I heard Leigh Griffiths was being damned in a Scottish newspaper with a wide-eyed wonder about how many goals Steven Fletcher would score against Hamilton Accies, Ross County and Kilmarnock. Not Fenerbahce, Aberdeen or Malmo, who Leigh has scored four times against in four games, but didn’t rate a mention. Not even his goal against the mighty (cough) St Johnstone was recalled.
Leigh is the great underdog of our time. The Tea Cake Warrior who has reached above this allotted station. Hostile journalists are not alone in dismissing his potential, ask around, there are some in our own ranks.
Yesterday he responded, with wonderful understatement, to Paul Dykes tweet (below), noting the return he’s given compared to some of the more successful strikers we’ve had over the last dozen years of so, with “Not too bad I suppose…”
Goal scoring stats don’t tell you everything. Griffiths, Hooper and McDonald have a better goal return in their first 50 Celtic games than Henrik Larsson, but they are nowhere near the player he was, but if you are paid to be a goal scorer, this is a pretty important measure.
What Larsson did after those 50-or-so games was kick on with impressive style, eclipsing the exploits of Dalglish, and gave a return only McGrory could match. It’s totally unfair to ask Leigh to emulate Larsson, but there are comparisons with the immaculate Swede, Hooper and McDonald he achieve. All of them scored big goals for Celtic in important games.
When given a chance, Leigh has delivered in Europe. He never played for Celtic against Oldco Rangers, but he opened the scoring in an important League Cup semi-final against Newco last season, and he shows none of the complacency one or two on the above list were, on occasion, accused of.
A “bunch of Scots wrinklies” are walking through the Grand Canyon from Friday to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie. The Hospice costs thousands of pounds each week to carry out the work they do. Have a look here at what one of the “wrinklies” has to say about it. You’ll no doubt read more from Weeron inside.
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hh
SUPPORTING YOUR TEAM IS NOT A CRIME
BAN THE ACT
Tea cake Griffiths
Wow! Has LG really scored 39 goals in 50 starts?
That is incredible.
If he played for anyone else, particularly one Club/Company, the MSSM would be raving about him.
Well done for giving us that statistic, Paul. It is up to us now to mention it at every opportunity in our daily lives.
JJ
After the game on Sunday the Police had about twenty kids rounded up at Morrisons about 45 minutes after the game had finished,just because they were a crowd of them.
HH
Mon the Griffalo
From previous article
BRTH
I have contacted my MSP and included the video clip asking for his and Police Scotland’s view on the incident shown in the video . I have been in contact with him several times regarding this issue and at present I am awaiting an update to a previous question .
We all need to play a part in fighting this Act but sadly most of our support don’t seem interested , I helped out with the petition against the act and the number of Celtic fans who told me they wouldn’t sign the petition because it didn’t affect them was very high .
The police stopped the same group of young supporters from walking to Celtic Park before the Fenerbache game with no reason given for the stop and when the group filmed the police in action the police told them that if they didn’t stop filming then the would hold them there so they would miss the match .
Scotland = Police State
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN SUPPORTS OSCAR KNOX, MACKENZIE FURNISS AND ANYONE ELSE WHO FIGHTS NEUROBLASTOMA on 7TH OCTOBER 2015 12:21 PM
I have now looked at the longer version of the video re the banner and a number of things jump out at me.
By all means watch the video again and feel free to disagree.
1. Is it part of Police training to stand across a group of people with your arms folded in what might be described as an aggressive manner?
2. Why were the police “checking out” this group of young people? They are asked “what are you checking us out for?” Recently Police Scotland announced that they were reviewing their stop and search policy. This is an example of a stop and search and indeed confiscate policy where no one apears to be arrested or charged with anything ( presumably they “checked out”? ), where property was confiscated without a warrant and not taken as eveidence in relation to any crime.
Later on the police officer says that the banner can be collected from the “found property” desk at Hamilton Police station.
Theft by finding is a crime in Scotland and it even applies to Police Officers. Theft can be depriving someone of their property even on a temporary basis.
3. One Police Officer – a female Sargeant — states that a 17 year old is “old enough to know better” and later, when the boys challenge them about what right they have to take the banner, the same officer or another famale officer states rather aggressively that if they want to complain then they can get their parents to come to the police station. When the boy mentions that the whole incident is caught on film, the police officer suggests ( again aggressively ) that they show the film to their parents and see what they have to say about it.
What dreadfully condescending behaviour from these Police Officers.
