Source: Team_Talk
A loud of Auld rubbish - Bertie
A goalless draw at Parkhead saw the champions emerge with their two-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League intact, but neither side covered themselves in glory.[LNB]Ibrox boss Walter Smith claimed afterwards the four SPL meetings between the clubs every season - which is often augmented by cup clashes such as the forthcoming Co-Operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden on March 15 - makes it difficult for the players to supply a spectacle.[LNB]However, Auld, who played in the Celtic midfield in the 1960s and 70s when the Old Firm met just twice in the league each season, said over-familiarity need not result in a lack of flair or excitement.[LNB]"Whether they play each other four or five times is not the issue," he said.[LNB]"The players out there should be capable of entertaining the fans but that was sorely lacking on Sunday.[LNB]"Both sets of supporters are entitled to expect better.[LNB]"Celtic's first shot on goal was a Nakamura free-kick in the last minute. But both teams looked nervous throughout the whole game.[LNB]"I've played in Old Firm games like that but, nine times out of 10, both sides are nervous for the first half hour then they settle down.[LNB]"But neither team settled down in front of a magnificent crowd which should encourage you.[LNB]"I was delighted for John Fleck of Rangers and Celtic's Willo Flood, they were making their Old Firm debuts and they looked more settled than the more experienced players."[LNB]Auld, however, insists any prospect of a classic was prevented by Calum Murray with his over-officious refereeing.[LNB]Murray, in charge of his first Old Firm game, booked eight players despite it being a mostly insipid affair.[LNB]Ibrox boss Smith and striker Kenny Miller criticised Murray for failing to award Rangers a penalty in the second half after the former Hoops striker had been felled in the box by Celtic skipper Stephen McManus.[LNB]Auld believes constant stoppages ruined the match.[LNB]He said: "I would like to have taken a stopwatch to the game to see how many minutes were actually played. There seemed to be so many stoppages.[LNB]"I don't like to talk about referees but it seemed like he had the pea stuck in his whistle.[LNB]"It is still a contact sport but with every tackle, or threat of a tackle, he seemed to blow up.[LNB]"It was frustrating for the punters and the fans who had paid good money to see the game.[LNB]"But the result doesn't change the title race. Both teams can drop points to other teams so there is still a long way to go."[LNB][LNB]
