25 years later, Riseth recalls shame game
TODAY marks the 25th anniversary of the infamous evening Rangers won the title at Parkhead – aka the shame game.
Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 to clinch a 10th title in 11 seasons in a game with three red cards, seven yellows, three pitch invasions, one penalty and ref Hugh dallas needing treatment for a bleeding head wound after being struck by a coin thrown by a Celtic fan.
Norway midfielder Vidar Riseth was one of those sent off and admits he’s never experienced such a toxic atmosphere – and doesn’t wish to ever again.
He said: “It was electric that night.
“For the players as well as the fans, the temperature was really high.
“I had played in Old Firm games before and after that game but it was different on this occasion.
“I’ve never seen so many drunk people at a match before and feelings were running high.”
Celtic fell behind after 12 minutes when Neil McCann fired home.
Stephane Mahe then lost the plot. Already booked, he saw red after being hauled down by McCann, who was cautioned.
But that wasn’t enough for the French full-back, whose backchat earned him a second yellow from dallas and Mahe left the field in tears.
Dallas needed medical attention after being bit by a coin and once recovered, he awarded Rangers a penalty converted by Jorg Albertz.
The insanity continued after the break. One Celtic fan fell from the top tier of the stand. Three times security staff had to repel home fans after they entered the pitch.
McCann’s second goal sealed matters but there was still time for Riseth to be booked for taking out Rod Wallace and the Gers striker saw red for raising his hands.
Riseth then scythed down Claudio Reyna and walked straight up the tunnel without waiting for the inevitable red card to be shown.
Riseth added: “There were two fouls in the first minute and a foul every other minute after that.
“The players on the pitch were constantly fighting and shouting at each other.
“I can’t tell you what was said but all the players hated each other.
“The teams hated each other.
“Fortunately, I don’t believe you’ll see a repeat of that night again.”