When Anthony Stokes picked himself off the ground having won a penalty yesterday his eagerness for a piece of the action was clear. Having missed the majority of the season through injury he is a player with a point to prove.
The penalty correctly went to Kris Commons but Anthony still had an opportunity to remind us what a valuable player he can be. He is not the strongest or most skilful player at the club but he is a natural goal-scorer.
Competition for a place in Celtic’s attack has seldom been more acute. Lassad, Miku, Samaras, Stokes and Watt are all pressing for a place alongside Gary Hooper. Each of them will have to consider the possibility of new arrivals in the summer, when securing a place in the squad, never mind the starting line-up, will be a challenge.
Anthony’s return to fitness, and form, is a timely reminder of what he brings to Celtic, and what we have missed once or twice this season.
On Friday 1 March the Lisbon Lions will be at the Kerrydale Suite providing commentary and answering questions on their magnificent European Cup final win in 1967. This has never happened in 46 years since that game, to say it is a unique opportunity fails to tell the whole story.
The event is part of our 125 4 125 campaign – central to reinvigorating the charitable spirit which is part of the club we love. It will be a family occasions, tickets are available at £10 for adults and £5 for children. The night has been organised by several fans working in conjunction with the people at Celtic Charity, so please do your best to support this great occasion. Individual tickets or tables are available, details here.
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Charles green, servco, Orc support, traynor, Scottish media,SFA, and the establishment must be loving our clubs self destruction .
No man, woman, or supporters group is bigger than our club…
Sort it out!!!!!!!!!!!
And be wary of the faceless posters stirring it all up with unsubstantiated drivel.
The stench of Orc in here is overpowering
ROW Z – Let Celtic Flourish By The Cleansing Of The ‘Den!
19:57 on
17 February, 2013
well said.
John O Neil – But the songs that you have mentioned are not in anyway illegal mate.
You can go onto Amazon right now,or Play.com and purchase the said songs.
Maybe the laws in Scotland are different to those in England,Ireland & the rest of Europe,i don’t know,but if you are brought before any court on account of singing these songs,then i am afraid that any charges will simply not stand.
“unsubstantiated drivel. ”
seen it with my own eyes, It’s happening.
Stringer bell
The green brigade statement calls Lawwell a liar.
If not true Lawwell should defend his name and reputation and prove the GB are liars.
See my earlier posts.
Philbhoy
I believe the GB are holding their council on the name/s of org reps who spoke to them after meetings were held informing them of the bitterness being shown towards them from inside the club.
Given the circumstances I have great respect for them for doing so as the imications for those who have spoken would probably be severe from within the club in an organisation to club relationship sense.
MWD
BIG-CUP-WINNERS
Cheers.
Peter Lawwell is doing a lot of things right for our club, desperately hope that this can be resolved……… GB must be allowed to attend without all this nonsense…..full statement from CFC must be forthcoming immediately.
Otherwise we are of to hell in a hand cart
philbhoy – it’s just the beginning!
20:02 on 17 February, 2013
Stringer bell
The green brigade statement calls Lawwell a liar.
If not true Lawwell should defend his name and reputation and prove the GB are liars.
See my earlier posts.
————-
Yes, I know the GB statement calls PL a liar.
My question was, how do you know who has lied. You see the difference..
Let’s not forget our esteemed chairman’s parting words at the AGM last year – aimed at the Celtic support in general, and, the GB in particular – ‘…behave yourselves!’
From GB forum
Towards the end of 2012, the Green
Brigade announced a two-match boycott
of Celtic Park due to the continued police
harassment of our members. We hoped
to highlight the extent of our ill-
treatment and perhaps force the police
into a re-think regarding their bully boy
tactics. Sadly the harassment has actually
worsened since then, leading up to the
events of yesterday which left the group
with little choice but to leave the stadium
before kick-off.
It has reached the stage where our very
existence is under serious threat as fans
will not continue to pay £500+ to be
treated like criminals.
After the disappointment of Tuesday
night, we had made it our intention to
thank the team for their efforts and once
again back them to the hilt. However, it
was clear that the police, and indeed club
officials, were not going to allow this to
happen.
Even before we had even got near Celtic
Park, the police had tracked us down at
the CSA on London Road. They took our
merchandise off of people who had
recently purchased it and questioned the
staff as to why our members were
allowed in the building.
