Scotland’s so called ‘third force’ were easily disposed of today at Celtic Park, as The Bhoys beat Hearts by a comfortable margin of 3-0 today. Today showed we are miles and miles ahead of anyone in Scottish football, and any talk of an upset was put to rest.
Bobo Balde did not take part in the game today, and it is unknown whether or not he will travel to the Ukraine for Wednesday’s game against Shaktar Donetsk. Chris Sutton was put into a back four which also included Stan Varga, Didier Agathe and the returning Jackie McNamara. Juninho started up-front, behind John Hartson and Henri Camara. Ross Wallace started the game on the right-hand side of midfield.
As I have said before, this particular fixture has been a fiery event over the last few seasons and Hearts have obviously no intention of putting a stop to this. From the first whistle, they tried to kick us off the park and are a shower of talentless thugs. Craig Levein should be ashamed of himself, for putting out a team of hackers every time they play Celtic.
At the start of the game Celtic did not appear to be up for it. We looked sloppy and slow but gradually made our mark on the game. Hearts, unusually, came to Parkhead to defend and would have been quite happy with a 0-0. They were very boring and how Hearts fans can watch this every week is beyond me. Their fans failed to fill their 2,500 allocation, despite having demanded 5,000 tickets for their UEFA Cup tie with Feyenoord this week.
John Hartson was running Stephen Pressely ragged, and although he didn’t make much of an obvious impact on the game, he played superbly today.
Celtic’s first goal came four minutes from half time, through Henri Camara, who had previously had a goal disallowed for offside. Hartson chested down, ready to shoot, but the ball fell to Camara who volleyed home his sixth goal in the Hoops.
Hearts wing back Robbie Neilson seemed to be on the hunt for the award for dirtiest player in the SPL – his challenge on Ross Wallace just before half time should have been an ordering off but he only received a yellow card. These are the kind of challenges that put players out of action for several months and Neilson should be ashamed that his lack of footballing ability has to be made up for with thuggery.
Celts were playing well and at half time, it was evident there was more to come. With Hearts never really posing a threat, it was all one way traffic at the start of the second half, and it wasn’t long before the lead was doubled.
Juninho linked up well with John Hartson, who set up the little Brazillian to slot the ball past Craig Gordon. It was Juninho’s first goal for Celtic and hopefully now, we will see the best in him.
Hearts were awarded a penalty when the ball apparently hit Jackie McNamara’s arm. Referee Kenny Clarke didn’t think so, but the linesman at the main stand awarded the spot kick. Stephen Pressely stepped up to take the kick but laughably placed the ball wide of the goal, hitting off the outside of the post before going out for a goal kick.
John Hartson added Celtic’s third goal almost immediately, when he headed home a superb cross from Ross Wallace. Cue a mass exit of the Hearts supporters, who will no doubt be spewing into their Union Jacks on the way home.
Next up is a trip to Donetsk. After watching the game today, I realised that no one can match us domestically, now we need to step up another gear and go for a victory on Wednesday.
Celtic:
Marshall – 7
Varga – 7
McNamara – 8
Sutton – 7
Agathe – 8
Lennon – 8
Petrov – 6
Wallace – 7
Juninho – 7 (Lambert)
Camara – 8
Hartson - 9 (Sylla)
Come On The Hoops Man Of The Match: John Hartson
Come On The Hoops Moment To Remember: Juninho's first goal for The Bhoys.
Come On The Hoops Moment To Forget: The half time announcer wishing everyone who is travelling to Russia midweek a safe journey. We're playing in The Ukraine.
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