2012-02-19: Hibernian 0-5 Celtic, SPL

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Trivia

• Rangers entered into administration!!!!!!!!!! On St Valentines Day!
• One of the great weeks in Scottish football history.
  
• After the tears of the early 90s, we can rightfully take schadenfreufe from their self-inflicted predicament.
• A ten point penalty was imposed so Celtic were at 14pts ahead of the Huns! So league title practically done now for Celtic! YES!!!!!
• Sadly their ill gained league wins will not be revoked from their tally. We can console ourselves with the title this season at least.#
• The administration request comes even before the tax case hearing with potentially upto £50m bill or even £75m!
• The current mood: "We'll party when rangers die! We'll be eating jelly and ice cream when they die! We'll do the huddle when Rangers die!"
• Joy of joys!
• To top it off Rangers in their Saturday match v Kilmarnock lost 1-0! So with Celtic's win that puts us 17pts clear! Ha ha ha!
• See: link for loads of Articles
• Celtic tell Alex Salmond (SNP leader & Scottish First Minister) where to go after he says that Celtic needs Rangers. See below.
• Note: League standings 1 Celtic 2 Rangers 3 Motherwell 4 Hearts (see initials backwards – H M R C!!!!! Ha ! ha ! ha !)
• Celtic announce fall in H2 2011 profits but debt down by £2m. Profit of just £180k (see below)
• Celtic now have potentially 18 domestic wins in a row. Last time achieved was 1966 with Jock Stein.

Review

What a week!!!!!!
Just immense, Celtic. Fantastic performance. We clicked into gear after the 3-3 game last year and we haven't looked back. It's really starting to show now, when we can go out and just boss teams off the park like we did today and at Tynecastle a few weeks ago.

The title is coming home for the first time in four long years.

And it will be oh so sweet when it arrives.

(Paranoid & Proud of KDS forum)

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Hibs v Celtic

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39 v 61

10 v 12

Articles

Hibernian 0 – 5 Celtic: Visitors open up 17-point gap at top of table

Edinburgh Evening News

By DAVID HARDIE
Published on Sunday 19 February 2012 18:26

ANTHONY Stokes came back to haunt Hibs once again as the Easter Road side were totally over-run by a Celtic juggernaut as it clocked up an 18th successive win in domestic competition to further tightened their grip on the SPL title, stretching their lead at the top to a massive 17 points.

The former Hibs striker, who has made a habit of scoring against his old club, opened the scoring with strike partner Gary Hooper doubling Celtic’s lead within the opening 20 minutes.

Charlie Mulgrew added a third only two minutes into the second half as Hibs failed to spoil the title party which had begun long before kick-off and in the 52nd minute Hooper claimed another, his shot taking a wicked bounce which totally deceived goalkeeper Graham Stack.

Worse was to come 13 minutes from time when Kris Common’s shot broke off fellow substitute Ki to make it five for the Celts.

Skipper James McPake, fellow defender Paul Hanlon and striker Leigh Griffiths made an immediate return to Pat Fenlon’s starting line-up after suspension, George Francomb, Sean O’Hanlon and Garry O’Connor making way to accommodate them.

Although he had won his appeal against the red card shown at Inverness, Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic could only find a place on the bench, joined by Georgios Samaras as Thomas Rogne and Stokes took their places.

There was a party atmosphere among the visiting fans, the ten point deduction imposed on arch-rivals Rangers following their fall into adminstration having all but handed Neil Lennon’s side the SPL title giving, as it did a 14 point to the Hoops before the Ibrox outfit’s defeat by Kilmarnock yesterday.

Celtic signalled their intentions within seconds, Stokes delivering a low cross for strike partner Hooper who flicked a heel at the ball, Stack reacted superbly as he stretched out a boot to divert it over the bar.

The fans from Glasgow, however, only had to wait for 14 minutes that opening goal and again it was all too simple, Stokes rising totally unchallenged to nod home Charlie Mulgrew’s corner from the right.

A tough challenge from Jorge Claros produced a predictably angry reaction from Celtic skipper Scott Brown, referee Craig Thomson stepping in to cool tempers before Lennon’s side doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Once more, though, Hibs were the authors of their own misfortune, a misplaced pass from Pa Kujabi deep in enemy territory seized upon as Hooper raced away to provide a crossfield pass for Stokes.

The former Hibs star drew McPake, cut inside him and returned the ball for Hooper to slide under the exposed Stack.

