Coin tosser mars win for Celtic

CELTIC winger Didier Agathe concedes there is little the authorities can do to prevent a repeat of the coin-throwing incident at Tynecastle.

The Parkhead side's win over Hearts on Sunday was marred when Hoops goalkeeper Rob Douglas was struck with a coin early in the game.

Douglas was able to play on and a fan was questioned by police but was later released because of a lack of evidence.

Agathe admitted the incident was discussed in the visitors' dressing room but insisted the culprit does not deserve the attention.

"Football is something that should bring people together, not divide them, so it's disappointing to see something like that happen. It was only one person and, if you talk about him, then you give him importance that he doesn't deserve."

The incident proved to be just one of a number of flash-points in a game which saw 10 players booked. Celtic striker John Hartson was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card after just two minutes as he appeared to elbow Hearts defender Andy Webster.

Despite plenty of chances at both ends, Stilian Petrov was the only player to find the back of the net to allow Celtic to reclaim their 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Agathe believes that the pressure to succeed in every game is what drives Celtic on and is the reason behind their formidable league form this season.

He added: "The supporters expect it. So we fight and we work hard for each other that is why we win games."

Meanwhile, Celtic have been boosted by the return of midfielder Alan Thompson to training this week.

But his return to fitness after missing the Hoops' last two games will also be welcomed by England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who looked set to call up Thompson to his squad for the Portugal friendly next month.

Celtic defenders Joos Valgaeren and Ulrik Laursen have also resumed training following long-term absences while Johan Mjallby has begun rehabilitation after knee surgery.

Midfielder Liam Miller, who will leave the club to join Manchester United, is receiving treatment for a pelvis and groin problem.

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