As we approached the stadium and began
to enter, some members were told that
they were to leave as they had received a
football banning order. No warning or
explanation was given. Others were
greeted by a message at the turnstile
after swiping their card that read
“suspended for one game.” Again,
without any warning or explanation as to
why this was the case. These ‘’bans’’ were
at the behest of the club and not the
police, for reasons still unknown.
We were then approached by a Celtic
steward who advised us to be wary when
entering the section, as he was advised
by Strathclyde Police that they intended
to arrest some of our members, and that
they were in possession of a ‘wanted’ list
with names and pictures of the
unfortunate fans who were to be singled
out. It was at this point that we decided
that we were putting our own members
at risk by entering the stadium. As we
made our way to the exits, one Focus
officer, Tommy McCrindle, was grinning
from ear to ear, goading the group into a
reaction that fortunately he never got.
It would seem that the police and indeed
the club have upped the ante even
further in recent weeks. The facts are;
– We are now 10 members down since
the turn of the year.
– We have had two members arrested and
charged over the ‘zombie’ banner that
was unfurled at the Norwich friendly. One
of those members was arrested at a busy
airport in front of family on arrival from
holiday.
– The first of those charged had his first
court appearance last week. This was
laughed out of court but not before the
stress and inconvenience of telling family
members, taking time off work and
missing big matches.
– Numerous members’ have been
harassed at their homes in recent weeks,
another clear tactic of intimidation.
This is all done under the say-so of
Strathclyde Police’ FoCus unit. Celtic
supporters have the same police officers
following them week in, week out. This
allows them to become familiar with the
names and faces of our fans. It would
appear that they use this familiarity to try
to intimidate us even further. Simple
things like name-dropping partner’s
names or family members’ names has
become an all too common theme. It’s all
part of the bullying nature of this unit.
The aforementioned McCrindle actually
has on his social networking site that his
job description is “full-time Fume-a-pest
& termite control.” McCrindle was also in
the midst of controversy following the
Juventus game, as three members were
arrested to be charged with a minor
breach of the peace which quickly became
offensive behaviour at the football,
leading to banning orders being made a
part of said members bail conditions.
McCrindle even went as far as to attempt
to pressure the Procurator Fiscal in to
ensuring that one of the accused would
not even be granted bail. The sad thing is
that it’s our money that pays this man’s
wages, whilst also affording this unit
countless ‘’working holidays’’ to places like
Amsterdam, Barcelona and Moscow.
After the last boycott, Peter Lawwell and
Neil Lennon publicly expressed their
desire to meet with us to iron out any
issues we may have. We decided that this
was something which we should try to
use, so contacted them via a private email
about this almost immediately. Sadly,
they were ‘too busy’ but would contact us
when they were ready. We’re still waiting
on them getting back to us about that
particular email, although we did receive
one prior to the Juventus game with an
agenda that in no way mentioned any of
the concerns that we outlined. We
advised that we weren’t prepared to
discuss anything any further with them
until our initial request was granted. We
are still no further forward with that and
as a result, any relationship with the club
has completely disintegrated. Since this
relationship has broken down the ticket
office has become entirely uncooperative
with us whilst the chief steward with
whom we had a good working relationship
with has been moved post.
We have never met with Neil Lennon
before but have had numerous dealings
with Lawwell in recent years. At almost
every meeting, he has made promises
that were never kept so this is nothing
new. He met our members to discuss the
fall-out over the “Let’s go to War banner”
that depicted Lennon setting fire to Ibrox
and had “huns FC” written on the
stadium. This led to charges and court
cases which lasted 18 months for 3 of our
members. We had met with Lawwell to
discuss this and to see if he could lend his
support to the case. Lawwell advised us
that he thought the charge was ‘a joke’
and it was his opinion that the term
‘huns’ was in no way offensive.
Furthermore, he went onto say he’d be
happy for the club to defend us in court.
We were clearly delighted with this.
However, when our lawyer contacted him
about this a few weeks down the line,
Lawwell denied all knowledge of the
meeting and refused to comment any
further. As if that wasn’t bad enough, a
senior member of Celtic security, David
Brannan, was used as a prosecution
witness.
We have heard in the last couple of
weeks of meetings involving Lawwell and
other Celtic fan groups. At these
meetings, Lawwell has made no secret of
the fact that he intends to see the end of
the group sooner rather than later. He
was quoted as saying that he would “give
them enough rope to hang themselves.”
