We thought when the draw was made that this was a winnable tie and so it turned out to be. I had put 2-1 in for the predictor but changed it to a draw and I'm now kicking myself for it.
United were in total control for the first 55 minutes and scored two good goals, the finish from Nicky Clark was terrific.
Then in stepped Willie Collum and naturally the game turned on its head.
Willie Collum is one of our elite refs. He can often make correct decisions in difficult circumstances and he's not a bad man. He's not a cheat. But the fact of the matter is that in nearly every game he officiates he loses control of the game. And he lost control on Saturday.
St Mirren were getting gubbed and their captain decided to stir things up by putting in a shocker of a challenge that was as clear a red card as you'll ever see. Collum lets him off with it. Naturally this led to all hell breaking loose and the inevitable red card for Butcher (no denying it was a red card, it was a shocker of a challenge). The game then went down the pan and descended into a fight rather than a football game.
This all stems from Collum. He is incapable of controlling a football game for 90 minutes and quite frankly he's not equipped to be a referee, and certainly not a UEFA referee.
I expect Neilson to get into bother with the SFA about his comments after the game but something has to be done. This can't go on.
Despite the fact that this is ANOTHER decision to go against United, there is no bias against us, there's no cheating going on, it's simply inept officiating.
The SFA have to do something. Instead they're hiding. We need a statement from them about the state of refereeing in Scotland and a plan to go forward that will lead to improvements. Standing still isn't an option.
I won't hold my breath.
Anyway, back to the football, we're in the hat for the quarter finals and, aside from drawing Partick, I suspect this will be the final round we participate in. It's pleasing to beat a Premiership team and it sets a marker for the play-off final if we are to compete in it this year. A great turn out from the fans again, another 1500 travelling to Paisley.
Mon the Terrors
SMFC 1 DUFC 2
posted on 11/2/19
comment by NNH (U10730)
posted 10 minutes ago
Ivan,
Do you think the DU owners would want an easy tie or a Celtic/Rangers home tie with the TV camera's to boost the coffers?
What about the fans, would a test like that be good at this stage?
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I'd imagine they'd want the money
TV and sell out would be lovely for them given our continued losses posted last week.
I want Partick Thistle either home or away. I'd rather be in the semi final than cuffed at home.
I'd also prefer not to play Rangers at all, although it would at least make it spicy.
When are the quarters due to be played?
posted on 11/2/19
Weekend of 2nd and 3rd of March mate.
Forgot Ross County play Inverness tonight in the final game, is the draw right after that game?
posted on 11/2/19
I may watch the County game tonight. It will be interesting to see what we are up against next season, provided ICT don't go up via the play-offs, that is.
posted on 11/2/19
Seems so NNH. I didn't realise that was still to be played until I was told by duke that the draw would be today. I expected it after the celtic st Johnstone match.
posted on 11/2/19
Excellent episode of Off the Ball a few weeks back had those on it talking abut the petition to get a statue of Jim McLean. Also some hilarious stories of him when he was manager.
Also mentioned the auld yin was suffering from poor health at the moment. Doubt we will ever see characters the likes of him ever again in football.
posted on 11/2/19
I quit like the idea of a trip to Tannadice in the next round but only if we don't get our now customary home draw of course.
posted on 11/2/19
quite
posted on 11/2/19
Weekend of 2nd and 3rd of March mate.
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I'm away from Saturday until 11 March so I'll miss it. I bet we get Rangers now.
Lurker, heard that
Jim doesn't know he's Jim McLean anymore. It's a massive shame to hear that he's in such poor health. He certainly had his rough edges but he'll always be a hero and I'm sure the funding will come from the fans for this statue. It's just a shame that the usual internal feuding is impacting this - Mike Barile is leading this and he's a divisive figure among some Arab factions.
posted on 11/2/19
Seen the highlights last night and how was that first challenge not a red card for the St Mirren captain.
The Rock would of been proud of that elbow...... Anyway good win and hopefully Rangers v Dundee Utd in the quarters...
posted on 11/2/19
Didn't McLean repeatedly say he didn't want there to be a statue? Thought the somewhat ironically-named Fair Play stand was enough for him.
Wonder if McGinn can receive any retrospective punishment, as it was a clear and deliberate smash to the face. Or would that "undermine" Collum's "authority"?