sondre Orjasaeter

Firstly, his arrival would provide the Hoops manager with two quality options in the left wing position, with him and Maeda competing for that starting spot, and that would allow Rodgers to move the Honduras international on without worrying about a lack of depth in that area of the pitch.

Secondly, Orjasaeter only turned 21 last month and would arrive at Parkhead as a talented young player with the potential to develop, which means that the Hoops could help him to improve his performances on the pitch and, as a result, increase his value for a possible future sale.

Finally, the 21-year-old wizard’s form in the Eliteserien during the 2024 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to come in and provide Maeda with real competition for his place in the starting XI in the second half of the season.

Orjasaeter, who was nicknamed “the artist” by former Wolves star Håvard Flo, is a right-footed left winger who has the quality to come inside onto his favoured foot to provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for his side.

When compared to Maeda’s form in the 2023/24 campaign, as the Sarpsborg star has just completed a full league season, the Celtic target stacks up very well.

Stats

Maeda (23/24 Premiership)

Orjasaeter (2024 Eliteserien)

Appearances

28

28

Goals

6

5

Big chances missed

12

5

Big chances created

5

12

Key passes per game

0.5

1.9

Assists

3

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Norwegian dynamo has the potential to offer significantly more creativity, whilst not being as wasteful with the chances that come his way in the final third.

These statistics suggest that Rodgers could bring in a player to improve his team offensively by signing the Sarpsborg star, albeit it remains to be seen whether or not that form can translate over to Scottish football, due to his ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates.

On paper, Orjasaeter appears to be a quality option for the Hoops to swoop for in January, and his arrival would allow them to finally cash in on Palma.

Christmas Eve comedy gold statement from Ibrox for Celtic fans to enjoy

Broken

The Rangers fuming over Frank Connor and Alan Muir seem to forget about Beaton getting similar treatment…

Frank Connor and Alan Muir have been feeling the brunt of the raging bears recently, Connor even more so, and that rage seems to have intensified after the news both men are back officiating in the upcoming Boxing Day fixtures. Beaton and Muir are regarded as being Rangers men while Frank Connor, the Assistant VAR at the cup final, is regarded as being Celtic minded.

The Ibrox hordes encouraged by their club and the SMSM to deflect from their failures, have been seething at the officials and want them kicked out of the game after they had the audacity to make a ‘mistake’ against their beloved club.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during a press conference at Celtic Park on Tuesday November 26, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

But did they really expect that to happen? The on field official last Sunday John Beaton has been at the centre of numerous controversies but has never been the subject of calls for long term bans.

Now today incredibly theRangers have complained to the Scottish FA that Frank Connor is back for Celtic’s game at home to St Johnstone at the weekend.  Once know as Statement FC, theRangers FC has been quieter on that front recently. That all changes on Christmas Eve with a statement that will give some comfort to the Bears but joy to everyone else in the Scottish game laughing at their massive over reaction to a marginal decision going against them.

Shocking decision at the Scottish Cup Final in 1989

You can have some sympathy for them because frankly it’s not something that happens to them very often and some are still traumatised by Roy Aitken stealing a throw-in from John Brown in the 1989 Scottish Cup Final. That was the shocking that the liquidation of that Rangers can be traced back to.

Here’s today’s Christmas statement which is up there in comedy value with Charles Green’s Christmas Eve video which is shown after today’s statement.  A couple of lovely early Christmas presents for you to enjoy from the most unlikely of sources…

The (new) Club Statement on their official website reads as follows…

RANGERS FC (sic) has contacted the Scottish FA to express serious concerns and ask several questions regarding the swift reinstatement of the two VAR officials involved in the officiating failure during the recent Premier Sports Cup Final. We also note one of the officials has been appointed to an SPFL Premiership match involving the club that benefitted from the error. (That’s CELTIC)

The Scottish FA’s actions raise questions about their commitment to improving officiating standards and fostering accountability. While Rangers FC (sic) fully respects the independence of officiating appointments and the need for referees to operate without interference, how the Scottish FA handles such high-profile failures directly affects its credibility and public confidence.

The decision to reinstate the officials so quickly, and in particular for a fixture involving the club which benefited from the mistake in question, has drawn widespread media scrutiny on the officiating failure and officials concerned. This was both predictable and avoidable, and contradicts any stated duty of care from the Scottish FA towards their match officials.

Mistakes do happen in football, and how they are addressed matters enormously. We would urge the Scottish FA to demonstrate its desire to improve the quality and consistency of officiating and to do so in a transparent manner. We are not seeking to challenge the authority of the Scottish FA or the integrity or independence of match officials, but to encourage improved standards and accountability. This is not about influence. It is about good governance.

Rangers FC (sic) expects tangible steps to be taken and remains committed to holding the Scottish FA accountable in the interests of the game.

Daizen Maeda with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay

Statement ends but the laughter doesn’t. Here’s Charles Green playing to the hordes back in the early days of the new club, complaining about not getting a Christmas card from Dundee United. If you haven’t seen this before don’t miss it. It’s up there with Rangers (sic) being made an ‘Escape Goat’ and ‘Same Old Alloa, always cheating’…

Celtic v theRangers 2019 League Cup Final, Hampden Park, 8 December 2019. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Celtic support chant ‘THERE’S ONLY ONE FRAN CONNOR’ at our next two games?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties 

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

By popular demand, both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

The Same old Celtic – Top of the tree at Christmas…

Celtic v St Mirren – Premiership – Celtic Park Santa Claus carries the trophy to the pitch after the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday May 18, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

As usually happens we’re top of the tree at Christmas…

Santa Claus waves after delivering the trophy after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC v St Mirren at Celtic Park on May 18, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Only one more sleep until Christmas and I hope Santa is good to you all, he certainly was good to us all back in May when he presented us with the Scottish Premiership trophy!

As Celtic supporters we all have what we want at this moment in time as our club yet again sits top of the tree at Christmas.

Celtic celebrate winning the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay

There’s been a bit of criticism the past few days due to us dropping two points at Tannadice, but all in all we’re in a pretty good place at the moment, domestically and crucially also in the Champions League.

The Premier Sports league cup was also won last week after a dramatic penalty shoot out win over the Rangers, who we also beat in the Scottish Cup Final back in May thanks to that never-to-be-forgotten Adam Idah 90th minute winner.

Celtic Scottish Cup winners 2024. Photo Geo (The Celtic Star)

There are more big battles ahead in the New Year which kicks off with a vital trip to Ibrox on 2 January. The end of the month will also see us back in Champions League action with just three points needed to secure a play off place, the game against Young Boys at Celtic Park is a mouth-watering prospect and wouldn’t it be great to win that one then head to Villa Park to win a Battle of Britain.

Champions again

But let’s just enjoy the festivities for the moment with family and friends, all with the added comfort that we are by far the best side in the country and hopefully we’re going to get stronger in January.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties 

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

By popular demand, both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

The Daily Mail names transfer priority that emerged from Rodgers’ Dublin Transfer Summit

Stephen McGowan has given an insight into the transfer summit held in Dublin last week between Brendan Rodgers and Dermot Desmond.

On Friday at his pre-match conference the Celtic boss volunteered that the meeting had taken place following the success in the League Cup Final.

Despite a highly successful start to the new season Rodgers will be well aware of the areas that his side and squad need strengthened in.

The Irishman is approaching the halfway stage of his three year contract with the extent of transfer ambitions likely to be a key factor in his decision over whether he should extend his Celtic stay.

Giving the lowdown from Dublin, McGowan tells Daily Mail readers:

Rodgers held a transfer planning summit with major shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Michael Nicholson in Dublin last week, when they discussed new arrivals in January.

A left-winger is a priority. Regardless of whether left-back Greg Taylor commits to a new deal, Rodgers would also like to secure Kieran Tierney for a Parkhead return.

Effectively a free agent in the summer, the Arsenal player has already drawn strong interest from major clubs in England and abroad.

Daizen Maeda has been the undisputed, and largely unchallenged left-winger in the side, providing a unique blend of industry and goals.

James Forrest provides cover and another option but this season Luis Palma has offered little when given the chance to step up.

Former winger Jota seems to be available for transfer from Rennes but whether he’d be interested in a Celtic return or would suit Rodgers’ style is far from certain.

The fourth edition of The Trinity Tims podcast was produced on Monday night covering everything topical with Celtic fans, if you enjoy the content please subscribe for alerts over the weekly production.

Virgil van Dijk Named ‘Insane’ European Stadium as His Favourite Away Ground…

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, thanks to his well-rounded tool kit, has become one of the best defenders to ever grace the Premier League after impressing at Celtic and Southampton and, as a result, has played at plenty of terrific grounds across the world.

From Old Trafford and St James’ Park in the English top flight to the Santiago Bernabeu and the San Siro on the continental stage – none of the aforementioned quartet were named when he was asked about the best away stadium to visit.

The Dutchman, widely recognised as one of the best centre-backs in world football right now, was pivotal to Liverpool’s solitary Premier League title win in 2019/20 and was equally instrumental in adding another Champions League to their CV a season prior.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Van Dijk won 171 of his first 250 games for Liverpool – the most of any player in the club’s storied history.

And by virtue of the Reds’ familiarity with Europe’s top table, having featured in it in all but one of Van Dijk’s campaigns at Anfield, the 33-year-old – as alluded to – has had the pleasure of travelling across Europe to play all manner of sides.

There has been one stadium in particular, however, which has caught his eye over the years – and that’s Barcelona’s Nou Camp, one that is currently out of action as it’s being refurbished into a state-of-the-art 105,000-seater.

Speaking to former Manchester United captain-turned-pundit Gary Neville on The Overlap, the imperious Dutchman didn’t flinch when asked about his favourite away ground to play at: “That’s a difficult one as well, but I would say Camp Nou, Barcelona.

