My attention was drawn to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) blog yesterday, also covered by Joe O’Rourke on the Association site. SCVO Director of Pubic Affairs, John Downie, writes about the “proposed bill on sectarianism” but seems to get muddled in his role as a director of SCVO and using SCVO resources to speak as a Rangers fan; in this instance blaming Catholic schools for sectarianism. How ironic.
Downie writes:
“We’ve previously seen Rangers fans outraged by Celtic goalie Artur Boric crossing himself during games but less bothered – obviously – by about our own players (like Vladimir Weiss last season) doing the same thing.”
“Our own players”! Is SCVO some closed shop where they talk about Artur Boruc as a “Celtic goalie” and Vladimi Weiss as one of our “own”?
So far, so disturbing, but Downie then uses the article to ride to the rescue with:
“The solution:
Personally, as someone who grew up in the East End of Glasgow and lives in the west of Scotland, I agree with some of what Conservative MSP John Lamont says. In my opinion one key causes of sectarianism is Scotland continuing to have separate denominational and non-denominational schools.”
So, if only we didn’t have Catholic schools, players like Artur Boruc and “our” Vladimir Weiss would be able to cross themselves free of harassment. Bizarrely, Downie’s article is subtitled “treating the symptoms not the causes”. I don’t think he was trying to suggest it’s best to treat the symptoms.
The cause of intolerance is not differences in ethnic, religious or sexuality, it is ignorant bigots. It is ludicrous to suggest tackling intolerance by assimilating people into some mono-culture. It’s downright dangerous to blame a minority for intolerance of, and by, them, a sentiment that will only fan the flames of hatred.
The European Examiner reports that various politicians have called for Mr Downie’s removal but SCVO chief exec, Martin Sime, apparently sees nothing wrong in SCVO running a blog discussing one of “our” Rangers players and the “Celtic goalie”, while simultaneously blaming educationally successful faith schools for sectarianism. SCVO has offered a metaphorical No Surrender to resignation calls.
A brief comment for those who don’t live in Scotland…. Attitudes like this once prevailed but are harder to find these days. We are a modern, progressive, society, for the most part.
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SunnyBhoy –
I just had another look. Setanta has Dunfermline v Rangers followed by (strangely) Celtic v Rangers – a replay of the New Year game.
That is Foxtel I am looking at.
Why show an old game rather than a current live game?
I am confused.
Will check at the time.
Hail Hail and thanks for bringing it to my attention.
HAMILTON TIM
The Lake District is one of the more picturesque parts of the country,but when yu’ve seen one frost-ravaged landscape,you’ve seen them all.
Get yer arse tae Celtic Park,and tell the missus that if she behaves hersel,you’ll take her there in the summer.
Just don’t specify which one!
Fae yer pal,BMCUWP,who can never quite figure out why he’s single…….
Blantyretim:
You about?
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Jinkysalegend
Spooky just messages pals to go there today to watch it, they are down in London for the weekend!
G’day Tom, glad to see you posting again
Lennybhoy
Cheers buddy looking forward to it, in need of some chill time :-)
lennybhoy
yip..
“SunnyBhoy –
I just had another look. Setanta has Dunfermline v Rangers followed by (strangely) Celtic v Rangers – a replay of the New Year game.
That is Foxtel I am looking at.
Why show an old game rather than a current live game?”
Historical value – last ever ne’erday(ish) huns game.
For those interested in a punt the CQN Coupon:
AWATR – Ross County
Jobo – Dundee
Lennybhoy – Derby
TTT – Cheltenham
PF – Birmingham
EN – Man City
GL2 – Watford
BT -Reading
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
kikinthenakas –
Thanks for your kind words.
I am a big believer in the “Oswald lone gunman” theory. I studied it for years. I read the Warren Commission report as my precis for an English degree, although that is no proof of anything in itself.
Without going too deep into anything at this place and time, all I will say is that the conspiracy theories are all flying in the wind against “Occam’s Razor”.
Maybe for another time.
