We’ve been trailing the Ukraine-Russia Joint League plans, which was due to commence early next year, since they were first mooted in 2012. Political will, met commercial money, and a football desire to put the merger of two large national leagues into the schedule.
Needless to say, these plans are off the agenda, although it’s easy to look back now and see why the political will was so forthcoming. Note to Westminster, if you want to indulge in a bit of togetherness, put your shoulder behind building a relevant nationwide sporting infrastructure.
Instead of a Joint League, what the football authorities in Russia, Ukraine and Zurich are left with is a bit of a mess. Crimean clubs, Sevastopli and Tavriya are midway through a season in the Ukrainian Premier League. Russian minister for Sport, Vitaly Mutko, said, “From the beginning of next season Sevastopol and Tavria wiil join the Russian Premier League”, which will expand to accommodate them.
He told Russian media he had received assurances from Fifa that they would accommodate the change, adding, “We want a friendly relationship with Ukraine and do not want to disrupt their current championship. When the season finishes in May we will be back in discussions to formulate the way forward.”
The Russian media report that Ukrainian FA are less interested in maintaining friendly relations with their eastern neighbours and have written to Fifa and Uefa asking them to ban Russian football if they take clubs from the Ukrainian FA without permission. This claim has not been mentioned in the Ukrainian press, or on the Ukraine FA website – despite this being cited as the source in Russia, so it cannot be verified.
Clubs moving between national associations is a common occurrence, happening every year somewhere in the world, but I’m unaware of it happening without the approval of both FAs. Notwithstanding that, there is zero chance Uefa or Fifa will block this transfer. Two member clubs are in a problematic situation, they have a league which wants to take them. Uefa will approve.
Conspiracy theorists everywhere were confounded this morning when one of Europe’s most connected clubs, Bayern Munich, were issued with a partial stadium closure for their home Champions League quarter final against Manchester United, after fans displayed an offensive banner against Arsenal in the last round. Homophobia was their offence of choice.
Seville – The Celtic Movement:
“After the game I asked a policeman the way to the station and he just pointed ahead…walked on to find myself in Porto Bus area…walked back – asked another Policeman and he pointed other way”.
Order here:
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Weeminger
Sorry about the wee munger: predictive texg
Billy Bhoy 05
14:34 on 24 March, 2014
Scotland is a nation. It is not a state.
How, when and why Scotland became a nation are interesting questions.
Billy Bhoy 05
Now that the question has been framed without any “when did you stop beating your wife?” overtones, I am happy to repeat my position.
I will vote no because producing another nation state will, I believe, make no material benefit to my life or the lives of those who live here. It will be a deckchair re-arrangement which will have little effect on global market forces where I live. It will just produce uncertainty and cost with neither an oil-rich paradise nor an impoverished small country at the end of it.
I am happy to see countries make alliances, Unionism if you like, at the level of Common Markets, without us breaking down into smaller and smaller units with Cornwall seeking to depart England and Shetland & Orkney seeking to depart Scotland so they could get the LIberal Democrat Government that the rest of the country denies to them.
The current referendum offers me a Scotland in Europe rather than the 4 statelets being in Europe. It offers me a Scottish monarchy with an English Queen or Quine instead of a UK monarchy. It offers some the pig in a poke hope that we will be a left leaning republic after we achieve our SNP run first monarchical government.
It does not offer me any attractions other than a change for change’s sake, the kind of thinking I hate in regards to football subs.
But, regardless of the outcome, I am staying here in a place where I grew up. A Glaswegian more than a Scot, I am willing to share my nationality with anyone who’ll have me. I worry about being asked to justify my identity to blood and soil nationalist thinking anywhere.
In essence, if it was, like Ireland, about freeing ourselves from English tyranny, then I’d be for it. But we have not been oppressed since Flodden and the Darien Scheme so I have nothing to shake off.
None of these views are new or earth shattering. I have stated them, in parts, at various times here. Today I have told you nothing new.
kilbowie kelt will vote yes
13:51 on 24 March, 2014
The 4/1 with Ladbrokes against a YES vote in September is the biggest price on the high street.
Best value bet of this, or any other, year.
Fill yer boots.
————–
I was told very early in my punting life to always remember this.
Ladbrokes are the biggest bookies of them all. Therefore they can afford the best brains.
You will not go far wrong by identifying bets where Ladbrokes are markedly shorter than their rivals and betting the selection elsewhere
Conversely any selection where Ladbrokes are significantly the best price should be avoided like the plague.
Hope this works
http://open.spotify.com/track/0dVptKOxYp412lrKTLXoze
HH
Turkeybhoy
14:29 on 24 March, 2014
Scotland tried to form its own empire but failed. That’s why the Union came about.
And you are insulting the Scots by downplaying the role they played in building the British Empire.
