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Rovers legend says ref made cup blunder
Albion Rovers legend Ciaran Donnelly claims referee John Beaton admitted he “made an a**e” of the infamous Rangers’ Bilel Mohsni goal.
After Donnelly gave Rovers’ the lead at Ibrox, the Glasgow giants levelled as the ball – and goalkeeper Neil Parry – were bundled over the line to deny the Coatbridge side a Scottish Cup semi-final place after the clash went to a replay.
Six years on, the 33-year-old, who is set to be inducted into the Cliftonhill Hall of Fame, has revealed Beaton’s shock revelation after the full- time whistle.
However, the retired midfielder still looks back fondly at the cup run – which saw them knock out top flight side Motherwell along the way.
Donnelly said: “I don’t really go over it a lot but I still think we were robbed a wee bit; I’ll probably always think that until the day that I die.
“It was a cracking success for the club financially, and getting to the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup.
“The Motherwell game probably never gets as much coverage as it deserves.
“Motherwell that year finished third and were flying high under Stuart McCall.
“They obviously had guys who have played in the Champions League like Stephen McManus, really good players like James McFadden.
“Against Rangers I don’t think anyone gave us a chance, but because of the turmoil Rangers were going through at the time I thought it was a good time to get them. I always remember saying to one of my mates that I thought we had a chance, he was liked ‘no chance’, but I said we genuinely do.
“We went there and scored, and we were quite comfortable. I don’t want to be too critical, but it was a poor refereeing decision.
“John Beaton after it said he made an a**e of it – it was disappointing.
“For the fans, the players, the staff; it would have created an occasion to get into the semi-final.
“These things happen. You look back at it now and it was a good run.”
During his decade of service at Cliftonhill, Donnelly experienced the highs and lows of the lower leagues as part of Paul Martin’s ‘Crazy Gang’.
In 2011, he was a key figure as Rovers’ earned promotion with a play-off victory over Annan.
Rovers then came back from two goals down to beat Stranraer on penalties and avoid the drop.
However, the following year they were sent to the bottom tier by Annan as they finished in ninth spot once again.
The fan favourite looks back fondly on his time under gaffer Martin, though.
“I had some great times, even in the early years under Jim Chapman,” he continued.
“My recollection of playing at Rovers was that we improved every year.
“I remember it being a really good dressing room. The thing that you miss when you’re not playing is the guys that you played with and the camaraderie of the dressing room.
“That was a big thing for us and I think that’s why we had a good bit of success under Paul Martin. The dressing room was a wee bit bonkers; and we were all in it together.
“We all knew that every other team was getting paid more but it didn’t really come into it; it was just all the guys altogether.
“We had the two play-off wins and I think Annan was the big one because Rovers hadn’t been promoted in so many years.
“It was a hard, hard game but we eventually got over the line and promoted; then the next season we stayed up by the skin of our teeth.”
The East Kilbride native will go into the Hall of Fame class of 2020 alongside cult hero Vic Kasule, and was delighted to be picked by the supporters.
“I got a phone call saying I was inducted from Ronnie [Boyd] and had been voted in by the fans.
“It’s always nice a touch when it’s from the fans and I appreciate it; it’s not every day you get inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“Because it is the fans it makes it a big thing.
“It’s a wide spectrum of people who they can vote for, but it’s good to know the fans think highly of you.
In the wake of the shutdown because of the coronavirus, Donnelly said: “I did notice that the players had offered to defer their wages, and they came out very quickly to say that and safeguard the club.
“I know a lot of players are in it for themselves, and this isn’t the players’ main job, but it’s always nice to see things like that.
“I believe that Rovers will see this through. It might be tough on them, but I think it will be tough on a lot of the clubs.
“Maybe a lot of clubs will struggle more who have bigger wages to pay.
“Rovers don’t have a lot of outgoings and the players have made that cracking gesture.
“It’s unprecedented and I just hope everything can go back to normal and football can restart.”