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You may recall that fitba' has a Joint Response Group, created to provide a cordinated response to Covid 19 and its affects. This group comprises of the following experts: Rod Petrie; Ian Maxwell; Neil Doncaster; and Dr John MacLean, the SFA's Chief Medical Consultant. These are permanent members of the Group. You may recall also that, following Dubai Daredevils FC's middle eastern adventure, and publication of photos, etc, indicating, pretty clearly, to this observer, at least, that SFA protocols, requirements,etc. may have been honoured as much in the breach as in the observance, Mr Maxwell publicly defended that club. He declared that it had had 'permission' of some -unclear- kind to go, but he either erred, or deliberately deflected (you choose), by failing to mention the apparent breaches of strictures by the happy campers. Subsequently, if memory serves, Maxwell suggested that the Compliance Officer (who may or may not be in post) "may" deign to look at the photographic evidence. To date we have heard the square root of, ahem, SFA about this enquiry, this inspection, whatever: we do not know if there is, currently, a Compliance Officer, whether this official has considered any evidence/behaviour, whether this official has opined on the matter, or referred it to a quasi-judicial committee, as seems to be the procedure. You will certainly remember Mr Neil Francis Lennon's intemperate and completely unseemly tirade against, well, just about everyone, really, at a Press Conference just the other day. The authorities have reacted to this with surprising -for them- alacrity, almost within hours, and have taken action. However, they have not charged Lennon with "Bringing the Game Into Disrepute", which he did, in excelsis; even the meanest intellect in the Gallowgate would consider such a slam dunk, however regrettable to him. The beaks, in the form of the Joint Response Group, have commissioned a "review" of facilities of every Club in Prem and Championship. This can only be in response to Lennon's unsubstantiated, and potentially slanderous, criticisms of St Johnstone and Hamilton Acas. both of whom have responded, the former gainsaying Lennon's rant, utilising both barrels, the latter being more measured. We must surely wonder at the speed of this action, compared to the administrative sloth displayed with respect to the misadventures of the club like no other in the Persian Gulf. Lennon opens his gob, lets loose his tongue, and the authorities jump to attention, and seemingly each incumbent kicks himself up his own backside, the quicker to respond to a reprehensible, wild, and inaccurate tirade. We must surely not rule out the possibility that those in charge of the game are looking for an excuse, no matter how slender, a reason, no matter how slim, a sliver of justification, to enable them to abandon the season. Next week. On the grounds of public health, etc. and on the inability of clubs to meet, and guarantee, whatever standards they deem appropriate, and necessary. Abandoning the league, in this manner, would -make any investigation into the the Arabian Nights irrelevant -possibly provide an excuse not to arraign Lennon on "Disrepute" charges. -royally fuck Rangers. As an extra, it would absolve Nikla and the Shinners of any blame for termination of the competition Sometimes paranoia is merely knowing what the bastards are up to.

