Frankie

Should be #1 on NewsNow in the next hour... If anyone fancies writing for the main site and getting their opinions published online via NewsNow, Twitter and Facebook amongst others; please get in touch! Cheers!

Hopefully Pete can help you mate! Have a safe journey!

Also: why did police not take action themselves given their anger at anti-social behaviour related to game?

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/latest-rst-news/375-rst-backs-bain-and-calls-for-sfa-investigation-into-lennons-conduct?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter So, question must be asked - did Calum Murray include these incidents in his report and, if so, why did Stewart Regan not act upon them last month? Increasingly likely that SFA is being compromised by incompetence at all levels here.

He has done the odd good thing and does play best just behind the striker. However, yesterday he was central and still struggled with the basics which can't be attributed to him playing out of position.

MB: I don't think Fleck helps himself to be honest. His fitness looks poor, he looks overweight, his set-pieces are poor and his attitude less than first-rate. Sure, I doubt our coaching is first class but the virtues above are the responsibility of the player more than anything else. Generally with some more games, hopefully he'll be a bit sharper and gain some much needed confidence.

Rangers stumble past St Mirren in a results over performance afternoon in Paisley. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=379:st-mirren-0-1-rangers-player-ratings-and-mom-poll&catid=35:analysis&Itemid=67 :kbartley: I thought most of our defence played quite well yesterday but Bartley's goal helped him win the award over the others.

Almost a week after last Wednesday's Old Firm replay, the fall-out from the match is still being seen throughout the country. Whether it be at football games, in the media, comment from a variety of authorities or even within the Scottish Government, the reaction is as predictable as it is exaggerated. Let's be straight right now: when you have players sent off; strong physical tackles; arguments with officials; managers falling out and fans screaming their heads off; that is football. And exciting football at that - the kind of product TV stations will pay big money for; the kind of product which keeps Scottish Football's greatest game in the public eye all over the world. Of course you don't want to read of arrests afterwards where people actually take the game more seriously than it ever should but a minimal amount of convictions within hundreds of thousands of citizens is hardly the end of the world (or unpoliceable surely)? This makes the reaction to the controversy all the more interesting to examine. Indeed, a quick look at the media since the game will see you forgiven if you think El Hadji Diouf is some kind of devil. Despite being on the periphery of the game for most of the match (though fouled quite regularly without the same referee interest that resulted in a irregularly large Rangers discipline count), he's been made the scapegoat for most of what happened. Obviously he's far from blameless. A daft nudge on the Celtic physio and a few handbag confrontations with those of a Celtic persuasion means it isn't difficult to question his contribution to the heat of the match. As such, it wasn't a surprise to see him sent-off and I doubt many reasonable bears will defend his part in what happened. However, one must take into account the provocation he's been under. Clear racist abuse from the Parkhead stands (albeit minimal) along with childish incitement from the Celtic captain and management team means even if Diouf doesn't go looking for bother, it will find him. To that end, it is interesting to examine the Celtic manager's contribution to this debate. As a player, Lennon was similar to Diouf - almost a carbon copy in fact. He liked to goad other players, liked to spit in the direction of opposition fans, was sent off after accosting referees, dived/faked injury to deceive officials, enjoyed approaching his own fans after defeat and according to at least one court-approved lip-reader called the Rangers bench cheating orange bastards during one particularly stormy match in late 2004. Juxtapose this professional behaviour with his personal life treatment of pregnant girlfriends and flouting of driving laws then you have the kind of individual that not only attracts trouble but someone who deliberately seeks and creates it. Certainly an individual far from the perennial victim the less objective sections of the media wish to paint him as. It wasn't long after Lennon's alleged sectarian behaviour in 2004 that Celtic awarded him a hefty new contract and then made him captain. His conduct didn't improve though with red cards and the disrespecting of officials still an issue as his career ran down. No matter though, his bad-boy reputation amongst Celtic fans was acceptable to them - and once again the Celtic board - as he was later appointed coach then manager of the club. 'Like me and you, Lenny's a provo too' the supporter song does say I guess! When one examines his actions as a player it isn't a surprise that Lennon now struggles to manage the club with the kind of dignity such an influential position deserves. Regular arguments with officials, the continual inference of cheating against his club, violent confrontations with opposition staff - the list goes on and I think we all know it will be added to as long as this particular martyr remains part of Celtic Football Club. As such, when the Scottish Government convene their hasty 'summit' next week; perhaps they'll take into account all of the ongoing behaviour detailed above. Sure, less than likeable characters like El Hadji Diouf rightly need no defence when their contribution is examined. However, if you want the one lowest common denominator for the trouble which accompanies Old Firm fixtures of the 21st Century, then it has been there all along. Worryingly this clear instigator of trouble hasn't been punished over the years but indeed defended, excused and rewarded for his actions. Even last week Celtic didn't criticise their manager for encroaching onto the field of play to remonstrate with Diouf (precipitating the out of character actions of Ally McCoist who has an MBE for his contribution to sport) but once again ignored this chancer's unacceptable attitude. Meanwhile Stewart Regan's new 'tough' SFA prevaricated and reduced a touchline ban on appeal. Is it any wonder Lennon (and Celtic) feel they can say and do what they like? To conclude, El Hadji Diouf may be one symptom of the current controversy which needs addressed but if you want the cause for the ongoing disease itself then you only need look at the Parkhead home dugout and the regular hate and intolerance emanating from the Celtic manager. Why do so many people run scared of this particular 'remarkable human being'?

Physio clip - Looks like Diouf was being rather silly but strange it took Lennon so long to react.

I think we should play Ian Ferguson and Terry Hurlock in the next game. One thing is for sure two weeks on Sunday is shaping up to be one of the most explosive Old Firm games ever.

Rangers have said as much as they're going to I'd imagine. However, anyone who thinks this matter is closed for the final two OF games is sorely mistaken. Probably just as well Lennon won't be on the bench for the next match. Walter can sort him out in the Hampden stands.

Celtic claim this is what caused Lennon to go mental yet there is absolutely no footage of this. Surprising given the Sky coverage seemed to capture everything else. Moreover, Diouf was talking to our bench for a good few secs before Lennon decided to discuss the alleged physio barge. Seems a very convenient excuse to me.

Kayal is a diving cheat - hopefully his card will be marked by other referees after this.

I welcome the statement but think it is badly thought out in places. You either go for the jugular here or say nothing. Middle ground just looks mealy-mouthed.

They don't mention the n word - could stand for anything.

Hahaha - ok Charlie!

Agreed. Yet, the SFA praise him. Compare and contrast when people like McCurry and Collum have songs about huns sung to them. Nothing said then.

I thought Smith handled himself very well after the game last night. However, I cannot believe he can't motivate his players (or himself) to beat that lot given Celtic's recent and ongoing behaviour.

I thought Bougherra played very well last night actually. Bartley has looked reasonable enough but it's impossible to judge him accurately yet.

In some ways, you can't argue with Lennon's strategy. Getting tough and obtaining the backing of the lowest common denominator of Celtic fans was an easy way to make room for himself to settle in. Our management team have been to late to react to their strategy but I'm hoping (again) that last night was the final straw for people like McCoist and Smith - as well as our players. In many ways, I think what happened last night was a boost for our title chances.

I was talking about their supporters. Even Lennon couldn't blame the referee for Sunday.

The police and SFA are now actively heightening tensions rather than alleviating them. Talk about passing the buck!

The difference between the way Lennon is treated and Diouf really is quite eye-opening...

He's done pretty well so might be worth a risk. Certainly a decent defender and his pace is useful.

http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2111&newsCategoryID=36&newsID=7351 What an attention-seeking over-reaction!