What’s good for the goose . . .

The lingering possibility there could still be legal proceedings arising out of an incident during the game means it would not be proper to talk about specific events at Dens Park last week as Celtic beat Dundee.

What can, in the most general of terms, be fairly observed, however, is that gesturing by players to the crowd is, and always has been, an unwanted part of football.

Whether it is one or two-fingered salutes, or the ill-mannered habit that’s crept in of goal scorers placing a hand to an ear to mock the silence of opposing fans, it is something the game can do without.

And whatever the reason for these gestures, culprits cannot complain when their actions lead to them being hauled up before the football beaks or, even more seriously, into the criminal courts.

Players are human and like anyone can, at times, be tempted to react to provocation. That, though, is not an excuse because there is not one footballer out there who does not know that when he takes to the pitch there is always a chance of receiving “bird” from opposing fans.

Quite simply, they should know better than to get involved with the punters and should realise that whatever the provocation, any unsuitable response on their part could have serious consequences.

That is why anyone who breaks the rules in this way should be dealt with severely by the authorities, preferably those within the sport.

It should, though, be a case of what’s good for the goose . . .

If fans take offence to players acting improperly, they should also object when those around them in the stands do likewise.

Fans rushing to protest to stewards or police to complain about the actions of players has become a common sight at grounds around the country.

Fans doing the same to finger the unacceptable behaviour of those around them is as rare as a Man-of-the-Match award for a Celtic goalkeeper.

At Dens last week, when referee Dougie McDonald blundered in sending off Celtic’s Didier Agathe, none of the Hoops fans seemed bothered by the outpouring of verbal abuse that was directed at the whistler from their end of the stadium.

Perhaps the fans simply knew more about Mr McDonald’s circumstances than those of us watching from the Press box, but, personally, I do not accept they were only pointing out he was unwashed, had a citrus pallor and was born out of wedlock.

It should be quickly added that this is not a go at the Celtic fans. There are supporters — and not just a small minority — at every club who are just as guilty of hurling foul-mouthed insults when players and officials upset them.

Criticism from the terracing is part of the game and often adds to the atmosphere. When it is foul-mouthed, abusive, sectarian or racist it should not be tolerated — and the same goes for frustrated players raising their hands to acknowledge the unwanted attention of the away support.

Predictions:

Celtic v. Motherwell — home.

Dundee v. Aberdeen — home.

Partick v. United — away.

Dunfermline v. Hibs — home.

Livingston v. Kilmarnock — draw.

Hearts v. Rangers — draw.