As you and I know, alcohol is sold at football games. If you are in a corporate seat, you can drink before kick-off, at halftime and again at fulltime. Prohibition only applies to the cheap seats.
Alcohol-related issues remain a problem in towns across Scotland in the hours after big games, but suggestions by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, that there is a potential correlation between those drinking from cheap seats at games and violence (including the domestic kind) are simply unfounded. People are free to get tanked up before and after games, the wealthy can do so during games, and millions can do so in pubs and at home while watching games on TV.
I have some concerns about reintroducing alcohol for the rest of us. Alcohol requires appropriate infrastructure and ambiance – like there is at the Kerrydale Suite, for example. The North Stand Upper, where I sit, does not have the space, supervision capabilities, or even the toilets to become an appropriate venue to encourage the consumption of any more fluids. In the 20 years it’s been up, it’s never had enough paper towels to make it to halftime, and may God go with you, if you need to spend a longer visit, but don’t let that be a reason to stop the rest of you.
Modern football stadiums have many safe areas where alcohol can be consumed. Those who cannot handle their drink, would find themselves supervised to within an inch of a football banning order. Scotland needs to learn what a healthy attitude to alcohol looks like – check out the Kerrydale Suite for a glimpse.
Build the lounges, toilets, and grills. Put carpet down, dress stewards in black ties, have them welcome fans as “Sir” or “Madam”, treat football fans like responsible adults. It works in the hospitality areas and in the Kerrydale Suite, it’ll work from Palmerston to Peterhead.
Thank you for the tremendous response yesterday to the line-up for the CQN11 St Patrick’s Dinner. We have (St) Packy Bonnar, Tommy Coyne and Joe Miller for a Q&A, an unmissable address on Jock Stein by Archie Macpherson, and Celtic’s First Lady of Song, Patricia Ferns, for those of you who enjoy a song or dance. Let me know if you’re still looking for tickets,
celticquicknews@gmail.com
And Celtic, how hard can it be to put enough paper towels in the toilets? I love the family approach the club has now, but bringing kids means dealing with the toilets, and that’s never a highlight of the trip.
Keep your eye on CQN Magazine site, as we’re changing how the magazine content is delivered.
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Anyone remember Burnley away in the old Anglo-Scoddish?
Pound for pound there was more drink coming through the turnstiles than Celts, i was based in Manchester at the time so it was a skoosh getting over there, but i never met a sober body that night.
screwtapsruzCSC
£7/8 for a plastic glass full of p**s water..
No thanks.
mcgoalie19
Glad you received your order safely from http://www.cqnbookstore.com
You will enjoy the Seville book. Paul received an email about the book yesterday, here’s what it said…
Am struggling to read your book, as I have to keep putting it down, either because I am laughing or crying. Lucky am reading it on night shift, on my own, as it would be awkward trying to explain to my English workmates just why I am getting so emotional over a book about football.
They have got no soul these people.
I think it has produced more tears than Bernie Bhoy and the Thai Tims, which is some going.
Here’s hoping you get enough material for a follow-up soon.
Hail Hail,
Frank, ExGorbals, exGlasgow, always a Bhoy!!!!!
The wee offer you got was a cracker. For £15 you get the aforementioned SEVILLE- The Celtic Movement, the 2015 CQN Annual, the Road to Seville s x DVD and the Celtic 3IAR DVD.
Offer is still available while the DVD stocks last at http://www.cqnbookstore.com
Truth_Beauty_and_Freedom. Yes I remember that as well and would not like to see us return to anything like it.I honestly feel if you cannot go 2 hours without alcohol you have a drink problem and need help.As I as I said I like a drink myself but the good Lord has made a condition of me drinking that im no more than 6 feet from the nearest loo and it works for me. H.H.
Bawsman
Class distinction my arse.
A populist move made by a fake socialist with no policies.
Maybe we should try and get Billy and Greigy a knighthood(oh wait..)