A wee conscience post regarding yesterday afternoons talk,its been bugging me as I made some quite scathing remarks about Atheism which I’m uncomfortable with,I would say I probably never put my point on it across correctly and was done in the heat of a reaction to the catholic schools debate and the idea that religion has no part in education,without starting it again I just want to apologise if anybody felt in anyway offended by what I had to say,I haven’t read on from last night after Clyde started so I don’t know if there was any comment to me inparticular but suffice to say my position on said topic is a lot more mellowed than I perhaps put across yesterday.
Back to catch up from this morning.
BMCUW
The missus has just read your post and says that she may be able to give you some insight into your situation!!!
Lennybhoy
Could you put up the actual games for the Kane predictor mate? Cheers
Jinky’s a Legend,
Cheers. Need something a bit closer as I’m time constrained due to work obligations.
jackie mac –
Thank you my friend :)
Thanks Tom, how bad are Setanta?
Soccer AM showing Mitre goal of year. Darren Ambrose for Crystal Palace against Man Utd, sponsor on back of Palace shirt ‘Jelly’, think they could get ‘icecream’ on the front?
HAMILTON TIM 1015
Tell your missus the female population of the world is perfectly happy with my situation!
Hope you both have a lovely wee break.
Looking forward to seeing all you guys tonight at the CQN music quiz for Vanessa.
7.30 for 8pm, Jury’s Inn, Jamaica Street
Remember there’s a buffet at HT (£3 at the door)
Got a great quiz for you. And the legend that is Frank O’Hagan is playing!
Let’s do it for Vanessa!Vanessa
Wetakecareofourown CSC
blantyretim says:
11 February, 2012 at 10:11
Sorry mate, it was for your pick but came through as I posted. I have texted GL2 the teams as per his request.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
BMCUW
Thanks for that, it’s needed! :-)
Tom – I have seen loads of people ask the question you have regarding Whyte borrowing prior to owning. This is perfectly normal and legal. It is exactly what happens when you buy a house. The mortgage company will deposit the money with your lawyer prior to you owning the property. The issue will be if Whyte has used this money showing in his lawyers account to prove to the Murray group he had the required funds. I suspect it has all blown up in Whytes face as he never expected to be here long enough to have to produce accounts that show what he actually did.
Lennon n Mc….Mjallby –
For what it is worth, I am an atheist.
I believe that the Catholic Church has every right to have Catholic faith schools. The claim that Catholic shools cause or contribute to sectarianism is absurd, and history proves as much.
You know the people who want rid of Catholic schools? The second it happens, the same people will be demanding that their poor, Protestant children are not educated in the same classroom as children of the Church of Rome.
BT
When ye wantin’ yer contraband??? :-)
HH
Giggs
hamiltontim says:
11 February, 2012 at 10:15
Our games are not for the Kano Predictor mate but I will post our full games if that’s what you are after?
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
whenever suits Giggs..
if I’m not in stuck it in the gang hut….o))
From the mouth of hunskelper extrordinair Chris Sutton…..
Ex-Celtic star Chris Sutton: I predicted Rangers would crumble if they lost star players – look at them now
Feb 11 2012
PSYCHIC Sutty last night claimed victory over the Rangers supporters who said his championship prediction of Celtic for the title was a load of crystal balls.
Neil Lennon’s former team-mate Chris Sutton caused a storm in October when he said Rangers were fragile and claimed Celtic had the stronger squad for the championship run-in.
Sutty made his prediction days after Lennon had savaged his team for their weak-willed 2-0 defeat from Hearts at Tynecastle.
That result left Celtic 10 points behind Rangers and seemingly down and out in the title race.
The following weekend Celtic went three down to Kilmarnock before scrambling a draw at Rugby Park and Lennon subsequently admitted he had contemplated resignation that afternoon.
But Sutton irked the Rangers fans by saying their team was too reliant on Steven Naismith and Nikica Jelavic and were too fragile all round to win four in a row SPL titles.
He was accused of making daft statements as a publicity stunt to plug his autobiography, Paradise And Beyond.
And he was lambasted for using a book-signing trip to Glasgow to protect his old friend Lennon.
Others simply said if that was what Sutton truly believed about the Old Firm’s individual strengths, then he was a better player than he was a judge of potential champions.
But every word he said has come true and now Chris’s next prophecy is to tip Lennon to win his first title as Celtic manager in May.
Sutty said: “People might have doubted my words but I was genuinely of the belief that Rangers didn’t have the strength in depth to match Celtic.