Hibs were stunned but Lewis Stevenson earned himself the sight of Fraser Forster’s goal, his persistence seeing him rob Adam Matthews at the edge of the Celtic penalty area but his shot didn’t carry enough power or direction to beat the goalkeeper.

But Mulgrew dashed any hope of a Hibs fightback, firing home a superb free-kick only two minutes after the interval.

Stack pulled off a great block to deny Stokes a second two minutes later as Celtic went for the jugular. A fourth was merely delayed, Hooper claiming his second of the game with a shot from the corner of the box which appeared to take a wicked bounce in front of Stack to leave the goalkeeper baffled. The fifth goal came after 77 minutes, when good work by Kris Commons allowed the substitute a shot at goal, which took a deflection of Ki Sung-Yeung to consign Hibs to their heaviest home defeat since September 1985 – when Celtic ran out 5-0 victors at Easter Road.

BBC

Celtic sent their fans into title party mood with an emphatic victory over Hibernian that stretches their SPL lead to 17 points over holders Rangers.
Anthony Stokes' 14th-minute close-range header and Gary Hooper's drive six minutes later put Celtic in control.
Lewis Stephenson, David Wotherspoon and Isaiah Osbourne passed up chances for Hibs before the break.
But Charlie Mulgrew curled in a free-kick, Hooper fired his second and Ki Sung-Yueng deflected in another.
The victory stretches Celtic's run of domestic victories to 18 on a weekend when city rivals Rangers lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock in their first fixture since being docked 10 points by the Scottish Premier League for going into administration.
Hibs not only suffered a blow to their confidence but a reduction in their advantage over Dunfermline Athletic in terms of goal difference, although Pat Fenlon's side remain second bottom with a game in hand.
Not even the return of striker Leigh Griffiths and defenders Paul Hanlon and James McPake from suspension, replacing Sean O'Hanlon, George Francomb and Garry O'Connor, could help counter Celtic's feelgood factor.
Thomas Rogne recovered from injury to return for Celtic in place of Daniel Majstorovic, despite the Swede's successful appeal against a red card shown last weekend.

Georgios Samaras dropped out to make way for Stokes to partner Gary Hooper and Celtic's top scorers came close to breaking the deadlock within a minute.
Stokes' low cross was backheeled towards goal by Hooper from six yards and, despite the effort taking a deflection off a defender, goalkeeper Graham Stack managed to change direction and scoop the ball off the line with his foot.
The home side, bolstered by five January signings, survived two early corners and started to apply pressure at the other end with a confidence that belied their league position.
However, the defensive frailty inherited by Fenlon surfaced again when neither defender nor goalkeeper came to meet Mulgrew's wicked inswinging cross and Stokes rose to head powerfully down and over the line.
Hibs continued to look lively, but they fell further behind following an incisive break.
Stokes strode towards his former club's defence before taking three Hibs defenders out the game with his pass through to an unmarked Hooper, who fired low between Stack's despairing legs from 12 yards. Hibs soon were handed a great opportunity to pull a goal back when Adam Matthews dallied on the ball, was dispossessed by Stephenson, but the midfielder appeared to be caught in two minds between a chip and a drive and simply lifted it straight into the arms of goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Wotherspoon failed to connect properly with a low ball flashed across the face of the Celtic goal by Osbourne, who himself headed wide when it was immediately returned into the box.
Referee Craig Thomson waved away claims for a penalty when Stokes went down under a McPake challenge, while Joe Ledley flashed a piledriver over from 22 yards and Scott Brown stung Stack's hands with a drive of his own from a similar distance.
Celtic were now well on top and Hibs suffered a further blow when defender Matt Doherty was left with a gashed eye after being struck by Stokes' flailing elbow.
Doherty did not emerge for the second half, being replaced with George Francomb, and the reorganised defence had no time to settle before Hibs went three behind two minutes after the break from Mulgrew's curling free-kick into the far corner from 22 yards.
Stack prevented another, blocking from Stokes after a clever Hooper backheel, but was at fault when the latter's speculative low drive from a difficult angle bounced over his outstretched arms and into the far corner after 52 minutes.
Griffiths poked an O'Connor cross over from close range and the latter curled a free-kick just over as Celtic appeared to ease off.
However, the visitors even had luck on their side when Kris Commons' low drive deflected off fellow substitute Ki past Stack 13 minutes from time before a Ledley header struck the underside of the bar and bounced clear.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +2:13