Opportunistic pash from the party of market dabbling and banking bail out
Working class my ass
Socialism eh eh eh within the confines of what Murdoch thinks it to be, and this is an example of priorities of these eejits while poverty is reeking havoc due to the same Labour party’s inability to count!
Let jum and the newton mearns working class determine not a jot about our club,they like all politicians want to glean how they done it for their party.
HH
The last thing we need at fitba is idiots up and down all day buying (presumably overpriced and watered down) beers and as P67 suggests, running all match to the toilets and spouting drunken tosh as opposed to just tosh.
There are plenty of opportunities for people to buy a beer before or after a game, why do we need already half tanked up clowns topping up during it?
Without wanting to get political about it, this is all about blatant and naked political opportunism by Murphy who trying to boost personal and party popularity by insisting to football fans that they are being patronised by being denied the right to buy drink.
It’s actually patronising to suggest that we all feel patronised.
I think P67 covers the issues pretty well – especially regarding 405 toilets.
And before anyone stays digging me up about being dismissive of fellow supporters’ behaviour, come and sit in mid 405 for a season.
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers-it was a transfer between accounts via internet banking with RBS.2 clicks away from putting in ID details and noticed my name was at the top of the page before i had actually signed in ? Phoned RBS this morning ,he was talking me thru their web page and rogue pages were appearing,told me to close down and i done transfer over the phone,a bit worrying.HH
Feel a tad unseemly commenting on this article, after my weekend….eh so I won’t:-).
Árd Macha
I go to a lot of English games, EPL down to League 2, and every stadium sells alcohol before the game and at half time. Prices are comparable with pub prices. The whole experience of being able to have a drink, something decent to eat (unlike the crap that’s served at CP), SSN on the TV screens whilst meeting with friends and family is excellent. You cant take drink to your seat, it must be drunk on the concourse, and there’s no time to overindulge. A money earner for the Clubs.
LCF Ticket bought with £5.83 postage and a £1.50 internet fee .The charges apply to all tickets,even if it’s a single transaction.Total rip off,that’s why no letters issued to take to the Ticket Office.
A Roll N Pie – the Celtic Matchday Experience
.
Paul67..
Alcohol: How about selling Stronger Beer in Smaller receptacles..
This also Helps with Bladder Control..and cuts down on Runs to the Dunney..
Paper Towels: Are Sooo Last Centenary..Automated Hand Sanitisers (Hands-free) are the Go..
The Supplier gives you the Dispenser Free and even fits the Dispenser..
You save the Rainforest.. and save time washing and Drying Hands.. so more Peeps in and out..;-)
001
Celtic Football Club@celticfc · 30 mins30 minutes ago
Celtic assistant manager John Collins spoke to the media at Lennoxtown ahead of the club’s @EuropaLeague last 32 showdown with @Inter (MH)0 replies1 retweet4 favorites.
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JC: “We are playing very well, and you have to believed you can win it, but we know we are up against a very good team.”
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JC: “…And a team who are maybe hitting a form in the last couple of games. But we are in a good place at this moment in time.”
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JC: “The players are doing their job all over the pitch, we are working as one unit and we are looking sharp.”
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JC: “We haven’t been conceding goals and we are creating lots of chances and scoring goals, so that’s what you want from your team.”
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JC: “Obviously, we wanted it to happen as quickly as possible but you have to be realistic at the same time.”
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JC: “Most important thing is we have seen gradual progress. From day 1, they have bought into it. Their attitude has been excellent.”
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JC on @kcommons15 chances of facing @Inter “He has trained the last couple of days but not full sessions.”
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JC: “As every day goes by we are monitoring him. He will do a little bit more tomorrow and we will see on Thursday morning.”
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JC: “50/50 would probably be right. A grade one hamstring injury, a slight one, so you have to be careful, lots of games coming up.”
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JC: “This is a huge game & we would love Kris to be available but it would be daft for us to push him and risk doing further damage.”
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JC on @Inter using Murray Park: “I’m sure they will be doing everything they can to make sure a Scottish team gets a good result.” :)))
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JC on what makes Ronny Deila unique: “He’s very thorough in his preparation and leaves nothing to chance, all about the detail.”
