Sky Sports ex-Newco man plows into Celtic

Sky Sports followed the news that they captured SPFL TV rights with one of their media team having a go at Celtic and Peter Lawwell.  Andrew Dickson (not that one) was previously part of Newco’s media team but is now a producer with Sky.

Following Peter Lawwell’s response to a question on needing assurance for the safety of Celtic fans at Ibrox, Dickson tweeted:

“Only place there has been a safety issue in recent times was at Celtic Park – involving Celtic fans. No track record of the problems Lawwell fears at Ibrox so why chuck that one into the conversation? To make your opponents look like big bad Rangers?”

I have been going to Ibrox for 35 years.  During that time, and for decades before, Celtic fans had exclusive access to the stadium via Broomload Road.  On 29 December, 800 Celtic fans will have to make their way through Broomload Road, which will also be the only access area 7,000 Newo fans have to the stadium.

There is a bit of a pantomime goes on at these games, with fans shouting at each other from the safety of a police cordon.  Due to police planning, fans do not intermingle in the vicinity of the stadium.

Police permit fans of other clubs to walk through Newco fans to attend Ibrox (and Celtic Park), but they have yet to decide if cordons is unnecessary for next month’s fixture, or if segregation it to happen, how 800 Celtic fans can safely enter the stadium.

Celtic have been in regular dialogue with the police and League since Newco’s statement on the subject in the summer and await a decision.  Sky Sports staff seem to have picked up the baton to support Newco’s position, despite safety concerns.

At least there should be no trouble after the match, that lot are usually well home by full time.