The world likes nothing more than an idiot to make us all feel better about ourselves. The World Cup has duly delivered. An otherwise intelligent, multi-lingual, footballer, has debased the game, and himself, despite twice before facing the world’s censure.
I feel for Italy, who should have seen an opponent sent off before they conceded the goal which put them out of the tournament, for Giorgio Chiellini, the victim of the assault, and manager Cesare Prendelli, who resigned after leading a large nation to failure in a group which Uruguay and Costa Rica progressed from. Few in our game are selfless enough to resign from any job, so he deserves credit, but the prevailing narrative on the offender sits uncomfortably.
Instead of asking “Why?” the most obvious question is “Why did anyone think he wouldn’t?”
A man loses control of his emotions, gets angry and reacts in an inexplicable way he has repeatedly done so before, despite calmly delivered assurances he would never do so again. It’s not exactly a unique human tale.
What if he was a wife beater, would anyone be surprised? Some men repeatedly lose control, get angry and indulge in an inexplicable act of violence against the person they are most dependent on (women have been known to regularly ‘lose it’ too, of course).
I don’t know what the treatment programme for wife beaters is, but I’m pretty sure it’s completely separate from any punishment. Does fear of punishment, condemnation, or of hurting yourself or your loved ones, matter the instant before an attack? I suspect not.
Suarez is not repeatedly beating a helpless victim, so I’m not equating him with those who do, but his case is more difficult to resolve. You can tell a wife beater not to get drunk (etc.), but Suarez’ trigger is the tension which arises on the football field. He will feel this tension again and we should expect him to react in the same uncontrollable way. In fact, opponents are now more likely to provoke him, so, if anything, the rate of incidence is likely to increase.
Like the bully who is not fit to be alone with his loved ones, Suarez is literally not fit to be on a football field. To protect him, and others, from himself, he should be removed from the game until that rage is under control. This may also rob him of his mojo, which is a very great pity.
The other narrative of the week is that the game should not only value people who lose control of their emotions but should put them in charge, as it takes anger to get results. Watch the adherents to this doctrine line up to condemn the logical conclusion of their strategy.
Dreadful news that David Taylor, one of our own, former SFA chief executive and latterly one of the top men at Uefa, died. Our condolences to his family.
I was delighted when Greece were awarded an injury time penalty when needing a goal against Ivory Coast but the trauma when Georgios picked up the ball! Things are still raw…. Fortunately Georgios is not prone to letting his emotions get out of check. The coolest man on the planet acted like he was training at Lennoxtown. So pleased for him.
Cast your memory back to the “Greek tragedy” goading the player received from ITV commentators during World Cup 2010, based on his limited exposure at Manchester City. They’ve all learned now.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Celtic Graves raffle, which was drawn by Celtic FC Foundation chief exec, Tony Hamilton. First name out of the Celtic carrier bag and winner of Scott Brown’s boot was Edward John Gavin Whyte. Second name out and winner of Virgil Van Dijk’s boot was Erin McCafferty.
Just over £1,000 was raised and half of this will go to the hospice who looked after Wee Oscar.
Visit the CQN Bookstore to get Tommy Gemmell to sign your personal copy of his book, All the Best.
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The Token Tim
He could do with a shave anaw. Too scruffy!
LB
DD,
IN the hospital or ON the hospital?
Your digs used to do a rare high tea. Not been there for a while though.
T3
W3 corrected me. Undead! :))
D.D. – she looked after the chapel, not the school. She wanted me to become a priest. I suspect I disappointed her somewhat.
Middleton – or Miggy as it is known down here – the other side of Leeds to me. It isn’t a leafy suburb – not that I’d know one myself.
ernie lynch
My point ernie is that interest rates worldwide are set by banks and other non government corporations. Independence will make no difference to that.
It could make a difference with respect to other issues like the NHS and education which your chums in the Tory and Labour parties are determined to privatise. A yes vote could save Scotland from the worst excesses of the Old Etonian/Oxbridge axis of evil. And we could export the nuclear weapons to, say, Kent or Devon.
You criticise the Yes campaign for not being frank about various issues. The Unionists who are “in power” at present haven’t told us what they will do re the Barnett formula following a No vote. They will force privatisation on Scotland, against the clear wishes of the Scottish people.
Incidentally, Ernie, have you welcomed your recent OO allies on board to the No campaign? How many RC cabinet ministers do they intend to appoint?
