Scottish Premiership

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers Women’s coach Craig McPherson discovers Celtic Fran Alonso ‘headbutt’ ban fate after SFA hearing

      by

      RANGERS Women’s coach Craig McPherson has learned his SFA fate in the wake of his clash with Celtic Women’s head coach Fran Alonso.The compliance officer called the former Morton and Falkirk star to account after he was spotted on the TV cameras aiming a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head.
      Craig McPherson
      Craig McPherson was caught on camera headbutting Fran Alonso
      The incident was caught on the cameras
      Police have also have an investigation ongoing into the incident – which came at the end of a fiery Old Firm derby in the SWPL which ended in a 1-1 draw.
      But McPherson faced a hearing in front of an SFA panel today where he admitted the charge and was handed an immediate SIX-match ban in all competitions.
      The SFA charge under disciplinary rule 77 reads: “A recognised football body, club, official, Team Official, other member of Team Staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.
      “Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent Conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

      Brogan Hay had put the Light Blues in front in the first half, capitalising on a mistake inside the box from Kelly Clark in the 36th minute to tap home.
      It looked as though Rangers were heading for the crucial win but Celtic star Caitlyn Hayes scored a dramatic equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time to level the scoring and to secure a point for the Hoops – which handed both sides’ Glasgow rivals Glasgow City a huge boost in the title race.
      McPherson previously issued a statement to say that he had apologised personally to Alonso over the affair and was embarrassed by his conduct.
      McPherson said: “I know I have severely let myself, our team and the club down.
      Most read in Football
      “I hold myself to the highest of standards and have never done anything like this before in a long coaching career, and I know I fell way short of that with my actions.
      “This club is also built on incredibly high standards, and I have already apologised to the board, the football staff, and our fantastic group of players who I care about dearly.
      “I would also like to apologise to the Rangers fans as I am aware of what a privilege it is to represent this club in any capacity, and I am sorry that on this occasion I did not uphold the standards this club demands.
      “I also understand how exciting a time it is for the women’s game in Scotland, which I have come to care passionately about, and I apologise for any negativity my actions have brought in our attempts to grow the game.
      “Finally, I am also very grateful to Fran Alonso for accepting my apology in full following our lengthy conversation earlier in the week.”
      Alonso claimed after the match that he was getting called a “little rat” during the explosive end to the derby.
      Addressing the incident on Sky Sports after the match, he said: “As you can see from there [the pictures], someone came in from behind.”
      “I never talked to him the whole game. It’s always disappointing to concede a goal in the last minute.
      “I totally get it. I was called a little rat, I don’t know why.”
      Cops confirmed: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023.
      “Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
      Celtic issued a statement on the affair, saying: “Clearly this is a hugely concerning incident, falling well below any acceptable standard.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We understand the matter is now being investigated and it will be up to all relevant authorities to take any appropriate action.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Why is it the same colour as the bun?’ – Scottish Premiership club’s burger ranked ‘WORST scran’ in British football

      by

      WITH over half a million followers on Twitter, the Footy Scran account has become football fans’ go to to check out the best grub in the game and have their say.But it’s not all good and it turns out a Scottish Premiership club have the worst-ranked item to have been voted on by fans on the platform.
      A non-league English club’s burger is a Footy Scran favouriteCredit: TWITTER/FOOTY SCRAN
      Footy Scran, which launched in 2020, does what it says on the tin – it posts pictures of food items from football matches across the UK and beyond.
      Whether’s it English Premier League, Scottish Premiership, the National League or non-league, it’s all fair game.
      Below the picture of item, fans are invited to deliver their verdict on it by picking ‘scran’ or ‘no scran.’
      Researchers at BetVictor have done some digging, delving into EVERY ‘scran’ or ‘no scran’ poll that’s been done.

