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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Wonder how many reporters and broadcasters will be more interested in the Celtic support than the game on Saturday?
2010 Never Again
I see 5 from 3 has got his idols again.
Get your money on another penalty for the huns if they need it or a red card or 2
Gordon_J
All of them.
Shorthouse used to post on FF as Whiteinch Bear. I was never sure whether this was because he came from that area of Glsagow or his manhood.
Gordon j
Was alluded to last night on the Clyde phone in.
luckily, there will be very few bhoys drunk at the Inverness game.
The traditional way to pass the 3 hour journey is Ludo.
South Of Tunis says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:45
Mmm—-
Living abroad I find myself being somewhat out of touch with the lives of the more lowly members of the Scottish Establishment ——
I saw the name —– Rob Shorthouse ———– My brain triggered a response –
Restaurant —– Argyll —- unseemly incident with Chef —– other diners put off their dinners . Mr Shorthouse and his companion asked to leave the premises. Mr Shorthouse unable to drive away due to him being over the limit.
Is that the same Rob Shorthouse ?.
THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING M8
Campbell Corrigan says, in reference to Eddie Smith.
“It shouldn’t be pinned on one individual who is merely carrying out his orders.”
Hmmmmmmmmmm, Orders from whom ?
jungle1967 says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:51
Shorthouse used to post on FF as Whiteinch Bear. I was never sure whether this was because he came from that area of Glsagow or his manhood.
HONESTLY??
2010 Never Again
I heard a faint bleating noise. They’ll be with us very soon now.
Paul67
Are you aware of any direct action from Celtic which they will be highlighting specific instances of “them” singing their bile? Will the board be defending our wonderful reputation or bending over?
Paul67,
Thanks for that.
Árd Macha
2010 Never Again
From FF
Clydesdale Bank sponsorship of the SPL will end after season 2012/13.
Fantastic work as always Paul
Hail hail
MME
Paul67 –
Superb article.
It’s not the first time Shorthouse has attempted to smear our club – he simply can’t help himself. It was particularly hard for people like him growing up in Jock Stein’s shadow.
An other problem is Shorthouse is just not very good at his job, and it is no great achievement getting such press releases printed by his pals in the media, as they all sing from the same hymn-sheet, so to speak.
But he has a firm grip in certain respects, I believe.
Know your enemy … and mock them.
Im a Tim and so is Neil lennon
Clydesdale Bank Ending Sponsership
Certainly Sheik. He was one of Dingwalls ducklings.
coorslad is Neil Lennon says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:33
My wee tip today is,Celtic Cailin,3.55@Fairyhouse,wee E/W to be safe..
I am back in Derry this weekend and if it wins I’ll get you a drink
The Republic of Ireland last qualified for the European Championships 24 years ago – a record gap between appearances which is matched by France (1960-1984) and Greece (1980-2004).
Guess who were champions in 1984 and 2004.
History is on our side. C’mon Ireland.
Mort
Stringer Bell,
It can go one of two ways: sticking to Celtic songs or a full airing of the songbook as a statement of defiance
Excellent leading article Paul67, very informative i hope our CEO is making the same connections you are
Headtheball @ 12.39
If I may finish your phrase in a classic Rowan and Martin way:
“…but stupid!!”
Word of warning
Son has just been sent a text nae booze on the bus Saturday morning checks at both Cumbernauld and past Perth
hen1rik says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:44
There are actually two issues – and I believe two seperate issues.
The songs debate.
AND
The moves being made against Celtic and Celtic fans.
The strategy of those dark forces moving against the club is to conflate both of these in the full knowledge that
a) we (Celtic fans) will argue amongst ourselves about which songs, freedom of speech etc
b) the moves against Celtic, or at least at Celtic’s expense, will be more easily buried amongst the outrage/anger/confusion caused by their leaking of the stories to the press, our response to that and the indignation of others in Scotland as we appear to justify singing songs that are anathema to the rest of Scotland.
Celtic fans cannot afford to be played in this game of chancers.