He also opened up on La Blaugrana’s influence, thanks to the plethora of compatriots playing for them in his youth, on him as an aspiring professional by saying, “Yeah definitely. I think most of it was because of Barcelona but also the Dutch connection at the time.

Watch Van Dijk’s full response below:

Van Dijk has stepped out under the bright lights of Barcelona’s home ground on two occasions across his 556-game club career. While mastering his craft at Celtic, the 78-cap Netherlands international was on the end of a 6-1 drubbing.

Five seasons later and now on Liverpool’s books, Breda-born Van Dijk got one back on the Spanish juggernauts in their memorable 4-0 victory in the Champions League-winning campaign.

Report: Former Celtic boss plots swoop for eight-goal forward as Rangers poised to make double January sale

The latest transfer headlines from Celtic and Rangers ahead of the January transfer window

Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila is believed to be planning a sensational swoop for Hoops fan favourite Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window.

Deila, who managed Celtic between 2014 and 2016, recently made a return to football as manager of MLS side Atlanta United and is hoping to make an immediate mark on his new team by adding an experienced goalscorer to their ranks.

That’s according to Mail Sport, who state that the Norwegian coach is willing to pay upwards of £10m to add Kyogo to his team in the near future.

Kyogo, aged 29, was the subject of shock interest from Manchester City over the summer, but ultimately chose to remain with Brendan Rodgers’ side. He remains a key part of the Northern Irishman’s plans at Parkhead and so far boasts a record of eight goals in 23 appearances this season.

The Japanese international, who won the Premiership Golden Boot in 2022/23, is under contract until 2027 and has been invaluable to the team in recent seasons.

Rangers plan double sale

Rangers climbed back into the top two for the first time this season by beating Dundee 1-0 at Ibrox, but fans know the team still has a long way to go if they are to mount a genuine title push this season.

The Light Blues are expected to be active in the transfer market to try and bridge the gap between themselves and the summit, but will be mindful of their financial situation which will likely mean they need to sell players to facilitate incomings.

As such, Rangers Review reports that Philippe Clement has made two fringe players in Alex Lowry and Adam Devine available for transfer this summer in a bid to raise funds.

The midfield duo are both academy graduates and would therefore count more maximum profit in terms of profit and sustainability rules.

24 y/o Celtic star sidelined and could be out until after Rangers clash…

Celtic could now be without a fourth sidelined player for the Boxing Day clash against Motherwell and beyond, manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

Celtic prepare for Boxing Day action

The Hoops endured a rare disappointing day at the office in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon, only managing to draw 0-0 away to Dundee United and struggling to ever hit top gear. Rangers’ 1-0 win at home to Dundee means that Celtic‘s rivals are now nine points behind in the title race.

On Boxing Day, Rodgers’ side welcome Motherwell to Parkhead for one of the most traditional days in the British footballing calendar, acting as a great chance for the Hoops to get back to winning ways.

That said, Celtic’s upcoming opponents are fourth in the Scottish Premiership table, picking up seven points from their last three matches in the competition, so it could still be a test, on a day when the champions will want to get back to winning ways.

Celtic suffer another injury blow

In quotes provided by The Daily Mail, Rodgers confirmed that Nicolas Kuhn is a major injury doubt for Celtic’s clash with Motherwell, having missed the weekend draw, and he could be out even longer, casting doubt over the upcoming fixtures against St Johnstone and the Gers.

“I don’t know how long Nicolas will be out for. Hopefully it’s not long term. He felt a problem with his knee and then he felt a twinge on Saturday. We hope that it’s not too long but I will find out more on Monday about whether he will be back for Thursday. He’d been running and moving okay but he felt a twinge when he passed the ball and we will need to see.”

Not having Kuhn available for the Boxing Day action would be an undoubted setback for Celtic, especially considering he was not the only player sidelined this past weeked, joining Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and right-back Alistair Johnston.

The 24-year-old has registered 11 goal contributions in as many appearances in the Scottish Premiership – five goals and six assists – while Rodgers knows all about his quality from out wide, saying: “He is a dynamic player who has an excellent level of quality and all the attributes to fit well into our style of play.

“He has the profile we are looking for, he has a real attacking intent, a player with great pace and ideas, the ability to create and score goals and a player with a great energy and work ethic.”

Celtic showed how much they need Kuhn in the team last weekend, with the German playing no part in the stalemate against Dundee United, and the trip to Ibrox in the New Year certainly becomes more perilous without him.

Nicolas Kuhn’s Scottish Premiership stats this season

Total

Appearances

13

Starts

11

Minutes played

867

Goals

5

Assists

6

Shots per game

2.4

Key passes per game

2.3

Dribbles per game

2.1

The winger’s ability to wreak havoc from his right-sided attacking role is such a weapon for the Hoops, not least because of his ability to cut on to his deadly left foot, and having him available for festive fixtures would be huge.

Celtic vs Motherwell: Kick-off time, not on TV – but PPV available

Celtic’s Luis Palma and Motherwell’s Callum Slattery in action (Image: SNS Group)

Celtic top the Scottish Premiership table by nine points at Christmas and remain unbeaten domestically throughout the 2024/25 season so far.

Brendan Rodgers’ men were held to a 0-0 draw at Dundee United last time out, so they’ll be desperate to return to winning ways when Motherwell visit Glasgow’s East End on Boxing Day.

Motherwell have been fairly inconsistent of late, pivoting from three consecutive defeats to managing to remain unbeaten in their last three matches.

(Image: SNS Group)Here is everything you need to know about Celtic vs Motherwell…

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When is Celtic vs Motherwell?

Celtic go head-to-head with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Thursday, December 26.

The match will be played at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Is Celtic vs Motherwell on TV?

No, the match has not been selected for broadcast by any of the traditional TV companies.

However, Celtic TV’s pay-per-view service are showing the game for a cost of £12.99.

Celtic TV is set to provide live coverage starting at 2:30pm.

Fans can purchase access now by visiting www.celticfc.tv, where they can register their information and select the pay-per-view option.

They state that this is open to all supporters, meaning you don’t need to be a Celtic TV subscriber to enjoy the action.

For just £12.99, viewers can experience the pre-match build-up, live gameplay, and in-depth analysis during half-time and after the match.

Additionally, Celtic TV subscribers located in the UK and Ireland will benefit from a special discounted price of £9.99, which will be automatically applied at checkout.

Last five results for Celtic and Motherwell…

Celtic

Dundee United 0 Celtic 0 (Scottish Premiership)

Celtic 3-3 Rangers (Penalties: 5-4) (Premier Sports Cup final)

Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic (Champions League)

Celtic 3-0 Hibernian (Scottish Premiership)

Aberdeen 0-1 Celtic (Scottish Premiership)

Motherwell 

Motherwell 1 Kilmarnock 1

Motherwell 4 Dundee United 3

St Mirren 0 Motherwell 1

Dundee 4 Motherwell 1

Motherwell 0 Hibernian 3

Maik Nawrocki sees Celtic transfer exit route blocked as Polish chief brutally rules out move for Parkhead outcast – News Report…

The Polish stopper is well down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers and has been linked with a move away from the Hoops

Celtic outcast Maik Nawrocki has had his chances of returning to Poland brutally ruled out.

The Polish stopper has played just five minutes for Brendan Rodgers’ men this season with that appearance coming in the Premier Sports Cup win over Falkirk back in September. He cost the Hoops over £4million last July in a transfer from Legia Warsaw.

But, he only managed seven league starts last campaign and has found himself well down the pecking order this time around and is not being used. He’s been linked with the exit door with talk over a return to his homeland with Slack Wroclaw either on loan of a permanent deal according to reports in Poland.

But club sports director Rafal Grodzicki has emphatically ruled out any prospect of the deal insisting his side are NOT even interested in his services. He said: “I can assure you that we weren’t even interested in this player. We have many central defenders in the club and our priority for strengthening are in other positions.”

The 23-year-old, who was once on Werder Bremen’s books too, still has three-and-a-half years left of his deal at Celtic and seems certain to leave next month.

Scottish January transfer window extended as one Premiership side makes early signing with starlet

Football clubs in Scotland will have until February 3 to bring in players this winter, with the transfer window staying later than is normal.

Teams all across the Scottish Professional Football League will be looking to improve their squads for the second half of the season, while some will be aiming to offload players who are no longer in the first-team picture.

The 2025 winter transfer window will open on the usual date of January 1 – a week on Wednesday – but this year clubs will have slightly longer to do their business, with the deadline for deals set for 11pm on Monday, February 3.

Nicolas Kuhn was the big winter transfer in 2024, signing for Celtic from Rapid Vienna. | SNS Group

This mirrors arrangements across the rest of the United Kingdom and other major leagues such as Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1.

January 31 falls on Friday next year, ahead of a busy weekend of domestic football, and there are currently no Scottish football fixtures slated for February 3. By comparison, the 2024 winter transfer window closed on Thursday, February 1.

As per usual regulations, clubs will be able to push transfers back a further hour as long as they submit certain pieces of paperwork and a deal sheet before the 11pm deadline on February 3.

Rangers brought in Mohamed Diomande last January. | SNS Group

Celtic were the big movers in this year’s winter window, signing German forward Nicolas Kuhn for nearly £3 million from Rapid Vienna and Irish striker Adam Idah on loan from Norwich City. Rangers were also active, landing Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande on loan from Lens and FC Nordsjaelland respectively, while Hibs brought in a host of players such as Luke Amos, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Elizear Mayenda, Emiliano Marcondes and Myziane Maolida.

One Premiership club has already done business ahead of the January window, with Mexican Under-20s midfielder Cesar Garza arriving at the start of next year on loan from the Dees’ partner club CF Monterrey.

Celtic hero Shunsuke Nakamura takes next step in coaching career as Japanese icon eyes move to Europe…

Almost two decades after becoming Celtic’s first Japanese player, the midfield maestro is building his coaching career – and could be eyeing a move to Europe

Shunsuke Nakamura has been coaching at Serie A side Parma. (Image: Parma Calcio)

As a player he made himself a modern day icon at Celtic, but could Shunsuke Nakamura return one day in a coaching role?

