The title says it all. Justice has arrived!
An absolute nerve wrecking game throughout and I must admit viewing the start up line I thought a dark day was ahead. I would just like to hold my hands up and say I was wrong. I was complaining about Samaras being on instead of Stokes and hesitant about Charlie Mulgrew playing as well. But I am so glad they were and Lennon I salute you!
For weeks this game has been dreaded and I would go as far as saying all of the Rangers support, team and management were certain they would win. (Which simply makes everything so much more sweeter).
Today especially held importance to the old firm as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Ibrox Distaster, the tragic event that claimed the lives of 66 Rangers fans. The minutes silence was immaculate and all credit goes to the 7000 celtic fans (along with the home crowd) who showed their respect.
As the game commenced nerves heightened and when Rangers header hit the post i think my stomach may have been doing back flips. But throughout the entire game Celtic were not the underdogs they had been viewed as on the days and weeks leading up to the game. The performance from the bhoys in green was electric and it certainly reflected onto the away fans in the Broomloan road stand.
Both teams left the pitch at half time with 0-0 as the score and despite Celtics dominance throughout first half, the thought that Rangers could make a comeback was vivid in our minds (As we are all aware this is something they do on a regular basis)
However the main man of the day, Georgios Samaras, came to the rescue in second half during a stunning display of football by running up the pitch and gliding past a foolish McGregor to make it 1-0 to the Lions.
Not long after a penalty was rewarded to the hoops for a tackle on Samaras by Bougherra and the Greek having gained some confidence took it in his stride which resulted in the final score of 2-0. Bougherra should have been booked for this which would have resulted in a sending off but apart from this and one or two things todays referee (Craig Thomson) had a good game so fair play to him.
Might I also note that Biram Kayal was an absoloute terrier today! Fantastic performance and it was good to see him barking orders at the other players.
McGeady amongst the crowd ! It is also rumoured Keane and Wayne Rooney were there as well.
In regards to Samaras signing a new contract with Celtic, I am hesitant. Although they were vital they were Samaras only goals of the season and I feel that he is too inconsistent. I think it would bring more joy for him to go now while he will be remembered with a good name, and leave on a high rather than get a new contract and return to old ways were he would be made the brunt of much abuse.
I hope that todays win gives Celtic the confidence we badly need but I also hope and pray that it doesnt go to their heads as we need to keep consistent and do the same thing all over again on the 20th of February where we will hopefully paint the town green with another classic display.
In conclusion I would just like to say that all my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who died on this day 40 years ago, may they all rest in peace.
Hail Hail Bhoys and Ghirls.