They cannot answer the question on the law and they have not arrested anyone as it would appear they have no grounds to do so.
On the one hand they say the people concerned are old enough to know better and then suggest they speak to their parents.
The Scottish Government ensured that people of such an age were able to vote in the referendum without a note from their parents. By law, anyone over the age of 16 can marry, claim benefits and have the full protection of the law in many instances as if legally an adult. Legally, they are an adult with full capacity to contract, marry and do many other things. In the eyes of the law these are not children and police officers should treat them accordingly rather than behave in a condescending manner.
There is no law about what age you have to be to display a banner, protest against a law, and there is no age limit above which you have to be to question a police officer or any other official about the law of the land and its implementation or effect.
The Police have an over riding duty to the citizens of this country not to abuse what special powers of detention or whatever they are given by right of being a police officer — which, as a basic rule of law, they are only allowed to use in special and controlled circumstances.
Any police officer who puts on a uniform or carries a badge is not automatically allowed to interfere with the free movement or actions of any other person. To do so, without good cause is a criminal offence.
Police officers can only use the power they are given in specific circumstances, and in the course of that film none of the officers concerned could specifically state what circumstances prevailed which justified either the confiscation of the banner or the “checking out” of the boys concerned.
Whatever, the OB act was intended to do it was not designed to allow Police Officers to create an incident in a car park – and that is precisely what they did with one officer referring to the fact that there might be a civil dispute of some kind. No such civil dispute existed until the Police Officers decided to confiscate the banner.
This is aggravated by the fact that a male officer says that the banner will not be returned or released until someone comes forward, provides a name and address and states specifically that they own the banner. He says they are not interested in anyone claiming that it is a group banner. What he is saying is that one or more persons have to come forward and take personal responsibility for a group action.
If the police officer does not know the identity of the true owner of the banner and if no one is claiming that it is their rightful property and it has been taken from them, then why and from whom was the banner confiscated in the first place?
If the Police officer does not know that and has no knowledge of ownership then why take the banner in the first place as opposed to saying “sorry but you are not allowed to display that in the ground or in the vicinity of the ground so either ditch the banner or move on.” That would be another issue – but confiscation of property is simply not allowed by law and that is the end of it.
Of course the implication is that if one person comes along and says it is my banner, then he or she may well be charged with something.
With regard to Morrisons, there appears to be an attitude that even if the boys concerned were going into shop their custom would not be wanted and the police say that.
Now that is an interesting notion because i can understand the manager of the supermarket simply wanting the whole incident, Police Officers included, to go away from his premises.
I wonder if the same boys went to the supermarket today to buy bananas and milk would their custom be refused?
I also wonder, if the boy had produced a share certificate showing that he was a shareholder in Morrisons PLC and asked for a written statement from the manager as to why his custom was not wanted – A) would he have gotten such a written statement and B) what would it have said?
Now, I know it is unlikely that a 17 year old would be wandering about with a Morrisons PLC share certificate, but the fact is that that certificate would not have changed the law about the banner, or his age, or whether confiscation was lawful or not.
However, what it would have done is change his legal position in relation to the manager who is accountable to their own management and board who in turn are accountable to the shareholders.
Would a manager, faced with a proven shareholder request, have had to stop and consider what to say or do next?
I will bet a pound to a penny that the manger wanted rid of the Police more than the boys and their banner because squads of policemen in and around your premises is not good for business.
In the past I have been asked to make representations to the Police on behalf of business owners asking that when the Police come in to check on licensed premises, they do not do so by the squad all wearing high viz vests.
Whilst there is nothing illegal about such a tactic, it is a policy that retailers and licence holders felt was unneccessary, was bad policing and could cause unneccessary trouble in otherwise peaceful situations.
This is an example of bad policing, in my opinion, and to my mind it demonstrates a lack of police training, a lack of knowledge of the law and the fact that in such circumstances otherwise good police officer may well be left high and dry when rightfully challeneged about a bad law which they do not know how to enforce correctly or practically.
The video with the appropriately worded letter asking questions should be sent to every MSP in Scotland.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/the-international-precious-commodities/comment-page-12/#comment-2693807
BROGAN ROGAN TREVINO AND HOGAN SUPPORTS OSCAR KNOX, MACKENZIE FURNISS AND ANYONE ELSE WHO FIGHTS NEUROBLASTOMA on 7TH OCTOBER 2015 12:21 PM
I have now looked at the longer version of the video re the banner and a number of things jump out at me.