“I told you they were too reliant on Jelavic and Naismith and that, unfortunately for Steven, was proved when he was injured against Aberdeen and has had to miss the rest of the season.
“When Jelavic then went to Everton in the January transfer window, it was obvious to me that Rangers would find it difficult to cope with the loss of their top scorer on top of everything else.
“There’s no strength in depth at Ibrox and that was flagged up to me when they went out of the Europa League qualifiers to Maribor.
“The Slovenians were a poor side but they still made it to the group stage at Rangers’ expense.”
Sutton might be insistent Celtic will win the title but he does have sympathy for Ally McCoist while he struggles against a backdrop of financial restraints at Ibrox.
He said: “I think Ally’s been unfortunate. The club have problems off the park and the first-team squad lacks quality. But the manager’s hands have been tied behind his back.
“If you analyse the situation closely you have to ask yourself one question, how many of Rangers first team would get a game for Celtic at the moment?
“Rangers had a great start to the season but football is about peaks and troughs and for Celtic to have gone through 16 domestic matches on the bounce without dropping anything is an incredible achievement.”
Sutton expressed his sympathy for Lennon in October – but now he has nothing but praise for the way the manager has transformed his season and goes into his 100th match in charge today with a four-point lead in the title race.
The ex-Celt said: “I went to the game at Tynecastle in October and Celtic didn’t look a great side. Neil was also too honest to say anything other than that was
the case.
“He’s been involved in the Old Firm rivalry since 2000 and Lenny knows that two bad results for Celtic or Rangers equates to a disaster in the Glasgow goldfish bowl.
“But he deserves credit for the way he’s kept his composure and transformed Celtic from a club with a points deficit to one that had a head start in the title race.
“You think back to that day at Kilmarnock and you realise how close Neil came to not being Celtic manager any more.
“I know even Manchester United had to fight to come back from three down against Chelsea last weekend, but that doesn’t happen very often.
“What happened at Rugby Park proved to me that the Celtic players were giving their all for their manager, and they’ve gone on in that same fashion for the past three months. I would say Celtic are head and shoulders above any team they come up against at the moment and they will win the SPL title.
“I can’t see them losing another game between now and the end of the season, judging by the way the team’s playing at the moment.”
Sutton and Lennon worked under Martin O’Neill, whose judgment was never questioned while he received the unswerving loyalty of every player in the dressing room. Now Chris can see similarities between his old gaffer and his old friend as Celtic approach the climax to the season.
Sutton said: “Neil knew there were buttons that had to be pushed after the defeat from Hearts created a double-figure deficit in the championship.
“He reached the lowest point at Kilmarnock and then he proved he still wielded influence over the dressing room.
“Sixteen games without losing proves the Celtic players believe in their manager and in each other.
“It’s difficult to keep a squad of that size happy when only 11 players can get a game, but Lenny’s kept them unified.
“Neil’s his own man and he stood up to be counted when he was a Celtic player. Now he’s playing a blinder with the hand he’s been dealt.”
RogueLeader –
Exactly. Whyte obtained the funds to buy Rangers . . . from the club itself.
That is my point.
Lennybhoy…Supporting Neil Lennon and CFC until I die says:
11 February, 2012 at 10:24
For some reason when I get the email each week from TTT it doesn’t give me access to the actual games where you make your predictions on the Kano Predictor. Would greatly appreciate if you could provide the link mate.
Tom
Have an open mind but liked the way the book was laid out, Schiem was/is a mathematician and quite enjoyed the process of his writing. Worth a wee read.
Anyway hope you get to see the game, shower, lunch a few drinks and off to CP for a wee day oot watching the buoys.
kikinthenakas –
I will look out the book.
Enjoy the game mate.
Hail Hail
Strange days.
My morning now consists of me getting up making breakfast then getting the laptop on to find out how close meltdown is.
Crossed me this morning that my boy may have the pleasure of supporting a Celtic without the spectre of Rangers in the background.
I remember my first European game. Honved I think it was. McAvennie scored a looping shot from the edge of the box but the most memorable part of the night was climbing the stairs at the old Celtic end and feeling the atmosphere grow with every step. that is the Celtic I would rather he grew up with than having to face the negativity of life with Rangers as a leech on our personality.
