Something that gets on my nerves is the reaction from some quarters to the Old Firm, and other Scottish teams' exit from European competition this season.
In one newspaper, it depicts the 'big two, as a big joke', which in the circumstances seems a fair headline in journalistic terms. However, later in the article, it concludes that Hearts 'embarassed the nation' in their tie. Now maybe my hatred of the Old Firm clouds my judgement here, but did Hearts really do such a thing?
They were thumped 5-0 at home, yes. However, they were up against a far, far superior side. A side who's budget dwarfs that of Hearts, who's players are massively better than Hearts' and who play at an excellent level of world football. I don't think they have 'embarassed' us or Scottish Football. What I think is embarassing is two teams, much bigger than Hearts, with much more money than Hearts, crashing out to two sides, who some may not have heard of, who play in the Swiss and Slovenian leagues respectively, being knocked out of Europe (again) having been shaming the nation both on and off the pitch for several years now. It's unfortunate that it's not good for Scottish Football, but if that's the input from our 'best' sides, is it worth being upset that they won't be in European competition any more this season?
Rant over!