By all means watch the video again and feel free to disagree.
1. Is it part of Police training to stand across a group of people with your arms folded in what might be described as an aggressive manner?
2. Why were the police “checking out” this group of young people? They are asked “what are you checking us out for?” Recently Police Scotland announced that they were reviewing their stop and search policy. This is an example of a stop and search and indeed confiscate policy where no one apears to be arrested or charged with anything ( presumably they “checked out”? ), where property was confiscated without a warrant and not taken as eveidence in relation to any crime.
Later on the police officer says that the banner can be collected from the “found property” desk at Hamilton Police station.
Theft by finding is a crime in Scotland and it even applies to Police Officers. Theft can be depriving someone of their property even on a temporary basis.
3. One Police Officer – a female Sargeant — states that a 17 year old is “old enough to know better” and later, when the boys challenge them about what right they have to take the banner, the same officer or another famale officer states rather aggressively that if they want to complain then they can get their parents to come to the police station. When the boy mentions that the whole incident is caught on film, the police officer suggests ( again aggressively ) that they show the film to their parents and see what they have to say about it.
What dreadfully condescending behaviour from these Police Officers.
They cannot answer the question on the law and they have not arrested anyone as it would appear they have no grounds to do so.
On the one hand they say the people concerned are old enough to know better and then suggest they speak to their parents.
The Scottish Government ensured that people of such an age were able to vote in the referendum without a note from their parents. By law, anyone over the age of 16 can marry, claim benefits and have the full protection of the law in many instances as if legally an adult. Legally, they are an adult with full capacity to contract, marry and do many other things. In the eyes of the law these are not children and police officers should treat them accordingly rather than behave in a condescending manner.
There is no law about what age you have to be to display a banner, protest against a law, and there is no age limit above which you have to be to question a police officer or any other official about the law of the land and its implementation or effect.
The Police have an over riding duty to the citizens of this country not to abuse what special powers of detention or whatever they are given by right of being a police officer — which, as a basic rule of law, they are only allowed to use in special and controlled circumstances.
Any police officer who puts on a uniform or carries a badge is not automatically allowed to interfere with the free movement or actions of any other person. To do so, without good cause is a criminal offence.
Police officers can only use the power they are given in specific circumstances, and in the course of that film none of the officers concerned could specifically state what circumstances prevailed which justified either the confiscation of the banner or the “checking out” of the boys concerned.
Whatever, the OB act was intended to do it was not designed to allow Police Officers to create an incident in a car park – and that is precisely what they did with one officer referring to the fact that there might be a civil dispute of some kind. No such civil dispute existed until the Police Officers decided to confiscate the banner.
This is aggravated by the fact that a male officer says that the banner will not be returned or released until someone comes forward, provides a name and address and states specifically that they own the banner. He says they are not interested in anyone claiming that it is a group banner. What he is saying is that one or more persons have to come forward and take personal responsibility for a group action.
If the police officer does not know the identity of the true owner of the banner and if no one is claiming that it is their rightful property and it has been taken from them, then why and from whom was the banner confiscated in the first place?
If the Police officer does not know that and has no knowledge of ownership then why take the banner in the first place as opposed to saying “sorry but you are not allowed to display that in the ground or in the vicinity of the ground so either ditch the banner or move on.” That would be another issue – but confiscation of property is simply not allowed by law and that is the end of it.
Of course the implication is that if one person comes along and says it is my banner, then he or she may well be charged with something.
With regard to Morrisons, there appears to be an attitude that even if the boys concerned were going into shop their custom would not be wanted and the police say that.
Now that is an interesting notion because i can understand the manager of the supermarket simply wanting the whole incident, Police Officers included, to go away from his premises.
I wonder if the same boys went to the supermarket today to buy bananas and milk would their custom be refused?
I also wonder, if the boy had produced a share certificate showing that he was a shareholder in Morrisons PLC and asked for a written statement from the manager as to why his custom was not wanted – A) would he have gotten such a written statement and B) what would it have said?
Now, I know it is unlikely that a 17 year old would be wandering about with a Morrisons PLC share certificate, but the fact is that that certificate would not have changed the law about the banner, or his age, or whether confiscation was lawful or not.
However, what it would have done is change his legal position in relation to the manager who is accountable to their own management and board who in turn are accountable to the shareholders.
Would a manager, faced with a proven shareholder request, have had to stop and consider what to say or do next?