Whilst fellow countrymen Kyogo Furuhashi, Dazen Maeda and Reo Hatate have made themselves fixtures in Brendan Rodgers’ side, it’s almost 20 years since dead ball maestro Nakamura made history as the Hoops’ first Japanese player – and became as much of a hero in Glasgow’s East End as he is in his homeland. After hanging up his boots at the age of 44, Nakamura now works as a coach at Yokohama FC – but was in Italy this month learning more about European coaching methods with Serie A side Parma.

He spent a fortnight with the Italian club and manager Fabio Pecchia, with a Parma statement reading: “It wasn’t simply a refresher course for Nakamura, but a chance to deeply understand the way of work in Europe and to learn some precious tips to apply in his future coaching career,” hinting that the 98 time capped ace could be targeting a move back into European football in the future.

Nakamura himself told Parma’s website: “Pecchia knows Japanese football well, having coached Avispa Fukuoka. During my time at Collecchio, be it with him or the technical staff, there have been constant discussions to understand the training methods, the tactics, strategies, types of training and the entire Parma organisation. I’d like to thank the club, and above all Pecchia, who has always been available. I posed him a lot of questions and he’s always come back with the answers I wanted. This has helped me a lot to understand. I won’t forget this.”

Nakamura scored some memorable goals for Celtic. (Image: SNS Group 0141 221 3602)

The club’s statement continued: “Another reason for Nakamura choosing to spend his refresher period at the Mutti Training Centre in Collechio to watch Parma closely was to understand the secrets behind the work of the head coach. Nakamura has observed every details of the activities that Pecchia and his staff have put the team through, with particular attention being paid to the way in which the training sessions are led and the tactical approach of the team. However, he is not just limited to watching. The ex-midfielder has been discussing different topics everyday with both Pecchia and his staff.”

Signed by Gordon Strachan from Reggina for £2.5m in 2005, Nakamura quickly became a favourite at Parkhead – most memorably scoring a trademark free-kick winner against Manchester United in the 2006 Champions League. After leaving Glasgow he spent a season with Espanyol in La Liga before stints with Yokohama F. Marinos, Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama FC in Japan.

Exclusive News: Kyogo January Transfer Bid Rumour

Atlanta United are considering a fresh bid to sign Celtic striker Kyogo, with reports suggesting the MLS side are prepared to offer £10 million for the Japan international.

Despite their interest, Celtic have shown little willingness to entertain any approach, maintaining their firm stance on keeping one of their key players.

Deila’s Atlanta Rebuild

Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, now at the helm of Atlanta United, has set his sights on bolstering the squad following his recent appointment. With Chris Henderson joining as chief soccer officer and CEO Garth Lagerwey promising high-profile moves in the new year, the American side appear eager to make a statement in the transfer market.

The designated player slot in MLS allows clubs to sign top-tier talent on wages far above the league average, and Kyogo would undoubtedly fit into that category. However, the Japan international recently committed to a four-year deal with Celtic, earning £20,000 per week until 2027.

15th December 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Premier Sports Cup Football Final, Celtic versus Rangers; Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic lifts the trophy in front of the fans

Celtic’s Determination to Keep Their Star

Atlanta’s interest isn’t new. The MLS side were heavily linked with Kyogo last summer, but Celtic held firm, prioritising their Champions League campaign. While there was some speculation of interest from Manchester City, Atlanta emerged as the most serious suitors.

Since his arrival in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou, the Celtic striker has been a revelation. Kyogo has been a key figure and while he’s not been prolific this year he adds real quality to the team.

January Move Unlikely

With Kyogo set to turn 30 next month, an offer in the region of £10 million would undoubtedly give Celtic something to think about. However, a January departure remains highly unlikely. The club are focused on maintaining momentum in the league and their Champions league campaign if which Celtic still have two matches of the league phase to go in January.

The Japan international’s contributions remain vital to Celtic’s ambitions, and the prospect of losing their top striker mid-season is one the club are unlikely to entertain. Unless Brendan Rodgers felt he had someone lined up to replace him.

Celtic fans will be forever grateful to Ange Postecoglou.

Yes, everyone will point towards the trophies, including the Treble-winning season and the style of play he brought to Glasgow.

Remember, Postecoglou came in when Celtic were on the floor and he picked everyone up by taking the fans on a journey they will remember for a long time.

But one of the most under-appreciated parts of Postecoglou’s reign at Celtic is the signings that came in during his time at the club.

Several of them are now starring in Brendan Rodgers’ second spell as Bhoys manager, but there were some missing for the trip to Tannadice on Sunday afternoon.

Celtic recorded a bore goalless draw against Dundee United to drop points for only the second time this season and fail to score for the first time.

Fans might look towards the magic of Nicolas Kuhn proving to be a huge miss, but there is someone else also going under the radar.

Alistair Johnston is Celtic’s most underrated player

Alistair Johnston joined Celtic in 2023 and became a key member of Postecoglou’s trophy-winning machine.

But he has now taken his game to another level under Rodgers and is proving to be the most underrated player at the club.

All eyes are on Kuhn on that right-hand side, but the consistency of the man behind him shouldn’t be undervalued.

Johnston doesn’t put a foot wrong, he is a coach’s dream because he does everything to the letter and allows Kuhn in front of him to thrive.

Plus, and with all due respect, when Anthony Ralston is playing at right-back, as he did against Dundee United, then you notice the drop in quality.

Johnston’s stats for Celtic this season

One part of Johnston’s game that has improved is his play in the final third and the clever runs he makes off the ball.

It has resulted in the Canada international scoring four goals in the Premiership alone this season and don’t bet against him adding more to his locker.

Plus, Johnston has deserved donning the captain’s armband this term because how he presents himself to the media is a breath of fresh air.

There is a lot of talk about who Celtic could add to their left-hand side in January – with Kieran Tierney linked with a return – but there aren’t such issues on the other side.

The simple reason is that Johnston is so reliable, with WhoScored rating his Premiership performances at 7.47 this term and his Champions League displays earning him a rating of 6.71.

TournamentAppsGoalsAssistsTacklesClearKeyPAerialsWonMotMRatingPremiership14(1)441.721.71.127.47Champions League6––2.220.31.2–6.71

So Good, Celtic suffer transfer ‘blow’ as Brighton ‘discussing’ £11m deal for target

Celtic are back in Scottish Premiership action on Boxing Day

Brighton and Hove Albion are currently leading Celtic in pursuit of Hammarby attacker Bazoumana Toure, according to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon. The youngster has been linked with a switch to Celtic Park in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 18-year-old, who is under contract with his current club until the summer of 2028, is being tipped for a bright future in the game. His current club could face a battle to keep hold of him down the line.

Celtic target Toure has been in impressive form for Hammarby so far this season. He has made 23 appearances in the league and has chipped in with eight goals and three assists.

He is All Out, Kyogo is Atlanta Utd transfer target as Celtic braced for ‘£10million bid’ from MLS

The American club have received no encouragement from the Hoops but may test their resolve

Atlanta Utd are preparing to make a fresh bid for Kyogo Furuhashi, according to a report.

The MLS outfit are thought to be willing to fork out up to £10million for the Celtic striker, but have been given the cold shoulder by the Hoops who are determined to hold on to their no 8. However, the Americans are weighing up whether to launch a new offer. Talks with Benfica over Artur Cabral are said to have stalled and Atlanta, who have two designated player slots to fill and mney to spend, have Kyogo on a list of options, claim the Daily Mail.

Former Hoops boss Ronnie Deila took charge of Atlanta last week and with former Inter Miami suit Chris Henders now in charge of soccer operations at the club, chief exec Gareth Lagerwey has assured fans they are prepared to make big moves in the transfer market. He said: “We promised that we were going to remake the club,’ he said. ‘This is the first big one and there’ll be more to come to make this better in 2025.”

Designated player status would mean Kyogo could bank significantly higher wages than the averag MLS player. However, he still has two-and-a-half years left on his £20,000 per-week deal at Parkhead. And the Premiership champions are unwilling to sell with a genuine shot of making the Champions League knockout stage.

However, an offer in the tens of millions may mean there is a decision to be made. Brendan Rodgers is keen to add a third striker to his squad if he can, but very much sees Kyogo a shis first choice. Celtic forked out £9.5million to land Adam Idah on a permanent deal in the summer, so there is another senior front man to step in if the decision is made to cash in on Kyogo.

Maik Nawrocki sees Celtic transfer exit route blocked as Polish chief brutally rules out move for Parkhead outcast

The Polish stopper is well down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers and has been linked with a move away from the Hoops

Maik Nawrocki is well down the pecking order at Celtic

Celtic outcast Maik Nawrocki has had his chances of returning to Poland brutally ruled out.

The Polish stopper has played just five minutes for Brendan Rodgers’ men this season with that appearance coming in the Premier Sports Cup win over Falkirk back in September. He cost the Hoops over £4million last July in a transfer from Legia Warsaw.

But, he only managed seven league starts last campaign and has found himself well down the pecking order this time around and is not being used. He’s been linked with the exit door with talk over a return to his homeland with Slack Wroclaw either on loan of a permanent deal according to reports in Poland.

But club sports director Rafal Grodzicki has emphatically ruled out any prospect of the deal insisting his side are NOT even interested in his services. He said: “I can assure you that we weren’t even interested in this player. We have many central defenders in the club and our priority for strengthening are in other positions.”

The 23-year-old, who was once on Werder Bremen’s books too, still has three-and-a-half years left of his deal at Celtic and seems certain to leave next month.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Celtic will undoubtedly be linked to various players over the coming weeks.

After Hoops winger James Forrest’s latest injury, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could be tempted to dip into the transfer market and bring in another winger as back up.

