Sometimes - Shit Happens

LAST things first; if last night at Rugby Park, it had been a case of Kilmarnock leading 2-1, with less than two minutes to play, and Celtic had got that penalty - I would not have been at all surprised. We know such decisions in favour of either one of the Bigot brothers have been made in Scottish football for over 100 years. Nothing to see here, move along.

But, when Crawford Allan pointed to the spot, I was gob-smacked. Quite honestly, I didn't think it was a penalty; but, as a Killie fan who has endured over 50-years of such decisions going against us - "Dancer"!!

 

I remember, at one stage, when I was covering Killie at Rugby Park on a regular basis - the incumbent press box "Stato" informed the rest of us: Kilmarnock hadn't been awarded a penalty at home for some ten years. So, I definitely, gratefully and happily accepted last night's award - but still expected Kallum Higginbotham to miss the gift.

Of course, some this morning are using last night's dropped point as a stick with which to beat John Collins for his widely-reported comments of a few days ago. This reminded me of a now senior member of the Scottish Sun's Sports Desk team recalling his first casual shift on that desk - as he set out to prove himself worthy of a permanent berth there.

This was in the days of Steve Wolstencroft, the legendary "Mad Geordie" who broke some of the biggest stories in the history of Scottish Sport, back in the Kinning Park days.

Anyway, my mate admits - he had only just kept pace with the rest on his first shift, which covered a midweek match night. They had got first and second editions away, then, mindful of the fact Rangers had lost at Aberdeen, Steve whipped out a blank back page page-planner and asked (in his broad Geordie accent): "Haway lads, now, who do we crucify"?

My mate said, the next half hour was a blur as the previous back page was ditched and the entire Rangers team were hung-out to dry. Times have changed, but, how I long to see what the Mad Geordie would have made of last night's gift, to have a go at poor wee John.

In truth, on another night, Celtic might have won by about six goals - they were so-far ahead of Killie. The match, apart from the result, was further proof of the truth of Collins's assertions. The trouble is, in football, as in life - sometimes Shit Happens!!

For Celtic, it did last night.

Celtic dropping that unexpected point was, however, good news for Hearts, who now sit atop the table. I think this will have surprised even Robbie Neilson, but, it is terrific news for everyone connected with the club.

It will be interesting to see how long the reigning Championship Champions can hold onto top spot. For the sake of this season - the longer the better.