A chance to atone for May madness at Tynecastle

Published Date: 30 September 2011
By BARRY ANDERSON
TOSH McKINLAY cringed watching last season's notorious altercation between Hearts and Celtic. Sitting at Tynecastle on May 11. The former left-back of both clubs knew Scottish football had plumbed the depths as Neil Lennon was attacked in his own technical area.
Thereafter, visiting fans began attacking police in the Roseburn Stand, striking up pro-IRA chants as security staff battled to restore order. That night was the nadir of season 2010/11. McKinlay knows there can be no repeat.

Extra security measures are in place for Lennon's return to Edinburgh on Sunday for what is always a potentially volatile encounter. Both technical areas will be surrounded by police and stewards and opposition fans will be kept a safe distance apart.

The prospect of a repeat attack is surely remote. With the exception of the moron who confronted Lennon, Hearts fans were generally well behaved last time Celtic were in town, winning 3-0. McKinlay is eager to experience a more pleasant all-round ambience this time, particularly as Sky Sports will be broadcasting the match live around the UK on Sunday.

"I think that was a one-off," he said, in reference to the clubs' last meeting. "It was just a build-up of things and the guy has obviously taken it upon himself to jump on to the park. I was at the game that night and it was a horrible atmosphere, so hopefully there's no repeat of it. Nobody wants to see these things at football matches.

"I think there will be lessons learned. We want to enjoy what, over the years, has been a good football fixture. I've played for both teams in this game and it can generate a fantastic atmosphere and that's what we all want. The eyes of the nation will be on this game after what happened last time, so we need to try hard to stamp all this rubbish out."

Like most inside Tynecastle last May, McKinlay was unimpressed by the singing emanating from the away end. "As a fan, you don't want to overstep the mark. There's nothing wrong with supporting your team passionately but when bigotry and sectarianism comes into it, there's no place for that in football. Over the years, everybody has tried hard to stamp it out.

"For pure football rivalry, there is no better arena than Tynecastle. It's a fantastic stadium for atmosphere but there's a difference between that atmosphere and what we were subjected to at the end of last season.

Hopefully all the fans concentrate on the football and supporting their team."

All eyes will be on Lennon on Sunday as he revisits the spot where the attack took place. He isn't the type to be consumed by fear, though. In any case, he has more pressing matters to attend to. Celtic could find themselves with a ten-point gap to close on SPL leaders Rangers by kick-off, which will be more than enough to occupy their manager.

"As a football manager, that's all he will be interested in," continued McKinlay. "He won't be worried about people jumping on to the park because, if he was, he wouldn't be focused on the game. He will want three points.

"Neil Lennon was subjected to some ridiculous things throughout last season and stood up to it. He's coming back to Tynecastle and everyone will be looking for a good occasion.

"By the time Sunday comes Rangers could be ten points in front, so that is a bit of a disadvantage for Celtic. They have had to focus on their European game on Thursday. Tynecastle has always been an attractive fixture because it's a difficult place for any team to go. After Europe they need to focus on picking up the points."

Hearts, in contrast to their guests, will be reasonably fresh after a free midweek. They should also be determined to atone for last week's lifeless display at St Johnstone. All of which should ensure an intriguing encounter. "There is definitely an advantage for Hearts, but it's only an advantage if you capitalise on it," explained McKinlay. "Hearts will need to get out of the traps quickly. They will be refreshed having not had a game in midweek.

"In bygone days when squads were smaller it was more difficult. I remember in my time at Hearts playing against Bayern Munich in Europe and then coming back to play Celtic in a cup tie. That can be a disadvantage if you don't have a big squad, but Celtic do have a lot of players to cope with it so they can bring in some guys who are fresh."

McKinlay has been impressed by Hearts this season and took in last month's Edinburgh derby win at Tynecastle. As former full-back, he watched with interest to see how Danny Grainger would step into the left-sided role vacated by Lee Wallace.

"I like Grainger at left-back. Over the years Hearts have had a precession of decent left-backs. Lee Wallace has gone to Rangers and Grainger has come in from St Johnstone, which is a step up for him. He's been consistent and that's all you can expect.

"When you go to a new club you need time to bed in. Obviously the punters have to be won over because Lee Wallace was a big favourite. But I think Grainger has done well.

"I was at the derby game against what you would have to say was a poor Hibs team. They were trying to find their feet having brought in some new players and Garry O'Connor was probably the pick of the bunch that day. Hearts turned Hibs over quite comfortably.

"I also watched Hearts at Ibrox on the first day of the season.

Taken from the Scotsman