Gordon gives us his version of Pittodrie-gate
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has spoken out regarding the events of the weekend’s match with Aberdeen. Strachan got involved in an exchange with an Aberdeen steward and was then sent to the stand by referee Charlie Richmond. Strachan now faces up to a ten-match ban due to his previous record.
It is understood that referee Charlie Richmond and fourth official John Underhill have confirmed in their reports to the Scottish Football Association that Strachan was dismissed in the 85th minute for his part in the altercation with Aberdeen steward George Morrison immediately after Kenny Miller had scored Celtic's second goal in the champions' 3-1 away victory.
Strachan was under the impression that Richmond and Underhill would take his side in the matter but that has not been the case and he has subsequently been charged with misconduct.
He currently has an appeal against an automatic four-match ban hanging over him following referee Stuart Dougal's decision to send him off against Hearts at Parkhead in April. That hearing should take place within six weeks and, if unsuccessful, would leave Strachan with a further six-game suspension if he were found guilty of the latest charge.
Should his latest appeal be heard at that same meeting of the SFA Disciplinary Committee and he is found guilty of either offence, he will be forced to watch from the stand for the first Rangers game at Ibrox on Oct 20.
Strachan, in an interview with Radio Clyde last night, professed his innocence and highlighted the hypocrisy of those who verbally abuse others and then seek to have punished those who respond to their bile.
"I couldn't get my head round it on Sunday," he said. "I didn't feel there was any anger directed toward me.
"The referee and other officials told me they were sympathetic and would be putting that in their reports. I didn't open my mouth. I had no banter with the crowd; I was watching the game. The Aberdeen fans won't dislike me because of what happened."
The incident occurred when Morrison raced from the top of the main stand at Pittodrie to remonstrate with Strachan's assistant, Gary Pendrey.
Morrison then became involved in a finger-jabbing row with the Celtic manager and both Richmond and a member of the local constabulary intervened and Strachan was ordered to leave the dugout.
Several Aberdeen supporters also made their feelings known at the time and Strachan, who regularly rails against what he describes as "yob culture" found himself penalised once again.
It is his belief, however, that stewards and police are not only failing to fulfil their remit but also failing children who attend matches.
"I think the police have got a problem," he said. "They find it hard to arrest people in case everybody gets involved so they find it easier to tell a coach to be quiet.
"I find some of it quite horrific. Fans have a responsibility when there are kids about and yet they shout and bawl what they like, then complain to the police if someone on the bench smiles at them."
Tommy Burns echoed that sentiment. "It's a mad, mad world, Some people turn up and think they can give the most horrible abuse to people a few feet away from them. We are not talking neds here: we are talking about well-dressed middle-aged men."
In other news today, Erroneous of Keevins today proclaimed that both Thomas Gravesen and Maciej Zurawski would be plying their trade in pastures new, with the former rumoured to be a Fulham target and the latter heading back to Poland.
Take it with a pinch of salt however, this is the man who hailed Artur Jorge as the new Celtic manager minutes before we unveiled Wim Jansen!
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt