I’m not taking the SPFL- face recognition plan too seriously but that’s not to say the politics behind the suggestion should be ignored. Scottish football has no hooligan problems, compared England or the Continent our game is orderly and sedate. Until recent years there was no such thing as a flare problem, and offensive signing was a thing of the past.
All that changed when the SNP government got involved in 2011. Two managers shouted at each other after a game, three Rangers players were ordered off, and First Minister, Alex Salmond decided a summit was necessary to reign in the game’s wilder elements. What utter tosh.
Three weeks later, Justice Minister, Kenny MacAskill congratulated fans on creating a great atmosphere at the League Cup Final, which was notable for the re-emergence of the previously eradicated Billy Boys song. At an instant MacAskill rebased what was acceptable behaviour at Scottish football.
Since then the game has been trying to put the genie back in the bottle. The arguments were rehearsed in the CQN comments pages and elsewhere, “They are congratulated by the Government for singing The Billy Boys and we can’t sing about nationalist politics”, or words to that effect. Songs which had disappeared from the Celtic support lexicon were soon back and remain. Incalculable damage done by two incompetent clowns.
Since then the Scottish Government and a very small number (very small indeed) of senior officers at Police Scotland decided to subject football fans to the kind of surveillance that would make a military junta of a banana republic blush.
It’s a mess. Officers on the ground readily complain in private, all other political parties pledge to repeal the Offensive Behaviour’ Act, while sheriffs line up to mock cases arising from the Act. Football has been left to pick up the pieces left from a Scottish Government created problem. The Government refuse to accept any liability, will not repeal the Act and having celebrated a new, low, standard for spectator behaviour, seem quite happy with the situation.
Scottish football was doing very well before the Government decided to rebase what is acceptable behaviour. No football authority will succeed in any endeavour if the government is working against it. What the SPFL did was make a clear, if clumsy, attempt to return the problem to sender – the newly disinterested in football Scottish Government.
When one becomes six
I’ve scoured the internet today but cannot see any complaints about Celtic’s alleged “one up front” tactics. This season hasn’t gone to plan, but we’re making an incredible number of chances and scoring a remarkable number of goals.
One up front leaves space for, what is in effect, two wingers on each flank, and an attacking mid able to work inside the box.
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East Kilbride set up a money-spinning Scottish Cup meeting with Celtic with victory over Lothian Thistle Hutcheson Vale at K Park.
Jack Smith thumped in a first-half volley as the Lowland League side made most of the running.
And Sean Winter made sure the home side progressed to the last 16 with a close-range finish late in the game.
“If you lose your children, don’t say you weren’t warned…” Please tell me these Rangers nutters aren’t for real.
https://t.co/ekFCwDr63L
Tweet from Graham Spiers. Very deluded zombies.
Excathedra
As I usually go in and pick up away tickets I’ve got to know a couple of good folk behind the counter. I’m hopeful that I’ll get R are at the worst. If not I’ll just get them online.
Thanks for that mate.
Twitter down due an over excited East Kilbride weather forecaster @skynews :))
Sipsini-nobody has made me laugh like Billy Connolly,a wee tear in the eye watching him there.HH
Now I know my memory is a wee bit questionable these days, but…
Does anyone remember if a wee team with a home Scottish cup draw choose to play at Celtic Park?
The thought is rattling around my otherwise empty noggin in relation to EK.
Scottish FA @ScottishFA 16m16 minutes ago
.@WillHillBet Scottish Cup R5 | @officialEKFC vs @celticfc to take place at @acciesfc’s New Douglas Park, 07/02/16.
I loved Billy Connelly as a kid and loved his honest opinion about growing up in Glasgow, being a drunk and his trips around the world a but detest the crown loving hypocritical arse he became,
In saying that I’ll pray for him and hope he get over his illness
JJ smoked: you must have known the Irish would need two weekends to celebrate Easter1916:)
!!BADA BING!! on 20TH JANUARY 2016 9:53 PM
Sipsini-nobody has made me laugh like Billy Connolly,a wee tear in the eye watching him there.HH
==========================================================
Billy………simply the funniest man I have ever seen.
First saw him backing Matt McGinn at Jimmy Logan`s Met. circa `68.
Hope he`s O.K.
HAMILTONTIM on 20TH JANUARY 2016 9:49 PM
Excathedra
As I usually go in and pick up away tickets I’ve got to know a couple of good folk behind the counter. I’m hopeful that I’ll get R are at the worst. If not I’ll just get them online.
Thanks for that mate.
==================================
Thats sounds like what should happen,I drove up to pick them up but guy was not too flexible,said he only had the P and Q. Never like to debate too strenuously as next time might not come out the hat.
At least we’re in.
BLANTYRETIM IS PRAYING FOR THE KNOX FAMILY on 20TH JANUARY 2016 9:59 PM
I loved Billy Connelly as a kid and loved his honest opinion about growing up in Glasgow, being a drunk and his trips around the world a but detest the crown loving hypocritical arse he became,
In saying that I’ll pray for him and hope he get over his illness
===========================================================================
Where`s the hypocrisy?
Will Catholic links be broken when West Ham United moves to the Olympic stadium?
exclusive report by Paul Donovan
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 11:27 am.
Comment Email Print
There is growing anticipation at West Ham United about its move to the Olympic stadium next August. Among the fans there is excitement tinged with sadness about leaving the ground that has been their home for more than a century.
Memories of the great players who have graced the sacred turf, from World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst through the likes of Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds to the stars of today like Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble.
Less well known is the strong Catholic presence that permeates the Boleyn ground – some ask whether that link will be broken when the club moves onto its new home.
The very land on which the ground itself was built back in 1904 belonged to the Westminster Diocese up until 1959, when the freehold was sold to the club for £33,750. Situated right in front of the stadium is Our Lady of Compassion Church, whose previous parish priest Denis Hall was a season ticket holder. The stories of Father Hall’s escapades in getting to games have become legendary, such as the time when prior to kick off the announcer said: “Will Father Hall return to St Margaret’s where the bride and groom are waiting.”
Back in 1980, when West Ham won the FA Cup, Father Hall painted the priests house in Canning Town claret and blue in tribute. On another occasion, when he was late for a match, a group of police officers helped him get into the ground with the aid of a ladder. It seemed somehow fitting that Father Hall’s final parish was Our Lady of Compassion – he died last April. Father Hall was replaced last September as parish priest by Father Neil Brett.
But the commitment of the Church locally continues to burn bright. Former Vicar General of Brentwood Diocese John Armitage has been a fervent Hammers fan all of his life. Some of the players over the years have attended Mass at Our Lady of Compassion.
Another Catholic presence on the stadium site is St Edwards Catholic Primary school, which now occupies a virtually new building courtesy of West Ham.
In 2000, when the club was completing the building of new stands at the stadium, a new school was built to replace the old St Edwards. There has always been a strong connection with the football club, with players visiting the school. Back in the days of the legendary Bobby Moore, the England skipper regularly visited the school to talk to pupils.
All of these links look likely to weaken when the club move to the Olympic Stadium, with the old Boleyn ground due to be demolished and replaced with houses and apartments.
The Catholic presence though is strong within the club itself, with chief executive Karren Brady, a fervent Catholic. Also on the staff is Sophie Bradley, who prior to moving into the press operation at West Ham was head of media at CAFOD. Irish international Joey O’Brien is another practicing Catholic. So the Catholic flame continues to burn bright.
There are mixed feelings among fans about the move to the new stadium but whatever happens it is difficult to see the Catholic legacy that surrounds the Boleyn (a hint of irony there) ground being replicated. Though the many Catholic supporters together with everyone else will no doubt follow their heroes to the Olympic stadium.
Paul Donovan is an award winning journalist based in London. Read his blog here: http://www.paulfdonovan.blogspot.co.uk/
I saw EK play LTHV last season and Craig Gordon was in goal for EK. Does anyone know if he is still with them? Wouldn’t it be great if he played against the real Craig Gordon?
Mac jay
Forgot his old arse ,I have nothing against people going as far as they can in the world but to forget where they come from isn’t for me
I’m watching BBC news and they are going on again about global downturn and how we are all going to be effected, that is a down right lie
You know it and I know it
Excathedra
Indeed, it’s a fine balancing act. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Terje
Paddybhoy1888 son plays in goal for EK
Hopefully he can get tickets for the bhoys who go home and away
Fred
?
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family @ 10:13 pm
OK, when you put it that way I hope Craig Gordon doesn’t play against the real Craig Gordon.
It will be great if you get your ticket and Craig Gordon is on the bench for EK.
park the bus.
http://e1.365dm.com/11/10/660×350/StamfordBridge1913_2671335.jpg?20111028094958
TERJE
I’m not after a ticket for me mate, just the real fans who go home and away
ers football ready fc ………… or something.
what a logo, brilliantly funny.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/resources/images/4651603.png?type=articlePortrait
Stivs
That’s no a real hun’s haun,only five fingers on it.
( no smart erse 4 fingers and thumb ..please)
Fred,Alfie or whoever you are
Wtf are u on,
If you have a problem because I am a socialist Celtic supporting eejit that’s fine
Jesus asks us to pray for our enemies.
If you are my enemy then I shall pray for you.
KTF
Gents
For a long time (I started reading CQN 2 or 3 weeks after P67 started CQN … time flies!), I lurked on CQN, but a few years ago, I decided to jump in and participate. I am glad that I did, as I had some fun, learned a lot (about a lot of things, not just football), met some really good people, and made some good friends. But, of late, CQN has changed. Particularly since the referendum, we have been a house divided. And not just divided, but bitterly so.
And what was once not acceptable behavior or language on CQN became the norm for some. And, of late, some seem to revel in their lack of courtesy and kindness, like it is something to be proud of.
I introduced my dad to CQN. Before he passed away, he and I talked most days. At some point in the conversation, the discussion would inevitably turn to CQN. Had he not passed away a few years ago, I cringe to think what he would make of many of the posts now. For me, that says something.
And I used to watch the games every week with my nephews (sometimes at home, and sometimes at the club). We would be on CQN as well, reading up on what people thought about the games. But, honestly, I dont think I would want the kids now to read some of the posts of late.
And I thought ‘if I wouldn’t want my dad or my kids to read CQN any longer’, is this still the CQN that I enjoyed? Sadly, the answer is no.
so, for some time now, I have been toying with the idea of packing it in, but, honestly, would miss some of the craic and some of the posters. So I thought, rather than withdraw, I would try to engage more on the blog, to see if it made a difference, and I have made an effort to do so … posting over lunch, etc. (due to the time difference).
But, some of the stuff of late, has not just saddened me, but has made me really angry. To be honest, I dont want to read some of the stuff that has been posted on here lately by a few posters (who, unfortunately, tend to dominate the blog). And certain of those posts just do not reflect the Celtic ethos … at least, not the one I was brought up to believe in.
So I thought it is probably the time for me to take a break from CQN. I know many posters have already left and moved to other sites. For now, at least, I think that is the right thing for me as well.
So, to our host and to the many posters whose posts I have enjoyed over the years (and that is the majority), you have my thanks.
oíche mhaith agus dia
Mike in Toronto
A wee mate of mine was in theatre today for an operation on his heart. He went into theatre about 10am and about 10 hours later, the operation was finished. Apparently the condition he was suffering from was worse than the hospital had realised.
The doctors are keeping him sedated and he is in intensive care.
A prayer for his recovery or a kind thought would be gratefully appreciated by his family.
Archie is 5 years old.
Please God keep him safe and well.
Good night and thanks.
BT
Don’t bite. HUN ALERT. Night Night. HH
BLANTYRETIM IS PRAYING FOR THE KNOX FAMILY on 20TH JANUARY 2016 10:09 PM
Mac jay
Forgot his old arse ,I have nothing against people going as far as they can in the world but to forget where they come from isn’t for me
I’m watching BBC news and they are going on again about global downturn and how we are all going to be effected, that is a down right lie
You know it and I know it
=====================================================
Billy has a role at Celtic Park.I would have thought that suggested that he hadn`t forgotten his roots.
His scarifying honesty always suggested to me that he was the antithesis of a hypocrite.
No matter.
Have to disagree about a global turndown.
A real possibility I feel.
We shall see.
Anyway.Eight goals.
That`s what really matters.
:-)
GG
Whitehill Welfare???
Don’t know if they had a home draw though. As usual could be talking b###s, not for he first time.
HH
Philbhoy
Wee Archie has been added to my prayers
MIT
Philbhoy has shown you why you should not flounce from cqn
PHILBHOY
Very sad. Prayers being said for Archie. So very sad for the family. Please let me know the wee mhan makes it. HH. Defo hammock. Night Night. HH.
Philbhoy
Suffer little children.
Puts some of the other “issues” on the blog into perspective.
HH
Macjay
We are poles apart on everything apart from Celtic
Hail Hail
I’ll keep it off line in future in case I’m accused of causing trouble
In fact I’m joining Mike
Thanks Celtic, that was great.
I persuaded my sister to buy a season ticket this year, she’s one of Glasgow’s many newly retired primary teachers.
We’ve gone through the motions for a few months and I’ve enjoyed the fun of away games. I wanted my sister to get what I get before the game kicks-off. You did it Celtic last night. I’ll never forget the gleam in her eye and her joining in the songs
19th Jan was the one month mind of our mum passing into her Glory.
Celtic forever
MiT
Mike, I for one will be very sorry to see you depart. Your posts often contained a fair bit of humour, with a sprinkling of sarcasm and a whole lot of intelligence, decency and respect. I think your post reflects that.
Be certain, you’ll be missed.
Hail Hail
GEAROID1998 on 20TH JANUARY 2016 10:37 PM
GG
Whitehill Welfare???
Don’t know if they had a home draw though. As usual could be talking b###s, not for he first time.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/return-to-snp-sender-when-one-becomes-six/comment-page-11/#comments
————–
p;ayed at tynecastle maybe ?
Philbhoy
Hope and pray that wee Archie makes a full recovery.hh
Philbhoy
Done mate.
GUYFAWKESAFOREVERHERO
A lovely post.