Grant: The game's gone tame

Apr 27 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

CELTIC legend Peter Grant was sent off in one of the most explosive Old Firm double-headers ever when Rangers were reduced to eight men.

But even though he'd love to see another mad Glasgow derby today he fears those days are gone.

Grant watched with interest 11 days ago as Nacho Novo's bust-up with Hoops star Aiden McGeady sparked an on-field brawl after the Hoops' vital 2-1 win.

It reminded Grant of 1991 when Celtic beat their oldest rivals 2-0 in the Scottish Cup then 3-0 just days later in the league.

Gers trio Mark Walters, Mark Hateley and Terry Hurlock saw red along with Grant in the first game with Scott Nisbet sent off in the rematch.

But the former Parkhead midfielder admits refs and tight new rules have changed the fixture on the pitch.

He said: "Whether Old Firm games are 10 months or 10 minutes apart you're still expected to win.

"Even with a double-header none of the passion is lost. We used to say if there was animosity from the last time we could sort it earlier than usual!

"In '91 I got sent off for charging down a free-kick because that rule had just been brought in.

"As I sat gutted in the dressing-room I thought it was half-time when I heard studs coming up the tunnel.

"Then I realised it was the three Rangers players who'd also got a red!

"I watched the aggro last time when McGeady had a ding-dong with Novo then Gary Caldwell and Davie Weir went at it - but that's the Old Firm.

"Every time I played I wanted to knock lumps out of Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant and Ian Ferguson - whatever it took to win. I'd shake hands after it but crush their fingers if we'd lost!

"The punters want a victory and nothing else matters. That will never change but football has - you get booked for anything now.

"If I was kicking lumps out of Fergie the ref would just let us get on with it as long as we weren't bothering him."

Grant would love Gordon Strachan's side to repeat the feat of his Celtic team 17 years ago.

He said: "If they make it back-to-back wins over Rangers suddenly the league won't be over.

"But I'd be happy if I was at Rangers - they have a chance to get their own back right away after losing last time.

"However, I've always felt Rangers' success this season may be their undoing.

Whether it's injuries, suspensions or tired legs it will be hard for them."