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METALMAN

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34 arrests were made inside the stadium and probably countless more outside. The police are now calling for Old Firm games to be either banned or played behind closed doors!

So that'll stop the 34 arrests inside the stadium but not the others outside. You can't put an Old Firm game behind closed doors and expect everything to be fixed magically. You'd also need to stop all the pubs in the city from showing the game and serving alcohol. And stop all public transport so troublemakers can't get pissed at home and then get into the city.

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34 arrests were made inside the stadium and probably countless more outside. The police are now calling for Old Firm games to be either banned or played behind closed doors!

So that'll stop the 34 arrests inside the stadium but not the others outside. You can't put an Old Firm game behind closed doors and expect everything to be fixed magically. You'd also need to stop all the pubs in the city from showing the game and serving alcohol. And stop all public transport so troublemakers can't get pissed at home and then get into the city.

You could play the game on Mull, not televise it and only tell the folks of Glasgow the result on Monday morning when everyones too hungover to kick off. Problem solved.

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed he and Ally McCoist, Rangers' assistant boss, have settled their differences after Wednesday's touchline argument.

The pair had to be restrained when Lennon reacted angrily to a remark by McCoist as they shook hands following Celtic's fiery 1-0 Scottish Cup win.

"Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things can be said," said Lennon.

"However, we were still able to sit down after the game and, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed."

And Lennon, speaking to the Celtic website, added: "It is a passionate game and both of us want our team to win."

The flashpoint involving the two men followed a match that was pockmarked by red cards for Rangers players Steven Whittaker, Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf, 13 cautions and a series of angry scenes in the Celtic Park technical areas and tunnel.

There were 34 arrests inside the stadium for the Scottish Cup replay and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has since announced that a summit is to be held next week to discuss serious disorder surrounding Old Firm games.

The meeting has been arranged following a request to the Scottish Government by Strathclyde Police chief constable Stephen House after his officers arrested 229 people in the fall-out from the last Old Firm match on 20 February.

The Scottish Football Association will also investigate events at Wednesday night's match.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has disputed comments made on Thursday morning by Stewart Regan, his counterpart at the SFA.

Regan slammed both clubs for their "inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour", adding that the "angry confrontation" between Lennon and McCoist "was not only unsavoury but exacerbated an already incendiary atmosphere inside the stadium and throughout the West of Scotland".

Lawwell, however, said: "I believe that events should be put into some perspective.

"Celtic had three players booked last night. To put this in the context of other matches, St Johnstone last night received two bookings in their match against Aberdeen, while Motherwell received five bookings against Celtic last Sunday.

"Contrary to Stewart's statement, I do not think that our players showed a lack of respect to officials.

"The team remained composed throughout what was, at times, a difficult game and the fact that only three of our players were booked is evidence of that composure and discipline which provided the foundation for us to go and win the match.

"They should be congratulated in this regard."

And he added: "Our fans once again provided an excellent display of how to support the team in a positive and inspiring manner.

"Our players, too, deserve great praise, not just for winning the match but also in the manner of the victory. They should be congratulated on their discipline."

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Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist will watch the Co-operative Insurance Cup final from the stand after being given a two-match touchline ban.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon - already banned for the match - will miss an extra four matches for his part in the clash at the Old Firm game last week.

Lennon's sanction is heavier as it is his second misconduct offence, while it is the first of the season for McCoist.

McCoist returns after 20 March, but Lennon must wait until mid-April.

The final will be played at Hampden Park on Sunday, 20 March.

The pair had to be restrained when Lennon reacted angrily to a remark by McCoist as they shook hands following Celtic's fiery 1-0 Scottish Cup win.

The flashpoint involving the two men followed a match that was pockmarked by red cards for Rangers players Steven Whittaker, Madjid Bougherra and El Hadji Diouf, 13 cautions and a series of angry scenes in the Celtic Park technical areas and tunnel.

There were 34 arrests inside the stadium for the Scottish Cup replay.

Both Lennon and McCoist are able to contest the Scottish Football Associtation bans, and once appeals are lodged the automatic sanctions are set aside pending the outcome of the appeals.

Rangers players El-Hadji Diouf and Madjid Bougherra have also been informed that they will be referred to the SFA's disciplinary committee on 12 April, for 'misconduct of a significantly serious nature'.

