Imagine complaining about the smoke from a neighbour’s barbecue while your own house is engulfed in massive flames.
That is a rough metaphor to describe the absurd commentary from The Celtic Blog, pouring scorn and ridicule on one particular journalist’s reaction to Rangers commendable victory over Real Madrid in Steven Gerrard’s side’s last pre-season warm up, yesterday.
Interestly, The Celtic Blog had published this piece on Rangers v Real Madrid only 30 minutes after the game had finished…
“Tonight, at Ibrox, two skint clubs met in a pre-season friendly and the skint team from Scotland won by a single goal after a red card reduced the visitors to ten men.”
That was the opening line of the piece, from which much more desperation followed.
There was a brief acknowledgement of the Parkhead club’s own fraught start to their campaign, leading into a crucial Champions League qualifier on Wednesday for Ange Postecoglou’s team.
Before long, it was back to normal and a severe lack of self awareness.
Next up, the Madrid squad who took to the pitch at Ibrox was ridiculed – yes, that one which was effectively a second string but still including several internationals and quality players such as Marcelo, Isco, Odegaard, Vazquez and Rodrygo.
Clutching at straws
Then came the killer line:
“To read the media at the moment you’d believe we were on the brink of collapse and that they were on the brink of greater glory than ever, this time with a single honour from Gerrard’s tenure.”
Now, even with the blue-tinted specs taken off, compare and contrast both Old Firm clubs at present and their prospects for the season ahead.
One is the champions of Scotland, strengthened with two quality Bosman deals, with another one or two signings likely to follow. A settled, hungry squad, building for more.
The other is a threadbare, fledgling team, trying to get to grips with a new way of playing under a new manager, including a very gung-ho defensive system.
Perhaps, some would do well to concentrate on their own club and its significant problems before commenting on the affairs of those further ahead of them.
Enjoy the sizzle!