I knew we were one country separated by two different languages when the caller was describing on air his reaction to the Scottish Cup draw that paired Celtic with Rangers in the semi-finals.
“I was heavy buzzin’,” he said. This is, I understand, a description of high excitement and keen anticipation over a fixture that will emphasise the vindictiveness and malice that underpins the rivalry between two sets of supporters. I don’t know how long Michael Beale spent in that pub along the road from Ibrox on the day he came up to visually demonstrate that there was a viable alternative to Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager of Rangers.
But it must have been long enough to be told the fundamental ground rule that applies to games between his club and their greatest rivals. Satisfaction over a derby win is never complete without the undeniable knowledge there is suffering being felt on the other side.