Lennon and Mc
I didn’t get a chance to talk it through with yourself yesterday a midst all the discussion. I think a few things got lost in the bluster.
For the record I would be loathe to see the removal of Catholic schools in Scotland as I feel it would further victimise those that suffer from anti irish racism whilst encouraging those who indulge in it.
Anyway, I can’t recall anything written by you last night coming across as anything but passionate.
Here’s to decent Celtic performance today and maybe another difficult day for The Others.
hamiltontim says:
11 February, 2012 at 10:28
Don’t have the link but have asked TTT to e-mail it to you.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
BT
If I’m out and about, I’ll phone and see where you are – not wanting to pop over unannounced, in case you have “visitors”. :-)
HH
Giggs
and a little something from Neil……
NEIL LENNON agrees Celtic are getting a fair crack of the whip — but says he can still show you a reffin’ howler for every one they’ve got right.
The Celtic boss, who will celebrate his 100th game in charge against Inverness today, admitted his side got a break with the opening-minute effort Hearts didn’t get on Wednesday night.
That, coupled with the Lee Wallace Old Firm decision that went their way in December, has led to suggestions Celtic’s persistent complaints about refereeing has led to things now going their way.
But Lennon stressed: “I can rebuff that straight away.
“There was a goal against Falkirk in the League Cup semi-final — a clear goal that was onside by two or three yards.
“Thomas Rogne also had a goal disallowed the week before.
“So there HAVE been contentious decisions that have gone against us.
“Yes, there have been a few that have gone for us but it seems when they’re going for us there’s a whole big debate that lasts for days.
“Nobody spoke much about the goal we didn’t get against Falkirk — even though it was a pretty poor decision.”
Lennon has taken stock over his 23 months in charge and tempered his own behaviour — but credits refs chief John Fleming with an improvement in whistlers’ standards.
He claimed: “I’m less confrontational now. I was never confrontational with my own players but at times I might have been with officials or other managers when they got my back up.
“It was a conscious decision to temper that a little because I don’t want to be watching from the stand for six games at a time.
“I’ve afforded officials a lot more respect this year — though having said that, I think there’s been an improvement in the quality of refereeing.
“I think a lot of that is down to John Fleming — the relationship he’s had with the managers has been very good.”
As he prepared for his milestone match Lennon added: “I wasn’t aware of it but I hope there will be many more.
“You’re always looking to pick up new things. You learn the longer you’re doing it to stay pretty even about things.
“I’ll make mistakes again — you’re not human if you don’t. Nothing’s ever perfect and you’re not going to go win, win, win, win for the next ten years.
“You always analyse what you’ve done wrong and what we’ve done is try to learn from the mistakes we’ve made and try to eradicate them for the future.
“We’ve stayed true to our beliefs because the danger is that if you change it and it works for three games, everyone starts thinking, ‘this is great’.
“Then what do you do when you lose a game? Try another formation? Rip it up?
“No, you go back to what you know.”
Lennon could be without defender Rogne after he was subbed against Hearts with a calf injury.
Daniel Majstorovic could step in if Rogne doesn’t make it — but Lenny was more positive about the form of Charlie Mulgrew and admitted: “It’s fair to say he came here as a squad player, but he’s been an absolute revelation. I haven’t seen him playing better.
“I thought he was superb at Tynecastle in the first half, in a position where people think he’s not at his best.
“He just puts in very consistent performances and that’s testament to his desire. He’s revelling in what he’s doing just now.
“He’d a spell between November and December last season where he started to blossom in training and we thought he really looked ready to go. Then he banged on my door one day and said: ‘Look gaffer, I want to play and I’m ready.’
“I quite admired him for that. He wasn’t moaning, he just wanted his opportunity. I told him he would get his chance and it would be up to him to make the most of it. Two weeks later, we stuck him in against Rangers at Ibrox and he’s never looked back.
“We’re pleased with his attitude and contribution — he’s a very important guy in the dressing-room who has the respect of his team-mates and the backroom staff.”
Lennybhoy
Cheers for that. Right off to get ready before I get shouted at :-)
From Follow Follow buoys.