Adding another striker was probably an option too but with Celtic recalling Jonny Kenny from Shamrock Rovers in January, it looks like there is no need to add a new frontman to the ranks.

But it seems that one player who has been linked to Celtic recently could very well be on the move after Enzo Maresca admitted he will ‘try to find a solution’ his £20m man’s unhappiness at being left out of his Chelsea team.

Enzo Maresca admits Carney Chukwuemeka might ‘want to leave’ Chelsea amid Celtic links

Chukwuemeka was linked to Celtic this month after struggling to break into Enzo Maresca’s team with a loan move to Parkhead being mooted.

And speaking at his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s ahead of today’s clash with Everton, Maresca admits his £20m man might want to get out of Stamford Bridge.

Maresca told Chelsea TV, “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions like (Ben) Chilwell, like Carney (Chukwuemeka).

“Probably they are the first [to say] that they want to leave because they train every day, because they want to play games and if they don’t play games probably they are thinking of leaving.

“Each player is a bit different situation. So we’re going to see if some of them are coming and knocking on the door to say ‘I want to leave’ or something like that. We will try to find a solution.”

Celtic-linked Carney Chukwuemeka’s stats at Aston Villa and Chelsea

At just 21, Austrian-born Chukwuemeka has plenty of years ahead of him to become an established first-team player whether it be at Chelsea or another club.

However, how do his stats match up at both Aston Villa and Chelsea and do they make good reading for the Celtic fans?

Carney ChukwuemekaPlayedGoalsAssistsAston Villa1601Aston Villa B (U18 & U19)551313Chelsea3221Chelsea U21200Stats from Transfermarkt

With almost 50 combined appearances for Chelsea and Aston Villa, it’s clear the youngster has the talent to play at the top level.

What’s also clear is that on £100,000 per week at Stamford Bridge [Spotrac], a move to Celtic could prove difficult unless the Premier Leauge club pick up the majority of Chukwuemeka’s salary.

Brendan Rodgers wants more GREED following a rare misfire at Tannadice.

Misfires in front of goal have been a rarity and Rodgers was reluctant to be too harsh after a stunning six months

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Callum McGregor

Frustrated Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic are greedy to win every game.

But after failing to gobble up full points for only the second time this season against Dundee United the Hoops boss insists nobody should complain about quality of fare offered up so far this season. Not when the punters are hardly starved of success.

Celtic can look forward to their Christmas dinner knowing their unbeaten domestic record this season is still in tack. But a week after filling their boots with the first silverware of the season against Rangers in a thrilling League Cup Final at Hampden it was a far more bland affair in Tayside. Kyogo missed a late chance which was laid on a plate by sub Adam Idah’s neat flick. But other than that and a decent save from Jack Walton to deny Arne Engels late on, the Hoops were living on scraps in front of goal.

It was unlike the free-flowing and free-scoring Hoops of just a month ago and Rodgers admitted he was disappointed. But with a nine point lead on Rangers at the top of the table, their Champions League qualification hopes in a healthy spot and the League Cup safely tucked up in the cabinet, the Northern Irishman was quick to remind listeners that Celtic are feasting on good times.

He said: “You are always disappointed when you draw a game that you should win. We didn’t work the keeper enough but the players gave everything. In these types of games, if you don’t get the early goal it gives the opposition something to hold on to.

“We had to make a lot of changes and the players that came in were really secure. Both sets of players dealt with the wind really well, because it was a real challenge. We are greedy to win every game. But nine points clear, with a trophy in the cabinet, and doing well in the Champions League, it’s been a good period for us.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Austin Trusty were sidelined by flu meaning Rodgers was forced to pair Stephen Welsh – making only his second appearance of the season – and Liam Scales in the centre of defence. But a comfortable clean sheet – their 13th in 16 league games – was a positive for the manager to take into the Boxing Day clash with Motherwell.

He said: “The keeper made a great save from Arne Engels at the end and we also had a chance with Kyogo. We just needed to be more clinical and ruthless with our finishing. But I can’t fault the effort of the players and what they gave.

Brendan Rodgers

“The football was good but it just wasn’t to be. Welshy and Scalesy were excellent. The conditions were excellent but credit to both sets of players for the way they handled it. We’ve played a lot of fast, low passes and played good football – but we just couldn’t find the goal.

“Stephen and Liam helped us control the game. We missed Ali Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, who have been excellent for us. But we can’t use that as an excuse. Some of our play getting through the pitch was excellent and we still had 78 per cent possession. It was just that lack of a touch in the final third. We felt we had enough chances to score.”

Rodgers should have Carter-Vickers, Trusty and Johnston back to face Well on Boxing Day. But there’s a doubt over Nicolas Kuhn who will be assessed today after picking up a knee injury last week. There’s no rest for the champions either, not with three huge games coming up in the space of eight days – culminating in the second Old Firm derby of the league season at Ibrox on January 2.

But the manager knows the players will have their eyes on unwrapping three points when Well visit on Thursday – because the expectation to win drives them every single day. Rodgers said: “The boys will be back in training and we just need to keep going now.

“It’s been a good start to the season and the players have been absolutely brilliant up until this time. We put that expectation on ourselves to win every game but you can’t complain when you get a draw like Sunday. We just have to do better in the final third but I also give credit to Dundee United.

‘I don’t know how long he will be out,’ says Celtic manager Rodgers after Kuhn is sidelined by knee injury.

Celtic face an anxious wait over the fitness of winger Nicolas Kuhn after a knee injury ruled the leading scorer out of the goalless draw with Dundee United at Tannadice.

Already missing first-choice central defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty through flu, right-back Alistair Johnston joined Kuhn on the sidelines as the champions dropped league points for only the second time this season.

Coming up against a resolute Dundee United defence, the Parkhead side failed to test keeper Jack Walton until the final stages.

While a point maintains a nine-point lead over second-place Rangers in the Premiership, Brendan Rodgers faces an anxious wait to establish the full extent of 12-goal Kuhn’s unspecified knee problem.

Forced to ring the changes to his starting line-up, Rodgers said: ‘I don’t know how long Nicolas will be out for. Hopefully it’s not long term.

‘He felt a problem with his knee and then he felt a twinge on Saturday. We hope that it’s not too long but I will find out more on Monday about whether he will be back for Thursday.

Winger Nicolas Kuhn missed Celtic’s goalless draw with Dundee United due to a knee injury

Brendan Rodgers, who had to reshuffle his team at Tannadice, hopes Kuhn can return soon

Kyogo Furuhashi cut a frustrated figure after Dundee United held Celtic to a goalless draw

‘He’d been running and moving okay but he felt a twinge when he passed the ball and we will need to see.

‘Cameron and Auston were ill. Ali should be back for Thursday and we just wanted to give him recovery time. He did really well to play in the final so we just wanted to rest him.

‘Nicolas, we will need to see. He’s been tentative with his knee and we didn’t want to risk that.’

Frustrated by United’s defensive resilience, Celtic drew a blank in domestic football for the first time since a 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle in March. ‘We had enough of the ball and the only thing that was missing was that final touch,’ said Rodgers.

‘We arrived into the area often enough but we couldn’t hit the target in the first half. We never made the keeper work and then in the second half, give credit to Dundee United for the way they defended.

Rodgers discloses his major injury concern, but I’m not sure how long.

I don’t know how long- Rodgers reveals his big injury concern.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Nicolas Kuhn is a serious injury concern going into the festive fixtures.

The winger has been the stand out performer so far this season with a flow of goals and assists across three competitions, without him at Dundee United today Celtic failed to score for the first time domestically this season.

Kuhn played for 105 minutes of the League Cup Final but was bothered by his knee during the week with a further twinge at training on Saturday raising the red flag.

Speaking after the match, the Daily Record reports Rodgers saying:

Cameron and Auston were ill. Ali should be back for Thursday and we just wanted to give him recovery time.

He did really well to play in the final so we just wanted to rest him. Nicolas, we will need to see. He’s been tentative with his knee and we didn’t want to risk that. I don’t know how long Nicolas will be out for.

Hopefully it’s not long-term. He felt a problem with his knee and then he felt a twinge on Saturday. We hope that it’s not too long but I will find out more on Monday about whether he will be back for Thursday. He’d been running and moving okay but he felt a twinge when he passed the ball and we will need to see.

With James Forrest out injured until the end of January Celtic’s winger options have been drastically reduced.

Daizen Maeda and Yanh Hyun-jun started today’s 0-0 draw with Luis Palma and Kyogo Furuhashi finishing the game in the wide positions.

With so much play directed down the wings being without two of his first three picks for those positions will be a concern for Rodgers.

Today’s clean sheet demonstrated that the Irishman has good options in defence but while others enjoy their Christmas the fitness of Kuhn will probably be the biggest issue facing Rodgers this week.

On Sky Sports, Aiden McGeady exposes Rangers with Celtic truth bombs.

It has been quite the week for Celtic.

From Brendan Rodgers winning another trophy in the most dramatic of fashions as Rangers were put to the sword in a penalty shootout to Celtic’s dropped points at Dundee United a week later.

Rodgers can certainly raise a glass at Christmas because, whilst it has been eventful, all of it has been deserved and there has been a lot to cheer about this season.

From Celtic’s Champions League performances to only dropping points in two games in the Premiership.

Compared to last season, where the performances were iffy and off-colour quite a lot of the time, the fans have been seriously entertained this time around.

If you were to ask the supporters to pick a moment, some would go for Celtic’s win over RB Leipzig, but others would go for trophy number 119 being delivered.

Aiden McGeady delighted with Celtic winning trophy number 119 against Rangers

Celtic became Scotland’s most decorated club after that Hampden thriller and it delighted Aiden McGeady.

Speaking from the perspective of a boyhood fan, he stated that it was ‘more sweeter’ it happened against Rangers and the manner of it, as he told Sky Sports Football (22/12/24 at 11:05 am).

