Andy Walker says it's absurd to hold footballers responsible for the problems in Scottish society.
Players and bosses should not be subject to police action, says Andy
What a fascinating Scottish Cup replay we had last week at Celtic Park.
Celtic's 1-0 victory over Rangers was completely overshadowed by the ugly confrontation at the end of the game between Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist which, I imagine, will embarrass both of them more than anything else. It certainly won't dilute the respect they have for one another.
But a bigger story has gathered momentum.
The football story was that for the fourth time this year, Celtic outplayed their great rivals and won fairly comfortably but when this game produces 13 cautions - and three Rangers players were red carded - the actions of the players comes sharply into focus. It is now being claimed that their conduct has a direct impact on the behaviour of supporters and society in general.
Given the volatile nature of the fixture, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has offered to host a meeting involving both clubs, the SFA and Strathclyde Police to address the consequences felt in pubs, clubs, homes and hospitals once the final whistle has blown.
Some hysterical observers of the Scottish game have already declared that the "Scottish game is in the gutter" and that "Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist should be charged with breach of the peace".
I have to say it's completely absurd to hold players and managers responsible for the evils in society. Scotland has a shocking problem with bigotry and sectarianism as well as alcohol abuse and hopefully these are the issues that will be addressed in Edinburgh on Tuesday.
Throw in the most vicious and vile abuse imaginable aimed at various players and managers that can be found on far too many internet football forums with the sole purpose of inciting hatred and it's easy to see where the recipe for violence comes from.
Potential
Ever since I can remember, the Old Firm fixture has the potential to explode from time to time in the same way that the occasional Liverpool v Manchester United fixture can get out of control.
I have played in Celtic v Rangers games where some of the most experienced club and international players have completely lost their cool and been sent off. Graeme Souness, Frank McAvennie, Terry Butcher and Mark Hateley are just a few names that will fail to explain what this extraordinary atmosphere does to them for 90 minutes.
Football is well equipped to police itself without the unnecessary intervention of the law courts.
In October 1987 we had the ridiculous sight of Terry Butcher, Frank McAvennie, Graham Roberts and Chris Woods all being arrested and charged by the police with conduct likely to provoke a breach of the peace following a 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
To this day it remains the most memorable Old Firm experience I had the pleasure of taking part in.
Everyone wants Glasgow and West Central Scotland to be a safe place in the immediate aftermath of a potentially explosive fixture but the truth is that a timid 0-0 draw with few talking points can still lead to violence when so many are determined to cause trouble.
So, when players misbehave let's leave it to their clubs and the SFA to take the appropriate action and let the police and the courts tackle the mindless thugs and hooligans who choose to indulge in violent acts.
It simply cannot be right for any individual to use the conduct of players or managers as an excuse for failing to control their emotions.
Determined
On the park, Rangers may be out of the Scottish Cup but their dogged and determined 1-0 victory over St Mirren keeps Walter Smith's men well in touch at the top of the table.
It was a day to ensure all three points were in the bag as Rangers were far from at their best.
The squad is creaking and important players like Lee McCulloch and Steven Naismith are needed, as well as better performances from guys like El Hadji Diouf if Rangers hope to go on a winning run again. Five points separates them from Celtic but crucially, the Ibrox men still have two games in hand.
Kris Commons may turn out to be an inspired signing from Derby County as his two goals made all the difference at Celtic Park against a struggling Hamilton side.
In the capital, Kilmarnock shocked third place Hearts with a comfortable 2-0 win with goals from David Da Silva and Aleksei Eremenko.
Eremenko has been a revelation this season for Mixu Paatelainen's men but another red card for him will see him miss vital games for Killie as they chase a European spot.
Inverness kept up their hopes of a top six finish with a 3-0 win over an inconsistent Motherwell while St Johnstone and Hibs shared the points in Perth with a 1-1 draw.