Dear sirs,
I would like to draw your attention to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium on the 8th February 2012.
During this game which I watched live on SKY, I could clearly hear Sectarian chants come from the area of the ground which accommodated the Celtic fans, amongst these songs were
Oh ah up the RA
The Roll of Honour
No huns in Scotland
Go home ya huns
In the instance of the first two songs:
This has broken Part one, Section one of the Terrorism Act. Of 2006 which prohibits the Encouragement of terrorism and states that,
“the publishing of “a statement that is likely to be understood by some or all of the members of the public to whom it is published as a direct or indirect encouragement or other inducement to them to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism or Convention offences.” Indirect encouragement statements include every statement which glorifies the commission or preparation (whether in the past, in the future or generally) of such acts or offences; and is a statement from which those members of the public could reasonably be expected to infer that what is being glorified as conduct that should be emulated by them in existing circumstances.”.
The maximum penalty is seven years’ imprisonment.”
Given that the same songs were sung at the corresponding fixture on the 11th May 2011 can you please advise the content of your allocated match observers report and what action will be taken, if any by the Scottish Premier League.
As a neutral observer it appears that the fans of Celtic FC have carte blanche to sing songs which offend without fear of reprisal from the governing body.
Yours Sincerely
Marloch Blue
I haven’t responded as yet, as I only just opened my e-mails and am still digesting it, however I am posting as I said I would in a thread from yesterday.
To be fair to the SPL press office I haven’t named who the response has come from however, I will continue my dialogue with the SPL to ascertain the reports of everyone mentioned in the above reply.
As I said in my complaint, Celtc FC continue to have Carte Blanche with their songs on a weekly basis without fear of reprisals, by bringing this and the response of the SPL into the public domain, we at least have a chance to question their views and commitment.
Thank you for your comments which I confirm have been passed to the Secretary for his attention.
You may wish to note that your comments will be reviewed alongside reports, if any, from the Police Match Commander, the Referee and / or his Assistants, the SPL Match Delegate and the Clubs involved in the League Match in question. In the event that this review leads to the opinion that there has been a failure by either Club to discharge their respective requirements under SPL Rules H7.5 and H7.6 then the SPL Board may initiate
disciplinary proceedings.
Either the SPL Board or a committee of the SPL Board or a Commission appointed by the SPL Board would determine, following a hearing, whether there has in fact been any breach of or failure to fulfil the SPL Rules. Any Commission so appointed shall comprise at least three members and, in the event of an allegation of a breach of SPL Rules H7.5 or H7.6, the chairman of the Commission shall be an advocate or solicitor of not less than 10 years standing.
In the event that the relevant body above determines that there has indeed been a breach of or failure to fulfil the SPL Rules then it might apply any of a wide range of sanctions. Any Club so sanctioned has the right of appeal to the Scottish Football Association.
Yours sincerely,
SPL
Brogan Rogan Trevino Hogan 9.15am
Another great post as always…..
Sadly Reagan’s direcition will come from his impormants such as Ogilvie who presided over the malpractice as a ‘great administrator’ indeed the ‘greatest administrator in Europe’ according to our local journalists……the creator of all things champions league etc etc. So unlikely any full enquiry will ensue.
Sadder still for many is that our own custodians would most likely agree with Reagans tweet, deep down anyway, but maybe not in public. #
The owners of our club are risk averse and have shown themselves to be so with appointments such as NL (which they got right IMO) who was a low risk commercial bet post TM. They are even more ‘low risk’ in the current climate when their own businesses and personal wealth will have taken a hit. Riding out the current challenging times will be their priority and this will inform our CEO’s position on the situation. Whilst he will be unlikely to publicly declare his master’s hand on this PL will be looking to secure the best negotiated settlement for Celtic, whilst keeping a form of Rangers in the game…….not an easy task as he will not be in a position (due to likely direction of our owners) to push for the ultimate sanctions.
Reagan’s tweets are probably pragmatic, sadly they have no sporting integrity whatsoever, nor will Celtic in allowing them to get the ‘kiss of life’ but I think it will come to pass.
Soft penalties and no big questions asked. The most incredible thing for me is the airbrushing of Murray’s role in this, almost as bad as that of the history of Hibernians FC.