"It's a ten from Len". Neil exhibits sufficient behavioural problems to warrant the attention of an entire conference of Psychologists. There's a spectrum; from truly serious issues like his misogyny manifesting itself twice as long term multiple threats to the then women in his life(including one who was pregnant), to constantly seeking refuge in victimhood status. He is a Cabaret act with menaces. He gives the tragic Clown a bad name. In another life, Neil would have been a uni-cycling, sword swallowing, fire eating, plate spinning Juggler. Neil craves attention. PQ facilitates Neil. His every whim, and for once we should be thankful. Last evening's visit to Livingston had host, Jane Lewis, the Blarney Bhoys, Neil McCann, and Michael Stewart in a quandary. Neil had publicly condemned Sky Sports to the frozen wastes, they broadcast hope BBC Scotland would not be similarly vanquished. Pre-match joy as Neil appeared for interview with Kenny Macintyre. It lasted two minutes, Kenny asked about his future with ra Sellik and Neil walked off. Macintyre handed back to Lewis, adding he had unasked questions reference Neil's spat with the Scottish Government. The reactions to Neil rawking his inner John Wayne began on Tuesday morning, both St Johnstone and Accies issued statements contravening Neil's claims of being allocated small dressing rooms. Wednesday morning saw BBC Radio Scotland's flagship breakfast news show, 'Good Morning Scotland' telephone Deputy First Minister, John Swinney for his reaction : GMS : "Celtic manager, Neil Lennon claims the Scottish Government has an agenda against Celtic. He says politics and not public health drove the decision for sixteen players and staff to self-isolate. Is this true"? John Swinney : "The agenda claim is absolutely appalling, as for the rest of it, I'm at a loss for words". Lockdown has provided an insight into lot's of public figures, zoom calls allow us to see them as they want to be presented. Those backdrops of shelved books, fresh flowers, and in Swinney's case, a brass clock. Normally, I find the clock's pendulum more interesting than Swinney's prose. However, thanks Neil you have provided a public service, making Swinney more compelling than a hung swinging weight. The PQ metronome was back demanding compliance by last night's Sportscene. Amid the snow, Livi's managed a 2-2 draw and Sellik skipper, Scott Brown was red carded after five minutes on the pitch. Michael Stewart was co-commentator and his conditioning remains strong. Sellik should have had a penalty when McCrorie flattened Duffy, Sellik's equaliser was, "hhmm, maybe offside" before lionising McGregor's pass, Brown's elbow was NOT a red card, on second showing, "hhmmm possibly", and Klimala's neck high push was, "nothing there". Now, Michael was one of the PQ coterie, including Cosgrove, Spence, and English, who thought Lennon should have been offered the position as the Scottish national manager before Steve Clarke's appointment. Thus, let's finish with Neil's post match interview, again with Kenny Macintyre. Unprompted, Neil stated on Broony's red card, "that was a moment of madness, we are all frustrated". John Swinney has admitted he's lost for words, Michael can talk sh1te on his behalf too, if Peter can spare him?

After 5 months of 2 games per week, this dropping down to 1 game per week is making the week excruciatingly long!

I'm surprised they aren't called the Incident Response Assembly or Covid Support Collective.

9 wins and two draws, actually.

Rubbish. Stats can mean whatever you want them to mean. They're completely pointless. This Americanisation of football is ruining the game! ?

We need to put aside all title talk and focus on simply winning games.

Pacific Quay Dubai-ety? It's early Sunday afternoon; party streamers adorn the corridors and the usual suspects pull on their party hats. Rangers have drawn at Fir Park and well being is in the ambience. Well's new manager, Graham Alexander has elevated emotions to immense well being, Itten's equaliser was offside. The acclaimed Claret and Amber CyberNats have struck again, briefing Alexander in the ten minutes intervening between the Referee's whistle and Sky Sports interview. Andrew Wilson was sated. As always, the PQ conclusion was delivered by Michael the Mouth. Lounging on the Sportscene settee wearing the big white sannies and a grin he condescended, "it was offside but you cannot blame an official for not seeing it". However, the glee did not endure, the streamers were pulled down, the hats removed, and the balloons deflated. Monday afternoon arrived and Neil Lennon sat down at the Presser in full John Wayne mode. Standing there, Neil levelled his weapon and squeezed the trigger on full rock'n'roll. He did not change magazines, kept firing, whilst acquiring one target after another. Pick the lead out of Andy Walker, Sky Sports, the media, the Scottish Government, Margaret Ferrier, the Scottish national team's Belgrade conga, ...... etc Amid explosions of hypocrisy and clouds of cordite, Neil stood up and left the room. I suspect for, "a little drink", it's allowed you know? There's a thing about FIBUA(Fighting in Built up Areas), all those high velocity rounds and detonations make you mutt and jeff, you cannot hear Peter's apology anymore? Chris McLaughlin reported events and took to his bed, collateral damage? Tom Anguish with party hat askew, stepped in and battered Neil. PQ Producers had lost sensory perception also, as the background murmurs of anti-Irish racism reached a crescendo. BBC Scotland's second channel, you know the one that regularly registers no viewers; has an evening news and current affairs show named, 'the Seven'. The Producer is Gerry Gay, he ensured a panel of Angela Haggerty, James Bundy(Chair of Scotland's Young Tories), and an Asian actor. Angela and James are both Sellik supporters, Angela called it out whereas James was a tad more reticent. It's Tuesday and Kaye Adams mid-morning radio show(Produced by Martin Connaghan) hosts a one hour phone-in on Neil's suppressive fire. A litany of Sellik bloggers added supporting fire and warned of continuing anti-Irish racism. It's Wednesday and the Editor of ra Sellik View has issued an apology for non publication today. Apparently, the fickle finger of Covid again? I mean, what did it have to report, photies of Dubai, Peter's apology, another two Sellik players catching Covid, Neil's rant, a meek nil-nil home draw against Livi', and Frank Cairney appearing in court again? PQ should call it out, ra Sellik View is unnecessary, BBC Scotland are keepers of ra Sellik flame.