I will bet a pound to a penny that the manger wanted rid of the Police more than the boys and their banner because squads of policemen in and around your premises is not good for business.
In the past I have been asked to make representations to the Police on behalf of business owners asking that when the Police come in to check on licensed premises, they do not do so by the squad all wearing high viz vests.
Whilst there is nothing illegal about such a tactic, it is a policy that retailers and licence holders felt was unneccessary, was bad policing and could cause unneccessary trouble in otherwise peaceful situations.
This is an example of bad policing, in my opinion, and to my mind it demonstrates a lack of police training, a lack of knowledge of the law and the fact that in such circumstances otherwise good police officer may well be left high and dry when rightfully challeneged about a bad law which they do not know how to enforce correctly or practically.
The video with the appropriately worded letter asking questions should be sent to every MSP in Scotland.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/the-international-precious-commodities/comment-page-12/#comments
——
J, the number of breaches of Civil liberties in the clip is astounding.
Brilliant post which hits home at the real issues here.
Bourne
Many happy returns for yesterday.
Many, many, thanks, for the birthday wishes on October 6th , it was a special one, especially for my dearly departed mother on that date 50 years ago. There’s a great Celtic fan on here, whose moniker begins with a T and ends in A, with a particularly good memory, and I was surprised for the mention especially in an international week, to read back, ( thanks to Blantyre Tim for that )
My mother was brought up in a Celtic household, she only saw Celtic twice, I think, but encouraged us all to support, she got Celtic from her father who was at Ibrox the day John Thompson died, he rarely missed a game at Celtic Park, after he’d walked the London road from Mt Vernon , and home again with my mothers uncles.
Dad was a supporter born and brought up in Springfield Rd, with no great inclination towards soccer, he still supported Celtic, spiritually. Regularly menaced by the Billy Boys, as you were, in those East end days, he flourished just like Celtic and the Corinthian spirit, imbibed in people, that just wanted a game of football, and particularly wanted to watch the Hoops, that was their community.
This Celtic thing spread from the old days, my father got more interested in Celtic curiously, after my oldest brother, who was supporting when we were, getting troubled in Cowdenbeath, just a few years before a certain John Stein. We all supported Celtic,even my sister was a die hard, just a question of degrees, my mother was the one that handed it down to Harry Fathersham who passed the baton, on to me, anyway, you’ve all got your Celtic story.
There are posters on CQN with a beautiful mind, and they roll up to support, they should even write on behalf of Celtic,, and should be paid a fee for some of the stuff, we get to read for free. The rest of us, log on to read what they are saying about our club, and join in the craic, I know I do. I’ve been privileged to have met them, in the shadows of the stadium, watched the Celts with them, I’ve met their partners, and siblings and I’m glad Paul67, built this a unique Celtic space, on the upside of the internet.
France or Spain, it’s all the same, Turkey, Germany, Canada,, Australia, Ireland England, New York, the known world, who cares, Google maps says I’m 2.4 miles from Celtic Park, (lower EK) I’m blessed to be able to watch Celtic for you, support your club, when using this platform, because you never know when or if you might make it to Celtic Park again. CQN provides a homeland, some like it cyber, some make it physical, but we can all help keep alive this gift of Celtic we’ve been betrothed, and preserve it for or children.
You’ll never post alone, you lucky, lucky Celtic fans.
Hail Hail.
KEVJ
That’s a real pity you won’t make it,bud. I’m sure you would if you could.
There are more important things in life than an appearance at a dayoooooot,despite the fact that it would have been a real pleasure had you been able to do so.
You look after the important things,mate. Leave the trivia to the likes of us.
And make bliddy sure you make the next one(!)
HH
A group of us are going to “sleep out” at Celtic Park in the open air on the night of 14th November to try and raise some money for, and highlight the problems of, those who are homeless in and around Glasgow.
The event is organised through the Celtic Charity Foundation and other partner sharities such as The Simon Centre and The Invisibles will benefit.
If you are interested in joining us – we are looking for around 120 volunteers – then please join up here.
http://charity.celticfc.net/news/351
It will probably be cold, wet, miserable ( have I sold it to you yet? ) and uncomfortable – but even with those who have agreed to do it already there will be some rare craic!
Of course we will only be homeless for one night and by choice.
Many others don’t have that luxury and are homeless for one reason or another for prolonged periods or even on a permanent basis.
If you want to help me help them even in just a little way then you can make a donation on my donation page here:
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jamesmcginley1?
