Kmcalpin

Unfortunately that is the case. Only 2 teams are allowed to question match officials.

Hopefully we'll see something of Jack Vale in this game even if only for a few minutes. The team will have gained a boost from today's result and a draw is not impossible. Just hope we don't enrage the officials in the next few days before the game.

We can thank SK for that. We shouldn't start battles we can't win. The officials had a point to prove.

I had to miss the game today but am extremely delighted with the point, given the way we're playing just now. Great to rack up a 2 goal lead but it was never going to last as our game management is very very poor. Put it this way if we hadn't scored a second its a game we'd have lost, possibly by more than a goal. I can't comment on the VAR incidents. Overall a good day. We're still in 6th spot and increased our cushion over St Johnstone. That should always be our first priority.

Yes, encouraging that McGinn is on the bench. Vale and Slattery must just have missed out.

I'm not defending any fans. For the record, I'm against the use of pyros in large crowds, football related or not. They should only be used for the purpose for which they are legally intended. My point is that legislation should outlaw their use and be extended to cover all crowds, irrespective of why that crowd had gathered. In general terms it seems to be legal, under current legislation, to set off pyros anywhere in a public crowd as long it's done as part of a non football related protest, demonstration. or celebration. The legislation needs to be standardised. Irrespective of the location, or purpose, they can be serious for folk with breathing conditions. I agree with your last point.

I was not speculating on the alleged incidents. The first paragraph is factual and pretty much lifted from a BBC report, which is slightly more specific than my summary. My second paragraph is a general point about pyros and current legislation. Yes, it is very much for the courts to deal with the alleged incidents and I make no comment about the specifics.

Mcginn - + 1 year option (not sure on whose side) Ox - signed until at least 2027 Blaney OOC don't renew. Callachan OOC don't renew. Casey OOC renew on same or slightly reduced terms Ebiye OOC don't renew Paton OOC definitely renew Slattery OOC ? assess next 6 months Davor OOC don't renew The Ox is not an issue as San says. Of the others, I'd only really want to retain Harry Paton.

Only prediction I'll make is that we won't keep a clean sheet and we'll strruggle to get a shot on target.

The possession stats mean little on their own. Its where the opposition have it that matters. The problem is that when we cede possession we're virtually camped in our own penalty box. Ok you might say, but even then we gift time and and space to allow opponents the chance to get a shot or header on target. The Ox has had to make the highest number of saves of any keeper in the Premiership. Thats the problem. Thats whats not getting sorted.

We knew him as the Ghost. He could take 2 or 3 defenders out by simply gliding past them and they'd be tackling fresh air. Scored against St Mirren in that cup tie in which they brought 35,000 fans to Fir Park. They tried to boot him off the pitch. Fergie was raging at him.

If you want a wee bit more skill you could always add in the likes of Marinello and Davidson.

An interesting development in Edinburgh yesterday, which helps to shed light on double standards within our Society. According to the BBC, 2 men were arrested in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh before the the Hearts Hibs derby for posssession of a pyro. A 3rd man was arrested approximately 440 metres from Tynecastle for igniting a pyro. Neither incident was adjacent to Tynecastle. I have no detailed knowledge of either alleged incident. the report goes on "Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said fans setting off pyro around football matches was putting other supporters at risk". That may well be the case. The point I've made often before is why football fans are being singled out. We've often seen pyros being lit in the middle of large non football related crowds eg political demonstrations. Police Scotland took no action and presumably no offences took place. Is that not double standards? Surely the pertinent fact should be that pyros are being lit in large crowds; and not, who is in the crowd; who has the pyro or the purpose of the gathering. Pyros can cause breathing or safety problems irrespective of who is holding them. This is a matter for the Scottish Government which has so far turned a blind eye to the issue.

Just watched the Tv "highlights". What a pathetic defensive performance. Ok, we know that Celtic are the best team in the league and would probably win anyway but why do we have to make it so easy for them. Even before they scored we were opened up far too easily. SK really needs to look closely at goals 3 and 4. Yes, by that time time were were tiring (74 minutes in), but had 10/11 men behind the ball and the scorers were still afforded acres of of space and all the time they wanted, on the edge of our box. Midfield were competely AWOL. We were just lucky Celtic weren't at their best. If it was a one off I wouldn't be so concerned but these traits are evident week in week out. Revamp of midfield and defence can't start soon enough. We really are desperately short of character and leadership on the pitch.

Step 1 will be to stiffen the midfield so that the opposition have to work damned hard in order to see the whites of our defenders eyes. A combative strong running midfield wil be a start.

Yes, there will be changes next month. Some players will need to move on but SK knows that. I can foresee us strengthening central defence, midfield and the striking department. Agree about top 6. A step too far for us this season. Personally I'd be very happy with 7th or even 8th place as that would represent progress.

5 yellow cards now and counting.

Crumbling at aerial balls again.

That's 4 yellow cards so far. Poor Celtic; we must be kicking them off the park.

VAR review showed that ball didn't touch Balmer's arm at all. Oh well any excuse will do.

Some odd choices there. Could be down to seasonal illnesses, of which there are a lot going round (cough, cough) or squad rotation.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Grizzly. The same to Steelmen everywhere.

We all make mistakes, especially when making split second decisions. However he was offered a way out by his VAR colleagues but chose to ignore their advice. That's fine if you're right but if you're wrong..........

Quite right too but some damage was done on the night. Having to play a man down for a bit of time. Ridiculous decision on the night.

Dan Casey appeal submitted.