“Being biased and growing up as a Celtic fan, of course, it does (mean more) because it’s one that Rangers fans have had a hold over Celtic fans for a long, long time,” said McGeady.

“It makes it the more sweeter. I suppose the manner of it makes it that little bit sweeter as well. The fact that they went to penalties. It’s never a way you want to win a final as a player, but it’s the best way to win it when you do.”

Celtic’s trophy haul

From the legendary Jock Stein to the man in the dugout now, they have all played a huge part in Celtic being the greatest club in the land.

From the Lisbon Lions to Rodgers’ Invincibles, fans have been blessed to witness some amazing and historic moments.

But with 54 Scottish Premiership titles in the bag, you can bet your bottom dollar that there are more to come.

After scouting, Celtic Dealt Blow In Interest In Teenage Winger Club..

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Celtic have been dealt a blow in the race to sign teenage attacker Bazoumana Toure as Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion are currently ahead, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Toure has turned heads with his performances in Sweden at Hammarby, despite having only arrived in Europe earlier this year.

Hammarby are likely to bank a big fee when the 18-year-old eventually moves on and he is not short of admirers.

In the 23 appearances, he has managed so far, Toure has made 13 goal contributions and Celtic have been tracking him closely.

Celtic though now look up against it when it comes to capturing the teenage winger from Hammarby.

Premier League side Brighton are suggested to now be leading the race to sign Toure from the Swedes.

In fact, Fabian Hurzeler’s team are discussing a deal with Hammarby that could rise up to £11m.

Whether Celtic can compete with the Seagulls for Toure is open to question, but the Premier League side are pushing ahead with a swoop.

Celtic are in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window re-opening.

Given that Brendan Rodgers’ side are flying on all fronts, then this is an ample chance to further strengthen the squad because it’s far easier to do it than when you are desperate.

Celtic’s transfer recruitment in recent years has been interesting, especially the reaction towards it all when Rodgers returned last season.

Only last November, there were chants of ’sack the board’ from the Celtic fans during the home defeat to Hearts, but all of that has changed on its head now.

The powers that be brought in project-like signings, and long-term signings, and now they are coming to fruition – Nicolas Kuhn is a prime example.

But, come the winter transfer window, a ready-made player could be entering the Parkhead building.

Kieran Tierney’s transfer to Celtic ‘will happen’

Kieran Tierney’s name has been doing the rounds and it seems as though he could be leaving Arsenal sooner rather than later.

The boyhood Celt has had injury issues and returned from a long lay-off in midweek after getting injured for Scotland at Euro 2024 in the summer.

Journalist Roger Hannah says ‘Arsenal have made it clear’ they won’t be extending Tierney’s stay at the Emirates – his contract runs out next summer.

He told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard that he expects a deal with Celtic to happen and it could be as early as next month.

“I think it will happen,” said Hannah. “For any transfer to happen, you need to have three willing parties. The club he is currently at. The club he is going to and the player himself.

“Arsenal have made it clear they aren’t going to take up the option on the last year of his deal. My understanding is that they will let him go in January without a fee.

“Celtic, again, my understanding is that Brendan is very keen for this to happen. Greg Taylor is in the last six months of his deal and Alex Valle is only on loan and might be recalled by Barcelona in January. You never know where that is going to take you. The player himself has never hidden a desire to come back to the club. I have no idea of another man’s financial situation. Kieran doesn’t strike me as one of life’s lavish spenders. I think Kieran would have made an awful lot of money since leaving Celtic. I think Kieran’s choice would be to come back to Celtic. You can never guarantee injuries. He could come back and play 50 games for Celtic next season. Or he could come back and be injured in 50 minutes. Nobody knows that. But I think there is a willingness on all three sides and I think this will happen.”

Tierney is Arsenal’s fastest player

If Tierney does return to where it all began, then it’s a chance for Celtic fans to see him link up with Daizen Maeda on the right flank.

The thought of those two running at the opposition’s backline is very much worth looking forward to, with Gabriel Martinelli speaking highly of his teammate.

Martinelli is seen as one of the fastest players in the Premier League, but the Brazil star says, at Arsenal, it’s Tierney who is the quickest, as he told Men in Blazers.

“Who’s the second fastest player at Arsenal after you by the way?” Martinelli was asked.

“I don’t know, we have KT (Kieran Tierney) and I think he’s quicker than me to be fair, so he’s the first one and I’m the second,” responded Martinelli.

Coy Jota’s admission, Carney Chukwuemeka’s door opening, and the £11 million man’s ‘plot’ to leave Celtic

It’s shaping up to be a busy January window for the Hoops

Stade Rennes boss Jorge Sampaoli appears to have left the door open for Jota to leave the club in January.

The 25-year-old only made the move to Ligue 1 last summer after leaving a nightmare spell in the Saudi Pro League – just 12 months after the winger left Celtic for the mega-rich Al-Ittihad in a £25million move. However, reports in France suggest that the club could be ready to move on the Portuguese star to fund Sampaoli’s spending next month.

Asked about the future of Jota – who has yet to be handed a single start by the Argentine boss since he replace Julian Stephen last month – before the clash with Bordeaux on Sunday, Sampaoli said: It’s a difficult market. I need players ready for January, not for the long term. January will determine many things, I hope for good players who will allow us to improve the squad.”

The Hoops are also reportedly in the race to sign Chelsea fringe man on loan in January – with the door left open by boss Enzo Maresca for a January exit. The Premier League heavyweights splashed around £20million put he his failed to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Carney Chukwuemeka (R) fights for the ball with Greg Taylor

Speaking before Sunday’s clash with Everton, he said: “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions like (Ben) Chilwell, like Carney (Chukwuemeka). Probably they are the first [to say] that they want to leave because they train every day, because they want to play games and if they don’t play games probably they are thinking of leaving.

“Each player is a bit different situation. So we’re going to see if some of them are coming and knocking on the door to say ‘I want to leave’ or something like that. We will try to find a solution.”

Another man who has been on the Hoops agenda recently is Mathias Kvistgaarden. Brondby are reportedly holding out for an £11million payday for the versatile forward.

It would seem unlikely that Celtic will match their transfer record in the winter window having splashed £11million on Arne Engels less than six months ago. However, the Dane appears to be in no rush to leave his current side and is prepared to wait until the summer

The award-winning defender is being discussed by Celtic to be sold in January.

Celtic are now in talks over selling a defender this January, with the negotiations now in full swing, according to a report.

Celtic competing on all fronts

The Hoops picked up their first piece of silverware this season after defeating Rangers in the League Cup final last week, and Brendan Rodgers‘ side are also faring very well in the league, currently top of the Scottish Premiership table.

As such, there is seemingly not a pressing need for Rodgers to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, but there are signs the manager could be busy this winter, given that a number of players have been linked with moves to Parkhead.

Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is the latest player to be touted for a move to his former club, and Rodgers refused to rule out a reunion with the left-back in a recent interview, saying: “We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here.

“His talents then took him to another challenge but we’ll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we’ll only talk about a player once he’s signed.”

Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures

Date

Dundee United (a)

December 22nd

Motherwell (h)

December 26th

St. Johnstone (h)

December 29th

Rangers (a)

January 2nd

St. Mirren (h)

January 5th

There may also be some departures this January, perhaps to fund Celtic’s own transfer business, and it has now been reported they are in talks with Internacional over selling Alexandro Bernabei permanently.

Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has confirmed that negotiations are in full swing, with the Hoops willing to lower the asking price to €5m (£4.1m) to facilitate the move, while also asking for a percentage of any future sale.

As such, Bernabei clearly does not feature in Rodgers’ plans going forward, and a permanent move to Brazil in January seems to be a likely scenario.

Good decision for all parties

The Argentine never managed to cement himself in the Celtic starting XI, but he has clearly impressed on loan at Internacional, given that they are determined to make his loan move permanent.

The 21-year-old is said to have “shone” in the Brazilian league, so Internacional is evidently a better fit for him than Celtic.

With the Hoops faring very well in Bernabei’s absence, it makes sense to sanction his departure for £4.1m this winter, and Rodgers can use the money raised to strengthen his side in other areas.

Celtic loan target ‘would score bundles of goals’ in Scotland as Rodgers tipped to pull of major coup amid Man City interest…

The Brighton striker is a boyhood Celtic fans and has been linked with a loan switch to Parkhead this winter

English Premier League giants Manchester City are considering a January move for Celtic loan target Evan Ferguson, according to reports.

The 18-time capped Republic of Ireland international has lost his way on the south coast and fallen out of favour under head coach Fabian Hürzeler after scoring just one goal this season. He has subsequently been linked with a temporary switch away from the Amex Stadium and GiveMeSport claim Pep Guardiola could hand the towering frontman a chance to reignite his career at the Eithad.

Guardiola is understood to be open to adding to his forward options in January after selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a club-record £81.8 million last summer.

Ferguson broke through at Brighton two years ago at the age of 18 but has been unable to recapture his best form in recent times.The likes of Celtic, Leicester City and West Ham have recently touted as possible destinations, along with Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United and Sunderland.

Discussing Ferguson’s options and the possibility of him joining the Hoops, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman reckons it would be “huge” if Brendan Rodgers could pull off a major coup by selling the fact he’s already a boyhood fan of the club and the lure of Champions League football during the second half of the season.

He told CoinPoker: “Yes, I do think Evan Ferguson would be the perfect addition to Leeds United or Sunderland. But do I think he’ll end up in the Championship? No, I don’t. Just 18 months ago, he was being lauded as a £100 million player. So I can’t see him playing in the Championship no matter how big a club is.

“If a loan move is an option for him, you’d suggest a loan move to another Premier League club would be logical, as long as he gets minutes, which is key for him. Perhaps he could move to Europe. If I look at the quality of the Scottish Premiership, I don’t think a transfer to the SPL would be right for Evan Ferguson.

