There has been a stat doing the rounds following full time. The stat in question involves added time in the Scottish Premiership this season. We know where this stat came from and it has been removed. However, it suggests that Celtic benefit far more from added time than any other team in the Premiership. Rangers and Celtic involved again!
It claimed they have around 250 minutes of added time this season. The next big team is already down at around 150. It is something like that. We do not have the exact stat to hand. Rangers are apparently on about 147.
Added Time and Conspiracies
Obviously, this has given rise to all kinds of Celtic oriented conspiracy theories. Many believe Celtic are getting more added time.
The truth? The original stat is false. And that’s why it was taken down from a well-known Rangers outlet.
Here is the truth. In fact it’s Rangers who get more added time, not Celtic. Celtic get 5.4 minutes average. Rangers get 6.03.
However, we will also add another stat that Rangers fans are ignoring. Rangers are definitively top of the league for goals scored in added time. Indeed, thanks to Chermiti’s hat trick yesterday, Rangers have more goals than any other team scored in +7 time.
Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics
What does this mean. It means there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Celtic are currently third in the table. So what would it matter if they had more added time than every other team. A midtable team has more added time. So what. Even if it was true.
This would only be even relevant if they were sailing top of the league. They are not. They are third.
Likewise, Rangers being top for plus seven goals does not matter either. We are not top. Rangers fans and Celtic fans constantly look for conspiracies. It has always been this way.
Old Narratives and New Claims
There is obviously the Celtic red card issue. It was around 86 matches before they finally received one. We have explained in recent entries why that happened.
There is also the Rangers penalty conspiracy. Celtic fans believe Rangers get penalties every other match. The fact is, there is a conspiracy about anything if you look deep enough.
You will always find stats that favour one team or the other.
Late Goals and Added Time Reality
Some Rangers fans claim this helps Celtic because they score late winners. We have not verified that. However, under Martin O’Neill, Celtic never stop playing.
If both teams regularly get added time, then it works both ways. If Celtic get added time, so do their opponents.
A Kilmarnock fan made a very good point yesterday. Added time is time for either side to score. Celtic are not the only team benefiting.
Kilmarnock also had added time to score a winner. Are we forgetting that our opponents exist. They needed the winner more than Celtic. They are trying to remain in the Premiership.
The Only Stat That Matters
The reality is that conspiracies exist for those who want them. Why not. It makes us feel better. It helps us sleep easier.
It is easier than accepting most of football is honest and impartial.
At the end of the day, it does not really matter. Hearts are top. Rangers are second. Celtic are third.
Regardless of any other stats, regarding Rangers and Celtic that is the only one that counts right now.