      The most popular item to ever appear on the page is a double bacon cheeseburger at English non-league outfit Ashton Town, which received a whopping 96.71 per-cent ‘scran’ vote.
      Katsu chicken and chips at Hull City and Beverley Town’s double smash cheeseburger with bacon also got over 95 per-cent positive votes.
      Unfortunately for one Scottish Premiership side, the numbers don’t make quite so good reading.
      It’s a burger from Aberdeen, coming in at a cost of £5, that has received the highest ‘no scran’ vote to date.
      Most read in Football
      The Dons burger in questionCredit: TWITTER/FOOTY SCRAN
      A huge 93.57 per-cent of voters weren’t at all impressed with the Dons’ offering when it was posted back in July last year.
      Just 6.43 per-cent of fans voting said they’d eat the burger.
      Fans can also comment on the items – and as West Ham found out when their chicken burger was branded “grim” – it isn’t always good reading.
      The burger at Pittodrie didn’t escape fans’ ire either.
      One commented: “Was it left over from last season? Should be ashamed for charging a fiver.”
      A second blasted: “They could pay me that and I still wouldn’t eat it.”
      A third said: “Has that been cooked on a radiator?”
      While a fourth questioned: “Why is it the same colour as the bun?”
      A burger at Doncaster Rovers and what is apparently a sausage roll at West Brom made up the top three ‘no scrans.’
      The Footy Scran account also goes global – and a Hungarian team’s £2.60 meal deal was previously hailed as the “best deal in football” by impressed supporters.
      Vasas FC’s chicken burger and pint of beer combo left fans drooling.
      Read More on The Sun
      One fan summed it up by saying: “A pint alone for £2.60 is incredible as it is but food with it? Massive W.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Celtic striker’s SON hits hot scoring streak to draw parallels with Parkhead favourite… but it’s NOT Henrik Larsson

      by

      HIS dad was a 1990s Celtic hero – and now the footballing family’s striker son is proving his goal-scoring genes.So much so, he’s already drawn parallels with his old man.
      He’s surged to third in the Dutch scoring charts
      Until recently Jordan Larsson had been the most prominent sons of ex-Celtic strikersCredit: Getty
      But while Jordan Larsson has recently held the mantle of most prominent second-generation Celtic hero – there’s a new kid on the block taking the scoring charts by storm.
      With a sweep of blond hair he doesn’t look much like his dread-locked dad at first glance – but he scores goals just like him.
      He’s hit SEVEN in his last five league games, and a recent ratio of a goal every 68 minutes if cup games are also considered.
      And Bologna have already spotted his potential and tied up his signature from NAC Breda – his dad’s old club.

      That floats the possibility of an Scottish top-flight link-up in Serie A with Lewis Ferguson, another second-generation star with a famous dad and uncle from the other side of the Old Firm divide.
      And Sydney van Hooijdonk’s recent record is proof the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree – with calls for him to follow in his father’s footsteps to the Netherlands national team.
      Fenerbahce fans also want to see the son of Pierre in Istanbul and there’s even been a light-hearted aside from a Celtic fan calling for Ange Postecoglou to make his move.
      And little wonder.
      Most read in Football
      The 23-year-old is now third in the Eredivisie charts, one goal behind former Rangers target Xavi Simons and Anastasios Douvikas of FC Utrecht.
      A weekend double against FC Volendam made it a happy holiday for the striker as he moved his Heerenveen team into the top half and edge of the play-off positions.
      He wished fans a “blessed Easter” after his double and fans were quick to respond with thanks to the striker.
      Others have also been comparing him to his former Celtic, Nottingham Forest, Fenerbache and Feyenoord forward dad Pierre.
      Pierre van Hooijdonk (right) became a Celtic favourite after moving from NAC Breda.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      One said: “Like father, like son.”
      And a Celtic fan even joked: “Ange. I have a dream.”
      Fenerbache fans are keen to see Sydney in Istanbul too where his father fired 32 goals across two seasons in Turkey.
      His mid-1990s contribution to Celtic is also not forgotten with 44 goals in 69 Scottish Premier Division games.
      His goals have lifted Heerenveen to the brink of the play-offsCredit: Getty