I must be bored so I decided check how much of a difference finishing first makes to who you can draw in the Champions league qualifying rounds by looking at this seasons rounds. You can get an idea from this below. Basically a bad draw and we could easily go out (Salzburg will be there again next season), but a good draw and it’s easy and only two games. League path is clearly harder and one additional tie that could go wrong. Champions Path Best Case 3rd qualifying round - Qarabag/Dynamo Brest Play-off - Molde/Omonia Worst Case 3rd qualifying round - Dinamo Zagreb Play-off - Red Bull Salzburg League Path Best Case 2nd qualifying round - Viktoria Plzeň 3rd qualifying round - Rapid Wien Play-off - Gent Worst Case 2nd qualifying round - PAOK/Besiktas 3rd qualifying round - Benfica Play-off - Dynamo Kiev

At least those who wish Jack were not picked for Scotland would get their wish.?

Absolutely no chance that would, or even could, happen. Wait, this IS the SFA/SPFL....

Depends. If we need any less than 4 points to win the title at the split (ie avoid defeat) then they wont have the OF that first game, unless lockdown is still in place, in which case they may as well

if Dubai does not bring sanctions after they repeatedly admit to breaches then no further punishments should be accepted by any clubs.

Radio 4 used to be the epitome of British identity. Now it’s like a drop-in centre for self-pitying woke activists. Like the rest of the BBC its main function seems to be telling audiences how and what to think.

I know what you mean, but Scottish Fitba' has demonstrated, in the recent past, that it is capable, -well capable- of self harm. Apart from which, would anybody in their right mind trust, in the slightest, those characters who comprise the JRG? They are up to something, it's just that it may not be 100% clear yet. As Milo O'Minderbinder once (nearly) observed: "What's good furra sellik, is good for Scottish Fitba'"

Technically we need 10 wins - goal difference COULD be overturned, no matter how unlikely.

Tough week ahead - Ross County will be up for it, on the back of a good victory and Easter Road is a place we often drop points these days. Hopefully Jack and Roofe are nearing first team action and some of our forwards start clicking again. We need to keep winning.

Burnley end Liverpool's 68 match unbeaten home record with a 1-0 win at Anfield. Watching the game was like watching some of our recent games. Full backs nullified in forward areas, no-one getting in behind and a glut of aimless crosses being lapped up be defenders.

From JRG to he/they who must be obeyed we have set up a team to measure changing facilities,thanks for highlighting problem.?

Don’t think the SFA would be daft enough to appoint Lennon. Hated by more than just us in Scottish football

Just a repeat of what we’ve known for a long time, if we qualify for my the UCL we will finally overtake them financially. There is a very long way to go to achieve this. People forget it is still possible for Celtic to qualify for it next season and us not to. Sure, it doesn’t seem likely but you’re at the mercy of the draw and they will have a new manager and new team so who knows. Should be noted that we will get an easier draw as Champions though. (sorry @Rousseau)

9 wins and 2 draws, people!

Rangers are preparing a big offer to sign Anderlecht winger Francis Amuzu after missing out on the Belgium U21 international last summer, as reported by Voetbal24. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/21/report-rangers-planning-big-bid-for-speed-machine-with-3-6m-release-clause/

I hope you're right! I think they might struggle in Paisley and Kilmarnock but the rest should be a doddle. It might also depend on their managerial situation.

these draws are costing me a fortune

Still sticking to my prediction that we'll win it on the 20th March...

We'd do well to stay alert but I don't think that we (by that I mean the SPFL/SFA) can afford to consider null and void from a financial point of view. Some sort of circuit breaker, perhaps but even that's unlikely. I'd suggest that's why wee Lenny had his tantrum but nothing ever surprises me now in this country.

They really are in the shit if they need Duffy

hold on bald eagle, only 54 on show at present with one still in the coop ready to make a grand entrance.

