Wee Oscar’s dad, Knoxy, asked me to relay this message to you……
“The BIG cycle to Belfast… WOW! What an absolutely incredible effort by so so many people all to raise money for our wee hero, and a great night was had by all on Saturday night up at Donegal Celtic. It is very very humbling and I really felt that my thanks conveyed to them all on Saturday night was just not enough. I know they didn’t do it for thanks or for a pat on the back but I really hope they know that both me and Leona are deeply deeply moved by what they have done.
Over the last 9 months we have thanked many hundreds of people for all sorts of different things they have done for Oscar and I’m sure after a while the thanking almost comes across a bit ‘rehearsed’ and maybe a bit insincere but we just want to make sure they all know how thankful we are to them and to the amazing people who have donated to such a whopping total!”
Fantastic work by all, very well done.
Celtic have conceded 16 goals in the 9 games since Efe Ambrose’ much debated return to the team which faced Juventus last month, a period which saw them eliminated from the Champions League and the League Cup, while losing to Motherwell and Ross County.
They conceded 16 goals in the previous 24 games, including two Champions League games against Barcelona, one against Benfica and one against Spartak Moscow. A problem which initially appeared to be limited to Efe, has clearly affected others, including Kelvin Wilson and even the goalkeeper looks less assured than before.
More than any other facet of football, defending is dependent on confidence and teamwork. If communication is poor, you make mistakes. If you expect teammates to make mistakes, you’ll make decisions accordingly. If your decisions reflect a lack of confidence, you’re on a slippery slope to losing goals. Bad defenders look good in good teams but good defenders look hopeless once order is disturbed.
Only just catching up with the antics on Gallowgate on Saturday. Not read about the destruction of property or occasions of assault, which I assume preceded the mass arrests. Surely? I’m not sure if Alex Salmond has renewed the high levels of police funding for football-related activity, which was initially due to expire at the end of this month, but for someone who is usually so politically savvy, he seems to have set off on a road without checking consequences of the legal questions.
A bit like his major project…..
Where we are today is a consequence of the First Minister’s initiatives in 2011, and is why Celtic fans, the Club, and many others, opposed the initiative at the time. It’s playing out pretty much as everyone with an interest in football expected. Mr Salmond’s Scotland is looking a bit like Mrs Thatcher’s Yorkshire, circa 1984.
You’re as well blaming the inclement weather as blaming the police or anyone in the game, the police, like the weather, do what they do. This is the work of the Other Charlotte Square Bogeyman.
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DontPatmadug 17:41 on 18 March, 2013
Worrying.
Gerry Braiden @GerryBraiden
Charges re Green Brigade arrests we know of are breach of peace, police assault, misuse of drugs & resisting arrest
Jimmci at 16.51- all of those arrested were given banning orders from Scottish football until their court appearance on the 18th of April
Steinreignedsupreme
It is indeed.
Lennybhoy –
Agreed! Before the African Nations Cup I’d have had Efe as a first pick. I’m hoping it’s just a temporary dip in form although there have been players in the past that have been world beaters in their first few months before deteriorating quickly (and vice versa).
Jobo
Dontpatmadug- add obstruction to that list
Monteblanco, no problemo my friend. Just enjoying the exchange. like playing the devils advocate now and then.Life would be boring if we all agreed on everything.
Enjoyed your views.
I looked at that video of Paul McBride debating with another lawyer on the eve of the “Anti-Sectarian”(aye right!) bill. He wasn’t very good, to put it mildly.I know he represented NL but as we’ve seen any competent lawyer would demolish any of the leaders of Scottish football and their rules.He later drew back after labelling the football authority in question sectarian,which their previous and subsequent actions show.Better still,his support for the SNP and its flawed legislation showed his true colours to my mind.A Lawyer’s licence to print money,in other words.
Does anyone else feel their day is incomplete without reading mad, mental Leggo’s Blog?
It’s one of the highlights of my day, logging on and reading his tirades of abuse about Graham Spiers, Peter Lawwell and every other person his auld Presbyterian granny would disapprove of.
I do hope he’s not ill or has been locked up in a psychiatric hospital?
On a more serious note, what has happened to the thunder?
That was yet another shocker on Saturday.
The crowds are disappearing faster than a doughnut near to Fat Sally; we will have serious problems selling season tickets next year.
