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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Also indeed…condolences to the family of David Taylor. 60 is no age at all.
darwinsbeautifulidea
Tackling is part and parcel of the game. Biting your opponent is not. The man is a low life, ban him for life
Sandman
13:10 on 25 June, 2014
Selective condemnation, Kev?
_________________________
Nah, not a bit.
Today the focal point is Sammi
so where’s the selectiveness?
Anyway, going by your reasoning that
Sammi stepped up to the plate etc…
where does that place the Legendary
Maestro – Paul McStay, who didny
step up and take the 1st penalty at
ibrox v’s Raith Rovers in the LCF 1994
as captain of Celtic he hid till the end,
hoping he wouldn’t be needed and ended
up missing!
How does that square with ‘your’ reasoning?
EDDIEINKIRKMICHAEL
Stupid question,with respect.
If I’m going into a confrontation with an opponent,I shouldnae have to worry about being punched headbutted or spat on.
I would definitely be wary of a shocking tackle like that one,even if I didn’t expect the fella to lose it.
I certainly would not be worried about being bitten. Yes,Keane was worse. Of course. But I just think you are missing the point that biting is such a no-go area.
Heyho,we can disagree.
It’s a pity that Suarez didn’t wait until any Germany v Uruguay match-up before biting an opponent’s shoulder, Philip Lahm for instance.
That stuff just writes itself.
lionsroar67 @12:43
Not just Italian defenders indulging in harsh defending in those days.
MARRAKESH EXPRESS
Take the advice from Richie.
He has a camp-bed behind each bar he mentioned!
Nailed mate – kiss kiss – hug hug
TBB
That’s why you buy a dug and leave it in the motor :-)
Obviously because of the make up of a PLC the situation is different. Had the same pressure come to bear on any previous custodians, as was done at the most recent AGM, do you think they would have been more inclined to back the proposal than the current board?
Shocking stuff from Suarez yesterday.
If he is banned for the tournament will he be given a Canine by the Uruguayan fans?
BRTH
No bother Jim, enjoy your afternoon.
Did I mention that I’m now on holiday…..WOOHOO!!!!!! :-)
When asked what he thought about Sevco………
Eli Wallach responded……
“Who are dees guys”…….
RIP Eli, thanks for the entertainment…..
You’ve kicked this rock from underneath me.
Simple. Just jump on to another rock.
There is no reasoning with the unreasonable.
Suarez was just momentarily confused… he thought he was Cannelonni
Favourite uncle,
You may struggle :). I enjoy a beer on a regular basis in Dublin but currently residing in Belfast, big celebrations that year so book well in advance!
On another note, is anyone else worried about how the manager constantly talks about improving players and never mentions signing any? Yes it would be great if we could promote the whole youth academy on tuppence and never sign a player again but I dread to think what league we would be in if that happened?! Sometimes no matter how hard someone trains or is coached they are just not good enough for the next level. I consider our squad to be considerably weaker from last year and weaker even than the squad as of 1st July. If the policy of buying and polishing players to sell on is to be a success, we need CL football for exposure of said players. PL gambles too often on our progression. We have money banked, why take the risk and scramble around looking for players and hard luck stories in the last 3 days of the window? If we qualified with this current squad, I fear for the goals against column but I don’t think you will find that anywhere on a balance sheet so all is ok!
BMCUW
You’ll like this.
I’ve just been away bidding farewell to my class. One of the parents came up and handed me a case of Magners and expressed her thanks.
She said that she’d bought them from the local carry out shop in the scheme this morning and that when she went in and asked the sales assistant for a case of cider, she was asked,
“Are these for Mr Hamiltontim?”
This animal should never be let on a football field again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C23hJ7rDW50
Suarez.
the evidence I’ve seen appears to indicate he did indeed bite Chiellini.
are there any written sanctions in FIFA, UEFA etc for this type of offence?
I would put it alongside a deliberate elbow or punch in the face of an opponent.
what would that get? 2 or 3 game ban, perhaps more on some occasions?
it’s not a particularly pleasant thing to do and perhaps the hysteria is because it is a rare occurrence (for anyone other than suarez!)
however it has to be put into some sort of context, therefore all the talk of banning for life etc is ridiculous
Away oot tae shed some scales
Hahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa(Jack Nicholson Joker) laugh
bye.
