I spoke to Phil Mac Giolla Bhain, a man who wears his Republican heritage on his sleeve, about the hostile reaction to his comments on modernising the Celtic songbook a few months back. Phil found himself to be an easy target for conspiracy theorists who turned on him for issuing a request to an end of political chanting. I’m sure Neil Lennon will not find anything like the same reaction to his comments in the Sun today, but it remains to be seen if anyone listens.
Neil said, “It’s important that we put a general message out that these chants have no place around our club. To be honest, we are better than that as a club and we always have been, we just don’t need it.
“We are and always have been a club open to all and we do not have issues around sectarianism. We have our own values and traditions but they do not include these chants. We don’t want them at matches and they must stop.”
This is not the first time Neil has given the same message this year. After his earlier comments I actually heard, “Who is Neil Lennon to tell me what I can and can’t sing? I’ve been going to Celtic Park a lot longer than he has.”
We are in a classic social paradox. The reputational damage of political singing is not felt by those who sing, and the risk of personal consequences arising for any individual singer is probably around 1%. And let’s be honest here, for all the supportive flags, banners and “I’m Neil Lennon” proclamations, is Neil respected enough to be listened to, or has he become a modern Che Guevara-poster boy?
Whatever you think of Neil, or his rights to say what you can or cannot sing, he has the best interests of our club in mind whenever he speaks on this subject.
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Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:35
You know the answer
BTW what major controversy will Peter and his friends in the media drum up to sell Celtic season tickets next season
thomthethim
I can get a room for two online at gleneagles for £200
phoning them direct would probably get this down to £150
includes use of all facilities a good rate for an excellent venue.
chin chin
PJ
:)))))))))
Peter Lawell and Neil Lennon both correct to request celtic fans do not sing particular songs – however these songs must be made illegal, be listed specifically and cover ALL songs/teams in the SPL.
Furthermore, The Celtic board need to get on record and question the process followed here and ask WHY only Celtic is targeted – its a disgrace and more of a disgrace they are not fighting our corner (John Reid would not accept this).
The reporters line of questioning to paul mcb would NEVER be put to Walter, Ally, etc….
I’m not aware of any songs of hate of another religion or race – i am aware of songs of freedom and hope and suffering!
lionroars67,livibhoy
I disagree .. I think it is the Chairmans job to do this.
Hail Hail
canamalar .
It is a stupid question .
BontyBhoy says:
17 November, 2011 at 14:37
I was about to post why I had a problem with your posts (not with you as I’ve never met you) but then I caught a post the jist of which was that we’re (most of us) Celtic fans and the least we can do is remain civil. For this very reason if you could leave out the name calling with regards to large sections of the Celtic support and don’t claim to speak for anyone but yourself, we can happily ignore each other.
PS I did offer an opinion on the hot issue which was that no matter what we as a support do, it will never be enough. The police, the political establishment and maybe to a lesser extent, the Celtic hierarchy are seeking to re-fashion the Celtic support until their own sensibilities are satisfied.
BlantyreKev
;0)
Your very welcome….
Lawyers, particularly QC’s, have their own semantics when it comes to that elusive concept…
Truth.
Awe naw
I forgot to mention Machester 08. The worst piece of bad publicity any football club ever had.
When you consider their previous at the likes of Newcastle, Villa Park, Hampden and Barcelona, and they still outdid that lot with flying colours?
Not sure if this has already been posted, but it fair brightened up my mood. You couldnt make it up! From BBC SCOTLAND WEB
Muslim Rangers fan Abdul Rafiq fined over bigot remarks Rafiq admitted shouting sectarian remarks A Muslim Rangers supporter who chanted sectarian remarks at a game at Ibrox Stadium has been fined £600.
Abdul Rafiq, 41, the only Muslim member of the English Defence League, was arrested at Rangers friendly game with Chelsea on 6 August.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court he pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated breach of the peace by shouting, swearing and uttering sectarian remarks.
Sheriff John McCormick also imposed a five year football banning order.
The court heard that Rafiq, from Kelvinbridge, Glasgow, was heard shouting phrases which hit out at Catholics and the Pope.
‘Sectarian phrases’
Fiscal depute Seana Doherty, prosecuting said: “The accused was standing in the Govan front stand wearing a flag around his shoulders bearing the Red Hand of Ulster logo.