The final whistle goes and the game is over.
90:00 +0:10

Charlie Mulgrew concedes a free kick for a foul on Roy O'Donovan. Indirect free kick taken by Pa Saikou Kujabi.
89:49

Sung-Yeung Ki gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Garry O'Connor. Garry O'Connor takes the free kick.
86:38

Jorge Claros produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net.
86:18

Corner taken by George Francomb, clearance made by Kelvin Wilson.
80:14

Corner from the left by-line taken by Sung-Yeung Ki, Joe Ledley takes a shot.
79:21

The ball is crossed by Kris Commons, Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Graham Stack.
78:12

Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
78:12 Booking

Booking Booking for Lewis Stevenson for unsporting behaviour.
78:07

Lewis Stevenson concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Brown.
76:14

Assist by Kris Commons.
76:14 Goal scored

Goal – Sung-Yeung Ki – Hibernian 0 – 5 Celtic Sung-Yeung Ki fires in a goal from inside the penalty box low into the middle of the goal. Hibernian 0-5 Celtic.
73:29

Shot on goal comes in from Garry O'Connor from the free kick.
73:29 Booking

Booking Scott Brown receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
73:21

Pa Saikou Kujabi fouled by Scott Brown, the ref awards a free kick.
72:06

Isaiah Osbourne restarts play with the free kick.
72:06 Substitution

Substitution Roy O'Donovan joins the action as a substitute, replacing Leigh Griffiths.
72:06

Foul by Scott Brown on Isaiah Osbourne, free kick awarded.
71:12

Garry O'Connor crosses the ball, Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster.
70:14 Substitution

Substitution Emilio Izaguirre replaces Thomas Rogne.
69:04

Isaiah Osbourne produces a cross.
67:21

The assistant referee signals for offside against George Francomb. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
63:55

Right-footed shot by Anthony Stokes went wide right of the net.
62:58

Charlie Mulgrew takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Lewis Stevenson.
61:41

Pa Saikou Kujabi takes the inswinging corner, Effort from the edge of the penalty box by James McPake goes wide of the right-hand upright.
60:02 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Kris Commons coming on for Gary Hooper.
59:36

The ball is sent over by George Francomb, save by Fraser Forster.
58:19

The official flags Garry O'Connor offside. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
54:03 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Sung-Yeung Ki coming on for Victor Wanyama.
53:33

Corner taken left-footed by Pa Saikou Kujabi, Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
53:16

The ball is crossed by Leigh Griffiths, clearance made by Thomas Rogne.
52:47

Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Brown on Lewis Stevenson. Pa Saikou Kujabi crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing.
51:41 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Hibernian 0 – 4 Celtic Goal scored by Gary Hooper from the edge of the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Hibernian 0-4 Celtic.
50:52 Substitution

Substitution Eoin Doyle leaves the field to be replaced by Garry O'Connor.
48:33

Anthony Stokes takes a shot from 12 yards. Save made by Graham Stack.
46:07

Assist by Gary Hooper.
46:07 Goal scored

Goal – Charlie Mulgrew – Hibernian 0 – 3 Celtic Charlie Mulgrew grabs a goal direct from the free kick from just outside the area to the top left corner of the goal. Hibernian 0-3 Celtic.
45:24

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Hooper by Paul Hanlon.
45:03 Substitution

Substitution George Francomb joins the action as a substitute, replacing Matt Doherty.
45:01

The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
45:00 +2:06

The first half comes to an end.
45:00 +0:50

Unfair challenge on Isaiah Osbourne by Victor Wanyama results in a free kick. Leigh Griffiths takes the direct free kick, Centre by David Wotherspoon, clearance by Scott Brown.
38:08

Scott Brown takes a shot. Save by Graham Stack.
37:24

Effort on goal by Joe Ledley from long range goes harmlessly over the bar.
34:47

Isaiah Osbourne challenges Scott Brown unfairly and gives away a free kick. Adam Matthews takes the indirect free kick.
34:04

Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
34:04 Booking

Booking The referee shows Leigh Griffiths a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
33:54

Leigh Griffiths gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Scott Brown.
33:08

The referee blows for offside. Graham Stack takes the indirect free kick.
31:33

Foul by Isaiah Osbourne on Victor Wanyama, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Scott Brown.
30:36

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James McPake by Scott Brown. Indirect free kick taken by Graham Stack.
29:53