The money raised will be donated by the Celtic Charity Foundation to provide food, blankets, shelter, clothing, medicines and whatever else is needed to as many homeless as possible.
Rerettably the number of homeless people in our community is on the rise and Government isn’t listening or doing enough.
Thanks for reading and many thanks for the donations received thus far.
You know who you are.
BRTH
At the Fenerbache home game the away supporters had a banner on display could anyone translate it and
was it political?
HH
BSR-Great post.HH
Astonishing return from LG.How many can this boy go on and score.Sorry for the lack of question marks etc,I have a new Turkish laptop,and works nothing like my old UK one.
Have just watched HTs video of the police confiscating the banner at Hamilton.A disgrace.The SNP doing themselves no favours,keeping this ridiculous piece of legislation.That does not excuse the Gestapo like stance of “Scotlands finest”.I thought there might be a change when their Hitler boss had to walk,but it seems not.
Back to LG,really 39 goals in 50 games is a magnificent achievement.Keep them coming wee man.
Great to see Armstrong fully fit again.
Hamiltontim on 7th October 2015 11:16 am
This is the longer version of what happened on Sunday when a group of young Celtic supporters tried to take an AXE THE ACT banner into the stadium in opposition to the OBaF Act.
SUPPORTING YOUR TEAM IS NOT A CRIME.
http://youtu.be/HuBjNloQ26E
=========================================================
Just watched that with me lunch.
Difficult to eat without shouting at the screen.
Well done to the bhoys for keeping so cool and measured in the face of witless ignorance.
Well done also for filming the entire debacle. All young Tims should be on the ball with their cameras recording.
6 of those thick wankers to hassle a few young Celtic lads for a banner that contained the highly offensive ‘Axe The Act’ proclamation?
Suddenly, it’s Berlin 1938.
Police Scotland, yer the biggest joke since the Keystone lot. No wonder people are dying by the side of roads
if that video’s a window into their sheer numbing incoherence and incompetence. Learn to do a proper policing job, bunch of no-mark bitter bigtoed bullies.
Offensive Behaviour at Football Act? Jee-zus; nothing more than a way to criminalize young Celtic lads doing what many of us did in our teens – following the Hoops. Alex Salmond – screw you, ya wee sleekit megalomaniac forelock-tugging, Hun apologist. Glad I held my vote back from you and yer cadre of aspirant Nouveau-Reich founders.
Anyway, back to work to pay more taxes to keep those underhand gestapo goons in a job chasing young Tims around supermarket car parks. Scotland 2015, don’tcha just dig it?
Bsr,
Braw read neebs.
Leigh Griffiths…. what a return.
HH
BSR
A wonderful post!
CQN at it’s best!
BOURNESOUPRECIPE
That’s some post,mate.
Thank you.
Yer Mum brought you up well in the few years she had.
HH
This article doesn’t surprise me one jot. Ive been a big admirer of LG since before he signed with us – go chck his wiki page – he has been a prolific striker at pro level since he was 16. He’s still young but he is already a very experienced striker and his goals prove it – not just the number but the variety. I’d say he could become a lot like Henke – he’s got the same raw energy and hardness.
I was told a story about Griffiths when he was at Livingstone by a mate who was playing 5s in Edinburgh. Two tracksuited youths were hanging about asking for a game if anyone was short.. Yep – one of them was LG. He told my mate he just loved playing football. Apparently he was brilliant and humble and thanked the guys for the game..before going to see if any other teams were short for his next game.
I’m glad he’s under rated – I’m glad that there is a misperception he failed at Wolves – he didn’t – check his goals to playing time stats…he won’t be interesting other clubs too much.
I’m gald he’s a total Hibee – and isn’t pretending otherwise – I believe he likes Celtic a lot – I believe he still just likes playing football. Best thing he could do is stay with us until he’s 30 and go back to Hibs.
Just watched the video,disgusting waste of resources,harassing young boys with a non offensive banner.I wonder what John Paul Taylor thinks of it?
This morning in the car at 7.30am I clicked the radio onto Clyde 1 to hear the news.
At the end of the news the presenter said, now onto sport………….
Did he mention Scotland’s big match against Poland tomorrow night? AN update on injuries for Gordon Strachan’s squad? Lewandowski (sp) walking 10 feet tall through Glasgow Airport?
No, the only story which was mentioned, yes one story only was told which was Mark Warburton defending the right to cancel their Petrofac Cup game because of international duty. They even had a soundbite from him!!!!