      And Sydney is proving to be a chip off the old block for proud Pierre who regularly tweets about his boy’s progress.
      He’s expected to move to Bologna, who secured his services in 2021 and sanctioned an 18-month loan a year ago.
      His old man’s Parkhead successor Henrik Larsson has a striking son too – Jordan.
      Larsson Junior is currently in Denmark, on loan at FC Copenhagen from Schalke until the end of the season.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers star Todd Cantwell breaks silence on Old Firm defeat and insists Celtic DIDN’T WIN derby

      by

      TODD CANTWELL has claimed that Celtic “didn’t win” the Old Firm derby this weekend.The Rangers midfielder reckons it was, in fact, the case that his side lost the match.
      Cantwell was making his first Old Firm starCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Kyogo struck twice with Jota also scoring as the Hoops secured a 3-2 victory that all but ensures they’ll be champions again this season.
      Ange Postecoglou’s men are now 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership table with just seven matches left to go.
      January signing Cantwell made his first start in a Glasgow derby showdown having appeared as a substitute in the Viaplay Cup Final defeat in February.
      Despite a double from James Tavernier – including his 100th Rangers goal – Michael Beale’s men suffered defeat again in what was likely a decisive blow to their fading title ambitions for this season.

      It was a defensive horror show for the Gers, with huge individual errors costing them badly.
      A Ben Davies howler gifted possession to Jota in the lead-up to Kyogo’s second, while the Portuguese winger himself capitalised on a horrendous John Souttar back-pass for the third.
      And that seems to be Cantwell’s thinking the day after the game.
      Taking to social media, the 25-year old insisted things are still looking positive for the Light Blues despite yesterday’s setback.
      Most read in Football
      Posting on Instagram, Cantwell said: “The disappointment is real, we lost the game they didn’t win it.
      “We continue to stick together and build in the right direction, this is a project and a exciting one.
      “Stick together as one.”

      Rangers look set to demand answers from the SFA after a controversial decision from referee Kevin Clancy.
      The whistler disallowed a first-half goal from Alfredo Morelos for a push on Alistair Johnston.
      The re-start was delayed while VAR Nick Walsh took a look at the incident, although he decided against intervening and the decision stood.
      The call led to Ally McCoist describing VAR as a “laughing stock” while Kris Boyd was also bewildered that the goal wasn’t given.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Celtic 3 Rangers 2: Hoops take huge step towards title as Kyogo double all but ENDS race as Gers capitulate at Parkhead

      by

      CELTIC have all but sealed the Scottish Premiership title – and it came on a PLATE from a Rangers team that couldn’t stop making mistakes.Some fans may point to a disallowed goal for Alfredo Morelos in the first half but in truth, the Light Blues lost this game because Celtic’s players are too good for a defence that makes this many errors.
      Kyogo scored twiceCredit: Reuters
      James Tavernier scored a stunning free-kick to keep Rangers’ hopes aliveCredit: Getty
      Jota celebrates with teammate Callum McGregorCredit: Getty
      The hosts weren’t at their best and they too made mistakes but they weren’t capitalised on in the same way.
      And now their Premiership lead is 12 points.
      Michael Beale was forced into one major change, with Connor Goldson ruled out through injury.
      It meant John Souttar was handed his first start in over eight months.

      Also making their Old Firm debuts were Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell and in truth, all three had days to forget in terms of their contributions on the pitch.
      Ange Postecoglou meanwhile welcomed back Aaron Mooy after acknowledging the team would miss Reo Hatate due to injury.
      It was a fiery start, with Celtic Park filled only with Hoops supporters.
      Kyogo thought he’d set the stadium alight after just five minutes as he sneaked in behind the new-look Gers back line and chested the ball down before firing home.
      Most read in Football
      But the linesman rightly had his flag up as the Japanese striker had strayed offside.
      Celtic, as is their modus operandi, immediately set out their stall to play out from the back on every occasion and a few times early on Rangers were inches away from nicking the ball and punishing them as they weren’t their usual composed selves.
      The visitors also looked particularly dangerous on the counter but weren’t able to capitalise on any mistakes early on, with Tillman wasteful on a couple of occasions.
      At the other end, Jota flashed a shot at Allan McGregor’s goal that had the Hoops faithful off their seats.
      🎙️ “Never a free-kick… There is no foul there”Morelos has the ball in the net, but Kevin Clancy says no goal. Was it a foul? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aYBGnAnH7C— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 8, 2023

      If there were any Rangers fans in the ground they would have been off their seats moments later – for a similar few seconds.
      Morelos stuck the ball into the net but referee Kevin Clancy ruled it out for a foul on Alistair Johnston.
      VAR looked at it but didn’t overturn the original decision to rule the goal out.
      Any anger for those in Light Blue would be multiplied moments later.
      Kyogo’s turn and shot on 26 minutes was devastating and McGregor had no chance.
      His movement to find himself in space for Matt O’Riley’s cross was even better.
      But Celtic never kicked on from there and gradually, Rangers pushed themselves back into the game.

