The Daily Record won credit for scooping the off-field story of the week, multiple investigations into singing by Celtic fans, but others are beginning to ask who gave the newspaper details of a police investigation.
The stories broke in an unusual manner, with SFA referee and policeman, Eddie Smith, named as the person who reported Celtic fans to Uefa and the SPL. The officer made what looks like an inexplicable decision after some confrontations inside Celtic Park, without mentioning a word of his concerns to the Celtic security people during the game – the normal procedure for such incidents.
Smith, who has Celtic supporting credentials, was named, providing the perfect foil to deflect accusations that this was some sort of Masonic conspiracy, which it was not. The entire episode is a classic internecine dispute among Celtic supporters, but with the comments made to Uefa, the story was parcelled up for the Record by a Strathclyde Police spokesman.
The Daily Record reported, “A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: “For Eddie [Smith] to speak to the delegate after the match is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it is standard practice””. This is completely irrelevant.
Celtic’s retort in the same article got to the heart of the issue – why the police are speaking to Uefa and the media but not speaking to the club: “This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn’t inform us directly about their concerns.”
Control over media communications from Strathclyde Police falls to Director of Communications, Rob Shorthouse, (pictured on the left). Shorthouse, whose own favourite team have taken a reputational battering from Uefa in recent seasons, despite silence from the police, should be concerned that the force have given newspapers material for three days of screaming headlines instead of addressing the key concern about departure from established procedure. This has only inflamed a volatile situation between Celtic fans and officers on the ground. Shorthouse, who held a similar position at the SFA until two years ago, will be familiar with the sensitivities of football issues.
Perhaps a Freedom of Information request will reveal who leaked a story that laid out details which reflected so badly on Celtic. All we want is equal treatment, as a former chairman once commented.
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WWC,
Ye didney miss them and hit the wall.
Hail Hail.
THE EXILED TIM
Saint Stivs
TBB
Hail Hail Bhoys
God Bless
Saint Stivs
Looking at that, there were not very many who knew the words, it looked like blurb coming oot.
And on another note, I wagered a fortune on Spain winning that game at 8/11, I sweated for a time, I shouldn’t have worried, the ref was fair, the cream always rises to the top.
S69
nothing to apolgise about…
KTF
Read some of that Chris Graham’s blog (going for a shower now)
So he’s a business man, married and has a child…yet still finds time to publish that drivel IMO he’s not up to Paul67 more a Chris1690.
One thought though, Hunza Yousaf apologised to him for accusing rankers fans of singing Sectarian songs when they played Hibernian. He goes on to say what are the Celtic fans so worried about if they don’t sing “those songs” (adlib). Though there is this
“Been having a good dialogue over the last couple of months with @ChrisGraham76 and various RFC fans over proposed Sectarianism Bill’
Has he had any dialogue with Celtic fans and heard their side?
theGlaswegian the Glaswegian
by HumzaYousaf
Don’t miss our superb new political blog with Gordon Matheson, Jim Murphy & Humza Yousaf: bit.ly/sPfqEG #politics
12 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
@
@markkelly1975 The problem being you think this legislation is aimed at CFC – it is not – if no public disorder then they have nothing2fear
14 hours ago
EUSNA EUSNA
by HumzaYousaf
Got to admire @HumzaYousaf ‘s perseverance with Old Firm fans on Twitter.
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Right enjoyed the debate folks as always views and questions u raise appreciated – always open 2listening to them. Time for zzzz #night
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@StewartHosieMP indeed – I’ll forgive them this time so long as they let me on their show in the future…!
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@CircusBells @celticrumours ur clearly confusing two issues, the clue about the OBFTC bill is in the name.
23 hours ago
ScotlandTonight ScotlandTonight
by HumzaYousaf@
@HumzaYousaf get it trending Tweeps #justiceforHumza
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@stvdavidm have 2say prefer a range of guests (but no more than 3) myself…
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@bigsamthetim genuine question – is there really pro-IRA chanting at ROI international matches?
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@celticrumours I’m not quite sure y suddenly u think I’m a defender of orange marches?! Or what that has 2do with OBFTC bill
23 hours ago
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@cardiffbhoy I’m first 2protest in demos against Iraq where innocents have been killed by allied forces inc our own so dnt get ur point
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@bigsamthetim well said
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@billyfish_66 @andyneil_ I don’t disagree and at amendment stage we have the opportunity
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@damianbyrne67 if songs are on a proscribed list fans would simply change words/tunes. The vast majority of fans abso nothing 2worry abt!
