Green/Whyte enablers, racism and Ibrox security
Have you ever seen a ‘Rangers’ director pushed by a journalist on a question he dodged before yesterday? It’s never happened. STV’s Peter Smith did something no journalist in the history of Scottish football has done before, pressed a question when the man in charge at Ibrox dodged the initial inquiry. Smith dismissed the deserved praise that came his way last night by suggesting it’s what a journalist does. True, but refreshing nonetheless.
I was reminded last night that Green’s examination by the old media has come earlier in his journey to the bottom that Craig Whyte’s did last season. Whyte was being backed by some, let’s call them enablers, right up until the week before Rangers went into administration. Unfortunately for Green some in the media, and perhaps a few in the support, were embarrassed by their backing of Whyte last year and will not repeat the mistake.
Apart from the aforementioned Green, I have only ever known one person to use the word “darkie” (I missed 1970s ‘comedians’). He was born in the first years of the 20th century, too young for the first war and too old to be conscripted for the second. Well into his 90s, I heard him say “there are a lot of darkies on TV these days”. He was reprimanded and immediately realised what he had done. An apology and a period of over-compensation followed.
It falls to SFA president Campbell Ogilvie to ensure that such language has no place in Scottish football. Disciplinary proceedings should be issued, unless, of course, the SFA view the matter in a different light. Any future appearance of a Charles Green image on a banner or effigy at Celtic Park, or use of the words ‘Our New Hero’ to describe him, should not be regarded as an endorsement of his views, only his work in football.
Celtic minstrels will write songs about him, I have heard the words “man-love” being used this week.
Will Newco stay active long enough for Craig Whyte’s security over Ibrox, crystallised by yesterday’s ruling that he owes Ticketus circa £17m and therefore had a piece of the action at Rangers after all, to have an effect? There are so many icebergs around Newco probably not.
It was interesting to hear Manchester United’s endorsement of Newco as a potential English Premier League club being debated on STV. Now out of Europe, Manchester United were asked if they would play a fundraiser at Ibrox later this month. I hope Green’s comments on the interview don’t spoil relations.
I was pleased to hear we were drawn at home for the next game but for pity’s sake, sending Motherwell to Tannadice the day before defeats the point. This is a complete failure.
Add this to the fact that Fraser Forster’s biggest fan is making his First Holy Communion when we are at home to St Johnstone on 11 May and you get a taste of the frustration in our house last night.
He realises the importance of his First Communion but thought we could cancel the party afterwards and have an alternative celebration at Celtic Park. We’ll distract him on the day…..
As many of you are already aware, the Celtic Trust have arranged a process whereby, if you live in Scotland, you can easily contact your MSP to back the FAC call for an inquiry into policing at the Gallowgate last month. You can find the information and template here, go do it.
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