I’m not sure if it’s ignorance or wishful thinking on your part. Maybe a bit of both.
Billy Bhoy 05
14:28 on 24 March, 2014
Just remind us, word for word, what you posted.
Billy Bhoy 05
14:30 on
24 March, 2014
I don’t know of any other targer available, but given the abuse that Aiden McGeady received while playing for us, for choosing to play for Ireland, people are always going to get a bit defensive.
I think the language you used and the way you had constructed your post, suggested you were sickened by him choosing Ireland, rather than him not choosing Scotland.
starry plough,
you omitted our best centre forward in my lifetime, imo, who came into the no very big category: Joe McBride.
Frank Ryan
Right to Scottish citizenship will be determined by the Scottish Government democratically elected by the people of Scotland. As an example, it has been SNP policy for many years that everyone resident in Scotland on day 1 of independence would be entitled to citizenship, irrespective of where they were born. So too would people of Scottish birth living elsewhere in the world. No one would be forced to accept Scottish citizenship.
Parkheadcumsalford
It wis just a wee list of wee guys!!
DunceshatCSC
Billy bhoy – trying to bullly people into independence wont work. Neither will portraying polls as saying something when they are not.
Sftb.
Never been oppressed since flodden.
think the highlanders would have something tae say about that!.
Big sean.
Billy bhoy does it matter how long you have lived in scotland or can anyone who happens to be in scotland on day 1 of independence qualify???
tallybhoy
13:33 on 24 March, 2014
Billy Davies sacked by Nottm Forest.
For the second time.
No?
As we speak he’s heading up to Pollok for a wee ‘sesh’ with his best bud Tommy Sheridan. Several local ‘lovelies’ on standby – allegedly, of course.
_________________________________________
I have no problem at all with this post, but others in here may find it offensive, as I was Told this morning, then again maybe it was just because I posted it as no one seems to be complaining about it, just saying like where’s holy joes now? As I said I have no problem with the post, just making a point.
Starry,
I hope you are correct. On Watt I have nothing to go on except the stories in the media(including web-based). He would not be the first to self-destruct at an early age, but I hope this does not happen. I thought the decision to bring on Sammi rather than the Fridge was surprising. We just do not know what goes on behind the scenes–is there still a chance that Sammi will sign and does the club want him to sign? Else, why not release the Fridge? If anyone is going to step up to the plate, it will have to happen during the run-in to season end. There is not a lot of time left for that to happen.
On Barca’s defence, agreed it is weak and, even, weaker with Puyol gone. However, how many teams can go to Madrid, give them three goals and still beat them!
We have a long way to go to touch either of these teams, but look at the cash they have spent/will spend. Xavi said it well the other week. He found it harder to play against Celtic than Man City—because Celtic fight for it. This quality, a proper game plan, and a couple of higher quality players can take us further than we have managed yet. I believe, hope, pray….!
Rebus
Billy Bhoy 05.@ numerous,
Hope you are well and 10/10 for your perseverance.
As you have asked for many times; Here are a few of the positive reasons for remaining in the UK and not taking a leap into the unknown in my opinion:-
Repeal of the odious OB act.
The chance of Celtic playing in the EPL.
The knowledge of knowing what currency I will use.
Foreign currency exchange rates being equivalent to the rest of the UK.
Access to the UK’s extensive network of Embassies when abroad.
Scotland will continue to benefit from the sophisticated anti terrorism organisations.
Fiscal control will continue to be set from London. So why change.
No change in the Monarchy. So what’s new.
Knowledge that we will still be in the EU.
No infighting with the pawned Shetland over Oil / Gas.
Pensions, Tax and NI. We have an aging population compared to the rest of the UK.
Devolution is working. Scottish University fees for English students would be illegal.
Retention of our major companies and people in Scotland.
Escape from the ludicrous position where we will still expect the English Taxpayer to be our lender of last resort.
Knowledge for our Ex-Pats over EU Health care.
If we renege on our share of the UK debt, then crippling interest rates to follow.
Different immigration policies will inevitably lead to significant boarder controls.
To avoid any potential conflict. I have fears for my religion
To avoid more of Alex Salmond’s political moves e.g. Police Scotland.
Oil / Gas revenues are volatile and are declining.
Would Scotland have AAA credit rating.? No, so more taxation.
Scotland has a larger Public Service sector. More taxation.
Establish armed forces from scratch. More taxation.
I am a socialist at heart and would not want to abandon my colleagues down south.
I will however accept the will of the people, will the “cybernats” ? or will we be subjected to more neverendums and more non government.
HH and best Rgds.
Got to go now. Not to the jigging but to see an eye specialist. I suppose there is a pun in there somewhere. Life gets in the way of football again!