      The home side continued to look shaky at the back and even the experienced Callum McGregor got all hot and bothered in some handbags with derby debutant Nico Raskin.
      Then two minutes from half-time, after decent work from Kent, Tillman beat O’Riley to a 50-50 and the Hoops midfielder brought him down with a sliding tackle.
      Up stepped Tavernier to score an absolute stunner of a free-kick from 25 yards out that belted in off the crossbar.
      Beale’s men carried that momentum into the start of the second half and if not for Mooy’s rugby-style intervention, had men over just minutes after the restart as Morelos tried to break away.

      The Colombian then had a shot saved by Joe Hart from inside the box off of a loose ball.
      Cantwell also had a volley fire just wide as Gers piled on the pressure.
      Barisic has been a rather maligned figure on derby days recently, particularly at Celtic Park, and it was in some ways cruel that his terrific goal-line clearance from Kyogo’s close-range shot on 56 minutes counted for nothing as Jota had been caught offside in the build-up.
      As it happens, the striker would be presented with another golden chance all by Rangers’ own doing.
      Davies inexplicably chose to try and head the ball back into play as it dropped from the sky following Souttar’s scuffed clearance, rather than just let it go out for a corner.
      He completely fluffed his lines as his header hit off Jota and into the path of Kyogo who made no mistake from five yards out.

      Davies then got caught under the ball and almost let Kyogo in again from Greg Taylor’s deep cross on the left but in fairness to the Englishman he recovered to block the shot.
      Celtic all but wrapped up the game – and the title – when Davies’ co-partner in defence made a terrible error.
      Souttar sold McGregor short with a slack backpass and Jota leapt onto the ball and worked it round the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
      “Champions again, ole ole,” came the cries from the Parkhead stands.

      It was all over.
      Or was it?
      Tavernier crept in at the back post to score his second of the day, nodding home Barisic’s cross.
      It was also his 100th goal for Rangers and he was literally centimetres away from making it 101 just seconds later as the two full-backs linked up again but this time the skipper’s header bounced wide.
      A mistake from Johnston allowed Kent to drive at goal but neither he, Morelos, Jack or Fashion Sakala pulled the trigger and eventually the Hoops were able to snuff the danger out.
      Barisic had a late, late free-kick that may have given Gers a tiny bit of hope but it ballooned over.
      Both sides go at it again in a few weeks’ time in the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
      Read More on The Sun
      Celtic will be eyeing a Treble while Rangers know the competition is their last chance to win a trophy this season.
      🔥 “100 goals… That is a remarkable achievement”Tavernier joins the 100 club and keeps Rangers in the game! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vafpC7Euym— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 8, 2023

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Samuel L Jackson swaps Rangers colours for Celtic and fans say Hollywood A-lister ‘looks happier’ before Old Firm clash

      by

      DEPENDING on which side of Glasgow’s football galaxy you fall into, Samuel L. Jackson has either just joined the Dark Side – or just left it.The Hollywood star has been filming in Scotland and was spotted in a Rangers jersey earlier this week ahead of the Old Firm derby.
      Samuel L Jackson posing with a Rangers top he signed
      He’s been in West Lothian filming The Marvels but took time out from his busy schedule to pose with and sign a Gers top, which will be auctioned off for two charities, the Emmy Smilie Foundation and Kilbryde Hospice.
      The shirt had his name on the back and the number 23. That number is currently worn by Scott Wright for the Light Blues but it’s perhaps more likely Mr Jackson chose it either for the year (2023) or as an ode to American basketball legend Michael Jordan.
      In an intergalactic twist of fate however, the man known for his portrayal of Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy has now been seen wearing the colours of Rangers’ arch rivals!
      Posing alongside Hoops-daft actor Gianni Capaldi, the A-lister donned a black Celtic tracksuit.

