Ange defends 'exuberant' Celtic supporters as Sportsound call for investigations into winning scenes

By John McGinley

December 16, 2021

Ange Postecoglou hailed the travelling Celtic support last night after a mini-pitch invasion following Anthony Ralston’s stunning last-second winner against Ross County.

Ralston was booked for his celebration as he waded into a sea of supporters. A number came onto the pitch in what can be described as ‘absolute scenes’.

BBC Sportsound were predictably hand-wringing after the match with Packie Bonner, Billy Dodds and Jane Lewis taking a sombre tone when discussing the fans. Bonner described the scenes as ‘scary’ at one point, which is just ludicrous. Presenter Lewis would go on to suggest there would be an investigation into the matter and that more will be made of it today.

Ange hails bond between Celtic players and fans

The manager wasn’t going to indulge in criticism though, telling The Scottish Daily Mail [16/12 print edition, page 86]: “The fans have had a long drive up and it’s a long drive home. I hope they have calmed down and stay safe on the roads back. When you score a last-second goal, not a last-minute one, in front of them then you can imagine there’d be some over-exuberance there.

“It was great for them because they have had a long journey and there’s a real bond developing between the team and the fans. Nights like tonight help that.

“I’m super proud of the players, they got their rewards in the end. They had to put up with a lot of adversity but they kept playing their football and got a deserved winning goal.”

Passionate scenes like last night’s are the unique selling point of Scottish football. It’s all about the atmosphere, what it means, viewers living vicariously through those in attendance.

There was nothing sinister about a few fans coming onto the pitch. They were celebrating, not there in anger.

Embrace the joy, don’t punish it!

In other news, What Ange told Celtic dressing room about Alan Muir’s decisions last night.