“He was wearing an umbrella stand hat which was red white and blue and also had the Red Hand of Ulster logo on it, and carrying a blue Rangers backpack.
“He was seen by three police officers to stand up from the seat and chant sectarian phrases.”
The court was told Rafiq was warned by the officers to stop but continued and was arrested.
Defence lawyer Ashley Kane told the court: “Mr Rafiq is a member of the English Defence League, as a result of his membership to this and him being the only Muslim member of the organisation he does stand out.”
She said that he has been a Rangers fan for the majority of his life and has attended matches and sung songs.
Ms Kane added: “At the time of the offence he didn’t believe that his actions were offending anyone.”
She also said that if he had known he was offending anybody he would not have acted in that way.
Awe_Naw…,
this government is only the last in a line of british governments the hun have been undermining.
We are not sure yet how far back their refusal to pay tax goes back, could in fact be all the way back to the war in NI.
Nor is it the point, point being we wont find too many huns will to condemn their club, and accept responsibility for their part in undermining any british governments ability to protect the soldiers they profess to reverre.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:40
The major shareholder is the main man at any club these days. I am shocked to the core by what has gone on this week.
I suspect that the board are lookin g at each other not sure what to do at this very moment.
The club needs a leader on and off the park.
No leader creates indecision and failure. We have excelled in both for a few years.
The fans are the club. If Celtic don’t do something now there will be a rebellion. It’s been coming anyway.
LB
SoT,
why is it a stupid question ??
coorslad is Neil Lennon says:
17 November, 2011 at 15:23
“Just got a horse texted to me,’
S’amazing what those new fangled phones can do, so it is.
Marrakesh Express says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:42
UEFA too the term scot free literally
We got fined more for a plastic bottle landing on the pitch at Milan.
The Scottish and Northern Ireland contingent within UEFA have our card marked also.
Hail Hail
Screwed up or what?
A Muslim Rangers supporter who chanted sectarian remarks at a game at Ibrox Stadium has been fined £600.
Abdul Rafiq, 41, the only Muslim member of the English Defence League, was arrested at Rangers friendly game with Chelsea on 6 August.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court he pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated breach of the peace by shouting, swearing and uttering sectarian remarks.
Sheriff John McCormick also imposed a five year football banning order.
The court heard that Rafiq, from Kelvinbridge, Glasgow, was heard shouting phrases which hit out at Catholics and the Pope.
‘Sectarian phrases’
Fiscal depute Seana Doherty, prosecuting said: “The accused was standing in the Govan front stand wearing a flag around his shoulders bearing the Red Hand of Ulster logo.
“He was wearing an umbrella stand hat which was red white and blue and also had the Red Hand of Ulster logo on it, and carrying a blue Rangers backpack.
“He was seen by three police officers to stand up from the seat and chant sectarian phrases.”
The court was told Rafiq was warned by the officers to stop but continued and was arrested.
Defence lawyer Ashley Kane told the court: “Mr Rafiq is a member of the English Defence League, as a result of his membership to this and him being the only Muslim member of the organisation he does stand out.”
She said that he has been a Rangers fan for the majority of his life and has attended matches and sung songs.
Ms Kane added: “At the time of the offence he didn’t believe that his actions were offending anyone.”
She also said that if he had known he was offending anybody he would not have acted in that way.
canamalar
yeah I agree and who knows but it doesn´t deserve you calling SOT out like that?
Out of order in my book.
Hail Hail
Livibhoy,
DD is part of the problem, why would he undermine his own plans.
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
I dont go to see Celtic merely to politely applaud a team of overhyped and overpayed underachievers, although I will support them as loudly and colourfully as I can, whoever wears the jersey, irrespective of the result.
I also go to express my unrepentant, unashamed joy at who I am, who I am with and what I stand for. I go to display my pride in where I have come from, what it took to get here and to get right in the face of those who would see me fail.
This is not about the Green Brigade, although its the Green Brigade that is the most easily identifiable, therefore targetted in the never ending lust to see Celtic fans destroyed.
The performance from Corrigan last night was masterful. How he was nearly reduced to tears at the thought of having to jail daft wee laddies. His police force have been frothing at the mouth for months to get in about it. They cannot wait the few remaining months untill the bill is passed, they have been unleished by the unassuming Corrigan already.
