Goldilocks and the Three Bears – “They couldnae even beat us in court,” Macca

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·17 octobre 2024

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – “They couldnae even beat us in court,” Macca

Celtic on this Day…Goldilocks and the Three Bears were dragged to the courts as a result of the controversial Rangers v Celtic match on this day in 1987…

Celtic striker Frank McAvennie is held by the throat by Rangers defender Graham Roberts as goalkeeper Chris Woods and Terry Butcher (r) look on, Butcher, Woods and McAvennie were all sent off during the Premier Division match,a 2-2 draw at Ibrox on October 17, 1987. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)

Cesar’s season to remember

Billy McNeill had a season to remember with the Hoops in the hugely successful centenary campaign of 1987/1988 lifting the league title and then the Scottish Cup in May against Dundee United at Hampden Park.

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However, it was the chaotic Old Firm fixture at Ibrox 37 years to the day that was most memorable outing of the 1987/1988 season.

Celtic had already won the first Old Firm match of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over their rivals in late August thanks to a match-winner from Billy Stark. Ill-discipline seemed to be a reoccurring issue for Rangers against Celtic in the centenary season with player manager Graeme Souness sent off for a disgraceful challenge on Stark.

It all kicked off 17 minutes into the game

Therefore, the toxicity and hype heading into the second derby of the season was palpable, with Souness’s side seeking revenge. It all kicked off 17 minutes into the game when Celtic striker Frank McAvennie and Rangers goalkeeper Chris Woods became embroiled in a clash with each other. Whistler Jim Duncan deemed both players to have struck one another in the face resulting in the first two of three red cards in a crazy encounter.

In amongst the melee, Terry Butcher who would also be later ordered off, was booked for dissent, and so too was Gers defender Graham Roberts.

A bizarre set of circumstances

In a bizarre set of circumstances, as Chris Woods was binned, Graham Roberts took the gloves because Rangers did not have a substitute goalkeeper. Imagine if that occurred today? The Hoops played against their biggest rivals for 73 minutes who had a defender in net. And still did not win. Lamentable.

On the pitch, Celtic went ahead. Firstly, through Andy Walker, slotting past a helpless Roberts. Then, beautifully, Terry Butcher famously lobbed his own goalkeeper (defender) allowing McNeill’s side to take a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Following Bucther’s incredible own-goal, Peter Grant made the sign of the cross directly in front of the wild celebrations that were unfolding in the Broomloan Road end. The TV cameras picked up Grant blessing himself (photos below).

A woeful second half display from Celtic

However, a woeful second half display from McNeill’s side despite having a man advantage as Butcher’s afternoon was rounded off with a second yellow, saw Celtic relinquish their two-goal lead. McCoist netted Rangers’ first with 25 to play which piled on the pressure. The Hoops retreated, defending more deeply, which the Celtic manager was quite rightly criticised for after the match. In injury time Richard Gough scored a dramatic equaliser from a Durrant cross.

Why did Celtic blew a 2-0 advantage?

Serious questions were asked post-match of why Celtic blew a 2-0 advantage despite having more players on the pitch for majority of the second half, and playing against a Rangers defender who had to go in goals?Unjustifiable.

Before the final whistle blew, the man in question, Graham Roberts, conducted the Copland Road stand who were singing their hateful BB anthem. It could not be proven in court though…

Three days later, the Procurator Fiscal sanctioned a Police enquiry into all the events that took place in the game. Further down the line, Rangers trio Chris Wood, Terry Butcher and Graham Roberts all appeared in court alongside Celtic’s Frank McAvennie. All four were charged with breach of the peace. Subsequently, Butcher and Woods were convicted and fined. Roberts was found not proven.

McAvennie was found not guilty.

“They couldnae even beat us in court that year,” Frank McAvennie

Journalist Tom Sheilds in his piece on the drama unfolding at Ibrox outlined, “our man at Ibrox reports that Rangers FC are to become involved in the Glasgow Garden Festival which takes place next summer right on their doorstep. He says (although it is possible he has been celebrating too well the fighting 2-2 draw with Celtic) that the club is to sponsor one of the bridges across the river Clyde to the garden festival site. In keeping with the recent spate of sendings-off, it is to be called the Rangers Suspension Bridge.”

In later years, Frank McAvennie quipped, “they couldnae even beat us in court that year.” What a one liner that was!

Iconic Peter Grant celebration at Ibrox. Images via The Celtic Wiki