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@andyneil_ @Weegiewarbler I agree the home and educating parents as well as children vital that work must continue
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@APSaoirse1888 no right is completely unfettered – Fascism is a ‘political view’ but don’t believe legitimate to express
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@ScotlandTonight but ill let u off cos I enjoyed the programme #justiceforHumza will have to trend another day :D
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@ScotlandTonight I think it did because my point is I believe in freedom of speech but stop at point it threatens 2incite public disorder
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@CircusBells I’m on record saying it is ridiculous that we have more parades in Glasgow than in Belfast – unbelievable really
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@bigsamthetim do u believe that freedom of speech is a completely unfettered right?
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@andyneil_ bill requires amendments I agree but it does have elements of anti-discrimination throughout it
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@p_mcpartlin haha somehow don’t think we’re gonna see that trending unf
15 Nov
p_mcpartlin Patrick McPartlin.
by HumzaYousaf@
@HumzaYousaf I noticed that. #justiceforHumza
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Oi #scotnight read my tweet out wrong completely changed the meaning!
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Michael K completely missing the point. Freedom of speech allows us 2b offensive but not 2the point of inciting public disorder #scotnight
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@misterhsk vah jee vah !
15 Nov
misterhsk hardeep singh kohli
by HumzaYousaf
Life is a mystery wrapped in an enigma shrouded in a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes…
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@PaulFlannery I am all for ppl celebrating their culture but do not believe in glorifying orgs that admit to killing innocent civilians
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@PackieBonnerCSC didn’t hear him sorry but read his comments on it not being a glasgow problem only
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@ScotlandTonight will def be watching am fascinated by this argument
15 Nov
ScotlandTonight ScotlandTonight
by HumzaYousaf
We’ll also speak to Dr Jeanette Findlay and former Celtic director Michael Kelly about IRA singing. Cultural expression or offensive?
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
@
@PackieBonnerCSC I am sure we can skype u in any roundtable we have!
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Also if anyone has suggestions of Celtic supporters associations/trusts I should be getting in touch with about OBFTC Bill plz let me know!
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@Hullbhoy @bigsamthetim what in the bill specifically do u object to, please do email me on humza.yousaf.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@AMCKEL Next stage (stage 2) is taking amendments to the bill and discussing those as a committee – will put out deadline
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@bigsamthetim I put it in inverted commas as that is how it is referred but happy to take your point on board
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@ChrisGraham76 Happy to keep the engagment going i believe deadline for amendments is this week will clarify
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
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@Hullbhoy you’ll note i put it in inverted commas as that how it is being referred to
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Thanks to @ChrisGraham76 for his assistance now getting a roundtable sorted hopefully between fans from both sides of the Old Firm
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Here is link to the Q&A with RFC fans bit.ly/uilFda and link to an email clarifying remarks i made on radio bit.ly/w0Ehva
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
appreciate the chance to have done Q&A with the fan’s forum and also to clarify any miscommunication from my side….
15 Nov
HumzaYousaf Humza Yousaf
Been having a good dialogue over the last couple of months with @ChrisGraham76 and various RFC fans over proposed ‘Sectarianism Bill’…
15 Nov
Thanks all for the kind responses.
In fairness my letter is the kind of nit-picking nonsense I abhor but thats all we got from the Beeb and its a case of playing them at their own game.
Please feel free to use it and improve upon it folks.
Off to snooze….
Thanks again.
West Wales Celt says:
16 November, 2011 at 23:23
Wow!
Really glad to see the points they tried to swerve under the operational excuse banner being brought out.
One of the key issues for me was why the change in policy fron the LC Final and what was behind the whole episode.
http://celticunderground.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=736:the-games-people-play-joining-the-dots&catid=47:season-2011-2012&Itemid=83
(PS can you add your above post in the comment section)
So now Neil Lennon himself has pleaded with the Green Brigade to ditch the pro-IRA chants and songs.
Surely if they take heed of anyone, they’ll listen to Lenny.
I wonder who’ll be first to claim Neil was forced by Peter to speak up.
My money’s on . . . ach sod it.
blantyretim
Hail Hail mate.
Bedtime for me.
God Bless
Bed time bhoys
Not a bother in Inverness, not a bother.
Take care out there bhoys.
HH
KTF
And an education as always.
I wonder if Rangers blogger, Chris Graham, is a weekday cross-dresser and attends the Scottish Parliament as a lady SNP MP?
