Source: Team_Talk
McGeady: Referee wasn't impartial
In an outburst which is almost certain to land the Republic of Ireland winger in trouble with the Scottish Football Association, McGeady claimed McDonald's performance had been influenced by his club's criticism of officials in the build-up to last Sunday's game.[LNB]Just four days before the match with Rangers, an anonymous Celtic source revealed the Parkhead club had met with the SFA to express concerns about refereeing standards.[LNB]The claims have sparked a running spat between the Hoops and the SFA, which intensified when McDonald sent off Scott Brown in the 1-0 defeat by Walter Smith's Gers at Ibrox.[LNB]This week has witnessed a series of controversial statements from Celtic in response to the red card and McDonald's refusal to rescind it - but McGeady's claims are arguably the most inflammatory.[LNB]He said of McDonald: "The comments before the game might have played on his mind.[LNB]"It's safe to say he wasn't impartial the other day. Of course, it didn't look like a red card for Scott Brown."[LNB]Celtic were also upset McDonald failed to send off Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra for persistent infringements.[LNB]Asked if Bougherra should have been shown a second yellow card, McGeady said: "Yeah, of course."[LNB]Pressed further on the official's overall performance, the winger said: "If I told you, I would get into trouble."[LNB]Celtic went into Sunday's match at Falkirk 13 points behind Rangers in the Scottish Premier League, with manager Tony Mowbray under increasing pressure in his first season in charge.[LNB]McGeady told the Sunday Mail: "I'd like to see the manager given time.[LNB]"Eight or nine months isn't long enough to stamp his authority on the club.[LNB]"Celtic will always be judged on titles and if we don't win it this season a lot of people won't be happy with him and the team.[LNB]"There may be calls for him to be sacked or resign but I would like to see him stay. He is a good manager and has a lot to offer."[LNB]Mowbray, meanwhile, insists he will never attempt to play more like Smith's Rangers in his bid to bring success to Parkhead.[LNB]The Celtic boss, whose refusal to bend from his attacking principles arguably saw West Brom relegated from the Premier League last season, said: "The bottom line is two coaches that have a different philosophy of football.[LNB]"I spoke to Walter about that and he sets his team up as he sets his team up. They've found decent consistency. I just don't play like that; my teams don't play like that.[LNB]"I've been successful to an extent playing attacking, attractive open football. Once you get it right and it clicks into place, the teams that win the leagues, wherever it is in the world, are generally the teams with the guy who sticks the ball in the net and the strikers who perform in expansive teams.[LNB]"In the English Premier League, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all play an expansive game. I sit here knowing where I am in the process of putting a team together that will hopefully win, and win for a long time."[LNB]Mowbray claims Rangers' inability to buy a player for a year and a half due to their financial problems may actually have given them an advantage in terms of continuity.[LNB]But he is confident Celtic success is just around the corner under his stewardship.[LNB]He added: "Have people not seen bad days, bad years, bad seasons, a barren eight, nine years?[LNB]"In my mind we are going through a period of time - hopefully a short period - which we'll come through and you'll look back and think: 'Christ, why did I ever worry?' But whilst you're going through it I understand the concerns.[LNB]"I don't have those because I'm driving the car and I'm pretty confident. But I understand the frustration and the disappointment. I understand the questions."[LNB][LNB] Falkirk v Celtic 1st Goalscorer: McGeady, A. 13/2
