by John Reid
Interesting times both on and off the pitch in this midweek Scottish Stramash.
The Scottish Cup final will be between Celtic and Hibs after two incredible semi finals this past weekend, which produced 14 goals. Hibs came from 3-0 down to defeat first division Falkirk 4-3 after extra time, Leigh Griffiths the hero with two goals including a superb winner. Celtic beat Dundee United 4-3 after extra time, Anthony Stokes getting the winner in a rollercoaster of a game. The final will take place on the 26th of May, Celtic will be without the suspended Victor Wanyama and it will be Leigh Griffiths’ last game for Hibs as Wolves have said they will be taking him back next season after his loan deal ends.
Partick Thistle failed to win the first division title last night as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Raith, Thistle only need one point from their last three games, the next being at Falkirk this weekend. On the down side for Thistle, both Chris Erskine and Paul Paton have signed pre-contract agreements to join former manager Jackie McNamara at Dundee United next season.
Talking of pre-contract agreements, Ross County midfielder Richard Brittain has announced he wants to stay with County next season for personal reasons even though he signed a pre-contract agreement with St. Johnstone. The SFA are trying to find a solution to this unprecedented situation.
The planned league reconstruction for next season in Scottish football seems to be over as Ross County and St. Mirren voted against it, which led to furious comments from Aberdeen’s Stewart Milne, who claimed that St. Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour had an ‘agenda’. We shall see where this goes next.
In even more off-field news, Rangers are holding an investigation into Charles Green and have appointed an independent commission to look into his alleged dealings with former owner Craig Whyte. This will run and run no doubt.
In this weekend’s games, Celtic could become SPL champions without kicking a ball if Motherwell fail to beat Dundee United on Friday night, Celtic play Inverness on Sunday. Dundee will be relegated if they lose at St. Mirren. The round-up will be back on Sunday possibly with news of the first division and SPL champions.