“However, he’s an Irish lad who has previously admitted Celtic are his favourite Scottish team. That could be a little carrot which makes him consider a move to Parkhead. European football would also be an attraction. But would it be enough for him after being linked with some of the best clubs in the world previously?

“While the European nights are brilliant, the rest of it, aside from Rangers and maybe Aberdeen, is easy. I say that with the utmost respect and as someone who played in the Scottish Premiership. I’m not criticising it, those are just levels when compared to the Premier League. It would be huge if Celtic could somehow persuade him to sign for them and he would score bundles of goals. I’m just not sure it would be a wonderful career move.”

Celtic Tipped to Sign Arsenal Star in Surprise Transfer Move – Report

Kieran Tierney’s Potential Celtic Return: Navigating the Future at Home

Kieran Tierney’s potential return to Celtic is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing football narratives as we head deeper into the season. According to TEAMtalk, the Scottish full-back’s time at Arsenal is drawing to a close, with no new contract on the horizon. As one of Scotland’s premier talents, Tierney’s professional journey has been notable, though marred by injuries that have hindered his ability to secure a permanent first-team place in recent years.

“Kieran Tierney will not be offered a new deal by Arsenal, and he could return to Celtic, with both parties open to reuniting,” TEAMtalk has reported, highlighting a mutual interest in rekindling a relationship that began in Tierney’s youth.

Weighing the Financials and Competition

One of the biggest challenges in Tierney’s potential return to Celtic is financial. Currently earning £80,000 a week at Arsenal, his salary is a significant hurdle for the Scottish club. “There may have to be compromises made,” TEAMtalk notes, suggesting that while the desire for a homecoming is strong, financial realities could necessitate tough conversations and concessions from both parties.

Further complicating Celtic’s plans are the interests from other clubs. Real Sociedad, among others, have shown continued interest in Tierney. “Sources in Spain say Real Sociedad are still big fans of his and have been alerted to the fact he is available on a free,” the article states. This adds another layer to Celtic’s strategy, as they are not only negotiating a potential deal but also fending off competition from clubs with potentially greater financial flexibility.

Celtic’s Broader Transfer Strategy

The narrative surrounding Tierney’s return is part of a larger transfer strategy for Celtic. The club is also looking to bolster its midfield by targeting Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, a move that could see them part with as little as £15 million. Meanwhile, Premier League sides like Brentford and Brighton are showing interest in Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn, who has made significant contributions this season.

Each of these movements underscores a period of flux for Celtic, as they balance maintaining their current squad with strategic acquisitions to enhance their competitive standing both domestically and in European competitions.

Tierney’s Legacy and Future Prospects

Despite the uncertainties and challenges, Tierney’s potential return to Celtic could be a significant move for both the player and the club. His familiarity with the club and its culture, coupled with his experience in top-tier football, would provide Celtic with a seasoned professional who is still in the prime years of his career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a heartfelt Arsenal supporter, it’s bittersweet to contemplate Kieran Tierney’s departure. His commitment and performances have always been beyond question, embodying the spirit and passion that Arsenal fans cherish. However, the practicalities of football sometimes necessitate tough decisions. Arsenal’s decision not to renew his contract may be a reflection of the strategic direction the club is taking rather than a comment on Tierney’s abilities or contributions.

Tierney’s return to Celtic could be viewed as a homecoming hero’s journey—returning to where it all began, to perhaps ignite a new chapter in his career in a familiar setting. This move, while heavy-hearted for Arsenal fans, could be the best resolution for a player who needs regular playtime and fewer pressures from the rigorous demands of the Premier League.

In essence, if Tierney does return to Celtic, he will be missed at Arsenal, but his legacy as a player who gave his all will remain untarnished. His potential success back in Scotland would be watched with pride and perhaps a touch of envy, knowing that our loss is truly Celtic’s gain.

Celtic is ‘closely followed’ by the Euro starlet as interest in a highly regarded attacker known as “the artist” increases.

The promising winger has bagged five goals and seven assists and now plays alongside two former Hoops stars in Norway

Celtic are reportedly tracking highly-rated Norwegian winger Sondre Ørjasæter ahead of the January transfer window opening in just 13 days time.

The promising 21-year-old attacker, who plays his club football for Sarpsborg 08 and is well regarded in his homeland, is understood to have been ‘closely followed’ by the Hoops scouting department in recent months, but the Scottish champions are not the only club to have been keeping a watchful eye on his development.

Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg have also been credited with an interest, despite his team in Norway appearing to be in no rush to sell the player. According to Nettavisen, Sarpsborg “have no desire to sell this winter” as things stand.

Ørjasæter has notched five goals and provided seven assists in 32 appearances this season, playing alongside former Celtic Player of the Year and three-time title winner Stefan Johansen and Jo Igne Berget. He has already amassed over 100 senior games despite his age and has shone in the Eliteserien after earning a move from Sogndal in the second tier last January.

The attacker initially broke through in the lower leagues as a 17-year-old and was nicknamed “the artist” by former Wolves and Werder Bremen star Havard Flo. Should Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers be able to convince Sarpsborg to part ways with one of their rising stars, it could allow Luis Palma to move on in search of regular game time elsewhere.

The Honduran international has struggling for minutes this season, having failed to make a first-team appearance since the 2-0 Premiership win against Dundee at the end of October.

The VAR team stood aside as the Scottish FA acknowledged Rangers’ penalty blunder in the Celtic Cup final defeat.

Details of Willie Collum chat with new Rangers CEO laid bare

The Scottish Football Association have accepted Rangers were denied a crucial penalty kick in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final defeat against Celtic at Hampden.

The Scotsman understands that during a discussion between new Ibrox chief executive Patrick Stewart and Willie Collum, SFA Head of Referee Operations, it was admitted that a mistake was made when VAR officials failed to alert referee John Beaton that Celtic centre-half Liam Scales’ tug on Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny’s jersey occurred on the line, rather than just outside the box. Instead of giving a penalty. Beaton awarded a foul just outside the box from which James Tavernier shot over the bar.

Collum is set to address the incident in the SFA’s own VAR Review Show scheduled to be recorded and aired this week.

It is the latest VAR error set to be flagged by the Key Match Incident panel. This weekly report from a five-person committee looking back at selected incidents in the previous weekend’s fixtures will be published on Friday.

Stewart, who has given his first interview since officially starting at the Ibrox club on Monday, has spoken to SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell as well as Collum with reference to the incident, which took place three minutes into extra time with the score locked at 3-3. Rangers later lost a penalty shootout 5-4.

Celtic’s Liam Scales (R) pulls down Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny at the edge of the penalty box during the Premier Sports Cup final. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Stewart described the beginning of his tenure as “bittersweet” given the defeat. “Yesterday was my first day and we were still licking our wounds from Sunday,” he said. “It was a disappointing manner of defeat but we can take a lot from it.”

He later confirmed that he had felt compelled to be in touch with the SFA about refereeing already. “As people will know, I have spoken with the SFA for an explanation about the non-awarding of a penalty in extra-time,” he said. “I’ll wait to hear what the SFA have to say about that.”

It’s understood the SFA believe they have already offered all the explanation possible: the officials erred. Neither VAR referee Alan Muir nor his assistant Frank Connor have been allocated games this weekend, although Beaton will be in charge of Hearts v St Johnstone on Sunday.

Whether this placates Rangers remains to be seen. Ibrox manager Philippe Clement could not hide his anger after the game and urged reporters to “dig into it”. He added that his phone was already “overloaded” with images just minutes after the end of the game highlighting where the foul had occurred.

New Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart discussed the Premier Sports Cup final penalty incident with SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum.

Stewart, speaking to Rangers TV, said he “didn’t want to dwell on the cup final – but it could have been such a memorable day”. He added that the manner of the defeat was “hard to take”. However, he said there was a lot of optimism to take from it.

He also accepted there were challenges ahead to address alongside new non-executive chairman Fraser Thornton. “There’s a lot we can be proud of in terms of what’s been achieved so far, perhaps in trying circumstances, over the past seven months in particular,” he said. Rangers are currently third in the Premiership, two points behind second-placed Aberdeen and 11 adrift of leaders Celtic.

“There’s been no secret that on the park we are not where we want to be in term of trophies,” added Stewart. “Off the park, the agm results were there for all to see.” The club recently announced a £17.2 million loss for the year to June, despite revenue of £88.3 million.

“Sometimes the wider perception for Rangers hasn’t been where we want it to be so there are challenges there,” continued Stewart. “But equally, we’ve got some really strong foundations to build from.”

John Beaton is unlikely to receive the Kevin Clancy or Willie Collum treatment.

Referee John Beaton during the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden on Sunday 15 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

I was on the BBC website the morning following the League Cup Final to be met with the headline shown below. Firstly, if something is definite it cannot be gossip, which is defined as not being confirmed to be true…

Referee John Beaton during the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden on Sunday 15 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

‘Rangers (sic) denied definite penalty – gossip’

I was on the BBC website the morning following the League Cup Final to be met with the above headline. Firstly, if something is definite it cannot be gossip, which is defined as not being confirmed to be true.

The use of the word definite, springs from a post by an ex-referee, who described it as “100%” a penalty. No prizes for guessing which referee, it was none other than Bobby Madden. The man who spent his formative years watching, which is his euphemism for supporting, Rangers. Despite that he was allowed to referee games involving his own team and Celtic, including many Glasgow derbies. I can recall a few interesting refereeing decisions by him in his time. Not sure what he is doing now or why he should be on the BBC’s radar.

The penalty claim explained. Beaton had blown the whistle for the foul outside the box. Image from social media.

The statistics from the game are pretty damming yet I could not find any comments on them in the BBC or mainstream media. The Ibrox outfit committed 22 fouls and received eight yellow cards, that despite a great deal of leniency shown to them by Mr. Beaton. His idea of a foul is at best inconsistent and one of the linesman definitely should have gone to Specsavers. I’ve no idea which, if any, footballing allegiances these two gentlemen have disclosed to the SFA but I guess it wasn’t Celtic.