We were told that Lawwell used CCTV
footage of the section to pinpoint who he
felt the ringleaders were and picked out a
member as someone who ‘had to go’. We
have also been informed that other fans
groups may have attended similar
meetings with Peter Lawwell and if this
were the case, we would find it
extremely disheartening that we were
not informed of the club’s intentions by
other Celtic fans. At this stage however
Celtic’s agenda seems clear – They are
intent on finishing the group off.
Our decision not to attend yesterday’s
match was not something that we had
planned. We simply felt that it was a
decision that had to be made purely to
protect our own members and those
within 111. It has now gotten to the
stage whereby members of our group live
in constant fear of the police showing up
at their homes or workplace with a
trumped up charge, or to be told that
they are banned from football matches as
they approach the gates of 111. Now,
more than ever, the continued support of
the rest of the Celtic fans is appreciated
immensely. We cannot stress enough that
if things do not change for the better, the
group will be unable to continue to
attend matches to support the club that
we all love.
Burghbhoy,
I don’t hear much support for oppressed Christians, and particularly Catholics, in places like Hamas controlled Palestine, at Celtic Park. Imo, your analysis is too simplistic by far. I have lived in and visited Muslim countries, where to simply be a Christian takes courage. You may care to note that since the so called Arab Spring many Christians, many there for the best part of 2,000 years, have fled the Middle East. I am not saying this is the full story but it is a bit more rounded than what you suggest to me.
Also, imo, since a version of the AGM appeared on here which bore little resemblance to my experience, I will wait before I rush to judgement on the powers that be at Celtic Park.
Stringer Bell at 19:48
I don’t know what you mean by saying “provoking” ?
It’s same old scenario. Ultras have some points. Some of their points are right.
But…
Like Legia Ultras they issued the statements that built high barricade. That statement leaves no room for talks. Does it?
Now, everybody knows who is to blame , Peter Lawwell and the Board.
I’m afraid it will take long months to identify those who are on Ultras side to make decisions on giving support or not. You will see plenty of guys where each would like to be the hero of true support, who want to be the heroe of the crowd.
We had open discussion, behind closed doors meetings, footballers legends as the negotiators.
If the end of the issue is not close, you will see much less people attending the games.
John O Neil
The GB don’t go to away games as a group. Stop making things up.
16 roads – Neil Lennon walks on water:
I accept your point. However the club is in a difficult position with regard to them.
There can be no justification for the police action if it is true.
Peter Scarff: no need to be personal. Can we not have conversations without the name calling and usual attempts to smear people as huns?
This debate is heading in a very predictable direction. Political positions and personal insults aplenty tonight, it seems.
There is one successful club in Scotland right now. One that is performing well in Europe and running away with the title. That doesn’t suit agendas outside the Celtic family at all – is it any wonder that there are attempts to divide us? And any talk of mass boycotts simply plays into those agendas.
For me, any public statement by the club can only cause further damage. What can they say that won’t either be interpreted as collusion with the police or dismissed as lies?
This is something that has to be sorted out in house, rather than doing our laundry in public. Surely someone from the leadership of the various supporters’ bodies can bring the Green Brigade and the club together to discuss the issues involved?
pauloantony
19:58 on
17 February, 2013
ABSOLUTELY
bigjie
If you’re about. Any chance of yesterday’s goals?
Jimbo67
Don’t think I’ve mentioned anything about songs buddy.
CRC
No!!! I mean year . I’m busy!!!
MWD
while PL may or may not be complicit in the harassment of the GB, im not sure how much influence he actually has over whats going on
the politicians have given the nazi wing of strathclyde police (note – non-nazi versions of strathclyde police officers are also available) carte blanche to act like we are living in a police state when it comes to policing us at games
has PL got any say on what happens to fans when they walk up to the turnstiles or even step off a plane?
Parkheadcumsalford
Maybe my view is a little too simplistic and the Celtic support is a cross section of diverse opinions.i just meant that traditionally ( and most CFC supporters I know) have a similar outlook on life, politics left of centre and with a social conscience which backs the underdog/oppressed .This is a legacy I do not wish to loose as it is born out the the very reasons our club was founded. Noble reasons
Someone seems to have spiked the punch-bowl in John’s house.
All those mad songs yer hearin’ in yer head!
The Green Brigade issue is certainly one to fracture support and indeed opinion. Divide and conquer may even be the goal of the “authorities”.
However,
Irrespective of right and wrongs, political agendas, daft weans and supposed embarrassment to the prawn sandwich punters, if the Green Bridade statement just published is in fact accurate and Peter Lawell’s involvement is proven (and the truth will out eventually) I am finished with Celtic FC forever. Having just had a red hot phone conversation with a relative back home in deepest, darkest South Ayrshire reveals I won’t be the only one either.
