The Tennent’s Sixes returned to Glasgow after a 33-year hiatus, and Celtic emerged as the new winners after a thrilling 5-4 victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers in the final. The win took the crown from Partick Thistle, who had held it since 1993, and capped a weekend that mixed nostalgia with a few unusual twists.
The six-a-side pitch was laid over the ice rink at Braehead Arena, usually the home of ice hockey team Glasgow Clan. For one weekend the arena was transformed into a football stadium, and the setting produced surprisingly chilly conditions. It also led to some quirky moments, including players squeezing through a saloon-style door when substitutions were made and getting clattered by the ball from a subs bench that was practically on the ice.
On-pitch aggression was largely absent, with a surprisingly tame weekend in terms of scuffles. The only red card came when Frazer Wright made a crunching tackle on Morgaro Gomis in St Johnstone’s game against Dundee United. The incident was reminiscent of a feisty Sunday league contest, at least until the final.
Penalties provided another throwback. If a penalty was awarded, the player had 10 seconds, starting from the halfway line, to have a shot at goal in an old-fashioned American style. Some attempts went well, while others did not.
Derby bragging rights were also at stake. Rangers’ 7-1 defeat of Celtic on Saturday night was as convincing as derby wins come. Led by Barry Ferguson, Martyn Waghorn scored five goals to help Rangers cruise to victory and make it three wins from three derbies for the Ibrox club, counting previous games in the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup. United and Hearts also headed home with bragging rights after winning their respective derbies.
Celtic got their revenge in the final, though. Gary Hooper scored the winner, and remarkably it was the first time Rangers had found themselves behind in the whole tournament. Celtic’s 5-4 final win ensured they took the Tennent’s Sixes trophy from Partick Thistle, who had held it since 1993.