Bougherra was seen grabbing the arm of referee Calum Murray as he was sent off in the Scottish Cup meeting with Celtic at Parkhead on 2 March.

Diouf was given a second yellow card after the full-time whistle for dissent.

Lennon had already appealed against another six-game suspension, which was reduced to four following a successful appeal.

On that charge, Lennon was found guilty of "excessive misconduct" following an altercation with fourth official Steven McLean in an away defeat by Hearts in November.

But Celtic were angered by the length of the suspension, which was a two-match automatic suspension plus a further four matches for excessive misconduct.

Lennon's original ban began on Saturday against Hamilton and will now run to the first match after the SPL split.

McCoist's ban will begin with Sunday's league match at Ibrox against Kilmarnock.

On Tuesday, Scotland's First Minsiter Alex Salmond held a summit in Edinburgh with representatives from Celtic, Rangers, Scottish football authorities and Strathclyde Police to discuss ways to combat disorder associated with the fixture between Glasgow's main two rival clubs.

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Bad news for metalman...

Mixu Paatelainen has left Kilmarnock to take over as the manager of Finland.

"Following careful consideration Mixu has decided that the honour of managing his national team is one which he cannot refuse," read a statement from the Rugby Park club.

"He will take up his duties with the Finnish FA immediately."

Assistant manager Kenny Shiels will be in charge for Kilmarnock's trip to St Johnstone on Saturday.

Paatelainen, 44, agreed a two-year deal at Kilmarnock in June 2010 and immediately transformed the fortunes of the Ayrshire side.

Last season, the club narrowly avoided relegation but this term Paatelainen has them set for a top-six finish and in contention for a European place playing some of the most entertaining football in the Scottish Premier League.

Killie were anxious to keep the Finn, who rejected a recent approach from Scunthorpe United, and had hoped to keep him on with the offer of an improved longer-term deal.

"Mixu's short reign at Kilmarnock has witnessed a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes in the SPL," added the club statement.

"Several club records have been broken, including longest scoring run in a league campaign.

"Our travelling support has been treated to a feast of attacking football, which has yielded more goals than any other club away from home bar one.

"Seldom can a manager have achieved legendary status in eight months and the fans slogan "in Mixu we trust" says it all."

Paatelainen, capped 70 times by his country, succeeds Stuart Baxter, who was sacked by Finland in November.

The Finn's playing career saw him play centre forward for a host of clubs, including Dundee United, Aberdeen, Bolton, Wolves, Hibernian and Strasbourg.

Having coached during his latter spells with St Johnstone and St Mirren, he got his first taste of management with Cowdenbeath in 2005, winning the Third Division title in his debut season.

He returned to Finland for the following term, steering TPS to a third-place finish, before he took over at Hibernian in January 2008.

During a disappointing 18 months at Easter Road, Hibs managed two sixth-place finishes under the guidance of Paatelainen.

He spent a year out of football before taking over at Kilmarnock and he leaves with the club sitting fifth in the SPL.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Bad news for metalman...

Mixu Paatelainen has left Kilmarnock to take over as the manager of Finland.

"Following careful consideration Mixu has decided that the honour of managing his national team is one which he cannot refuse," read a statement from the Rugby Park club.

"He will take up his duties with the Finnish FA immediately."

Assistant manager Kenny Shiels will be in charge for Kilmarnock's trip to St Johnstone on Saturday.

Paatelainen, 44, agreed a two-year deal at Kilmarnock in June 2010 and immediately transformed the fortunes of the Ayrshire side.

Last season, the club narrowly avoided relegation but this term Paatelainen has them set for a top-six finish and in contention for a European place playing some of the most entertaining football in the Scottish Premier League.

Killie were anxious to keep the Finn, who rejected a recent approach from Scunthorpe United, and had hoped to keep him on with the offer of an improved longer-term deal.

"Mixu's short reign at Kilmarnock has witnessed a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes in the SPL," added the club statement.

"Several club records have been broken, including longest scoring run in a league campaign.

"Our travelling support has been treated to a feast of attacking football, which has yielded more goals than any other club away from home bar one.

"Seldom can a manager have achieved legendary status in eight months and the fans slogan "in Mixu we trust" says it all."

