GERRY Collins has recalled how referee Jim McCluskey feared he would be banished to Siberia by the SFA – for letting Albert Craig bless Rangers fans after Hamilton’s famous win at Ibrox in 1987.
But Collins, who skippered Accies to their 1-0 Scottish Cup triumph, doesn’t feel Brian Rice’s team will need divine intervention to pull off a shock against Steven Gerrard’s side tomorrow.
A goal from Adrian Sprott ensured that John Lambie’s men caused a massive upset against their expensively-assembled rivals 33 years ago.
And Collins recalled how Hamilton midfielder Craig lapped up the result - to the considerable distress of the late Scottish whistler McCluskey.
Speaking at a Premier Sports media event at Hampden, he said: “At the end we couldn’t believe what had happened.
“Albert Craig was going around the stadium blessing all the stands at Ibrox. He was loving it - and the referee Jim McCluskey was going berserk.
“He was shouting to get off the park or his next game would be in Siberia. We were milking it for all it was worth.”
Collins recalled how the winning Hamilton team were asked to leave Ibrox afterwards when disgruntled Rangers fans took exception to their post-match celebrations.
“After the game we went into a hospitality suite and the draw was made and we got Motherwell,” he said. All the boys were laughing and joking and we were put out the suite.
“The Rangers fans in hospitality were getting outside and shouting to get us out, so we were ushered out of Ibrox and onto the team bus.”
Collins, who went on to play for and manager Partick Thistle, feels the artificial surface at New Douglas Park gives Hamilton a chance of winning their fifth round tie against Rangers tomorrow.
“The thing with Hamilton is I think the pitch plays a part and gives them an advantage,” he said. “I don’t think Rangers and Celtic like playing on that surface. They would want to play you on grass as it is a level playing field. I think the pitch helps Accies.
“Rangers haven’t set the heather on fire since the winter break. Hamilton will think they have a chance on Saturday. Big Brian Rice has done well since he went in there. I think Accies have to be at their best and Rangers have to have an off day.”
Premier Sports is the home of knockout football in Scotland, broadcasting the William Hill Scottish Cup and Betfred Cup. Premier Sports will screen live and exclusive coverage of Hamilton v Rangers tomorrow. Available on Sky, Virgin TV and via the Premier Player. Visit www.premiersports.com for details.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here