More Than a Game

Sport as a window into human character, culture, and connection.

Perfect for sports fans and anyone interested in what sport reveals about us.

About the Ebook

'This is like a scene from Apocalypse Now’

Archie Macpherson examines the story of football’s most explosive rivalry - Celtic v Rangers.

In this book he centres on the infamous riot at the Old Firm Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on 10 May 1980, at which he was the match commentator, and which resulted in the banning of alcohol in football grounds.

He explores his memories of the many clashes between the two clubs over his half-century broadcasting career.

This leads him inevitably to the sources of the sectarianism which has characterised this fixture and the West of Scotland.

He weaves his experiences, and those of others, into the complex tapestry of social issues and club loyalties and takes us through the wider political context: World War II, the invisible hand of Margaret Thatcher and Scotland’s independence referendum.

This vitriolic conflict is more than a game. It is a kaleidoscope of bitter dispute, and occasional violence, and Archie Macpherson provides a colourful insight into how it was to live with the Old Firm for over five decades.

Review

Archie Macpherson's new Old Firm opus makes for required reading. MATTHEW LINDSAY, The Herald

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Sport transcends the game to reveal human truth.
• Explores what athletics teaches us about ourselves.
• Published by Luath Press, Scotland's leading independent publisher.
• A celebration of sport's deeper significance.

About the Author

RCHIE MACPHERSON was born and raised in Shettleston in the east-end of Glasgow. He was headteacher of Swinton School, Lanarkshire, before he began his broadcasting career at the BBC in 1969. It was here that he became the principal commentator and presenter on Sportscene. He has since worked with STV, Eurosport, Talksport, Radio Clyde and Setanta. He has commentated on various key sporting events including several FIFA World Cups. In 2005 he received a Scottish BAFTA for special contribution to Scottish broadcasting and was inducted into Scottish football’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 03 May 2020

Print Length: 477 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781912387991

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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