Maybe I’m over reacting but seriously??!!!!
One Sevconian at work tried to justify it by saying it was local news from Glasgow. I asked him where do Scotland play………….
Congrats that’s a great return LG. Now just kick on son you’re looking good for at least 30 this season. Regarding the Hamilton carry on, I hate to keep on about yesteryear but since I first started attending Celtic matches in the 70’s our fans have been subject to police harassment. It won’t change overnight but with smart sober kids like the ones in the video and the use of new technology it will happen sooner rather than later. We should also remember since the demise of the team across the city most of upholders of the law have an even bigger axe to grind against all things Celtic. If you bhoys in the video read this I want you to show this to your parents because I am proud of your behaviour in the face of that level of police provocation.
KEEP THE FAITH
An Independent Scotland with an SNP government and policed by Gestapo Scotland police officers?
No thanks.
Are there any SNP MPs and MSPs who have spoken out against the OBaF Act?
If there are I must have missed it.
HH!!
I said it the other day Leigh Griffiths should be given the no. 7 jersey and the magnificent seven should be played after every goal he scores.I was told Cifti has the no.7 jersey well I say take it off him give it to Leigh he will continue to be our best goal scorer since Henrick it is often said you dont know how good what you have is until you lose it. H.H.
I remember when Griffiths was signing for us, and I remember most of the ones who said lots of negative stuff about the young lad, they wouldent give him a chance, boy did he stick to them, royally,, but they say nothing now,they are to interested in getting the negativity agenda pointing at R D, it’s what they do, and is there entitlement, and they’r not all Tims, but time a karma is a wonderful thing, just can’t wait till R D does a royal on them as well.
← Celtic set to raid Dundee Utd again with Carlton Cole looking to sign
Has Ronny confirmed Stefan Johansen will leave?
Posted on October 7, 2015 by celticfirstlastforever
Ronny was giving an interview recently discussing how he knew Kieran Tierney was going to go on to be a top player for Celtic, when he then diverted onto players being sold. There’s a specific part of the interview which is interesting. Here’s what was said:
“When you lose experienced players you lose knowledge and skills so then you have to rebuild and the next player has to be ready.
What if Stefan Johansen gets sold? Is Nesbitt ready to come in? He has to be ready.
Stefan didn’t play in his first two years at Stromsgodset because he was behind Mohammed Abu who was the Player of the Year in Norway. But he just kept working hard and when Abu went to play in Germany Stefan was ready to take over and the next year he was even better than Abu.
So it’s not about ‘I need to play’, you have to make yourself deserve it. And if you can’t handle competition then you are nothing at Celtic.”
Johansen, who was named player of the year last year, has been virtually non-existent in the team this season. He looks a shadow of the player he was and can be. Passes going astray followed by the inevitable yellow card. That’s been the trend this season. There’s been talk of a dressing room bust up and basically Johansen has took the huff regarding things that have been said. There’s also word circulating now that there was a bid put in over the summer for Johansen, which was rejected, and this is the reason that he’s took the huff with everyone.
I might be overlooking this whole thing completely, but why single out Johansen and not mention any other players? Or was he simply just using him as an example as to a top player being sold? Is it a dig at Johansen in the hope he snaps out of this poor run of form?
There’s just something about it that makes me think he’s left the door open for Johansen to move on if he wants.
Of course, I could be looking at it the completely wrong way (which is very possible), or over thinking it all. Maybe the media have even just made the story up.
What do you think about the comments made?
bsr thank you for that great post.
Just watched the video of the police harassing those kids over a non offensive banner. I wish supporters of all clubs would get together and request their clubs contact the Scottish Government for an explanation as this is very concerning. I no longer reside in Scotland and when I hear and see some of the things that are going I have no desire now to return.
Ktf
To be fair, a lot of posters who expressed reservations about Leigh Griffiths, did so because of his off the field behaviour rather than anything football related. Others,like myself, were prepared to give him a chance provided he produced the goods on the park and didn’t let himself or the club down, off the park.
I doubt if there’s a poster on here who hasn’t made some mistakes in their youth and LG at least seems to be learning from his.
By LACHIE MOR
Unlike some folk I am a believer in co-incidences. Having been mulling over the notion of a piece for the site for a couple of days, my mind was made up after listening to the BytheminCeltic podcast with Lawrence Donegan and my old sparring partner Remy McSwain. The co-incidence of sorts occurred when Lawrence attempted to take a positive view of where Celtic are as a team, only to be shot down by Remy – he of the half empty glass – whose dismissal of the notion included the damning admonition that Lawrence should write an article for Celtic Underground!