The media are in total control of the agenda here and the amount of Celtic fans who swallow it hook line and sinker is incredible.
Peter Lawwell is a disgrace in his two faced approach in all of this, pandering to Corrigan while giving platitudes to Celtic fan orginisations, he should make his mind up one way or the other. Now, unforgivably he has hung Neil Lennon out to dry, although Neil Lennon should have had as much savvy as Martin O’Neil and refused to be drawn into it. Shame on you Neil Lennon, I fear you will have too far to come back from this.
LiviBhoy says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:44
dont get me wrong if DD were to speak up I would welcome it.
Still think Bankier should be more visible and should be laying down his marker. I dont care if DD is operating him from the back.
Hail Hail
Celtic
Bayer Munich
Liverpool
Barcelona
Paris St Germain
Ajax
Juventus
Benfica
Manchester United
Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund
AC Milan
Porto
Manchester City
Lyon
Inter Milan
Arsenal
Galatasaray
Spartak Moscow
Chelsea
Marseille
Anderlecht
Would be a tasty League, One can dream.
Another day and another series of misleading headlines and articles worldwide.
It had noticeably cooled a bit yesterday, but due to another classic shoot-masel-in-the-fit faux pas, today we gave them another chance to have a go.
We now find ourselves more alienated than ever, not just from the usual Scottish football community, but also from countless non-football minded folk who have seen the headlines, and just shook their heads.
But at least now we know, if ever there was a doubt, that the “powers that be” in this country are out to drag us down with the FOD.
The best answer we can possibly give is to start winning on the park – starting tomorrow.
A comfortable away win against the bottom placed team shouldn’t be too much to ask?
We are still involved in 4 competitions, we are emerging from a major injury crisis, let’s get right behind the Bhoys wearing the jersey, let’s get a few big results on the trot, and get the right type of headlines up there.
Hail Hail
Huns now getting screens fixed at last, that company close must have gave Mr Whyte a few shillings to keep him going till dec 9th lol…..
My dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. canamalar
Pal.. Brither… Friend..’
It is .. INDEED… the Joab of the Celtic Board of Guardians.. tae
Tak steps tae Fix this Leetle Problem..and get doon and Dirty..
Wit the Politicians..
NAE BUDDY ELSE’S!!
That is whit they are supposed tae Dae…
Celtic, are oan the RACK.. because of this ‘Illicit” singing Complaint.
And dinna ye think fur a Minute that they ur NO!
It is Encumbent upon the Celtic Admin ..
Tae Tak steps tae Correct this Problem of ‘Illicit’ Singing etc by a Small
Vocal Group of so called.. in Ma Opinion.. ‘SUPPORTERS”
Fur these Guys who are causing the Possible Imposition of Sanctions… Embarrassment tae their airnClub..
if they Dinnae Cease and Destist… SINGING these type of Songs…
and if the Continue …They wull accomplish nothing more than tae
BRING Doon the HOOSE OF CELTIC..
Look..
Oor Enemies.. are Luvving this.. .
INTERNECINE.. In Fighting…. that is wit Going Oan, among the Celtic Support.. even oan this Illustrious Forum
The Time has Come tae Pull the Gether oan this..,
Celtic MUST Bow tae the Establishment oan This.
Fur
If they Dinna…
We wull only be shooting oorselves in the Pelvis..’
and that
It a Loat Sorer..than the Fit!
Kojo
yer pal.who thinks yer swell.
whitedoghunch says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:39
Sounds good, but it has to be Callandar. Family event, a bit in the future. Just doing my homework, as it’s a wet day and Playschool is on CQN at the moment!
Some of the bedfellows on here, you know the cliquey ones that gang up on posters who don’t agree with them, its hard to believe me that these guys are actually Celtic fans.
Mick says:
17 November, 2011 at 14:49
Re payment. Thanks Mick but I did just go to the Celtic Trust site and do a PayPal anyway. There doesn’t seem to be a reference to what the donation is for on their site but I know and trust them to do the right thing with it even though I am not a member.
I would urge others to donate as I think the GB members are being vindictively pursued by people with ulterior motives that have nothing to do with the law of the land.
I think the Celtic Symphony is an insult to ears as a piece of music it is an insult to the music world. The lyrics are trite pish and the graffiti lyrics are gratuitous.