Stringer bell
I do not know who is lying.
The GB have called PL a liar.
What do you think?
look this is all abouts poppy day, our custodians are emabarassed and thats the truth,in my opinion ofcourse.
Whether there have been lies or not is less important now than trying to sort this mess. I do not need Celtic to make statements or public pronouncements. I do need them to take part in active, serious and honest dialogue directly with the GB, working with intermediaries if necessary, to try to close this gap, to heal this rift but more importantly to deal properly with the deliberate harassment of a section of the support.
I would hold that view for ANY section of our support that has been by and large reasonably behaved and disciplined.
HH
zbyszek
20:06 on
17 February, 2013
Stringer Bell at 19:48
I don’t know what you mean by saying “provoking” ?
It’s same old scenario. Ultras have some points. Some of their points are right.
But…
Like Legia Ultras they issued the statements that built high barricade. That statement leaves no room for talks. Does it?
Now, everybody knows who is to blame , Peter Lawwell and the Board.
I’m afraid it will take long months to identify those who are on Ultras side to make decisions on giving support or not. You will see plenty of guys where each would like to be the hero of true support, who want to be the heroe of the crowd.
We had open discussion, behind closed doors meetings, footballers legends as the negotiators.
If the end of the issue is not close, you will see much less people attending the games.
———
Zybszek
I meant thought provoking. – making me think about how this could / would end up, from someone who has seen it play out.
It was a compliment !:-)
John O Neil – But John,if it’s not the songs it will be something else.
If it’s no one thing,it’s another so to speak.
Let’s get one thing straight – These cretins despise Celtic,and they despise Celtic supporters.
They are merely continuing on with their proxy war,a war that they cannot win.
We buried their club.
stringer…,
do you think someone lied
who do you think lied and why
As a season ticket holder living abroad I don’t get to Celtic Park very often, so I find it hard to judge the situation. However, there is clearly enough evidence of a political/police campaign against our support and apparently of Board connivance. I find this development very worrying and I will be writing to the board to make my feelings known and my doubts about renewing next season.
I sincerely hope that there can be some genuine dialogue between Board, GB and the police. The only reservation I have about the GB is using banners that focus on the dead club. CQN is also far too fixated on Sevco for my liking. Forget the bigots and concentrate on supporting Celtic!
John O Neil aka Aiden McGeady
You’ve changed it from sung at CP, to sometimes sung, to sung away from CP, but you haven’t told us what they are therefore you are clearly relying on hearsay evidence.
There is no communal singing of the songs you labelled as IRA, except in the barren wastelands of the juandiced anti Celtic mind, and before you denigrate the GB you should note they only attend CP in group formation.
Try and keep up, because it’s not about songs anyway.
Hail Hail
So TFOD were fighting with Clyde at the weekend?
Hahahahahahaha
What happened to the “Making new friends”.. And all that?
Was there a lot of trouble?
By the way, PL has very little room to manoeuvre here, especially if details of previous meetings have already been released. Just my opionion mind.
John- no personal slight meant and I did not call you a hun.
The point for me in th is is and I stress if what has been posted by the GB is accurate that CFC supply personal info on fans to the police routinely . This affects all supporters particularly SB holders but not exclusively so.
philbhoy – it’s just the beginning!
20:14 on 17 February, 2013
Stringer bell
I do not know who is lying.
The GB have called PL a liar.
What do you think?
———————
I think I need to find out more – from all involved – before making a judgement.
We have one side of a three sided story. I have no reason to disbelieve the GB btw, but to make the right judgement more info is required.
16 roads
Spot on ‘ we buried their club’. The hurt caused by the death of sectarian cheats incorporated knows no bounds.
The GB are the first recipients of its wrath.
neil canamalar lennon hunskelper extrordinaire
20:16 on 17 February, 2013
stringer…,
do you think someone lied
who do you think lied and why
———–
I simply don’t know at this stage.
Same as you and everyone else.
John O Neil is kojo
As some will know here, I recently took my Celtic supporting 15 yo daughter to Celtic Park.
Her request?
That I get tckets near the Green Brigade.
Went to the game.
Enjoyed it.
Green Brigade was a highlight.
She loved the whole experience…and the Green Brigade clinched it.
I had to explain a few of the songs to her.
In a measured, rational, objective manner.
She still wanted to be part of it.
All I’m saying is…Celtic Park would lose an immeasureable lot by losing these people.