Rebus
sean thornton
“Never been oppressed since flodden.
think the highlanders would have something tae say about that!.”
I was quite specific in stating my views applied to nation state Scotland. The events of 1715 and 1745 and their immediate aftermath involved Scots, in large numbers, on both sides and was one Royalist camp against another, and one religion against another group of religions. It was Jacobite vs Hanoverian but it was not Scotland vs England.
Are you suggesting the Highlands should declare independence from any new Scottish state next year because of Edinburgh based 18th century oppression?
Weeminger
You will have show me that in context. Also I stand by what I said. Aiden was born brought up in Glasgow and he is Scottish, therefore IMHO he should play for Scotland. It would be different if he wasn’t getting that opportunity but I don’t think that was the case.
No one will convince me otherwise and I don’t see why I should be castigated for my Scottishness. Particularly when most of are Scottish
Greenpinata
14:57 on 24 March, 2014
‘will we be subjected to more neverendums and more non government.’
###
Salmond’s on record as saying that you can only hold a referendum once in a generation.
I’m looking forward to watching him perform a reverse ferret manoeuvre on that one come the 19th September.
!!Bada Bing!!
I spent 27 years in the airline industry so I am finding this scenario very interesting, can you tell me where the “data” comes from and what exactly is it. TIA…HH
ernie lynch 14:34 on 24 March, 2014
John O’Neil 14:20 on 24 March, 2014
Sorry, you’ll have to be clearer.
You seem to suggest that you haven’t actually read any of Marx’s works
——
Groucho and Me is a great read.
Ernie,
No I haven’t read his works. I told you that before. I also haven’t read fascist books. Have you read Camus, Pope John Paul II, Dostoevsky? They were wiser than your friend was. Marxism has about as much relevance to working class people as a razor had to Marx. You aren’t middle class are your Ernie?
Your Marxist friends tormented Catholic priests especially, yet you want us to worry about Sam and Wilson from Larkhall. The Marxists even destroyed Caritas in Poland. What reprehensible beings. We can discuss Marxist hatred towards Jews another day.
Take care Ernie.
ger57
I reckon any of our back five could play for either of Barca or Real.
HH
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brechin-city-boss-ray-mckinnon-3276782
polmikcfc
14:33 on 24 March, 2014
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Last game is Sunday 11th May,
May 10 Scottish Premiership fixture round 38 (bottom six)
May 10 Scottish Premiership play-off quarter-final, 2nd leg
May 10 Scottish Championship play-off semi-finals, 2nd leg
May 10 Scottish League 1 play-off semi-finals, 2nd leg
May 11 Scottish Premiership fixture round 38 (top six)
You had me worried there, my bhoy’s 1st Communion on the 10th !!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aw,ffs. I foresee trouble ahead!
Nae fitba’ and loadsa convivial company.
I’m a dead man…..
John O’Neil
15:06 on 24 March, 2014
I find deliberate ignorance reprehensible.
Have a word with yourself then Ernie. I asked you about a book by Hobsbawn. Have you read Camus etc?
TD all 6’s and 7’s
no matter our differences I am however pleased to see you are one of the few who spell Pollok correctly.
There is hope for you yet?
MWD
ernie lynch
14:36 on 24 March, 2014
Billy Bhoy 05
14:34 on 24 March, 2014
Scotland is a nation. It is not a state.
How, when and why Scotland became a nation are interesting questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More interesting might be why we ceased to be a nation,and why.
The population as a whole were fiercely against it at the time,but had no say.
Now,we do.
As you know,I am not in favour of independence,but let the people speak.
A chance denied 300 years ago,I hope the decision is viewed by history as a good one.
billy bhoy 05
15:02 on 24 March, 2014
Aiden saw himself as Irish that’s what matters.
No offence but what right have you or anyone else got to dictate to any individual what ethnic group they feel they belong to?
Ernie, who has tormented Catholics more?
Sam and Billy types or Marxists? if it is the latter, why haven’t you condemned their actions?
John O’Neil @ 15.06
If we compare the behaviour of Marxists to the Catholic Church and the behaviour of the Catholic Church to Marxists, the church will easily come off worse. Likewise in regard to their behaviour to Jews.
I sent the club a wire stating,
PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION.
I DON’T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB
THAT WILL ACCEPT ME AS A MEMBER.
Groucho Marx
Did sevco ever pay Falkirk for the damage they did to their new pitch ?
HH
Evidence please 79 caps.
Will read any response tonight.
Greenpinata
Thanks for your comments which I will I will consider.
Independence is more than economics or oil and gas. The FT did the costings and stated we are more than capable of going on our own successfully. One point you did raise on Armed Forces as a debit will in fact be a massive plus when the Trident is removed.
Once again thank you and no doubt we will argue again