I also think that even in good old tunes like the BOTOB all references to the IRA should be binned at Celtic Park. Not because they offend our enemies but because they offend some of our supporters and are divisive.
But I would fight to the last breath to support those who would exercise their right of free speach.
Canamalar ——
Why is it stupid ?.
You asked it.—– what chance does it have ?
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo says:
17 November, 2011 at 16:50
Agreed.
I think Neil Lennon should have only talked about the fitba. Don’t know what he was thinking. I think he would like the media on his side…which will never happen.
I think he also wants to stop the fans singing songs like that so that he will get an easier ride in his private life.
Both Neil and Paul McBride appear to be showing the strain of what it’s like to live your life under extreme pressure from people who want to take life from you.
They both look like they could do with a break away from this country. I just hope Neil can wrap up the treble and the EL before he goes for a long summer break.
One other question I would ask……..If the police who over heard the offensive shouting at Dunfermline on two occassions and the guys were up in court for it and not charged because other people in the area were not offended why would they persue a 17 year old Celtic fan who will get the same backing from his fellow supporters?
It doesn’t add up.
LB
LIVIbhoy
I agree except one thing. It is the fuel for their respective fires. lennon and Mc bride.
Hail Hail
Awe_Naw…,
if it walks like a duck,
he’s now trying to invalidate the argument with the show stopper “its a stupid question”
hopfully he will explain why, but I suspect it will be semantic drivel.
The basic primise is sound, jingoistic warmongers refuse to pay thier tax, which in turn undermines the govt of the day, which in turn forces that govt to make choices about allocation of funds, regardless of the politics of the day or the govt, it is not the hun who should be forcing that choice.
Refusing to condemn, whats a man to think.
Ok lads til laters
Hail Hail
canamalar
Not all issues are black and white.
Standing up for Neil Lennon and South of Tunis
You need to calm down my friend. You seem intent on making enemies out of friends.
Hail Hail
i for one think the green brigade bring a great and very much needed atmospher to celtic park but if they want to and continue to sing IRA songs kick them out. we survived for 120 years as a club without them. i would not like to see this happen but they are not bigger tham the club and never will be…
I know that the GB don’t sing songs about the Provisional IRA and that they are anti racist and anti sectarian. Imo they need to clarify this in writing
whilst stating that they are not responsible for what other supporters sing, they should also add that since they don’t want to be criminalised,
either individually or collectively, they are going to refrain from singing any songs they believe to be contentious until there is a definitive legal
clarification arrived at and on the statute book. I’d also like to see them state that they have taken the decision to boycott all spl away games
until further notice, i know they only number a few supporters but i believe other Celtic fans would follow suit. Pack Celtic park every week and
let’s focus a few minds instead of getting picked off by the police one by one. Metaphorically speaking this is a war, one which we can win but only
if we get tactically astute, remember that those who hate us, need us.
kojo,
Fur these Guys who are causing the Possible Imposition of Sanctions… Embarrassment tae their airnClub..
if they Dinnae Cease and Destist… SINGING these type of Songs…
and if the Continue …They wull accomplish nothing more than tae
BRING Doon the HOOSE OF CELTIC..
possible??
same people allow illegal songs to be sung by visitors, dont you believe the double standards are appaulling ??
And dont try the bull excrement about not being in command, they are acting illegaly by subjecting the Celtic support to crime, end off.
Awe_Naw..,
must admit I was very surprised ate SoT’s response, but I expect he’s another that been bidding his time.
anyroadup,
its been embarassing reading so called Celtic supporters today, again, time for me to take a shower, get rid of this dirty feeling.
My dear,dear,dear,firnd .. canamalar
Ah kin see Yer point..course Ah kin..’
Ah dinna like tae Bow the knee,in this.. Any Mair than You or the
Ithers like ye .
But..
Like everthing else..
,
The Time comes in the RIng..and In L IFE, tae… when.
Ye hivtae…”Boax Clever”
And this is wan o they times, Fur Celtic..
Pal.
We canny Fight The Scottish Establishment oan this..
OOR AIRMS ARE FAR TOO SHOART!
They Control the Media.. They Control The Politians.. They Hiv the Biggest
Scewdriver..
If we wanta Survive in this Jungle..
We must Grin and Bear It..’
Simple as that..
Kojo
yer pal..who likes ye mair and mairer