What’s on offer just doesn’t make me or 1000s like me look forward to home games against SPL opposition, what we’re seeing is dire.
I can be described as a happy clapper most of the time, I’ve had an expensive Investors Lounge ticket now since we moved back to Celtic Park but next season I may pick and choose my games.
Peter and his board have let us down by not getting us out of the SPL.
I simply don’t believe the desire at board level is there to get us out of the SPL, I reckon Peter prefers the Champs League income (when we get it) to the possible options out there.
Now please don’t tell me we have to be invited down to England, frankly I don’t believe that argument. If the will is there and our best legal brains were put to the task I believe we would get ourselves into the Championship, I would much prefer us playing against Championship teams to the likes of Aberdeen and Motherwell.
The EPL is where we should be, imagine games home and away to Liverpool, MUTD, Chelsea and Spurs?
Come on Peter, deliver us from this cesspit of mediocrity.
I actually think the club is trying to sanitize the crowd, wether they are
passive or active is still to be found out, ones as bad as the other in my
mind.
Maybe its because we would( in their eyes) be a more attractive
proposition to sky and the football authorities in england and
us being able to compete there.
HH
I buy my season ticket as I love going to every game I can at Celtic Park. The particular opposition won’t affect my decision to renew. Although ‘sporting integrity’ issues might.
The law is heavy handed, BUT made with the best of intentions I believe.
Remember it was brought in around the time our manager was assaulted on the touch line.
It is NOT the business of CQN to rubbish the great debate on Scotlands future – it is much too precious for that.
Surprise surprise the ole Glasgow Breach of the Peace is the main charge. It’s a catch all and the police caused the BOP. I’d wager there will be few convictions from a massive over spend of tax payers money and misuse of the supposed police service. I think I’ll call them a force from now on.
CelticResearch @CelticResearch
Confirmation from @JackAllen20 that all of the 13 arrested are banned from Celtic Park immediately until their “undertaking” in April
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Oh well done Celtic, guilty until proved innocent. Sickened.
What did PL think of Neil taking the League trophy to the GB and placing it down as if to say this is yours? Whats changed?
Roy
Has a uniformed officer ever been charged / convicted of ” behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace “
That guy on traffic management,Stein Connolly,thats his name, must be a Tim.
BrotherAidanIwisnaelate
15:31 on 18 March, 2013
OK for clarification on Saturday there was a total of 13 arrested.
The large number of polis were there because a planned demo and anti demo by the SDL and its opponents petered out leaving large numbers of idle polis to be allocated elsewhere. Hence the chopper, polis horses etc. The GB wasnt the original focus for all the attention.
The polis is a disciplined organisation. By that I mean the ordinary polis there to take orders and instruction from senior polis. The ordinary polis dinae get to debate every order or instruction. If you think different try it with your own boss and see how you get on. I predict the jobcentre will be your next move.
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If my boss instructed me to harass and intimidate someone I would resign. Saturdays police action that was blatant show of force meant to intimidate and send a message. I am sure that ‘only following orders’ is a common excuse for those actively abusing power.
If there was a surplus of police I am sure that their time could have been better spent arresting drug dealing scumbags or doing what they are paid to do patrol local communities – arrest criminals and protect society not harass, in the main, teenage supporters.
Fourgreenfields@1740
Dont want to put too much detail on here (its not my style) listen to the podcast (Celtic dreams St Paddys day show, link on page 4) when you get to a PC, tablet or another suitable device.
100% truth, the wider support needs to know what’s been going on and what the endgame is here for the club. I dont want to see any gash like ” why would we do it to our own fans” or “what do the club get out of it taking this line”, they are doing it and they are allegedly lying about it to spin it to the wider support.
Whatever the despicable actions of Strathclydes finest were on Saturday the club absolutely has a responsibility to the fans and have to accept Saturday was a symptom of a much bigger problem within the club in the way it see’s us the support.
gebhoy
ten men won the league
17:05 on
18 March, 2013
The 2 policemen who stood and watched while a group of people wrecked a toilet within CP showed ‘common sense’.
I call it cowardice.
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brother aiden may call it …….watching your pals having a smashing time
the stench of hun on here today had reached an all time new level
as for the polis ….the most honest in society …ffs…rapists…robbers.murders…..and that just some of the cases that have been reported on the bbc sites….the ones that are bigots and racists ……they operate when their are no to witness their actions
jam67
hmm Jimmy Calderwood on bbc sportsound tonight. damage control?
