Rumour Mill: Red card ‘harsh’| Celtic V Juventus latest

Hearts and Dundee United managers agree Ryan Stevenson’s red card was harsh; Celtic’s James Forrest fit for Juventus clash; Rangers’ Ian Black hits back at critics.

Managers agree sending off was harsh

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara says he thinks Ryan Stevenson’s red card for a challenge on Gary Mackay-Steven was too harsh, despite the fact that it helped United seal only their second home win of the season.

The Hearts star was sent off during United’s 3-1 win at Tannadice after being given a straight red card by referee Willie Collum, but McNamara said he thought the red card ruined the match.

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“I thought it was harsh but I would need to see it again,” he said.

Opposite number John McGlynn was also unhappy with the call.

He said: “The sending off killed the game, and it was probably a very good game for 25 minutes or so. The few people I have spoken to who saw it on TV thought it was harsh. We will have a look at it once we get some video coverage but it didn’t help us today.” (Various)

Forrest fit for Juventus

Celtic winger James Forrest is fit to face Juventus in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash after battling through a hamstring injury.

Forrest will now feature in the squad after getting the all clear from boss Neil Lennon.

“Forrest is fine,” said Lennon. “He had two scans and came through all clear so he’ll be in the squad.” (Sunday Express)

Meanwhile, Efe Ambrose looks set to miss the match as a win for him and his Nigerian teammates in the Africa Cup of Nations final with Burkina Faso today will mean the squad will return home to celebrate.

But Ambrose has pleaded with the Nigerian government to let him face Juventus. “Of course I want to play against Juventus,” Ambrose said. “It is such an important match for Celtic. But I can’t say for certain right now if I will be available for Tuesday’s game. (The Sun)

Ian Black hits back at critics

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Ian Black hit out at his critics on the back of his first goal for Rangers last night, telling them to “get a life”.

The midfielder came under fire for receiving a red card in last week’s Scottish Cup embarrassment at the hands of Dundee United, but after scoring during yesterday’s 4-0 win over Queen’s Park, Black hit out at those who had criticised him.

Black, who had jokingly made a move to grab the corner flag after he had been sent off last week, said: “The stuff at the end was just about having a bit of a laugh.

“If you haven’t got a sense of humour it’s a bit sad. I like a bit of banter - and if people are going to criticise me for that they need to get a life.” (Various)

Fax Done it for Matt

Hibs winger Matt Done has revealed that he almost wasn’t able to sign for the Easter Road club if it wasn’t for a piece of outdated machinery.

On transfer deadline day, Done received a call from his agent at 4.30pm saying Hibs were interested, and the negotiations soon began.

However, when his agent called back and told him to get to a fax machine, Done panicked.

“I’m only 24, I’d never used a fax machine in my life,” he said.

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With time running out, Done rushed to a nearby hotel in Manchester where he asked the receptionist if he could use their fax machine, and he was able to start sending through the documents at around 8.30pm.

“The faxes went through from both clubs and I signed what I had to sign but we still needed to go to FIFA.

“We had until 11pm and I think the text from Hibs came through at about 10.40pm to say it was done.” (Sunday Mail)