In today’s Daily Record back pages, a ridiculous attempt was made to portray Scott Brown as a victim in the aftermath of last week’s latest Old Firm victory for Rangers.
Penned by Keith Jackson, a considered close associate of Brown, it details an apparent ‘inappropriate’ incident in which a remark was made toward the outgoing Celtic captain by a ‘high ranking Rangers official’.
‘In fact, it’s deeply regrettable that his final Old Firm match the other weekend ended with a crude and classless farewell from a high ranking Rangers official inside the Ibrox tunnel in the immediate aftermath of a 4-1 thrashing.’
‘Record Sport understands the Parkhead hierarchy are aware of this incident which took place as a disconsolate Brown made his way back to the away dressing room while Steven Gerrard and his players celebrated a fourth derby win of a whitewash season against their crestfallen neighbours.’
‘That they have chosen not to lodge a complaint suggests that it was all fairly low key, perhaps no more than petty stuff even if the conduct of the senior Ibrox employee – who provocatively goaded Brown as he made his way inside – was regarded as ‘wholly inappropriate behaviour’ by those who witnessed it.’
‘There’s a golden rule where this kind of thing is concerned. It’s one thing for players and coaching staff to let their passions run high in the heat of the battle and to allow the moment to get the better of their sensibilities but it’s quite another for the men in suits to lower themselves into the guttural bating of the opposition.’
Where to start with this one.
Firstly, there was a mention of Brown’s gesture toward Glen Kamara ahead of the Old Firm clash at Parkhead in March.
That act was almost universally appreciated and respected for what it was, particularly by the Rangers support.
The show of solidarity was a positive, commendable decision from the long-term Celtic captain – credit where it’s due.
However, it doesn’t mean that the player should be idolised or canonised.
Brown has spent much of last few years lording it over a struggling, failing Rangers team, in its various forms, pre-Gerrard and over the last couple of seasons too.
From the infamous short sleeves, to his shaved head, Brown has relished the hard-man facade.
Remember the topless joy, with sunglasses on, as the captain embraced the Celtic support at the Broomloan end of Ibrox, similar to Leigh Griffiths tieing a scarf to a post.
It’s all good rubbing it in when you’re on top, but karma catches up eventually when the bitter taste of failure bites.
Reality
Make no mistake about it, this season – the one of the fabled ten, has been an unmitigated disaster for Brown and his Celtic team.
In five Old Firm clashes, he barely turned up – or he was subbed off and shown up by elder statesmen such as Steven Davis and Allan McGregor.
Perhaps the alleged incident was a Rangers suit asking Brown if he needed sunglasses last week?
Such a remark would have been glib and based on gloating – probably not what an ‘official’ should be getting involved in, if that was close to the realm of truth.
Another reality is that much of Celtic’s last decade on and off the pitch, club, players and fans – has been their revelling in their dominance and march to the ten…
There is even the ludicrous elephant in the room at Parkhead that maintains the ‘Old Firm’ doesn’t exist – absolute delusion pandering to the lowest common denominator.
Often in football, like life, what goes around, comes around.
A winning mentality also comes with responsibility and accountability.
To Scott Brown, a man of many battles, victories, medals and recognition on the pitch – if you cant take it, don’t give it out.