Paatelainen, capped 70 times by his country, succeeds Stuart Baxter, who was sacked by Finland in November.

The Finn's playing career saw him play centre forward for a host of clubs, including Dundee United, Aberdeen, Bolton, Wolves, Hibernian and Strasbourg.

Having coached during his latter spells with St Johnstone and St Mirren, he got his first taste of management with Cowdenbeath in 2005, winning the Third Division title in his debut season.

He returned to Finland for the following term, steering TPS to a third-place finish, before he took over at Hibernian in January 2008.

During a disappointing 18 months at Easter Road, Hibs managed two sixth-place finishes under the guidance of Paatelainen.

He spent a year out of football before taking over at Kilmarnock and he leaves with the club sitting fifth in the SPL.

Yeah I've been out and about last couple of weeks so couldn't get on internet to come here but I've been meaning to register my devastation.

:crying:

Oh well...good luck to him.

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Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist wants the club's fans arrested if they continue to sing sectarian songs.

The Ibrox club have been charged by Uefa over their fans' chanting at Europa League ties with PSV Eindhoven.

"Maybe getting arrested will stop it," McCoist told BBC Scotland. "It might take police going into grounds all over the country and arresting people.

"Because it doesn't seem to bother them that it's going to have massive financial implications to our club."

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain says the club is "utterly dismayed" by Uefa's decision and that they will defend the club's position "vigorously".

Rangers were fined £8,280 by Uefa for their fans' behaviour during a match against Osasuna in May 2007 and McCoist admitted he was at a loss as to what further action the club could take to tackle the problem.

"You have to question whether they're Rangers supporters," said McCoist. "It absolutely baffles me.

"I honestly don't know what more the clubs can do.

"We sit down, we go through it - we obviously want it stamped out - and, as a club, you do your best, but it might take police action, to be frank.

"The players and the club will be punished by having to play our games behind closed doors - but if it's deemed to be a criminal offence, then the police should just go in and arrest these people, wherever they may be."

"It's been about for an awful long time, but I honestly think it's better than it's been in terms of when I started playing 30 years ago.

"I think it's better since then, but it's obviously still not good enough. Until we stamp it out and get rid of the problem - which is what all decent-minded folk want - then we'll still have the problem."

Bain released a statement after Uefa announced a second charge of sectarian signing, suggesting that the governing body had acted on a report from the FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) organisation, despite receiving a favourable report from the official match delegate for both legs of the tie with PSV Eindhoven.

FARE claims to represent a network of organisations from 37 countries that aim to tackle discrimination and racism in football, and they released a statement in response to Bain's comments, saying: "The FARE network is focused only on our core mission of tackling discrimination in football and encouraging social inclusion through the game. We have no axe to grind with any club."

McCoist insisted that if Rangers are punished on the basis of a FARE report, the club has the right to know more about the evidence submitted against them.

"I don't know enough about it," said McCoist. "I don't know anything about this organisation - but if they're responsible for giving us a two game home ban, we're entitled to know who they are, who it is that has reported on it and what the report was.

"I think that's the least we're entitled to.

"We certainly have a small minority of our support that obviously don't hold their own values to our club's great traditions.

"All we can do is appeal to them, ask them to stop doing it because it's having a major effect on the team and the club.

"But I'm not telling them something that hasn't been said to them for years.

"We've been preaching that we don't want these songs sung, because in this day and age, they're not correct.

"For us to move forward, we have to leave it behind us."

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Apologies for the double post, but.... :huh:

Parcel bombs have been sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two high-profile fans of the Glasgow club.

Sources said the liquid-based devices had been "viable" and appeared to have been intended to "kill or maim".

Mr Lennon's lawyer, Paul McBride QC, and former deputy presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, Trish Godman, were also targeted.

The devices were found at various locations in the west of Scotland in the past month.

The devices are said to be rudimentary and do not appear to have been made by someone with paramilitary training in bomb-making, sources close to the investigation indicated.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Let us be quite clear - there is a major police investigation under way to ensure that the individual or individuals concerned are identified and apprehended, and then brought to book with the full force of the law.

"We will not tolerate this sort of criminality in Scotland, and as an indication of the seriousness with which we view these developments the Cabinet sub-committee met last Saturday to ensure that the police investigation has every possible support to come to a successful conclusion."