Radio 4 was my main bbc usage, but nowadays it's really not worth tuning into, unless all you want is anti trump/brexit stories or plays about somebody in Somalia with gender identity issues. Can honestly say there's not 1 station or programme produced by the BBC that I would pay to view or listen to.

Yes, This has been the case since elite sport restarted, same in rugby, obviously it's a part of both games so the exception is that the close contact is permitted on the pitch in a match situation and in training. If the sporting bodies didn't agree to this, we wouldn't be watching sport as we are now.

all about minimizing risk. Average on park close contact between any 2 players is 90 odd seconds in the game.

Nine. And a draw.

We need 9 wins and a draw.

The exception for football is over the line, ie playing or training. They'll be doing it on purpose so that the village idiot can lump Livvy in with st johnstone and hamilton in his next special assembly. The sight of him launching his Snus into the snow last night was a particular highlight. They were dead on their feet at the end, imagine hanging on against a team that was missing more first teamers than the Dubai dynamos were?. Tremendous.

FT 2-2 Broony sent aff ?

don't think i could live without homes under the hammer. Especially not now Dion Dublin presents.

It's full-on desperation mode now.

BBC Scotland were out in full lennon defence mode this morning on their morning call in. Lenny was the victim according to Celtic fans who were the main ones allowed to phone in (read their forum and the view is the opposite) and the real discussion was that sport should be stopped. It was a shocker.

Strategy trumps tactics. There are a number of 'ifs' for Rangers supporters concerning BBC Scotland. If we win the league, if we qualify for the Champions League stages, if we draw attractive clubs ie Real Madrid, Bayern, Juve, etc in our group, ........... etc? The scale of the situation inevitably draws requests for information, there's a story to be told. It's imperative that Rangers control that narrative. PQ's current stance cannot stand when BBC heavyweights are demanding access and the 'live' coverage of Rangers - Real Madrid, is in reality Richard Gordon, Liam McLeod, and Billy Dodds sitting in a studio half a mile from the Stadium. In the short term, yesterday's events at Lennoxtown is the start of an answer to another 'if'. Lennon has stated Sky Sports will get nothing from him and his players until Andy Walker apologises. Lawwell has been here before, he has banned Hugh Keevins for two years, Radio Clyde's Peter Martin for a year, and the Record's Klaxon Jackson for two years. The solidarity of then NUJ was tested and found wanting, BBC Scotland offered NO support to fellow union paying journos. It's time for the newly appointed Steve Carson to intervene and utilise the compromise solution BBC/Man United arrived at back in Sir Alex's day, or the BBC Scotland solution arrived at when Jum Spence was banned from Dens Park. There's another 'if' that Rangers must begin to work. Political involvement is key, a raft of cross party Rangers supporters must be created. Murray deliberately ignored such a option. The current Board must nurture this option. Once questions are being asked in and out of Parliament about Rangers supporters paying their license fees and NOT receiving a full service, then Carson will have to listen. Being overwhelmed by the strategy will leave him no option. Finally, there remains a big player at PQ with considerable experience in multi-media platforms, both in Management, Administration, and Broadcasting. He is very much the glue that adheres many of the usual suspects to the prevailing couple of decades old narrative. He is in his seventieth year and announced a few months back that he is hoping for another five years. He is the hater but has the foresight to know careful hate allows survival. He was prominent in the Rangers Tax Case Blog, and he knows the value of on message political support. He stays off social media because he knows it has more disadvantages than advantages for a purveyor of careful hate. I could go on, but if Rangers can convince Carson to bin Stuart Cosgrove, then the pensioners, the long term ill, the isolated, ........... etc Rangers supporters will begin to receive the full service they pay for. Cosgrove regularly states he doesn't get Rangers supporters, that we stand on the sidelines raging and beeling. Cosgrove has put us there, he intends to keep us there.

We don't want any excitement in Tannochside, Birkenshaw, or Viewpark. Excitement on the high road equates to : At worse, Peter Manuel is going Tonto. At best, the denizens are attending the Oak(Stables), the Windmill, the Auld Club and bouncing pint tumblers aff each others' nappers. Choose a quiet life, have a half pint of Mackesons stout in the Rowan Tree.