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JC: “That’s his biggest asset. He also puts in a lot of work on and off the training pitch, he’s very much hands on.”
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JC: “It’s easy to talk, but we will be judged after the two games. But we know we are playing well and with confidence.”
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JC: “Not playing against SPFL team but one full of internationals & a hugely-experienced manager who has won things at top level.
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JC: “It will be a challenge for us. To win the tie we will have to play very well in both games but we are more than capable of that.”
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JC on @Inter “They will be very well organised defensively, technically good and are very good at set-pieces
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JC: “We were disappointed with early European results but this a chance for players to show we have made progress on big stage.”
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JC on prospect of a sell-out in Paradise:“I’m excited about it and I’m just a coach so I’m sure the players will be very excited.
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****JC: “A sold-out Celtic Park on a big European night under the floodlights – nothing beats it anywhere in the world.” ****
Till later all
A very interesting read today but the headline wasn’t a patch on yesterday’s ;-)
thetimreaper
12:46 on 17 February, 2015
Refuse to be searched by him, ask him to get a police officer, I done it at St mirren I wasnt a problem.
A steward at aberdeen put his hand in my pocket as I walked through the search area at pittodrie without saying a word to me when I started shouting at him to GTF out my pocket a copper came over and asked if I wanted to get him charged with attempted theft as you need to give permission to be searched.
If you don’t want to be searched you don’t have to be mate HH
I think the solution to the alcohol consumption issue is best addressed by looking at the layout at Murrayfield. You enter the perimiter of the ground well back from the stadium which is an excellent idea. They then have the ability to put in very good standard food kiosks and other amenities. You can buy a beer at the well stocked bar and stand in plenty room outside the ground but within the perimiter. You can also enjoy a cigarrette or cigar if you would like. The atmopshere is less hectic and people can meet up and chat.
Comparing that with the current set up at Paradise and that is where I see a wee problem. If we could have some kind of perimiter and have alcohol kiosks and decent food outlets it may be a winner. I think Celtic have always been at the forefront with new ideas but when looking at the alcohol solution at fitba grounds I think looking at the set up at Murrayfield as a guide.
It would be much harder at other grounds where space is at a premium. I would imagine that visiting fans would not get alcohol anyway so that would probably not be our concern but I know that some grounds just couldn;t cope. The away end behind the goal at Tannadice is probably the easiest example of a ground poorly equipped.
It’s an interesting point from the MP’s clearly trying to gain some favour from football supporters but in reality most grounds in Scotland are not properly equipped to cope.
It’s interesting that this is being pushed now and the SFA are contemplating moving from Hampden in 2020. If alcohol is allowed at International matches and I would wager they will be piloted at Scotland games first then Murrayfield would be perfect for the SFA to squeeze plenty cash out the TA.
Personally I have had a beer at games and it doesn;t bother me either way. Pint beforehand may be decent but I will be taking the Bhoy in the coming years and wouldn;t bother with a beer. The option for other fans should be there though. Bar closes quarter to 3pm though. Don;t want the first ten minutes ruined by late comers to their seats.
LB
winning captains
thanks again, what a great offer. I am hoping that the book is half as good as the offer then it will be excellent. More power to your collective elbow.
http://www.cqnbookstore.com
Excellent article Paul I agree 100% with all of it.
I have been known,cough cough, to have a few pre and post match beers and occasionally go to Kerrydale for the early Sunday KO’s its a nice experience.I don’t think I would buy beer during a game the q’s in the upper nth stand would piss me off but I sure as hell should have the option in a nice environment.
Another venue like the Kerrydale elsewhere in the stadium for big games would be a success I believe.I also like that fans of other teams occasionally attend the Kerrydale in a safe environment.
I don’t have strong views on this, I heard both Shona Robison and Jim Murphy on the issue on radio the other day. To my mind neither made a great case for either leaving as is or for changing the rules. Jim Murphy was also referring to so many caveats for certain games and taking police advice on which games drink could be taken at that it doesnt seem worth the bother.