GM
In the hospital. Have eaten in the hotel before. Excellent high tea, I remember.
livibhoy
11:51 on 26 June, 2014
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Yeah they have good squad of players, good few irish boys aswel. Really like long and meyler.
Wouldnt be surprised if budget was a factor in his decision to leave, doubt we will find out for quite a while
proudbhoy
I like Steve Bruce. Seems a genuine enough guy. Knows what he is doing there. Picked up a few good players for decent fees.
Hope they do well next season.
Snodgrass was never a goer for Celtic. Not at the fees and wages they can afford down there.
LB
livibhoy,
hahaha. As a big Sammi fan (and occasional lazy unshaven bassa too) i have to let the scruffy look slip by…..although i know where you are coming from.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
……..DD
St Tams………….aw bams!
;)
I dodged a bullet there……..
HH
There is a reason for this question so please humour me.
Does anyone know, will the season ticket swipe card be used for the Murrayfield game or will paper tickets be issued?
Thanks
lionroars67
11:03 on 26 June, 2014
LiviBhoy
10:52 on
26 June, 2014
Derk who by all accounts was a very fine player in the Dutch league.
I walked with around a dozen or so Ajax fans to Celtic park on the night of our C/L fixture……..
——–
Can you ask them if we can get our seats back if they’re finished flinging them…..
;-)
Corkcelt. From what you’ve said golfing partners of yours should be donning shoulder pads in case you miss a putt!!!
Aff oot to see my wee mum and big dad for lunch.
HH Timdom.
Jamesgang
thomthethim for oscar ok
11:56 on 26 June, 2014
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Injecting pace into the team doesnt mean a player has to be lightening quick.. A good crisp first time passer of the ball can add alot of pace without having to do much sprinting.
Anytime i saw snodgrass he was always looking for the forward pass, i love that.
Some players get paid millions and all they do is a simple 10/20yard sideways pass for 90mins. Rentention is important but can be awfully boring.
TtLT
Remember having a pint in the Miggy Arms next door to the Church right after mass. The priest came straight from the pulpit to have a pint and chat about Celtic with my Uncle Danny. :)
Bankiebhoy
Aye, St Tams had a good few bams! :))
Muntari & Kevin Prince Boateng booted oot Ghana squad.
The Miggy Arms was well rough. Not quite as salubrious as Granny Gibbs.
I was told Snodgrass was on 28k a week at Norwich,and would have settled on 23k at Celtic, water under the bridge now.
geordie munro
12:22 on 26 June, 2014
Muntari & Kevin Prince Boateng booted oot Ghana squad.
Uruguay could do with principles like that
A better pint in GGs too! :)
!!bada bing!!
12:27 on 26 June, 2014
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To be fair hes probably been offered over 30k a week with hull.
Hard to criticize someone turning that down, despite how much id love to see him in the hoops.
Same with mccarthy at everton, really annoying we didnt snap him up.
Lionsroar67
I didnt realise we are playing Rapid Vienna in a friendly?
HH
Any word of the dates for our first game – home or away 15th or 16th? Hail Hail Hebcelt
proudbhoy
12:35 on
26 June, 2014
!!bada bing!!
12:27 on 26 June, 2014
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Same with mccarthy at everton, really annoying we didnt snap him up.
=========================
Yep, haggling over a couple of hundred grand seems ridiculous now. Think we should have signed Russell as well.
HH
Hebcelt
Away 15th July, Murrayfield 22nd July.
hebcelt and others…… 1st game is on season ticket.
http://www.celticfc.net/news/6123
HH
Badabing
Re muntari and boatengs ejection
I was listening on radio last night
Bonusz remain unpaid,training boycotted.the countries prime minister said he will ensure payment.it aopears the Ghanaians are in dissarray
HH
Mackay-Steven to get punted if he doesn’t agree new contract
traditionalist88
12:48 on 26 June, 2014
proudbhoy
Sometimes the answer is on your own doorstep, fancy names from foreign clubs not always the answer
new article posted.
DelaneysDunky
Bela Lugosi is dead- Bauhaus
Ta for tinkling the old memory,a Maestro’s classic track :-)
HH
Italian rumour mill.
Barca want ‘Gnasher’ Suarez.
€80 million or €50 million plus Alexis Sanchez.
HH!!
Eh?