Caring about the Celtic reputation

I was at a lecture in Glasgow a few years back on certain mental health conditions when the presenter claimed 1% of the population met the criteria for psychopathy.  In a theatre with 700 people, he noted, that meant 7 of us.

My mind immediately did the sum; 1% of 60,000 people: 600!  You would think 600 psychopaths littered through a football stadium would create mania, but it doesn’t work like that.  Even psychopaths learn to moderate their behaviour to conform in most circumstances.  The power of those around them is important.

I was not at Tannadice on Monday and did not hear any of the offensive material I am assured was sung by some in the Celtic support.  This was an issue (although not always viewed as a problem) for decades, before the move the new Celtic Park stopped it.  That hiatus ended in 2011 when we listened to Oldco fans signing their songbook at Hampden, convinced the book would be thrown at them, before hearing then-Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, praise fans for their behaviour.  The floodgates have never been completely closed since.

What matters most is not that you have some who stand among you who are prepared to tarnish your reputation, but how everyone else responds.  If even psychopaths moderate their behaviour, the almost universal condemnation of the behaviour Celtic fans have shown since Monday will help us police ourselves.  All of us who care about Celtic, have a responsibility to raise our voice.