On this occasion I think Paul’s politics are shining through. :)
Midfield Maestro.
Condolences over the loss of your father.
Murdoch bhoy.
Don’t be too concerned about the number
of free kicks we’re giving away.
I acknowledge some are down to rank rotten or biased referees , there is though
such a thing as giving away a clever free kick / foul.
Conceding a foul can often be required and clever, especially if not in a dangerous area. The trick is accepting the decision without dissent,and moving quickly away from the area where you committed the foul.Sometimes a wee acknowledgement of remorse (meant or otherwise) to your opponent also helps avoiding a possible yellow card.
Many successful teams are also the most
cynical.
Momentum in a game of football is huge.
Watch when successful teams break down the flow of the game.
Ronny may be adding another dimension to
our play.
It ain’t all bad.
Powder puff teams win hee haw.
We need to get away from the mentality that says if you have alcohol available at grounds, then that automatically means people are going to be blootered. All Celtic fans have had the opportunity to have a drink at the ground this season – it’s just that it’s not our ground, it’s the away grounds we’ve been drawn to in Europe.
https://twitter.com/Propa_Gander/status/567669779688083456
I’ve been meaning to ask if anybody has eaten from the Chip Shop in the Jock Stein,if so is it any good?
Paul67
Food & Drink for the ‘cheap’ seats?
Having experienced the ‘purvey’ from Jungle to Boardroom over the years – I find it disappointing that for all the redevelopment at Celtic Park that the (far) Travelling Fans’ cannot be accommodated pre-match.
40 years ago I was in Frankfurt for the World Cup Scotland v Brazil tie. We flew in and were bussed to the stadium approx 2 hours before the game. The carpark contained; burger/hotdog stalls, hot beverages and beers and toilet facilities. 20 years later and the pre-match USA facilities were even better.
The CFC Board should really be looking at utilising the CP footprint to enhance the match day experience for those that (due to travel arrangements) arrive early – why let part of your core customer base wander off elsewhere to spend their money?
Go to any major sports venue (rugby, golf, tennis) and the pre-match is part of the event – alcohol doesn’t need to be served ‘inside’ the stadium (probably due to logistics) but should (in moderation) be part of the Club’s ‘provision of services’ for customers.
Multiple Gazebos are the way forward!
LiviBhoy
13:20 on 17 February, 2015
Spot on mate the Murrayfield set up is excellent,I really enjoyed it at the night games in the summer.Not sure how we could implement at Celtic park but a little experiment would be well worth a try maybe behind the Celtic end somewhere?
As far as I am concerned I’d rather have the money from my three/four beers pre match to be going to Celtic than some pub chain.
bournesouprecipe
13:17 on
17 February, 2015
A Roll N Pie – the Celtic Matchday Experience
=========================================
Wouldn’t want to get hit on the head with that,cause more damage than a screw tap.!
For what it’s worth I have a tuppence to put in on selling alcohol during games.
There was a time when I thought this would have been a great idea. That time was before I started bringing my boy to the games myself which reduced greatly my alcohol intake before and after football. How I’d have loved to get further smashed at the ground during the game after a good few hours pre-match and then follow it up afterwards.
At that time my consideration for others, particularly when I was younger was zero. Allied with my alcohol consumption came the increase of my frustration at things happening on field either by the MIB or our players poor performances, slack passing etc (as I saw it through beer glasses). With this alcohol furled frustration came alcohol furled language.
Now perhaps selling alcohol in the ground would be a good idea as I’d likely have stood at the beer counter and left the sober fans alone to watch the game.
Today though I think the idea to further fuel the likes of me would be just plain stupid.
Celtic and all football clubs should be catering more for fans by offering safe drinking in family orientated environments like the Kerrydale suite to home and away fans pre match and home fans only post match.
That said given the cost and the availability need to find suitable space to accomodate this it is way out of reach of most clubs in Scotland bar Celtic.
So for me. Leave the regulations and laws on drinking in stadia as they are and focus on safe standing and improving existing facilities within grounds.