It would explain a lot
Dont get distracted Celtic. This has sewer rat mk2 written all over it!! ICT on Saturday go gettim Lenny. 3 points nothing less!!!
Tom McLaughlin
Geez peace.
MWD
Last time I went up to Inverness for a noon kick off i ended up having an hour’s break in Aviemore before heading down the road again.
Anyone know how waterlogged their pitch is and when is high tide?
Lenny never pleaded to the support, and he never will.
Did he get down on his knees and plead ? I don’t think so, so I would be the first, lost your money Tom…..:>)
SFTB
If he/she had a bad hairdo….It would explain a lot
Of to my scratcher!
HH
West Wales Celt –
Great work – keep it up mate!
Before I go
TET
I know you live in Spain somewhere,but do you frequent Malaga at all?
night bhoys…
hail hail and KTF
THE EXILED TIM says:
16 November, 2011 at 23:54
Saint Stivs
evening, back from the pool i take it.
i was at that match, in the past i went to most Scotland home matches from 78 to around 02.
for this occasion a big family contingent went with our Tenerifian inlaws (supporting Spain obviously) desperate to see their heroes. before the match i took them up to the Radisson on argyle st to see the team going on the bus. they looked like hollywood superstars.
at the match, i was in an expensive seat , family all in the huns end. close to the spain area.
i wanted a scotland win.
very early in the match i heard the first shout of “get intate them fenian …………. ”
you know the rest.
very happy spain won.
Sftb
Nope apparently we’re all systems go for Saturday, cannae wait!
Sorry of to bed.
Night all.
Mick
Not if I can help it.
I would be a ways away from the costas, only go there when am at the airport, too many brits and huns there for me,
I live in the Siera Castrils.
Moonbeams
The only way forward is to enter into talks with them in order to avoid more young member spending time in cells. Fans have got to be clear on what is going to land them in trouble.
I know Mc lean or Nevin never apoligised. Did Mc Caskill for his we all had great family day GAFF???
Mick
Try OFF!!!
Saint Stivs
Aye, that would be the way of things, very sad.
Looks like Ki is in the squad for Saturday after recovering from illness.
Scott Brown nearing a return too it seems.
Nice timing.
Saint Stivs
Maybe we could make a wee song up about Trapatoni for the finals??
Kevtic
Fair enough.
But it has to go both ways. If they don’t want to speak about all the issues and are adamant that they will drive the debate then I can fully understand the GB’s reluctance.
The police appear to be taking a General Mugabe role on this one.
All I can say is thank… Our cops haven’t been trusted with guns.
MWD
Kevtic
I don’t know about that. The GB clearly does abide by the laws of the land and stadium/entry rules. The real problem is trumped up charges and agenda-inspired nonsense and whataboutery. You can’t sit down over that. You’d get arrested for lateral seating.
I don’t like it when GB sing ‘can you hear the JS sing’. I’m picky. And I sit in JSU. That lighthearted comment aside, they do little wrong for me and I back them all the way. In this game of grey areas and ‘I know, buts’, we’re either for or agin them.
Tom mc L
I wouldnt play Ki. We’ll need battlers and he aint one!!
Oh, Mick btw, if you get past the dogs, I have a rabid young fella, and an even more rabid wife to get past before you will ever get near to the fat man, notwithstanding all my rabid amigos.
Jeezo, my address is…..a cave somewhere in Spain,in the Siera Castrils, is that a clue.
Ireland 24 matches under the Trappatoni.
Lost only 2.
outside bet for the Euros (the football competiton not the currency)
Was on FF earlier. Had to have a shower absolute filth in every blog.
Before I go for the night.
Kitalba
My daughter made the sacrament of Confirmation last night. I took her and my eldest up to the church early before the crowds got there. We found a quiet spot in front of Our Lady’s statue and prayed a decade of the Rosary together. That prayer was for you, your mother and all who were touched by her.
You were correct in your post to me only a few short weeks ago. Love is the really the most precious gift of all. We should never be ashamed or embarrassed by it. It is not a mystical phenomena that is outwith our reach. It is there and all we need to do is admit it andnc it is there for us.
So mate, tomorrow take that love within you and the great memories of your maw will come flooding back.
God bless and Hail Hail
Hmrc ? alleged sectarian singing…?
In all honesty I see these as sideshows to the calamity on the pitch…
Somehow they have become the main show for many…this season will be characterised by sideshows as far as I’m concerned.. Regardless of the outcome of both.
To me Celtic are a FOOTBALL team, I’m mostly interested in the football…
Who’s the MIB at Nessy??