The men from Govan are exhibiting all the mentality of a wee team. Before the game, their manager bemoans the financial gap between the teams, their players try to kick us of the park (and were given free rein to do so) and, after the game, they moan about one decision which did not go their way, amongst the many that did. Not only that, they ask their friends in the media to spread the word. The BBC heard that message loud and clear.

Referee John Beaton before the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden on Sunday 15 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

There is a bit of deja vu going on here. I recall there was a similar uproar about a penalty not given in a Glasgow derby last season, even though a clear foul had been committed by them just beforehand. On that occasion, they wrote to the SFA demanding, amongst other things, that Kevin Clancy never referee another of their games. The furore lead to Mr. Clancy and his wife receiving death threats. I haven’t fully researched this but I think they got their wish as indeed was the case with Willie Collum previously. To save face, the SFA did appoint Collum to referee a cup game at Ibrox against Ayr United.

Callum McGregor leads the Celtic celebrations with his players after lifting The Premier Sports Cup after the victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

I understand a similar letter has been submitted to the SFA about Sunday’s game and the only controversial incident of that game, namely the “definite penalty”, as reported on or gossiped about by the BBC, take your pick. I suspect that unlike last time, there is not a request that Mr. Beaton never referees another of their games. They may be a wee team but they are not that daft. I also suspect there won’t be any death threats made against Mr. Beaton, although the chance of there being a drink for him behind the bar of the Crown Bar in Bellshill are now non existent at this moment in time. Maybe later John, when you start behaving yourself.

Celtic put us through the wringer on Sunday but it turned out to be a beautiful Sunday after all.

Christopher Wotherspoon

Celtic in the Thirties 

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

By popular demand, both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special Christmas dedication to your copies please let us know. Postage deadline for Christmas is next Wednesday. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

The referee for Sunday’s Tannadice clash between Dundee United and Celtic has been confirmed.

Photo by Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock referee David Dickinson

Celtic return to Premiership action this weekend with a trip to Tannadice to face Dundee United. The Scottish Champions picked up the Premier Sports League Cup with a penalty shootout win over Rangers at Hampden and will look to continue the feel good factor with a win over Jim Goodwin’s side.

The SFA have confirmed the refereeing appointments for the game with David Dickinson set to take charge. Dickinson will be assisted by Calum Spence and Craig Ferguson.

Meanwhile at Clydesdale House, Gavin Duncan is on VAR duties with Andrew McWilliam assisting.

The 44-year-old took charge of Celtic’s 3-0 win against Motherwell at Fir Park back in October. The official missed a penalty call for Celtic after Daizen Maeda was hauled down by Stephen O’Donnell before his hand guided the ball into the net. Later in the game, Dickinson upgraded Liam Gordon’s yellow card to a red after his late challenge on Adam Idah was reviewed.

Rangers and Aberdeen will look to put Brendan’s side under pressure as they play on Saturday; however, given the form so far this season, Celtic fans will be hopeful of picking up three points against the 2023/24 SPFL Championship Winners.

Celtic dismisses the Rangers penalty commotion as the cup hero cites important statistics and maintains that “we deserved to win.”

Celtic players celebrate cup win amid gripes from Ibrox

Celtic are refusing to allow the furore surrounding Rangers’ penalty complaints to detract from the glory of their Premier Sports Cup final win on Sunday.

While much of the focus on the blue side of Glasgow has been on the failure of VAR to intervene when referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick for a Liam Scales shirt pull on Vaclav Cerny which video replays showed took place on the 18-yard line, the green half of the city are busy celebrating another success that edges them one ahead of Rangers in the all-time honours list, the score now standing at 119-118 in Celtic’s favour.

A group of Celtic players were spotted partying at the PDC World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace on Monday where a hand-written 119 sign was held aloft in a cheeky dig aimed at their Ibrox rivals. Paulo Bernardo wasn’t among them – “I just preferred to stay home and rest!” – but he insisted he and his teammates have not paid any attention to the VAR fall-out after edging a six-goal Hampden thriller in a penalty shoot-out.

Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo with the Premier Sports Cup trophy after the victory over Rangers at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

The Portuguese midfielder, who started the final before making way for Arne Engels in the second half, said: “We don’t focus on that decision. We just move forward now. We won the trophy after a very good game and that’s all we think about.

“It was a difficult game on Sunday. Both teams played well and it was a good game for supporters to watch. But we had almost 70 per cent of the ball and I think we deserved to win the cup. In the final moments, we had the quality to win the game and the players did so well in the shootout. When it came to the big pressure moments, we delivered. Our objective was to win the trophy and we managed to do that.”

While James Forrest became Celtic’s joint most decorated player in history alongside Bobby Lennox on 25 medals, with Callum McGregor equalling Billy McNeilv just two behind, the victory provided Bernardo with his third winners’ memento in his second season at the club – and his first as a permanent signing after spending last season on loan from Benfica.

Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo with the Premier Sports Cup trophy during a Celtic FC Foundation Schools Party at Celtic Park with local Primary 5 pupils from four East End schools – Dalmarnock, Riverbank, Sacred Heart and St Timothy. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

“It was a great day and personally, I am very happy to win another trophy with this great club,” he beamed. “It was a really good moment for us and the celebrations were great after it. We came back to the stadium to see the fans and we had a nice time with the squad too.”

Bernardo, who joined over 200 children from local schools at a Celtic Foundation Christmas event at Celtic Park on Tuesday, also spoke of how much he is enjoying the pressure and demands of playing for the club.

“We are winning so it’s natural to he happy. We are playing well and winning trophies, and that is all that matters for Celtic. Personally, I feel settled and happy. I am at a club that demands success but I am happy with that. I don’t really view it as pressure because I grew up as a Benfica player and you have to win every game there too. I joined them when I was six so this is all I have ever known in my career. I am used to the pressure and expectations and I know that I have to be prepared to win every game.”

Jim Goodwin provides an update ahead of the Celtic match, while Louis Moult struggles with Dundee United’s injuries.

The striker netted in the weekend defeat to Motherwell but left Fir Park with his arm in a sling

Louis Moult is a major doubt for Celtic with Dundee United sweating on his shoulder injury

Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Dundee United are sweating on the scan results of Louis Moult’s shoulder injury.

The experienced striker netted in the weekend defeat to Motherwell but left Fir Park with his arm in a sling. The Englishman now looks to be a major doubt for the visit of champions Celtic to Tannadice on Sunday. United boss Goodwin said: “He’s hurt his shoulder in the game unfortunately on Saturday, so he is a concern.

“It’s obviously a bit more of a precautionary measure after the game (with the sling) but his shoulder has definitely given him a bit of bother. So he’ll get a scan on that in the early part of the week and we’ll see how that transpires. We won’t know the extent of things until we get those results.”

The 32-year-old has netted four league goals already this term and it would be a blow if he was sidelined again. Moult has recently just come back from a leg fracture. Goodwin added: “Obviously, Moulty is a great finisher and both himself and Sam have played really well together in the last couple of games.

“He’s already had a lengthy spell out with the fracture in his leg so the last thing Moulty needs now is another stint on the sidelines. “Hopefully we can get him back and nothing too serious comes about.”

Defender Will Ferry will also come back into the United fold for the Celtic game after missing the Motherwell match because of suspension. United’s 4-3 defeat in Lanarkshire saw them slip down to fifth in the table.

Goodwin was disappointed with the uncharacteristic manner that his team conceded their goals but also believed his team showed a lot of good signs going the other way. He said: “I am disappointed with the result but the actual performance, taking out some of the goals that we conceded. The actual overall performance on the day was quite good.

“I am just disappointed because we scored three goals and if you do that in a game then you should be taking at least a point. We just shot ourselves in the foot, unfortunately, in one or two situations.

“I think sometimes you’ve just got to deal with a bad day at the office and I think that’s what it is. As I said after the game, I wasn’t going to over-criticise the defenders.

“Of course, we’ll watch the goals back and identify the bits that we could have done better but, in the main, the defenders, the backline, have been outstanding I’m not going to make too big a deal about it but we certainly felt that it was a game that we should have taken something from and I think all the games that we’ve played now against Motherwell.

“There’s only been one goal in it and they’ve been really tight games and you can’t afford to make the kind of mistakes that we made at this level because you will get punished. One thing the boys did was keep going and kept fighting and kept believing they could take something. We scored some good goals but ultimately we’re coming away with nothing to show for it.”

Stewart reveals that SFA has discussed Rangers’ penalty while he waits for clarification.

Patrick Stewart spoke with Rangers TV in his first interview as chief executive (Image: PA)

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart has revealed he is waiting on an explanation from the Scottish FA over the major penalty flashpoint in the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.

The new CEO has been in contact with the Scottish FA to demand answers over the decision-making process after Rangers were not awarded a spot-kick at Hampden.

Referee John Beaton had awarded a free-kick when Vaclav Cerny was hauled down by Liam Scales. However, replays showed the Rangers winger with his foot on the line of the box at the time of the incident.

🎙️ New Chief Executive Officer Patrick Stewart sat down with RangersTV to discuss his role with the club.

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 17, 2024

IFAB laws state:  “If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.”

VAR official Alan Muir did not intervene with the free-kick being taken instead of any review of the incident or VAR involvement in upgrading the award to a penalty. As the call was a “factual” decision Beaton would not have been called to the pitchside monitor, rather a decision on whether it was inside or outside the box would be made by the VAR officials and then communicated to the referee.

Philippe Clement was left furious over the “weird situation” as he urged journalists to “dig in” to the decision in his post-match press conference.

Stewart only began as Rangers CEO on Monday but one of his first actions was to contact the Scottish FA and referee chief Willie Collum to seek answers over the incident.