MWD said AYE
The German match day experience is much better – Livi bhoy’s description captures it. They lay on family entertainment ranging from music to kids games. It is a convivial atmosphere. I think i had 2 bottles of beer at the front of the ground and a plastic tumbler of beer in the ground. Made it a relaxing and enjoyable day. Had a few beers in the concourse at Goodison-again there wasn’t a problem. If it increases revenue for Celtic and if fans are sensible then bring it back. I remember the 70s as being a little bit mental and getting showered with glass from bottles thrown by Celtic fans. I think we have progressed from then. Or maybe not?
Angelgabrial
The fouls are mostly committed by us in the opponents half after we have lost possession and are hunting in packs to get the ball back.Good areas to concede as ball usually lumped up the park and won back .However always going to get dodgy decisions JD booking on Saturday for a completely accidental collision a joke
thetimreaper 12:37
“Muppet in the Daily Record this morning says clubs will not be punished for ‘old firm’ sectarian shame. Mentions use of the word ‘Hun’ but no details of singing of the Famine, Pope and Fenian blood from that lot. Absolute disgrace.”
tehtimreaper
On similar vein I wrote this last night after my trip home.
The Onlooker 17:49 on 16 February, 2015
Radio Scotland News at 5 pm gave the ‘one is as bad as the other ‘ spin to the news that SPFL will take no further action after semi final.
Mentioned 12 arrests on the day for sectarianism…,implying no apportionment of blame both clubs had taken measures etc…
However on Radio 5 the same news was given the correct analysis.
“SPFL will take no further action against either club for offences at the League Cup semi final ….
“R@&&3rs for sectarian singing and Celtic for flares and a banner taunting R@&&3rs financial woes”
That’s as best I can remember as I was channel hopping and driving .
Maybe Radio Shortbread should tune into Radio 5 to hear what’s going on in their own catchment area.
The Truth shall set you free.
The Onlooker
Freudian slip
Safe standing – not safe drinking
:-))))
MWD said AYE
Multiple Gazebos
Paul67
For me it would be safe standing areas at grounds first. Then, after we have those railed seats established, extension of beer and cheer can follow.
I thought the temporary pub in the common hospitality area at the Ryder Cup was smartly set-up. Long straight bar with multi-outlets of 3/4 beer choices, mostly shelf tables round columns, TVs with a few seated tables. Loads of space and staff clearing up.
—————————————————————————————————–
Back on the football, I loved watching every one of those eight Bayern goals against Hamburg last night on the itv4 highlights show. 0-8, lurkin’ Hamburg Huns GIRUYs.
!BADA BING!
I was in the bank today-money in,for a change,got a wee something to cover-and was asked-are you interested in online banking?
Apart from the lass trying to put herself out of a job,I just said I didn’t trust it,never have.
Plus-I’d forget my log-in details….
excath
Ha – Funny you should say that. Few pies seemed to fly, since the days when the Piped Band walked round the Hampden track, at half time.
*Note how the crust is previously removed for ease of consumption*
!!bada bing!!
13:11 on 17 February, 2015
Total rip off, I’m not going as im away working but usually give the ticket to the bus or family member, now I’ll need to ask for £35 for a £28 ticket
Hunskelper and Timreaper,
Sorry for sticking my nose in but this is a gripe of mine,
I was up at Dingwall recently and didn’t want to be searched by the steward, anyhoo this wee jobsworth told me I would not be entering the stadium if I refused to be searched by him, told him I wasn’t refusing a search, I was just refusing him, I asked a policeman to do the search as he was standing next to the turnstile, he looked at me then turned his back on me, I asked to speak to his supervisor he just drew me a dirty look, this policeman was middle aged and a sergeant, I am middle aged and was stone cold sober, and at no point was impolite,
anyhoo I left them to it and found another policeman, who didn’t search me and directed me through the turnstile and told me to enjoy the game,
I don’t have a moral to the story, just thought I would share it with yous,
some good, some not good. .