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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ruggyman – it’s an observation, not a judgement!
Efe putting in a good showing, strong at the set pieces.
Efe playing well
Wee Jay looking happy today. pic.twitter.com/6Lwu8N7QXC
https://twitter.com/hoopyhuddle/status/481828922561417216/photo/1
Big Efe showing well…
ACGR
Big Efe looking good today.
Agree bud, an Efe celebration if he scores, would be a WC highlight. :)
leftclicktic We are all Neil Lennon
What a fotie..says it all really..
ruggygman
Leigh Griffiths up front for me
2-1 Messi great FK
What a feckin’ goal…Messi Meister…
Can’t pass to the right…. But can do that !
2-1 Messi, one more goal then stop
Richie.
I like to ‘Live Dangerously’, I’m hoping to get another horse from T&T, maybe one from that Lawyer friend,and I’ve started studying for the races already.
Lennybhoy
Musselburgh Friday
OT
Should be a good day oot.
Leftclicktic we are all Neil Lennon…..
For the last 3 months of last season, N.L regularly played Stokes & Griffiths up top, with Commons supporting behind. That often meant mulgrew sitting protecting back 4, and brown and Johansen left centre mid, and right centre mid…
I just don’t see any natural width with this…… Will be interesting to see how Ronny lines up come 15th July
oldtim67 –
just logged on there and very pleased to see that you’ve changed your plans and are gracing Aberdour with your company next Friday. The Aberdour Hotel or The Cedar Inn?
Bhoys, we’re booked into the Aberdour Hotel next friday but looking for somewhere to stay on the Thursday. Any ideas? Can’t get 2 twin rooms in Aberdour for love nor money on the Thursday so any idea where’s the next best place to try? HH
Crackin’ finish Son, worragemme..
Jobo Baldie.
I’m just taking the trophies over to Aberdour, I’ll spend a couple of hours there then home again
starry
worragemme..? is that his first or second name?
Sensational World Cup bhoys
Hutchybhoy, You guys got your outfits sorted yet? I hope yeez dont clash wi ma onesie.
3-2 Arg
Another game where defences are well on top! :-)
Off his knee 3-2, cracking game..
Poor defending for both goals, cracking start to the second half. Another entertaining game this.
ruggygman
Just had a post disappear:(( about the lack of width and what Sammi brought to the table even in his last game against Dundee Utd when he came on, Will JF give us that down the right(I hope so).
Keep what we have and try and find a replacement for Sammi that will hurt opponents with width will do for me before the qualifiers.
Till later all
voguepunter
Worragemme Faeruglen tae tie him his full name..
Great game argentina none too clever at the back. Can we afford di maria :-)
starry plough
:)))))
My god i wud love it if Argentina go on to win the World Cup
Wee messi deserves it the wee genius
a ceiler gonof rust
17:31 on 25 June, 2014
Ger57, its not a caddy oldtim would need, its a gurny.
———-
Mibbee you fit the bill mate? Bet you get gurney if the old Uisce beatha runs out!
;-)
I’d take a few of these arg and Nigerians as ‘projects’!
HH jamesgang
Brilliant atmosphere created by the Argentinian supporters.
Obviously they’ve watched us singing “Diego, Diego, Diego Maradona”
Fine post from rwe.
Delighted for Messi. He still has to reach Maradona’s level though.
Celtic developing more ties with Irish youth clubs. Yet more evidence of the club’s insatiable purge of all things Irish. PLC pigs.
Some dreadful comments from people about Suarez. The man needs help. Oh, if he is racist then so are Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton and Gordon ‘British jobs for British workers’ Brown.
Grant Russell @STVGrant
UEFA have confirmed Celtic received £14.1m in competition money payouts for their participation in the 2013/14 Champions League.
Armageddon.
Bada,
Let’s hope we spend some of it wisely.