Marrakesh Express
http://thegriffinglasgow.co.uk/
Shelbourne1916
13:30
I think we all know that there is little chance of us signing any players prior to our CL games. It appears clear that PL sees our current squad as capable of negotiating the qualifiers. Personally I don’t agree with his policy but what do I know I’m only a fan.
While I am genuinly excited by our new management team I do wonder how the downsizing will affect the ability of the new team to make progress in Europe.
KevJungle
13:05 on
25 June, 2014
NatKnow
12:58 on 25 June, 2014
Are you suggesting that Celtic are not pursuing standing areas at Celtic Park?
________________________________________________________________
No, I’m not but, how long have they been pursuing it?
How can they not just build it like they do in Germany?
—————
They didnt just build it in Germany -it would also had to comply with both national and local building regualtions and no doubt licensing .
The proposed standing area at CP will also have to comply with the current Scottish Building regulations and will involve the appointment of a firm of structural engineers to produce designs and calculations with regards in particular to the crush factor on the barriers and integrity of the structural fixings into existing or most likely new concrete substrate .
There will be a requirement also to comply with the stadium fire strategy particular exiting safely from this area in the event of an emergency.
There may also be a requirement to lodge an application with planning as the fabric of the building structure is being altered.
Then as an alteration is planned to a licensed premises-an application to Glasgow Licensing Dept[different from SAG] showing a minor variation may have to be submitted also…these things “just dont happen”
borgo67
13:21 on
25 June, 2014
I was 9 when Celtic took apart the catenaccio, most of my adult life has watched various Italian teams work the art of defending to the limits of the rules and beyond, they are known all over the world for it
http://www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_106_understanding-italian-football-part-ii-furbizia.html#.U6rCW_ldWSo
http://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/catenaccio-style-football.html
An Tearman, cheers. I was communicating with my buddy via email yesterday and he’s getting more worried by the day. Says the company still have no plans at the moment to evacuate him and other expats. He also regaled a few stories that haven’t made the news here. Truly sickening and scary stuff. I was considering a stint there myself but some things are more important than hard cash so I’m giving that one a wide berth.
I have a huge leather wrist band for you courtesy of oor pal TET. Will you be at either of the golf or pool events next weekend?
HH
johann murdoch
13:40 on 25 June, 2014
KevJungle
13:05 on
25 June, 2014
NatKnow
12:58 on 25 June, 2014
Are you suggesting that Celtic are not pursuing standing areas at Celtic Park?
________________________________________________________________
No, I’m not but, how long have they been pursuing it?
How can they not just build it like they do in Germany?
—————
They didnt just build it in Germany -it would also had to comply with both national and local building regualtions and no doubt licensing .
The proposed standing area at CP will also have to comply with the current Scottish Building regulations and will involve the appointment of a firm of structural engineers to produce designs and calculations with regards in particular to the crush factor on the barriers and integrity of the structural fixings into existing or most likely new concrete substrate .
There will be a requirement also to comply with the stadium fire strategy particular exiting safely from this area in the event of an emergency.
There may also be a requirement to lodge an application with planning as the fabric of the building structure is being altered.
Then as an alteration is planned to a licensed premises-an application to Glasgow Licensing Dept[different from SAG] showing a minor variation may have to be submitted also…these things “just dont happen”
—————————————————————————–
My response would have been more pointed and less authoritative! But for all the reasons you note – you’re right. :-)
Ghuys,
Concerned about all this talk about getting fitter and playing attractive football. Brady, Barnes , Burns, Mowbray – all wanted to play attractive and attacking football , which meant we got mugged at the back by canny opposition who conserved their energy and hit us on the break.
We need a new playing strategy for the CL ( hence Sammi not required) that is pretty clear, still anxious /exciting times ahead. I would expect a new way of playing to take 18 months to 2 years to bed in, so may be a rocky ride along the way.
HH
ACGR
Hope there is a better resolution for your pal.