Any Celtic fan can be opposed to the singing of specific songs or a genre of songs at CP, BUT still be virulently opposed to the persecution of their club by those who seek to damage us. If we cannot see that, then the other sides have won. The alternative is that we start to argue, and regard others as less Celtic than we are. We see Celtic fans as only those who hold views that we agree with, and anyone who holds the opposing view as something else altogether.
While we are in disarray, forces like Shorthouse slip quietly into the room and cause havoc.
Celtic fans don’t be conned.
Celtic FC don’t be conned.
We are all Celtic.
HH
RWE CSC
Rodow1,hope it wins then..
Newcastle United are preparing a £7m bid for Rangers forward Nikica Jelavic, according to Footy Bunker
Is the advertising of the January sales at ibroke begun?
1. My neighbour knocked on my door at 2:30 this morning, can you believe that? 2:30am? Luckily for him I was still up playing my Bagpipes.
2. The Grim Reaper came for me last night, and I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death.
3. Paddy says, “Mick, I’m thinking of buying a Labrador. “Really,” says Mick “have you seen how many of their owners go blind”
4. I saw a poor old lady fall over today on the ice!! At least I presume she was poor – she only had £1.20 in her purse.
5. My girlfriend thinks that I’m a stalker. Well, she’s not exactly my girlfriend yet.
6. Woke up last night to find the ghost of Gloria Gaynor standing at the foot of my bed. At first I was afraid then I was petrified.
7. The wife has been missing a week now. Police said to prepare for the worst. So I have been to the charity shop to get all her clothes back.
8. A mate of mine admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time.
9. I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin, 3 hours later and they’re still walking about with it. I thought to myself, “These guys have lost the plot!”
10. My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were
£70. “Blow this,” I thought, “I can get one cheaper off the web.”
11. Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not happy.
12. I was at an ATM yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance, so I pushed her over.
13. I start a new job in Seoul next week. I thought it was a good Korea move.
14. I was driving this morning when I saw an RAC van parked on the side of the road. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable. I thought to myself, “That guy’s heading for a breakdown.”
15. I just met a fat, alcoholic, transvestite. He wants to eat, drink, and be Mary.
16. Rob Shorthouse.
Exellent article Paul67
Looks like the Forces of the State,Goverment ,Police,Media are all arranged in conspiring to get celtic done using “illicit” and any measures necessary to do so we must stand firm in this unprecedented attack on our great club
I think if the Bhoys get their act together on saturday they should change the script and instead do a full Rogers and Hammerstein number , complete with costume changes at half-time.
Full-blown, intelligent, savvy contempt.
HH
2010 Never Again
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights#Article_10_-_expression
Article 10 – expression
Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Article 10 provides the right to freedom of expression, subject to certain restrictions that are “in accordance with law” and “necessary in a democratic society”. This right includes the freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information and ideas, but allows restrictions for:
interests of national security
territorial integrity or public safety
prevention of disorder or crime
protection of health or morals
protection of the reputation or the rights of others
preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence
maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary
Relevant cases are:
Lingens v Austria (1986) 8 EHRR 407
The Observer and The Guardian v United Kingdom (1991) 14 EHRR 153, the “Spycatcher” case.
Bowman v United Kingdom (1998) 26 EHRR 1, distributing vast quantities of anti-abortion material in contravention to election spending laws
Communist Party v Turkey (1998) 26 EHRR 1211
Appleby v United Kingdom (2003) 37 EHRR 38, protests in a private shopping mall
Paul67
Do you need a job?
Just seen this vacancy on Strathclyde Police site.
Temporary Internal Communications Officer (Ref No: R19/11/W)
Corporate Communications, Pitt Street, Glasgow
£23,961 – £28,254
You will ensure a co-ordinated approach to internal communications that meet the needs of the Force. Devising new and innovative channels of internal communication, and strategies for communicating information about major changes/decisions made at a corporate level. You will oversee the Force Intranet and email systems and develop its potential uses in communicating to staff.
Imatim –
If you’re still around may I commend you for your regular daily lunchtime blessings. Those hard working underpaid slaves will soon be heroes.
Jobo
Where is Ian Bankier? have yet to hear this man speak other than a few words at the AGM.
Time for him to speak in public, I believe, and defend our good name.
