Celtic Get Draw In France

Celtic got a draw against Rennes on Thursday after conceding a comedy own goal. Celtic defender, Cha Du Ri attempted a backpass to keeper Fraser Foster which never worked out and the ball rolled into the back of the net.

Celtic battled back into the game and got their goal with Joe Ledley from a Charlie Mulgrew freekick.

Both sides had chances to win the game but it finished 1-1.

So celtic on 2 points from the group with 4 games to play....We might see Sion reinstated when the outcome of their courtcase is resolved.

Celtic Back In Europe....

Yesterday the Swiss court ruled against Sion  after were kicked out of the competition after Celtic complained about the club fielding players signed while they were subject to a transfer ban.

A statement from the Valais court said: "According to applicable law, the dispute does not have sufficiently close links with the canton of Valais to have a basis of jurisdiction with the local judicial authorities Valais. The measures sought by the applicant were exclusively against UEFA, who have headquarters in Nyon."

So Celtic now have their place in the Europa League group stages and have travelled to Madrid to play Atletico on Thursday night.

Sion now have the right to appeal the decision but it looks to be over for them, How would Uefa handle it if they were to be reinstated considering group games will take place later?


Good luck to Celtic tonight as they are Scotlands only representatives.

The SPL - A Sinking Ship?

So last night all Scottish clubs were emliminated from European competitions meaning we will see no one playing in Europe this season, What will become of this disaster?

Well for starters reaching the Champions League group stage is worth an estimated £10 million. This season we only had one participant in the Champions League qualifying, Rangers who were eliminated by Malmo. In the past Scotland has had two participants in it but due to years of failures in competitions the co-efficient has slipped meaning the loss of places.

The Europa league, The lesser of European competitions has also been a disaster for Scotland, First Dundee United went out, Followed by Hearts Rangers and Celtic last night.

The financial side isn't the only problem though, the loss of the attraction to come to Scotland and play against some of the best sides in Europe is often a big selling point, Well not anymore meaning it will be harder to attract players of higher quality.

This might have a nock on effect, Who wants to sponser a league that is continuing to fail? Current partners of the SPL include SKY ESPN, BBC, Clydesdale Bank, Mitre, Football gambling sites William Hill and The Football Pools, Gaming companies, EA Sports and Sega, UK travel company Thomas Cook and Coca Cola with various other media outlets also being partnered with the SPL.

So do all these companies wish to keep giving money to a league which is considered to be dropping in standard, Ticket price increases with living costs increasing meaning it is pricing some families out of going to games.

The SPL and SFA need to get together and develop plans to save the Scottish game before its too late. What they can do now when the damage has been done last night is unknown but by building for the future then they can help get the game on track and up to where it once was.

Scottish Teams In Europa League Action.

Well this draw was made on Friday but I forgot all about it so I have posted it a bit late.

Rangers will face a tough trip to Slovenia to take on NK Maribor while rivals Celtic head to Switzerland to place Sion. Hearts got the toughest tie for Scottish clubs and will take on the English club Tottenham.

The fixtures will be played on the 18th and the second leg on the 25th August.

So all Scottish clubs will travel to tough opposition,Will they be able to progress?

Rangers Out Of The Champions League.

Rangers were dumped out of the Champions after finishing the game with 9 men in Sweden.

Steven Whittaker was the first to be sent off after he threw a ball at an opposition player.

10 men Rangers kicked on and got the opening goal after 23 minutes when Jelavic finished.

Malmo could have been reduced to 10 men when Durmaz kicked out at Lee Mcullouch but escaped punishment.

In the second half Bougherra was sent off for an elbow when challenging for a ball which could have been seen as harsh.

Malmo also saw a red card later on but it wasnt to matter as they scored a few minutes later to secure the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

So Rangers out of the Champions League but now go into the Europa League.

Whats Going On At Tynecastle?

I think I recently said that Hearts would challenge the Old Firm this season providing there is no managerial movement but unsuprisingly Jim Jefferies and his assistant Billy Brown have been removed of their duties at the club.

The surprise move came after the controversial Hearts owner, Vladimir Romanov arrived in Scotland after the Jambos defeat at home to Dundee United. On Monday Romanov met the management team of Jefferies and his assistant, Billy Brown, after training.

Jefferies has been offered a role as a director of football at the club but its understood he will turn it down as he seeks legal advice for his removal of position which could lead to compensation for the sacked pair.

Jefferies side made a decent start to the season with a draw at Rangers then drew 1-1 with Paks in the Europa league but Romanov is unimpressed.

Front runner for the job is ex Sporting Lisbon manager  Paulo Sergio and he is expected to be announced as manager in the next few days.


Theres never a lack of action when Hearts are involved, 

Hearts In European Action.

Hearts tonight take on Paks in Hungry in the Europa League qualifying stage.

The Jambos are full with confidence after drawing 1-1 with Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday and will look to continue their good start to the season by getting a good result in Hungry.

If they come back with a decent result then they will have a great chance of making the next round with the second leg at Tynecastle, A place where many teams go and struggle.

Midfielder David Obua has finally joined up with the Hearts squad in Hungary after his passport expired and he had to secure a new one.

Andy Webster and Mehdi Taouil haven't travelled with the squad after picking up injuries at the weekend.

I hope Hearts can get a good result and use full advantage of the second leg being at home.

Fancy a bet on the match?. Hearts are 8/5 to win the game, Paks 6/4 and the draw at 2/1 at William Hill. I cant look past the Hearts win and will be investing some money on it