The topic of the podcast concerned last week’s game against Fenerbahce in the Europa League. As is my wont these days I bought the 3 match package for myself and my grandson, and we made our way to Paradise on a beautiful Autumn evening – an evening in which the run through the Southern Uplands was spectacular.
Although, like many, I was disappointed that we could not hold on to the lead against Ajax, if I am honest a point was more than I expected at the start of the evening as Celtic’s form since the last minute against Malmo has been at best uncertain. I think our confidence took a real bashing that night and this is most apparent whenever we are put under pressure, so a point away in Amsterdam was a bonus.
On paper the tie against the Turkish side looked hazardous when the draw was made, but the performance of Molde in winning away upset the apple cart, and no one really seemed to know what to expect last Thursday.
Listening to Remy’s analysis of the game I found myself in agreement with his general synopsis – it was a good game, against decent opponents, and while the result was a disappointment having been 2 goals to the good at one stage, I would have taken a point before the kick-off had it been offered to us.
I thought we started slowly, and at one point only the energy of the captain and the diligence of the defenders kept them at arms length. Biton was an absentee in the early stages as was Johansen, but gradually we worked our way into the match and the big Israeli began to exert some control and to provide better service to the front men. The goal clearly gave us a lift and from then until just before half-time we played as well as I have seen us play since the first half against Malmo.
Like that evening however, after the second goal we seemed to take a step back just before the interval to draw breath and gradually the Turks regained a foothold in a game that had been running away from them.
I said to the wee man that if we defended properly we could win this game. Efe’s mistake was all the more galling in that he had been playing well up that point, but as we now know it transformed the Turks and their onslaught after half time gained them a point that they probably deserved, although it was gratifying to see us regain a semblance of control in the latter stages having been thoroughly mauled for the best part of 20 minutes.
What prompted this musing however was Remy’s contention that we are not a better team than we were under Neil Lennon towards the end of his reign, or that the football is not as good as his teams played.
I could not disagree more.
I think the football we are playing under Ronny when we get it right is exciting, attractive to watch and is closer to how I see the Celtic way as Neil’s team played towards the end of his reign.
The team is by no means the finished article, and too often in games we have periods of mediocrity and defensive chaos where unforced errors put us in harms way, but when we get it right we are a potent force, by some distance the best team in the country and clearly a match for Europa league opponents. The problem there however, lies in the fact that when our standards drop, either as a unit or as individuals, we will be punished severely.
Much has been made of the passing of Virgil, but it should be noted that he played in the games against Malmo and was not entirely innocent of the general defensive incompetence which cost us the tie, so let us wish him well and get on with life without him.
We don’t yet know how good Jozo is and others such as Blackett, Janko and even Boyata have until recently been playing reserve football so playing for Celtic is a step up for them. They may have been with big clubs, but they were not regular first team players and much of f this is a new experience. Van Dyke and Denayer took time to gel as a unit and we should cut these boys some slack.
We have good forward and mid-field players although clearly the absence of a potent goalscorer other than Lee Griffiths is a concern. Many have already written Ciftci off but I am prepared to give him time. I know many may regard the opinion of Jackie McNamara as having no merit, but when he had Stuart Armstrong and GMS in his team he said that Ciftci was the ‘the best player in the country’. While that may well have been – indeed was -an exaggeration – the player must have some merit and clearly Ronny thought so when we bought him.
I found Remy’s views on Stefan Johansen interesting, and clearly something is troubling the player of the year, but while he was far from his best last week, I felt a degree of sympathy for him especially after I watched the game again on Celtic T.V.
Several times he tried to close down the Fenerbahce central defenders, pointing out as he did so to Commons that the next ball was to the left back, urging him to be as diligent in pressing the opposition. On every occasion Kris waited until the pass was made before reacting and they played their way out of trouble.
The Norwegian’s frustration was apparent for all to see. Had our rotund talisman been as pro-active as Stefan the defenders would have been much less assured in their play.
On the way home I heard a discussion on Sportsound where Murdo Mc|Leod was comparing Commons to Diego – who to my mind turned the game when he was introduced. Murdo was bemoaning the fact that Commons lacked Diego’s mobility, only for Willie Miller to observe that had he those attributes he would not be playing in Scotland.