      Actor Capaldi tweeted: “Unleash the FURY. Cmon @CelticFC Big love from @OfficialGianni & a Jedi from the set of #Damaged.
      “#Celtic #Glasgow @FoundationCFC #SamuelLJackson.”
      Needless to say, Celtic fans were loving the fact he’d seemingly switched sides ahead of the big game.
      One commented: “Looks happier in the Celtic top 😂”
      Most read in Football
      “Looks like big Sam has come over from the Dark Side…” said another.
      And someone else replied: “So much for the big man being one of them.”
      “Mad Samuel the turncoat,” joked another supporter.
      One evoked the memory of one particularly infamous man to go from green and white to blue…
      “Mo L. Johnston.”
      Now he’s been spotted in the colours of Celtic
      Another punter let out a celebratory “Yass!” while others simply lapped up seeing someone famous in their team’s colours.
      One fan said: “Two legends side by side, love it!”
      Another commented: “Never thought I would a pic of Samuel Jackson in a Celtic jacket.”
      The Star Wars icon isn’t the only Marvel actor to be seen wearing the colours of one of Scottish football’s big two.
      Read More on The Sun
      His Marvel co-star Robert Downey Jnr was famously pictured wearing a Celtic strip a few years ago.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Kieran Tierney transfer latest as ex-Celtic star has ‘genuine chance of leaving Arsenal this summer’

      by

      KIERAN TIERNEY reportedly has a ‘genuine chance’ of leaving Arsenal in the summer.The former Celtic star has struggled for regular football this season after falling behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
      Kieran Tierney has only started four times for Arsenal in the Premier League this seasonCredit: PA
      Tierney left The Hoops and moved to London in 2019, initially being a key player in Arteta’s side.
      His fine form early on had sparked links to the likes of Manchester City – with hopeful Celtic fans looking out for a potential payday from the sell-on fee their side agreed at the time.
      The 25-year-old is now back fully fit again – but with Gunners boss Arteta continuing to prefer former City ace Zinchenko in his position – rumours of a move away from The Emirates have once again began to circulate.
      At the start of this month we told you how Tierney held crunch talks with his manager about the role he’s currently playing.

      And that was quickly followed up by reports he would be open to switching to Premier League rivals Newcastle United in search of regular game time.
      Now according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there is a ‘genuine chance’ a deal to take the Scotland star elsewhere will take place in the near future.
      He reckons talks over the situation will resume at the end of the season while Arsenal in the meantime focus on their pursuit of the English top flight title.
      He told Caught Offside: “Kieran Tierney has a genuine chance to leave Arsenal in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      “This is a possibility but Arsenal don’t want to negotiate now. They decided internally that there must be full focus on winning the Premier League; the big dream!
      “So there is no intention to distract the players including those who are not regular starters.
      “In the summer, Arsenal will discuss Tierney’s situation at the end of the season but the defender definitely has the opportunity to experience something new.”
      Despite his struggle for game time, Tierney still tops the English Premier League for one key stat alongside one of his former Parkhead team mates.
      He’s started just 13 of a possible 39 games this season in all competitions but has trumped all rivals in one specific measure of ability.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers v Celtic Women’s clash ‘headbutt’ being investigated by police

      by

      POLICE have opened an investigation into the trouble which flared at the end of last night’s Rangers Women vs Celtic Women clash. Footage appeared to show Hoops head coach Fran Alonso being headbutted by a Rangers assistant coach Craig McPherson at the end of the match, which ended 1-1.
      The footage showed the incident at the end of the match
      A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023.
      “Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
      Throwing the behaviour of the travelling Celtic fans who showered ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard with missiles as he scored for Liverpool Legends against Celtic Legends in a charity match into the mix, former Rangers boss said it “hasn’t been the greatest couple of days for Rangers and Celtic”.
      McCoist, of course, is no stranger to being at the sharp end of these Old Firm controversies, with his bust-up with Neil Lennon at the end of an Old Firm clash leading to a government summit.

      Asked by co-host TalkSPORT co-host Laura Woods if McPherson’s behaviour was acceptable, he said: “I have only just seen it. It’s really, really poor.
      “With the greatest of respect, it’s not been a great two or three days for Rangers and Celtic, with what happened at the weekend and what happened last night.”
      It looked like Rangers were taking the three points from the fixture after Brogan Hay fired her side ahead in the first half.
      But Celtic star Caitlyn Hayes scored a dramatic equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time to level the scoring and to secure a point for the Hoops.
      Most read in Football
      But what went on between the respective coaches was the post-match talking point.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More