Kilmarnock supporters are unlikely to give a damn about that, but given the context of their club's victory over Motherwell on Saturday pertained, however briefly, to events at Ibrox, it seems worth getting it out of the way.
Their fans had spent even less time thinking about it; talk of how their meeting with Motherwell would impinge on the Old Firm derby was soon replaced by adulation at a glimpse of the Scottish Communities League Cup and the one-minute silence, which was held to honour Jack Kelly, who died after seeing his son, Liam, win that trophy. It was a match which struggled to settle on one personality.
At least the players seemed a little more assured. With little else to play for this season, Kilmarnock were able to concentrate their efforts on providing a performance and result which would serve as a dedication to their grieving team-mate. The Kilmarnock squad warmed up in t-shirts emblazoned with Kelly's name and number, a garment which Paul Heffernan later conjured again after putting his side ahead. His second was marked simply by pointing to his black armband.
If such a reaction seemed somewhat choreographed then the chance to show their support to Kelly will have felt cathartic for Kilmarnock's players. It has also afforded them an opportunity to move on, to return the focus on to a season which has brought unanticipated success.
"It was a bit of an emotional day. We tried to just blank it all out, all the negatives, but it has been an emotional week for everybody at Kilmarnock," said Lewis Toshney, the Kilmarnock full-back, who is on loan from Celtic. "I noticed an edge in the boys and I gave Liam a text to see how he is and how his family are keeping; it's a hard time for them.
"The boys looked really up for it. We definitely dedicate that [win] to Liam. He's a great guy; he was the only boy I knew when I came here, I knew him from the Scottish under-21s. When I came here Liam welcomed me in brilliantly and he's been great with me."
Toshney will be grateful for the return to some form of normality this week. He had been sent back to train with Celtic in the run-up to the final and returned to find a club in mourning. With his long-term ambitions still lying with Celtic, the full-back took the decision to forgo the celebrations with the League Cup on Saturday – understandable since that seemed to involve donning a colourful wig and wresting the trophy from Manuel Pascali – but his future will only benefit by prolonged first-team exposure with Kilmarnock.
Spending his Saturday afternoons traipsing to the likes of East End Park and the Caledonian Stadium might not have been his preference, but the experience gained will be far more valuable than a handful of run-outs at Lennoxtown with the Celtic reserves. Given a few of his early clearances were spooned high into the stands, he could perhaps also do to pick up a few things from Gary Harkins, whose adroit touch was as unnerving to Motherwell as Heffernan's scoring prowess.
"I feel as if I'm getting match fitness," said Toshney, who has made six appearances for Kilmarnock. "I've only missed one game and that was the very first game at Hibs. It's a great experience playing SPL football, it's been brilliant."
Motherwell used to exude similar enthusiasm. The Fir Park side were lacking the spirit which has hallmarked their season and at times it was easy to forget that this side could yet steal in to claim second place ahead of Rangers, who they play this weekend.
The return of Keith Lasley, who was completing a two-match suspension at Rugby Park, will be a source of comfort, especially given the rude form the midfielder has enjoyed this term. It might seem a little grandiose to suggest his absence was complicit in such an inert display – he was also banned for the win over Aberdeen last weekend – but it strengthened the belief his side struggle to cope when one of their first-choice XI are missing. It is no coincidence that Stuart McCall has been loath to tinker too much with his side this season.
"That is one of the most disappointing days we've had this season," said Tom Hateley, who conceded the penalty from which Kilmarnock scored their second when he handled in the penalty area. "We need to take a look at ourselves and make sure we get things right next weekend. We just didn't turn up."
