IT was a week when football took second place to tragedy.

It was tragic that CELTIC legend Tommy Burns passed away after a battle with skin cancer. He was a gentlemen who was liked and admired across the football family.

And it was tragic that football headlines were replaced by hooliganism after the UEFA Cup Final as RANGERS supporters clashed with police.

Much has been said and written — but the same old excuses come out every time. The police over-reacted, the authorities didn’t stamp down on the availability of alcohol or it wasn’t even us — big boys did and ran away.

It is a shame that the police and the authorities are in a no-win situation. They try to treat fans like adults and they are accused of being soft. They react to fans attacking them and they are accused of being heavy-handed. The fact that other people — maybe not Rangers fans — got involved is merely covering up the fact that many Rangers supporters DID get involved.

The Rangers players faced a battle to get up for their title charge after the UEFA Cup Final defeat. And it proved a step too far as they drew 1-1 at MOTHERWELL.

Christian Dailly had given Walter Smith’s side the lead but Chris Porter’s equaliser gives Celtic the upper hand in the race for the flag.

Smith’s men face ST MIRREN on Monday then ABERDEEN on Thursday at the end of a gruelling schedule, while Celtic face DUNDEE UNITED. But the Ibrox boss knows tiredness can’t be blamed.

He said: “I don’t think it was a factor. We put enough energy into the game to win. We played very well in the first half and could have been more than one up if we’d taken our chances.

“A bit of anxiety crept into our play - we got caught up in the game when we needed someone to slow things down.”

INVERNESS could only manage a 0-0 draw with St Mirren as they wound down their season. And KILMARNOCK beat FALKIRK 2-1. Pedro Moutinho had put the Bairns ahead but Killie hit back through Medhi Taouil’s deflected shot and a winner from sub Paul di Giacomo.

There was yet more sadness last week as GRETNA moved a step nearer extinction. A club that reflected the Cinderella nature of football looks to be heading to the wall. A meeting on Monday could well seal the club’s fate.

We want to know what YOU think on all these issues. Have you any memories of Tommy Burns? Click on the link below and let us know.

Were you in Manchester, let us know your stories.

Were you at the weekend’s games? What riled you and how do you see the race for the title? And how do you feel about Gretna? Should they have been allowed to be promoted, or were they just living the dream? Was the move to Fir Park a nail in the coffin? Let us know what you think.

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PLUS come back later for a full round-up of match reports and photos from the SPL action, including the opportunity to post further comments on all our individual match reports.

Then there’s a chance to read the thoughts of the two columnists all footballers have to check out — Gerry McNee and Davie Provan. Are they on your wavelength or wired to the moon? Have a look at their columns then let them know what you think.