“The performances in the SPFL have been really positive, we are scoring, not conceding, of course the Cup Final – I don’t want to dwell on it again, but it could have been such a memorable day,” said Stewart on Rangers TV.

“We have a lot to be positive about. The manner which we lost was hard to take, and as I think people will know, I have spoken with the SFA to ask for an explanation about the non-awarding of a penalty in extra-time, so I will wait to hear what the SFA have to say about that.

“Obviously it is somewhat bittersweet. Yesterday was my first day and we were licking our wounds from Sunday.

“It was disappointing in the manner of the defeat, but we can take a huge amount from it. There is a lot to be optimistic about, but yesterday was bittersweet.

“I was really excited to start the role, but I was disappointed it wasn’t with a trophy in the cabinet.”

The UWCL campaign of Celtic FC Women concludes with a 3-0 loss.

Women’s Football

By Lewis Laird in Enschede

UEFA Women’s Champions League
Tuesday, December 16, 2024
De Grolsch Veste

FC TWENTE…3
(van Dooren 20, Rodgers O.G 34, Ross O.G 40)

CELTIC…0

Celtic FC Women brought their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign to a close, slipping to defeat on matchday six against FC Twente.

Three first half goals inflicted defeat upon the Ghirls, who rounded off what has been a historic European campaign.

Despite not picking up any points, it has been a promising first ever European group stage campaign for the Ghirls, who have grown with confidence throughout the competition.

Elena Sadiku’s side headed into the game aiming to round things off with another strong showing and hoping to pick up a positive result.

The Celtic boss made four changes to her side, introducing both Lisa Rodgers and Mathilde Carstens for their first Champions League starts in the Hoops.

The match started off in a decent manner for the Celts, looking to cause some early trouble for the Twente goalkeeper.

Some nice invention from Carstens gave the Hoops the chance to throw an early free kick into the box, but it was ultimately cleared.

Both sides had chances to grab the first goal in the opening stages, with FC Twente striking the crossbar via a deflected effort, before Caitlin Hayes saw a shot well saved from close range.

However, it was the home side who would strike first in the match, opening the scoring 20 minutes into the game.

After being given a warning sign as the ball hit the back of the net, before the offside flag was raised, the Dutch side made the Celts pay, scoring from close range to make it 1-0.

Looking to play their way back into proceedings, the Ghirls were playing some decent football from the back as they tried to get forward.

However, as the game approached half time, it was the tale of two set plays that seen the Hoops slip three goals behind.

Conceding twice before the break, with two corners landing in the net via the aid of Celtic deflections, the Ghirls found themselves 3-0 down going into the break.

With her side three goals behind, the Celtic head coach introduced two changes at the break, bringing Hana Kerner and Jenny Smith into the action.

The American looked to use her pace to get the Hoops up the pitch, making a positive run in the Twente half just moments after being introduced.

As the game went on, the Celts continued to grow into proceedings, with Elena Sadiku’s side aimimg to drag themselves back in to the game.

Emma Lawton almost created a brilliant opening for one of her team-mates with a cutback on the right-hand side, but no one was there to meet the ball.

A corner into the box also almost created an opening at the back post for Caitlin Hayes. But it was cleared just in time before the Irish defender met the cross.

Ultimately, it would end in defeat for the Ghirls, with the three first half goals doing the damage.

Although they couldn’t take anything from the group, there will be plenty of learnings from what was another historic experience.

CELTIC: Rodgers, Lawton, Clark, Hayes, Barclais, Ross (McAneny 72), McGregor, M. Carstens (Smith 46), Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 46), Gallacher (Luana 76), Noonan (Cross 64)

Subs: Logan, Daugherty, Richardson, Cavanagh, Bruna

Celtic star dismisses Cup final penalty protest as Paulo Bernardo slaps Rangers

The Hoops playmaker is ignoring the controversy surrounding Sunday’s showpiece as Celts celebrate another trophy success

Paulo Bernardo with Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda (Image: SNS Group)

Paulo Bernardo has told Rangers to pipe down with their Premier Sports Cup protests because Celtic deserved to lift the trophy.

The Hoops ace shrugged off the controversy that’s raged on in the wake of Sunday’s epic encounter at Hampden. Brendan Rodgers’s men secured the cup after a dramatic penalty shoot out on the back of six-goal thriller over 90 minutes and extra-time.

But Ibrox chiefs have raged at the flashpoint at Hampden when Vaclav Cerny was tugged back by Liam Scales right on the edge of the box – with several ex-officials claiming the Light Blues should have been awarded a penalty – and new Gers CEO Patrick Stewart has already written to the SFA demanding an explanation.

Bernardo insisted Rangers were not robbed – because he’s convinced Celts were worthy winners. He said: “We don’t focus on that decision. We just move forward now.

“We won the trophy after a very good game and that’s all we think about. It was a difficult game on Sunday.

“Both teams played well and it was a good game for supporters to watch. But we had almost 70 per cent of the ball and I think we deserved to win the cup.

“In the final moments, we had the quality to win the game and the players did so well in the shootout. When it came to the big pressure moments, we delivered. Our objective was to win the trophy and we managed to do that.”

Paulo Bernardo with the Premier Sports Cup Trophy during a Celtic FC Foundation Schools Party at Celtic Park

Bernardo savoured the cup success but he insisted the huge character shown at Hampden to secure the trophy with drive on the Hoops in their quest for a clean sweep this season. The Parkhead men are in a commanding position in the Premiership as they get back to business against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Bernardo insisted no one at the club will take their foot off the gas. The Portugal Under-21 skipper – speaking at Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas party – said: “Our mentality is to win every game and we did it again.

“All we wanted was to lift that trophy and it felt so good for us as a team and a club. The mentality is so strong within the squad.

“No matter what, we know that we have to find a way to win. We won the League Cup and now we move on to the next one.

“It was important to win on Sunday and we celebrated – but now we move on. We want to win all the trophies, of course, but we need to take it step by step and not look too far ahead.”

Billy Dodds expresses his opinions about Cameron Carter-Vickers’ behavior during Celtic’s victory over Rangers.

When Cameron Carter-Vickers isn’t playing for Celtic, you notice the difference.

The man brought in by Ange Postecoglou has been an incredible signing for the club and that was further showcased at Hampden on Sunday.

Celtic beating Rangers on penalties in the League Cup final came with its difficulties and Brendan Rodgers had to make some huge calls.

That included hooking off Auston Trusty at half-time for Liam Scales, with Celtic 1-0 down and simply not performing to their high standards.

That surely would have put Carter-Vickers under more pressure, but he stood up to it all.

Just before the Bhoys equalised, the USMNT international prevented Rangers from doubling their lead when he was four on one inside the penalty area.

Billy Dodds lauds Cameron Carter-Vickers’ interception against Rangers

After Daizen Maeda scored the trophy-winning penalty, the Japan star was rightfully lauded for remaining calm under pressure, including Kasper Schmeichel’s penalty save.

But Carter-Vickers’ interception was perhaps the pivotal moment because it prevented Rangers from giving themselves a cushion.

Billy Dodds reacted to the Celtic defender’s actions and how it ‘swung’ the course of the game, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.

“It probably was the wrong pass, right,” said Dodds. “He could have probably gone on the two on the left.

“But see once he goes to the right of Bajrami. He has got to flash it back with pace. He just kind of faded it into an area.

“Great defending. He has to put himself in that position. You are right, it swung on that because, although Rangers picked the wrong pass and it was a four-on-one. They had to flash it across and Carter-Vickers doesn’t get a chance of it.

What Carter-Vickers did at the Darts after Celtic’s win over Rangers in League Cup final

With that League Cup final win, it now means that Celtic have won 119 trophies in their rich and illustrious history.

No other team in Scotland has more trophies as the Bhoys rightfully sit on top of the tree.

Carter-Vickers was celebrating Celtic’s win in London by watching the PDC World Darts Championships with a few of the players, and as you can see below, he was rubbing salt into the wounds.

🎯 Some of the Celtic team celebrating their League Cup final win at the darts in London tonight.

#119

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) December 16, 2024

SFA give in to Ibrox Club pressure

The fallout from Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup Final victory over Rangers is continuing, with the SFA axing VAR duo Alan Muir and Frank O’Connor for this weekend’s fixtures.

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Rangers manager Philippe Clement REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

This decision appears to be a direct response to pressure from Rangers and their manager, Philippe Clement, following Sunday’s derby at Hampden Park.

In a move that smacks of poor handling, news of the officials’ sidelining was seemingly leaked to the media, which is really poor, especially given that no official word has come out.

Rangers’ reaction to the Cup Final defeat has been nothing short of petulant. The level of outrage and the lack of dignity shown in defeat have been astounding to witness. Instead of accepting that Celtic were simply better on the day, Rangers have resorted to throwing toys out of the pram, focusing on a single VAR incident involving Liam Scales and Vaclav Cerny.

On-field referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick for the foul, judging it to have occurred outside the box. VAR did not intervene to review the call — a decision that left Clement and Rangers incensed.

Celtic’s victory in the Cup Final not only secured silverware but also moved them ahead of Rangers in the all-time trophy count. This milestone appears to have been a bitter pill for those at Ibrox, who seem unable to accept defeat with grace. Instead of acknowledging Celtic’s superior performance, Rangers have deflected attention with complaints and accusations.

The SFA’s decision to cave under pressure from Rangers sets a troubling precedent. Instead of supporting their officials and maintaining consistency, they’ve opted for knee-jerk reactions that undermine the authority and credibility of referees. This approach does little to address the real issues facing Scottish football and only serves to encourage more whining and finger-pointing when results don’t go a club’s way.

Ultimately, this episode reflects poorly on both Rangers and the SFA. While Celtic continue to focus on success and silverware, their rivals seem content to engage in blame games and deflection tactics.

Perhaps the time has come for some at Ibrox to realise that the solution lies on the pitch — not in the VAR room.