Football crazy

Staying overnight in a hotel just outside Glasgow.

The last time we were here my brother-in-law was getting married. I was an usher and I wore a kilt, as you do. The hotel was the venue for the reception.

This time we needed somewhere to stay ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final between Dundee United and Celtic at Hampden Park, kick off 12.45.

We arrived by car at seven o'clock.

Receptionist: "Have you travelled far?"

Me: "Cambridgeshire."

Receptionist: "Any particular reason?"

Me: "We're going to the football tomorrow."

Receptionist: "Which team do you support?"

My wife: "My husband supports Dundee United."

Receptionist (very quietly): "Oh, they're staying here too."

Points a finger. "Look, there they are."

Update: I didn't speak to them but for an hour in the bar it was just me, my wife and the Dundee United coaching staff.

The latter includes former Scotland international Darren Jackson who famously got himself sent off after the 1991 Scottish Cup final when United lost 4-3 to Motherwell after extra time.

He wasn't alone. If I remember United had three players red carded after the match that day.

I was at that game. It was the sixth time in six attempts that United had lost a Scottish Cup final so you can forgive the players their frustration. (I know how they felt!)

We eventually won the Cup for the first time in 1994 and won it again in 2010. I was at both of those games too.

PS. I have just been told that Falkirk stayed here last night. In case you don't know (or don't care), they lost their semi-final today, throwing away a 3-0 half-time lead against Hibernian.

Final score: 4-3 Hibs.

I hope that's not an omen.

Update on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 0:54 by Simon Clark

United lost, 4-3, after extra time. Can you believe it?

Someone on the radio said the odds against both semi-finals finishing with the same score after 120 minutes were 4,400-1.