HT
Not a hope in hell. Indeed, one of the benefits of the plc structure is the opportunity it provides for such initiatives.
In the old days, a couple of hundred fans in the car park with “Pay our staff more you rotters” placards would have had no effect whatsoever. Heck, they ignored C4C for 2 years, and only caved in when the bank started bouncing cheques.
And let’s not discuss the related matter of the indentured labour that we call the Lisbon Lions.
Before the plc structure was introduced, there was zero accountability and even less influence on how the club was run.
Shelbourne1916
While I welcome the philosophy of Ronnie Delia and John Collins, it will take time to implement. Neil Lennon spoke of strengthening the squad with 2-3 players, but they would have had to be at Lennoxtown now to impact on the first qualifier, so realistically Ronnie is probably correct in saying we will play those games with the players we have. After which, well we could still use 2-3 players, in order to try and maintain our recent Euro profile. There are other possible funding opportunities out there, the SRU has just generated £20 million from BT over a 4-5 year period. I’d imagine we could do at least as well. As thing stand Emirates benefits from sponsoring the sports arena across the road from Celtic Park. We augment that publicity for free.
TBB
Ok I’ll concede on this point….but only this point.
Have I mentioned that I’m now on holiday? :-)
It always amazes me when football people react over a biting or spitting incident- “ban him” and worse are common reactions from the ex pro’s. Obviously both are appalling and should be severely dealt with, but attempted leg breaking tackles are matched with, “that deserves a straight red” and the subsequent one match ban.
Biting deserves severe punishment, but so do extreme tackles that can and do end playing careers.
intheheatoflisbon67, I’ve fitted a monitored system in my gaff in Spain after I was broken into and robbed blind last October. A great system it is too. If the alarm is tripped the company are onto security within about a minute and they respond quickly to check the property over. They also contact me to let me know the outcome. I tried to get the same system for my house here but the company (verisure) don’t operate in the UK. I bought another system instead but it’s not a monitored one. It does have a sim card that contacts up to six numbers if the alarm is activated. If you go for a monitored system the question you should be asking is who responds to alarms and what is the response time. Hope this helps.
Does anyone know how easy it is to transfer Celtic shares to another person? I want to pass some to young ACGR and miss ACGR and I’m not sure how to go about it or what sort of costs might be involved. I bought them from Lansdown & Hargreaves but the cert has Computershare on it so I’m not sure which of these I should be contacting.
Fanx in advance
Of course our squad is good enough to negotiate the CL qualifying rounds.
It is also poor enough to fail to negotiate them.
This is a sporting competition. Many of the teams we will play are of only of a slightly weaker standard than us. Many of them are close to us and a fair proportion of them, on their day, can be better than us.
Therefore, we can fail in the quallies, and no amount of spending can preclude that possibility. A manager will always want more and better players just like a general will always want more troops and more training time before a battle.
Sometimes you have to make do and mend.
We have always run the risk of losing in the qualifications. I remember doing so 5 years ago under Tony Mowbray. Now, we won’t get someone of Arsenal’s quality but we will face teams who are capable of beating us. I expect us to get through two rounds but no-one can guarantee that. Our final qualifying tie will be very tough no matter if or who we sign between now and then.
The good news is, that we have a safety net of Europa League, unless we lose to Reykjavik, where we can get competitive practice but not the same money or the same attractiveness for players we are looking to sign.
The really good news is that we have an excellent recent record of negotiating the qualification rounds. Those achievements did not seem to make many happy though.
A wee quiz question
Twenty eight Celtic players have scored over a hundred goals for us
One never won a single trophy, who.
HH
rw67
This is the THIRD time he has done this. He will do it again, if he gets the chance.
setting free the bears
I mentioned the other evening that we are trying to organise an interview with big Shuggie ahead of the match in Iceland. Thought that you might fancy doing the interview?
lionsroar67 @13.40
Don’t disagree with what you say, only that other teams deploy these tactics too.
I get a bit defensive at times about it. Last night there were some , in my view, racist comments from the usual suspect, coupled with what the English media and TV churn out at nearly every tournament it starts to grate. Feel I have to defend it in memory of my father .