Sky conspiracy to slur Celtic fans

We live in a time when conspiracies are more difficult to pull off than they used to be.  Information is more open, distributed, analysed with that secondary analysis distributed in a way that was not possible when most of us started our careers.

Before social media, hundreds of incredulous Spanish-speaking viewers would have exclaimed, “He didn’t say that!” at Alfredo Morales Sky Sports interview and translation, each in isolation, with only their immediate family to hear.  Back then, it was easy to get away with distorting news and information.  That made Celtic the easiest target in Scotland, just think back to the daily distortions placed on Fergus McCann, which went without coordinated opposition.

I have done a few translations in my time.  They are never published literally [“astounded of forehead” apart] as grammar and sentence structure protocols differ, so you have to fit the translated words into acceptable prose.  But, inserting “They were saying offensive and racist words” into a translation when no such accusation was expressed, is clear evidence of one or more people at Sky conspiring to slur the reputation of Celtic fans.

We both know that Sky, the corporate body, could not care less about Celtic or Scottish football.  This incident will be an embarrassment to the ethical standards of the broadcaster, which I expect will be sorted out by bosses in London, who would do well to consider Kris Boyd’s comments on Leigh Griffiths “mental strength” in the current context.

It tells you more about Scotland, our past as well as our present, than it does about Sky.  Celtic might control the leagues and cups, but other aspects of social, political and corporate life have deep-rooted hostilities, which they cannot hide.

You will see every dirty trick in the book used between now and May as resentment festers at the gaping chasm between unrivalled success and abject failure.  What they don’t know, is that these acts will only serve to unite and strengthen Celtic.

Stand up for the Champions, as someone around here was fond of saying.