Centre by Leigh Griffiths, Headed effort from inside the area by Isaiah Osbourne misses to the left of the target.
29:35

Isaiah Osbourne delivers the ball, Eoin Doyle takes a shot.
23:46

The ball is delivered by Charlie Mulgrew, save made by Graham Stack.
23:13

Anthony Stokes fouled by Paul Hanlon, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
22:56

Shot by Lewis Stevenson. Save by Fraser Forster.
19:57

The assist for the goal came from Anthony Stokes.
19:57 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Hibernian 0 – 2 Celtic A goal is scored by Gary Hooper from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 0-2 Celtic.
18:50

Unfair challenge on Leigh Griffiths by Joe Ledley results in a free kick. David Wotherspoon takes the free kick.
16:10

Unfair challenge on Eoin Doyle by Thomas Rogne results in a free kick. Leigh Griffiths has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
15:33

Victor Wanyama gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Isaiah Osbourne. Graham Stack restarts play with the free kick.
14:31

Jorge Claros concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Brown. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
13:21

Assist by Charlie Mulgrew.
13:21 Goal scored

Goal – Anthony Stokes – Hibernian 0 – 1 Celtic Anthony Stokes finds the net with a headed goal from close range. Hibernian 0-1 Celtic.
12:47

Corner taken left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew,
12:05

Unfair challenge on Gary Hooper by Jorge Claros results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
10:53

Unfair challenge on Jorge Claros by Scott Brown results in a free kick. David Wotherspoon takes the indirect free kick.
10:08

Long range effort by Leigh Griffiths goes wide right of the net.
8:20

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Charlie Mulgrew by David Wotherspoon. Fraser Forster restarts play with the free kick.
5:47

Unfair challenge on Eoin Doyle by Thomas Rogne results in a free kick. Paul Hanlon takes the indirect free kick.
5:39

James Forrest crosses the ball.
2:54

Leigh Griffiths concedes a free kick for a foul on Charlie Mulgrew. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.
2:01

Inswinging corner taken by David Wotherspoon, clearance made by Scott Brown.
0:54

Corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew played to the near post, clearance made by David Wotherspoon.
0:36

Corner from the left by-line taken by Charlie Mulgrew, David Wotherspoon makes a clearance.
0:15

The ball is sent over by Anthony Stokes, Gary Hooper takes a shot. Graham Stack makes a save.
0:00

The match begins.

Club statement on Alex Salmond

Official site
on 16 Feb, 2012 14:45
IN response to comments made by First Minister Alex Salmond, the club have released the following statement:

“We are very disappointed with the First Minister’s claims that Celtic ‘need’ Rangers and that Celtic ‘can't prosper unless Rangers are there’”.

"This is simply not true. In a series of interviews given just three days ago, we made it abundantly clear that Celtic has a well-defined strategy and a business plan independent of the fortunes of any other club. That remains absolutely the case.

“The predicament of Rangers is clearly a serious and complex matter with a whole range of possible outcomes.

“However, we are extremely well-qualified to make our own position clear and have no wish to see this being misrepresented for political reasons .”

The Irish Times – Friday, February 17, 2012

Celtic reject Salmond's claims

CELTIC HAVE refuted Scottish first minister Alex Salmond’s claim that the survival of Rangers is crucial for the Parkhead side and the rest of Scottish football to prosper. Salmond was responding to the financial crisis engulfing the Scottish champions after they went into administration on Tuesday.

The Ibrox club were forced to call in administrators Duff and Phelps over an unpaid tax bill of €10.8 million, accrued since Craig Whyte’s takeover in May.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had earlier this week claimed Celtic could survive and thrive without Rangers, and a statement released yesterday on Celtic’s official Twitter site read: “We are very disappointed with the First Minister’s claims that Celtic ‘need’ Rangers and that Celtic ‘can’t prosper unless Rangers are there’.

“This is simply not true. In a series of interviews given just three days ago, we made it abundantly clear that Celtic has a well defined strategy and a business plan independent of the fortunes of any other club. That remains absolutely the case.

“The predicament of Rangers is clearly a serious and complex matter with a whole range of possible outcomes. However, we are extremely well qualified to make our own position clear and have no wish to see that being misrepresented for political reasons.”

Salmond told David Frost, in an interview to be broadcast on Frost over the World on Al Jazeera English: “Obviously HMRC have got to pursue, in the public interest, taxation. Equally, they’ve got to have cognisance of the fact that we’re talking about a huge institution, part of the fabric of the Scottish nation, as well as Scottish football, and everybody realises that.