Calderwood coming up on Shortbread. Damage limitation? Probably be back-tracking on what he said on Saturday.
Caught the last few minutes of Nicky Campbell’s phone-in on five live in the morning. Great call from “Tom from Manchester” (sounding very much like Tommy from Glasgow!) – it’s on the iPlayer – about 2 minutes from the end.
Bloody hell Celtic – Ban those charged!!! what happened to a fair and proper hearing? I hope that if the accused are SB holders that they are reimbursed for any games missed due to this ludicrous ban – yeah right I will not hold my breath.
Its Monday, Its Teatime, Its Chuckles, Chuckles, Chuckles, Chucklevision…………..
“The continuing debate on reconstruction of Scottish football is leaving football fans up and down the country bewildered and thoroughly exasperated – and who can blame them?
“They feel their voice is being ignored by their own clubs let alone the football authorities and fear the current proposals will not herald meaningful change.
“I would like to make Rangers’ position on this issue crystal clear so there can be no ambiguity when clubs within the SFL and the SPL come to vote on a reconstruction model.
“First, we obviously support the creation of a single league body as anything that can be done to streamline the byzantine structures of Scottish football should be welcomed.
“Secondly, I am disappointed that the notion of a league structure of three leagues comprising 14 teams each was not pursued more vigorously as this would have gone some way to addressing the concerns of many football fans regarding small leagues.
“Given we are where we are, I am putting forward the following league structure proposals which I firmly believe to be in the interests not only of Rangers but also Scottish football as a whole. It is essential that any proposals address satisfactorily the issue of sporting integrity and I believe our proposals do that.
“All things being well, Rangers should win the Division 3 title and, that being the case, we should be promoted. That should happen regardless of what league structure the powers that be put in place.
“It would be manifestly wrong to deny any team promotion having won the competition they have entered into at the start of the season. Equally, teams which have been relegated should not benefit unfairly from any a restructuring of leagues.
“The principle of promotion and relegation for the clubs which fall into these categories at the end of this season should be enshrined in any new league set up. So, if, as widely predicted, we end up with a 12-12-18 set up, Rangers should be promoted and this promotion should be to the middle tier.
“There is already a precedent for this situation, established by the SFL at the end of the 1993-94 season when Stranraer, winners of the lowest of three divisions, were promoted to the new second tier on the basis they were champions of their division and merited promotion.
“Indeed, recently the chairman of Stranraer FC referred to the matter and supported the prospect of Rangers being promoted in the event of a 12-12-18 outcome. There has been no shortage of voices banging on about sporting integrity over the last year but sporting integrity must cut both ways. Should that be observed during reconstruction discussions then significant benefits would delivered, particularly to clubs in the middle tier who have yet to reap any financial benefit from Rangers playing in lower divisions.
“As we have seen recently many clubs are struggling and the likes of Dunfermline would be given a much-needed financial boost by Rangers playing in their division.
“Clubs in Division 3 are already enjoying a season where their home matches against Rangers are generating 10 times the revenue they would expect from any other home game. In the exceptional case of Queen’s Park, their home matches against us at Hampden will generate several seasons’ worth of gate receipts.
“We are genuinely pleased to have done our bit to assist these clubs financially and have been warmly welcome by SFL clubs. We would like to continue helping the game in Scotland and that’s why I am proposing that a Rangers’ Colts team be admitted to the SFL, and I hope Celtic would also consider doing the same.
“The SFL has shown real leadership in proposing this initiative although it should be pointed out that this was not the result of lobbying from this Club. This is an SFL initiative and is genuinely practical in that it would result in bringing much needed additional income to the game.
“My rationale is that when Rangers are promoted, the lowest league will return to where it was in terms of revenue generation. A Rangers Colts team would add value to the league and other clubs would see their home gates enhanced significantly by Rangers fans, particularly those who lived locally.
“I would also be prepared to guarantee other clubs the ticket revenue equivalent of 300 Rangers fans turning up for matches.
“This initiative would help smaller clubs who have no choice but to generate revenue any way that they can. I should point out that such a proposal would often double the gate at in the lowest division. In fact, such a scheme would have virtually doubled the attendance at the weekend at one Division 1 fixture.
