Dynamo star says Rangers agreed replay
RANGERS agreed to a replay of their European Cup-Winners’ Cup triumph 45 years ago because of a pitch invasion, according to sensational new claims from Dynamo Moscow legend Anatoly Baidachny.
The Ibrox side lifted the 1972 trophy and became legends when they beat the Russians in Barcelona.
However, the 3-2 victory was marred by a mass pitch invasion and battles with the Spanish police leading to captain John Greig getting the trophy presented deep in the Nou Camp stadium away from the fans.
The Russians protested about the pitch invasion to UEFA and demanded a replay but the result stood after an enquiry,although Rangers were banned from Europe for two years, later reduced to one.
But almost 45 years later to the day of the Final, Dynamo legend Baidachny, now 64, claims Rangers accepted responsibility for the trouble and even agreed to a replay in Rome.
Baidachny, who went on to manage Belarus and Dinamo Minsk, said: “We proposed a replay of the game on October 3, 1972, in Rome.
“The Scots agreed to it because they were going to lose a lot of money with their European ban. But as usual politics prevailed. UEFA couldn’t be seen to let the Russians win.
“Everyone remembers what happened after the game but people forget the Rangers fans invaded the pitch five times. They came on for the first time at 1-0.
“Their fans had mad eyes, it was scary. They tried to set fire to the stadium. They fought with the police and there were casualties.
“When they ran on to the park at the end of the match they tried to rip the shirts off us. I just ran back to the dressing room.
“You have to remember back then everything was against the Russians.
“Our supporters amounted to eight people from the Soviet Trade Company in the entire stadium which was full of Scots. Our people were not allowed abroad.
“Our player Aleksandr Makhovikov was taken out by a Rangers player on the wing. No whistle. From that, Rangers scored.
“We went home and no one came to meet us. We were forgotten. If you lost in the old Soviet Union you were regarded as an enemy of the people.” CHRISTOPHE BERRA has promised to be a “moany b ****** ” as he tries to bring some success to Hearts.
A free transfer from Ipswich has allowed the Scotland defender to return to the club where his career began after rejecting any chance of making Rangers his next port of call.
Berra’s young daughter Savannah will be pleased at her dad’s decision to be back in their Edinburgh home but the newlyappointed Jambos skipper is also ready to become a dressing-room hate figure.
The stopper, who has signed a three-year deal, said: “On the pitch you have to be a moany b ****** .
“Scots moan – that’s fine. People might hate you but that’s fine – it’s all about getting reactions.
“I’m not moaning because I don’t like people, I’m just being moany so that I can get the best out of them.
“You also learn who can take it and who can’t and deal with things accordingly.
“The manager will know the characters and how to deal with things too so hopefully it will be a positive season ahead.
“I’ve not come here thinking it’s easy. I have pride in my game and I want to do well as an individual and for the team.
“Hearts are renowned for bringing young players through. I want to help them and to help make Tynecastle a fortress again.
“I remember good times but also tough times at Tynecastle and you get through them. Last season was negative so our job is to make next season positive.”
The arrival of Ian Cathro has triggered an alarming downward curve in results and performances with only six wins from 26 games.
It’s an understatement to suggest those who raised doubts over the Dundonian’s credentials for the post haven’t been provided with a host of reasons to believe they’ve been proved right.
But Berra is convinced Cathro’s teething problems will become a distant memory next season. He said: “I’ve made mistakes, I’ve had criticism. I’m thick-skinned and I’m sure the manager is too.
“It’s a new season and it will all be forgotten. It’s down to the players and coaching staff to start with a positive result.
“Tynecastle can be a cauldron. When you’re winning it can be a great place to play. When you’re not it’s like anywhere I played at, Ipswich, Wolves or Scotland. If you’re not playing well you get booed. Fans can be fickle.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve come here, been made captain and it’s a big responsibility for me on and off the pitch.
“I live in Edinburgh and want to be able to walk down the street with my head held high having won games and done well.”
Berra confirmed he rejected overtures from Rangers in order to return for a second Gorgie spell. And now he wants to end his career with his hometown club after helping them recover from this season’s slump.
He said: “I don’t have an agent but my old one mentioned there had been some interest from Rangers but there was never anything on the table.
“To be honest I wanted to come here. I’m from Edinburgh and I know what the club means to the Hearts fans. I always had it in my mind I’d like to finish my career here and now I’ve got the chance.”
Berra still has the Record Sport picture of his first Hearts goal, against Kilmarnock in 2006, taking pride of place on a wall in his house. It’s just one moment to treasure from his six years at Tynecastle as he racked up 146 appearances before joining Wolves in a £2.5million deal.
But he admits the club bears little resemblance to what he remembers as he was unveiled yesterday at the Jambos state-ofthe-art Riccarton base.
He said: “I drove round by the stadium and the new stand is going to be awesome.
“Hopefully by winning games we can fill it and make it a place rivals hate to play at.
“The club has changed since I was last here, people behind the scenes, physios etc. They didn’t