“The most die-hard Celtic supporter understands that Celtic can’t prosper unless Rangers are there. The rest of the clubs understand that as well. Therefore you have to have cognisance of these things when you’re pursuing public policy.

“We’ve certainly been arguing to HMRC on one hand, and indeed to Rangers, to for goodness sake get a settlement, get a settlement and a structure over time whereby Rangers can continue because Rangers must continue for the future of Scottish football and for the fabric of the country.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon backed up his club‘s stance on his Twitter account, saying: “Important statement from the club today with regard to Mr Salmond’s quotes. Once again we have made our position clear.”

Rangers’ administrators yesterday said they have received “several expressions of interest from parties not connected to the club” since taking over the running of the Scottish league champions.

Paul Clark, of administrators Duff and Phelps, made the announcement during a press conference in Glasgow.

Clark yesterday said that interest in the cash-strapped club will be given due consideration.

“As administrators we have to look at all other expressions of interest in the club and to date we have received several expressions of interest from parties not connected to the club,” Clark said.

“These will be subject to ongoing discussions and examined in the forthcoming days.”

Celtic don't need Rangers, says Peter Lawwell

By Chris McLaughlin Senior Football Reporter, BBC Scotland
13 Feb 2012
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insists his club "don't need Rangers" to flourish financially.

Rangers are awaiting the verdict of a long-running tax case that could place the future of the Ibrox club in doubt.

But Lawwell says the eventuality of their Old Firm rivals going bust "would have no material effect on Celtic".

"We look after ourselves," Lawwell told BBC Scotland. "We don't rely on any other club. We are in a decent position, we're very strong."

Celtic's interim financial results for the second half of 2011 showed a profit of £180,000 – significantly down from the £7m at the end of the previous year.

Bank debt has been reduced by £2m to £7m.

The Old Firm clubs had contrasting January transfer windows with Celtic able to preserve and strengthen their squad while Rangers sold top scorer Nikica Jelavic to Everton without signing a replacement.

Celtic lead reigning champions Rangers by four points in the Scottish Premier League and, unlike the Ibrox side, are still in both domestic cup competitions.

"Our aspirations and horizons are to dominate in Scotland but also beyond that; we want to compete at the highest level again in Europe," said Lawwell.

"We have a stand-alone strategy, a stand-alone financial plan and a robustness hopefully that will take us through that.

"Times are pretty tough. I don't think it's appropriate for us to talk about any individual club, these things are hypothetical at the moment.

"I think we've a view, a very strong view on certain circumstances but we'll only share that at the right time.

"In terms of Scottish football, I'm disappointed to look at the performance of Scottish teams in Europe and the effect that that has on co-efficient.

"I'm disappointed to see that financial constraints and problems in other nations as well."

Earlier in the season, Celtic trailed in the league by 15 points and manager Neil Lennon alluded to a need for him to win the title in order to keep his job.

But Lawwell said: "That has never been said to Neil. We are absolutely delighted how he is performing, how he is developing as a football manager and as a man.

"I really, really enjoy working with him. He's intelligent, he's not only interested in the football side of the business but he's interested in our strategt and other aspects of the business.

"He buys into what we're doing here in terms of identifying players. He buys into the youth development side and I don't there'll be anyone else more suited to giving our youngsters a chance than Neil Lennon.

"We have built up a very strong squad. We've built up value in that squad. We've been able to keep our best players and at the same time, we're performing on the field at the moment.

"We did embark on a strategy four or five years ago where we redirected investment into our recruitment, into our academy, into our facilities building Lennoxtown.

"It's very, very early days but we're beginning to see some green shoots of productivity from that in the players that we've identified and the kids that are beginning to come through.

"We haven't won anything yet. Clearly, that is everyone's priority at the club; to go and win the title and hopefully maybe add a couple of other trophies.

"But it's still early. We are ahead but no-one's taking anything for granted."

Off the park, Celtic have been sanctioned by Uefa for the conduct of supporters and Lawwell added: "It's a very small minority within our support, a genuine small minority that have infiltrated the Celtic support.

"What we can do is identify those, which we're continually doing and take the appropriate action, which we are also doing.

"I don't see it as a major issue for Celtic. This very small minority we will identify and make sure that they don't come back to Celtic games."