Gordon J @ 12 49 —–
If anything ‘ fit for purpose ” happens at Inverness — it will be recorded / multiply witnessed and hot footed to the SFA.. Interested parties will take the opportunity to remind the SFA that they have to do something because if they don’t they run the risk of being sanctioned by UEFA.
The Inverness game will be be of great interest to many people —- political theatre / political agendas / political opportunities .
Labelling,/ Amplification / Reification / Folk Devils and Moral Panics.
Those who are there will have a choice to make — Back down or up the ante
For those advocating ‘getting out’ of the Scottish League as a way of tackiling this you seem to forget that the Police will still be policing our matches IN SCOTLAND, the press who will be most interested in reporting on us will be the SCOTTISH press. Are they gonna hate us any less if we are playing in a different league earning more money and being more successful?
Doubt it.
Paul67
You are not trying to imply that a Policeman who not only happens to be Director of Comms for Strathclyde Police AND a high profile (and unabashed) supporter of THEMS may have something to do with this are you????
Surely not!
Are the Police not agents of the Crown and Government and as such have a duty to treat all citizens equitably and fairly????
I thinks thats right so you must be mistaken.
IMHO this is a straight on attack on the GB before they come after the main body of the Celtic support. If they really wanted to make a show of pro IRA chanting its away games that would be getting reported long before home games.
The polis have a big beef against the GB, especially the polis there on match day. It was obvious on the FAC march from george square that the closer we got to Celtic Park (and into the jurisdiction of the match day polis) the atmosphere between marcher and polis was getting worse. This then continued in and around the gound itself, smith is after the GB and they need to box very clever over next few weeks.
Don’t kid yourselves it will stop there however, the GB are only first on the list they will start looking at the rest of us after they have finished trying to hound the GB out of existence. Many may not want to use IRA chanting as their line in the sand to start fighting back but we had better start thinking about what we will fight for as its coming and no one should kid themselves.
From the Daily Ranger website:
Strathclyde Police’s top PR man thrown out of hotel after row over ‘fatty steak’
Sep 29 2010 By Paul O’Hare
A TOP police worker was thrown out of a country hotel – after sending back a fatty steak.
Rob Shorthouse – director of corporate communications with Strathclyde police – was left stunned when the “crazed chef” ordered him and wife Lindsay out of the West Loch Hotel in Tarbert, Argyll.
And fellow diners claimed the man, who is also the owner, even threatened to call the cops.
One said: “We were enjoying a quiet meal when the chef stormed out of the kitchen and started going ballistic at a young couple.
“They were taken aback but were perfectly polite in trying to calm him down. But the chef was like a man possessed.
“He shouted at them, ‘Nobody complains about my food. Get out of my hotel’. It was like an episode of Fawlty Towers.
“The owner even threatened the guest with the police, only for the man to inform him that he worked for the police and his only crime was sending back a fatty steak.
“It was unbelievable.”
It is understood Mr Shorthouse and his wife then found themselves stranded.
The former Scottish Football Association communications chief was over the limit, his wife does not drive and nearby hotels were full.
After a frantic series of phone calls, a local pub agreed to put them up and a fellow guest at the West Loch offered them a lift.
Mr Shorthouse would not comment last night on the row, which flared on Saturday night. But it is understood he has reported the hotel to VisitScotland.
Mr Shorthouse posted some details of the row on Facebook.
He kicked off an exchange by branding the West Loch Hotel the “worst hotel in Great Britain”.
He added: “It took the fabled rubbishness of the Scottish hospitality sector to a new level.”
A friend posted: “Great to see the spirit of Basil Fawlty lives on.”
Mr Shorthouse replied: “Basil had nothing on this clown. Thrown out of the hotel, in the pitch black, with no transport and nowhere to go (everything else booked for September weekend) for having the temerity to complain about the food. It was quite a night!”
A VisitScotland spokeswoman said: “We take complaints like this very seriously. We will look into it.”
A woman at the hotel, who said she was the co-owner, said: “We have reported the matter to the police.”
TTTT
RobertTressell says:
16 November, 2011 at 13:16
Sad but true. Im not for Celtic relocating stadium wise either, if the ground was in england or ireland it wouldn’t be the same team for me. We cannot allow them to beat us.