Wednesday 20th April 2005

12.10

Post split fixture details.

The remainder of the SPL fixture list for this season
has been announced, with Celtic having 2 home and 3
away games still to play in the title defence. The
fixtures are as follows:

Sunday 24th April, Rangers v Celtic, KO 12.30pm

Saturday 30th April, Celtic v Hibernian, KO 3pm

Sunday 8th May, Celtic v Aberdeen, KO 3pm

Saturday 14th May, Hearts v Celtic, KO 3pm*

Sunday 22nd May, Motherwell v Celtic, KO 2pm*

*Please note that the fixtures against Hearts and
Motherwell are subject to SPL confirmation - please do
not book travel until dates and kick off times are
confirmed.

Monday 11th April 2005

12.50

Hearts fans in sectarian shame.

Hearts have apologised after a section of their fans disrupted a minute's silence in memory of Pope John Paul II at Hampden Park.

The Scottish FA had called for a mark of respect before the weekend's two Scottish Cup semi-finals.

And Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton said: "It is disturbing that some fans failed to see the significance of the occasion.

"There is no need for that sort of behaviour in the game."

The Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League had decided to leave the matter to their clubs' discretion.

But the SFA changed its own earlier decision and called for a minute's silence before both cup ties.

The mark of respect was observed before Dundee United's victory over Hibernian on Saturday with minor instances of dissent.

But referee Stuart Dougal had to cut short the tribute ahead of Celtic's defeat of Hearts.

And Anderton responded quickly to distance the Edinburgh club from what they claim was "a small section" of their support.

Some Hearts fans believe that the SFA backed down under pressure from Celtic, but Anderton said his club would not and could not condone their actions.

"We are trying to generate an atmosphere where families are happy to return to football grounds around the country and the fact that their actions will have been covered live by Sky across the UK and beyond will have done those ambitions no favour at all," he said.

"The club appealed on Friday for all fans travelling to the game to respect the minute of silence and will now write to both Celtic and the Scottish Football Association to apologise on behalf of those who failed to adhere to that request."

Friday 08th April 2005

11.50

Juninho regrets Celtic move. 

Former Celtic midfielder Juninho has said that moving to the Scottish giants was a 'big mistake'. The Brazilian this week returned to his homeland and signed with Palmeiras.

Juninho said: "If I could turn back the clock then I would never have signed for Celtic. It was a big mistake.

"They play with two big strikers up front and have to get the ball up to them as quickly as possible.

"Unfortunately, that means the midfield is missed out entirely and I could never adapt to that way of playing the game."

Monday 04th April 2005

12.40

Date for Old Firm game announced.

Sunday 24 April has been confirmed as the date for the final Old Firm match of the season.

Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers will host reigning champions Celtic, who currently sit second in the table, with a 12.30BST kick-off.

The SPL splits into two sections of six after 16 April and has a policy of trying to avoid Old Firm matches becoming title deciders.

Other fixtures await the remaining place in the top six being decided.

Friday 01st April 2005

12.45.

Bellamy Player of the Month

Celtic's on loan striker from Newcastle Craig Bellamy has just been named as the SPL player of the month for March 2005.