The first suspect package was intercepted by the Royal Mail in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, on 26 March and was addressed to Neil Lennon at Celtic's training ground in nearby Lennoxtown.

Two days later a device was delivered to Labour politician Ms Godman's constituency office in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire. Her staff were suspicious of the package and contacted Strathclyde Police.

Detectives initially treated the two parcels as "elaborate hoaxes" designed to cause distress rather than serious injury but further analysis has led to them being reclassified as "viable explosive devices".

The third package was addressed to Mr McBride at the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh.

It is believed to have been posted in Ayrshire before being found in a letter box by a postal worker on Friday and taken to a Royal Mail sorting office in Kilwinning, where police were contacted.

Detectives are also investigating another package addressed to Neil Lennon which was found at a sorting office in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, on 4 March but this has not been confirmed as an explosive device.

It is understood that specialist anti-terrorist officers are involved in the investigation but a source close to the inquiry said they were "not linking this to any terrorist organisation".

Henry McDonald, Ireland Correspondent for The Guardian, said that made sense: "I think in terms of the main loyalist terror organisations that are now on ceasefire and say they've decommissioned, I think they'd be frankly embarrassed by this kind of thing.

"They would regard it as a thing of the past and rather as an irritant and an embarrassment to loyalism so I suspect it's an individual or individuals who maybe had bomb-making experience in the past who are disgruntled and looking for hate figures."

For the past decade Neil Lennon has been such a figure.

The 39-year-old Catholic from Lurgan, County Armagh, has endured threats, abuse and violence.

He stopped playing international football for Northern Ireland in 2002 after a death threat, said to be from loyalist paramilitaries.

Lennon has also been the victim of a street attack in Glasgow and several other death threats since joining Celtic in 2000.

In January this year bullets addressed to the Celtic manager were intercepted at a sorting office in Glasgow. They appeared to have been sent from an address in Northern Ireland.

Earlier this week, media organisations, including the BBC, agreed to a police request not to broadcast details of the bomb incidents while officers carried out inquires.

Michael Kelly, a former director of Celtic Football Club, said: "This now is terrorism, purely and simply. It's got nothing to do with football and the background of the summit and the Old Firm game etc.

"It's up to the police to refocus their targets on these people and to catch them."

The BBC has been told that the three individuals appear to have been targeted after they featured, on separate occasions, in media coverage.

Mr McBride is one of the highest-profile QCs in Scotland and a well-known Celtic fan.

He has acted for the club and Mr Lennon on several occasions during disputes with the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

The advocate has also been highly critical of the SFA in its dealings with Mr Lennon and Celtic.

Ms Godman has a lower public profile than Mr Lennon or Mr McBride but is well known in political circles as an avid Celtic fan.

Until dissolution of the Scottish Parliament last month, she was deputy presiding officer and the Labour MSP for West Renfrewshire.

On her last day as an MSP she was pictured in the Holyrood chamber wearing a Celtic football top.

Rangers and Celtic meet for the final time this season at Ibrox this weekend in a match which could prove crucial in deciding the Scottish Premier League title.

It is understood that senior police officers are concerned about a potential rise in tension ahead of the game on Easter Sunday.

Last month an ill-tempered Scottish Cup clash between the two sides led to political intervention.

The match saw three red cards, several touch-line and tunnel confrontations and 34 arrests inside Celtic Park and 187 outside.

After the final whistle, Mr Lennon and Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist were involved in a confrontation.

Strathclyde Police requested a Scottish government-led summit after describing scenes at the game, which Celtic won 1-0, as "shameful".

Both clubs subsequently agreed to an action plan to tackle Old Firm-related disorder.

The fallout from the controversial match continued, however, when the Celtic manager subsequently received a two-match ban for his actions.

McCoist had an initial two-match ban overturned, while two of his players, El-Hadji Diouf and Madjid Bougherra, were fined over their sendings off.

This prompted highly-critical comments from Mr McBride towards the SFA.

The advocate accused the organisation of being "dysfunctional", "dishonest" and "biased" against Celtic.

In response the governing body described the QC's remarks as "wild" and "inaccurate" and threatened to sue for defamation.

The BBC understands there have since been moves by both sides to resolve the matter out of court.

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