Throughout the 1980s and even reaching back into the 1970s, Willie Miller was a figure of disdain for Celtic supporters. Renowned for his defensive skills, Miller mastered the art of defending, showcasing a deep understanding of the game. He excelled in positioning, executed hard tackles, and was not shy about trying to influence referees in favor of Aberdeen during matches.
Under the management of Alex Ferguson, Miller played alongside tough players like Doug Rougvie, Alex McLeish, Neale Cooper, and others who pushed the game to its limits, occasionally crossing those boundaries. When Celtic faced Aberdeen, known as the top clubs in the country, the matches often lacked a display of attractive football, with both sides fiercely competing for trophies.
While clashes between the two teams occasionally led to heated moments, there was a traditional honesty to their rivalry, with both sides capable of robust play. However, the recent incident involving Slobodan Rubezic, who clumsily fouled Kyogo Furuhashi without making contact with the ball, has raised concerns.
Willie Miller, observing from the press box, recognized when a player crosses the line and didn’t hesitate to criticize one of his successors in the Aberdeen defense. The yellow card issued by referee Willie Collum, with John Beaton on VAR duty supporting the decision, sets a potentially dangerous precedent.
Given the limited talent pool in the Scottish Premier League (SPFL), prospective signings might reconsider joining a league where such incidents occur. The attack on Kyogo could deter players from choosing a league where individuals like Rubezic are allowed to operate unchecked.
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