All it took was one man, Eddie Smith, who joined the referees strike a year ago as their body became embroiled in allegations of lying, bullying and sectarianism, to make it his business to report Celtic fans to Uefa and the SPL, and the support are besieged on two fronts.
After decades of the police turning a deaf ear to illegal and offensive chanting elsewhere this might appear opportunistic, but Smith’s motivations are irrelevant. We have endured ‘the songs debate’ here for years, the only thing universally agreed upon is that as long as a single Celtic fan sings political songs at a game, this day would come.
I sincerely doubt that Celtic fans sing anything illegal, which perhaps explains why the police encourage observers to ‘police’ the stands, but no one denies many people, including a number of Celtic fans, find such singing offensive. There is, therefore, scope to mount an attempt to discipline the club, and an easy route to inflict reputational damage on each and every Celtic supporter.
The Debating societies will be exercised on the freedom of some to sing racially-hostile God Save the Queen, or the militaristic, Flower of Scotland, and wait for the reaction to what is euphemistically known as ‘the marching season’. In this vein I would encourage the Celtic delegation who meet Uefa next month read aloud a transcript of La Marseillaise, which becomes a logical target if Uefa prosecute our club.
I predict Uefa and the SPL will reprimand Celtic with a cease and desist-type warning which will include specific instructions to remove and ban ‘offenders’. Efforts will be made to prosecute ‘offenders’, which I expect will fail, but not before a few individuals are brought before the court.
Neil Lennon, Jock Stein and since Fergus McCann, the club, have asked fans not to sing political songs. Many agreed but some will not waver, so it would be an act of vanity for lesser mortals to suggest restraint. The slow train-wreck will happen.
Don’t take the notion that attempts to prosecute are likely to fail as legal advice. In my experience, lawyers become a lot less certain once proceedings are underway.
On a separate note, I was pleased to read Iain Blair of the SPL differentiate pro-IRA chanting from sectarian chanting. Lazy jounos everywhere take note.
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thomthethim says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:00
‘This seemed to go against the all-inclusive element of the Club’s Mission Charter.’
Our supporters’ club is the same.
It restricts membership to those who are Celtic supporters.
Do you think Celtic will regard this as a breach of the all inclusive principle?
You’ve got me worried and I could do with some reassurance.
Thomthethim
I don’t think that’s quite accurate.
The GB stipulation is that you must be anti racist, anti sectarian and have left of centre political views.
I don’t It’s mandatory to be affiliated to any particular party/organisation.
new article posted.
Hamiltontim @ 11:01
You think you put up a good fight on behalf of the Celtic but from your recent posts you appear to me to be a sad lonely delusional individual who has nothing else in his life
1 example for you,and remember it was a reduced capacity, was Tynecastle. Supporters buses were moved from their normal parking on Russell Road to Corstorphine Road, all the way up the same Russell Road numerous supporters were holding tickets aloft for the Celtic end Anne there was only 5 minutes to kick off
Imatim and so is Neil Lennon says:
16 November, 2011 at 12:09
‘What happened to the big expose that was about to drop re the MIB? Anyone’
Guidi said on Clyde last night that he’s working on a story about how referees and a grade 1 ref in particular had been out to stab Steven Craven in the back. He hinted at some fairly shabby behaviour.
2010 Never Again
The midday blessing come to you all today from Rome…..where the officials of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs……are having an all expenses paid sabbatical and a well earned rest…..after their rigorous endeavours to ensure the liquidation of Rangers FC is imminent
HT
The bloke who told me this has dealings with our moustachiod one, didn’t mean much at the time, I replied that I thought it was ill advised, he retorted No they blew it, very humbling places are golf courses especially in Ireland.
Anyways, as some are hinting the OF board are alive and well.
THE EXILED TIM says:
16 November, 2011 at 11:53
i always read your posts with great interest.. same wavelength..
can you expand on the GB statement you made?
Heading Celtic heading for slow train wreck page 21 11:34
Sorry lads in college no access to email so last post was for someone to check at work
well said the Green Brigade
Isn’t it funny how the GB come across as considerably more thoughtful and nuanced than the hysterical muppets in the media
Cant wait to get back to business tomorrow.
The manufactured headlines we’ve endured, over recent days, have certainly upped the stakes on
the depths our enemies will stoop. I’m sure there’s more to come.
Picture a cornered rat; you know what I mean.
Anyways, 1-3 Celtic.
Ps Think someone already pointed out, but allow me to reiterate; get your money on A Rankers Penalty
tomorrow. Euan Norris has handed them FIVE in the last 3 games he’s reffed them.
Easy money :-)