And that’s the rub. When it comes to Europe we are playing with flawed material. We either have established players who have certain limitations, or undeveloped youngsters who will, if they fulfil their potential, move on to richer pastures when the time is right.
I like the strategy we have shown of buying young Scottish players like Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven, Scott Allan and Ryan Christie – clearly Ronny is looking at the next phase of how the team can/will grow and I believe that he is on the right track.
For the present, hopefully the defence will gel as the players get to know the system and each other better, but I remain confident that Ronny’s blueprint is the right one for Celtic in these times and we will be able to look forward to better times both at home and in Europe.It’s kinda the way I see it, in his, and my opinion.
TONY Donnelly 67. Fella the fact of the matter is there is not one player at Celtic who is not for sale if the right offer is received Joe Hanson we are told is carrying a back injury now if you have ever had a back injury you will know how it affects everything you do so it is not surprising that he is well below par at the moment. All the talk of bust ups at Celtic park happens at every club you have highly motivated young men and aggression will bubble over from time to time but as quick as it surfaces it usually blows over. I trust Ronny and I believe in what he is doing he is a fine young manager who in my opinion will only get better. H.H.
I doubt if there’s a poster on here who hasn’t made some mistakes in their youth and LG at least seems to be learning from his. – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/griffiths-understatement-nailing-detractors/#sthash.zKpijS34.dpuf
That was my point, they where giving him NO chance, they didn’t want him anywhere near the club, shocking!
JOE FILIPPIS HAIRCUT on 7TH OCTOBER 2015 2:27 PM
I didn’t write the article mate I just read it in celticfirstlastforever, and just posted it, only RD knows what’s going on, the rest of us? Guess Work.
Oh aye?
A Celtic supporter has been banned from attending all football matches after being filmed singing a sectarian song with a group of fans at a televised league match.
Lewis Connor was made subject to a six months football banning order after a court heard he was a known figure in a group of fans called the Style Mile Vandals.
The court heard the group of 25 fans threw flares and smoke bombs and hit a police car with cans while their team was playing St Johnstone in the SPFL.
The 18-year-old, of Atholl Crescent in Paisley, admitted singing about “Orange b******s” at St Johnstone’s ground, McDiarmid Park in Perth, on May 15 this year.
Fiscal depute Bill Kermode told Perth Sheriff Court: “At 7.45pm an SPFL match took place between St Johnstone and Celtic. There were 7,000 spectators and it was broadcast live on BT Sport.
“Police were deployed with cameras. One was a Celtic FC ‘spotter’. Around 25 members of the ‘Style Mile Vandals’ were observed coming from a supporters’ bus in the car park.
“They stood together in the North Stand. Just after kick-off a flare and two thunder-flashes were set off from among the group, but the person responsible was not identified.
“At 8.15pm one of the group was ejected for unruly behaviour. The remainder of the group left the stadium, setting off a smoke bomb and a further flare as they left. It was captured by the BT cameras.
“Cans were thrown towards a stationary police vehicle. Police left to monitor the group. The accused was a prominent member of the group.
“He was singing along with songs. He was identified by the spotter officer who had previous dealings with him. They were singing the Green Flag Flying High which had the line ‘you’ll never be mastered by Orange b*****s’.
“He was clearly observed singing ‘Orange b*****s’. That is a sectarian reference, clearly perceived to be directed at Rangers fans. The group were also heard to take part in pro-IRA songs.”
Solicitor Kevin McCarron, defending, said the CCTV footage showed scaffolder Connor’s involvement lasted for just 13 seconds.
Mr McCarron said: “There’s no excuse for it. The Style Mile Vandals were a group of young men aged between 14 and 20. They no longer exist.
“Some of the behaviour was unruly and some was high jinks to entertain other fans, but on this occasion they stepped over the mark. It’s been a salutary lesson.
“If he has not learned his lesson then he’s a very stupid young man. He was clearly identified on CCTV. It was an error of judgment on his part.
“He has caused shame and embarrassment to his family. He is sorry. It was a moment’s madness. The prospect of a football banning order gave him palpitations.”
Sheriff William Wood said: “This is precisely the sort of behaviour the legislation on football banning orders is directed at. This will be a hard lesson for you.”
The banning order was imposed for six months.
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Tony
Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion of what a player may or may not bring to the club before he signs?
Once he puts the jersey on he gets the chance to show his worth and prove his doubters wrong.
A perfectly normal circumstance at a football club.
In short, no need for (another) rant.
Pip! Pip!