“If the 12-12-18 structure is to be the chosen one then I would propose that two additional teams, one a Rangers Colts team, are added to the lowest league. Of course, as chief executive of Rangers, I have a duty to pursue the interests of this club. I have talked openly in the past about exploring other playing environments and change may well happen at some time in the future but no-one knows when.
“As things stand, we all have a duty to do the best for the game as well as our clubs and that is why I think these proposals would be good for Scottish football. All I ask is that these proposals are discussed and considered in a fair and balanced manner
As a life long celtic fan, responsible member of society, tax payer and parent, I am totally out raged by the over reaction and strong arm tactics of the Police on Saturday. If Celtic Football Club fail to make a formal statement regarding this matter, I shall never return to Celtic park. I urge every other self respecting supporter to do like wise. Failure to do so, will see further errorison of every Celtic fan’s basic human rights.
I am appalled at this situation.
The Boy Jinky
I would need to get the head into the law books and stated cases but it would not surprise me if they had. The police presence on Saturday was to prevent crime, they inflamed the situation and caused a disturbance. The situation could have been easily policed with six officers escorting the corteo to the park but now we have criminal cases etc
Total over reaction.
I cant believe the club has the audacity to sell merchandise of the barca display organised by the GB and then take a back seat (or maybe a hand in) to the treatment the GB are receiving. unbelievable.
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=3802
Celtic Football Club Statement
By: Newsroom Staff on 18 Mar, 2013 18:07
CELTIC Football Club today, Monday, released the following statement.
‘The safety and well-being of Celtic supporters is of paramount importance to the Club. The Club is very concerned to see imagery of Saturday’s march by members of the Green Brigade from Gallowgate to Celtic Park, and subsequent claims by supporters of police harassment and heavy-handed policing.
This is an issue which the Club takes very seriously. Once again we would urge any supporter who feels that they have been a victim of such harassment to contact the Club with details by using the following email addresses
fansagainstcriminalisation@gmail.com and operations@celticfc.co.uk
in order that we can formally raise such matters with Strathclyde Police.
We should remind supporters that the Club has set up a working group, which is independently chaired, to establish a Complaints Review Panel to oversee the complaints’ process and improve transparency.
Any suggestion of collusion between the Club and Strathclyde Police is, quite frankly, ludicrous.
The Celtic support has a long and well-established reputation for good behaviour and everyone is very proud of that and keen to ensure that it continues.
In the meantime we will be writing to the Chief Constable to ask for a full report on Saturday’s events.
Statement from Charles Green coming up. Mourinho to come in as fatboy’s assistant?
Jungle jam
Unfortunately … I am not best placed to comment on our constabulary…. my feelings about them are on a par with my feelings about the zombies
Celtic didnt ban those charged- the polis did
Can someone make a complaint against the police behaviour – if the person in question was not actually present at the incident
I take back my comment at 18.20 after seeing that Celtic official statement apologies to Celtic fc.
Stairheedrammy
Can the club refuse and query the police position or do they straight away put a stop on season books regardless?
On football
The sad but true fact is that neither of our current CBs are capable of dealing with the standard fare of SPL football -namely a big punt straight up the park
When Big Vic plays he covers both CBs – from a lot of this
This is one of the factors that mean any SPL team can give us problems and why DU are in with a chance in the cup semi
Since the European games are referred in an almost completely different manner from the SPL and because most European teams do not tend to play with big rumblers up front – our defenders do better -as they are quick over the ground
IMHO we need at least one traditional MON type of CB
We could also do with a forward who is capable of playing with his back to goal
Hooper is by far our strongest forward and the only one who even attempts to use his physique for the team
Until we get stronger in both boxes -we will continue to be vulnerable in one off games like cup ties
We will win the league by a considerable distance for the medium to long term future but doubles and trebles will not reflect our financial dominance
HH
Stairheedrammy
18:21 on 18 March, 2013
Celtic didnt ban those charged- the polis did
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in that case its an unreserved ‘sorry CFC’ and a big slice of humble pie for moi.
the reasons to leave the Scottish football set-up are now stronger than ever.
The cheating hun establishment will never change.
But also Celtic are now just too big to be playing in such a poor league.
Ok it was an exciting game in the second half on Saturday but in general the standard is dire.
We need to be tested every week and be watching real meaningful games.
Its sad ,but its a changing world and we have to find our true level.