Apologies to all who, like me, tired of the circular ‘songs debate’ on CQN many years ago. Back in 2011, when Celtic had a similar action from Uefa to defend as they now face, I predicted a slow train wreck:
“The Debating societies will be exercised on the freedom of some to sing racially-hostile God Save the Queen, or the militaristic, Flower of Scotland, and wait for the reaction to what is euphemistically known as ‘the marching season’. In this vein I would encourage the Celtic delegation who meet Uefa next month read aloud a transcript of La Marseillaise, which becomes a logical target if Uefa prosecute our club.
“I predict Uefa and the SPL will reprimand Celtic with a cease and desist-type warning which will include specific instructions to remove and ban ‘offenders’. Efforts will be made to prosecute ‘offenders’, which I expect will fail, but not before a few individuals are brought before the court.
“Neil Lennon, Jock Stein and since Fergus McCann, the club, have asked fans not to sing political songs. Many agreed but some will not waver, so it would be an act of vanity for lesser mortals to suggest restraint. The slow train-wreck will happen.”
A few weeks later I wrote:
“Singing Flower of Scotland will (correctly) never be criminalised but you can expect charges to be brought for expressing similar sentiment. Legally, this sounds like a reach by the SNP government, but it’s likely to be a few young football fans who carry the responsibility of establishing how the judiciary view this matter.
“While Celtic will never condone IRA chanting (or, apparently, try to mitigate it as inconsequential, as others did before them with illegal and prejudicial chanting) they have a responsibility to ensure positive parts of our Irish tradition, including the national anthem, the flag and other symbols of the club’s rich and diverse culture are defended.”
Since then:
Uefa and the SPL have reprimanded Celtic.
Efforts have been made to prosecute ‘offenders’, which mostly fail.
Despite pleas from Neil Lennon, or earlier from Jock Stein, some insist on signing political songs. As Jock and Neil were ignored it remains an act of vanity for lesser mortals to try to convince others to desist.
Charges have been brought for expressing sentiment similar to that in Flower of Scotland.
Celtic have not, should not and cannot try to mitigate IRA chanting or banners as inconsequential. It is not inconsequential, Jock Stein knew it a long time before the SNP government. Fill your boots on debating why it has consequences below, it’s a huge intellectual topic, you’ll enjoy it, then you’ll get bored of it and move on.
If you want the opportunity to have a Debating Society on this, there is space on the comments section, knock yourself out. I’ve been through the songs debate often enough to know some of our community feel it is incumbent upon them to sing IRA songs at football games. Pointing out the words of Jock Stein, or the inevitable conclusion to this singing, or how things have developed in Ireland, will not change this perspective.
That’s the thing about slow train wrecks, nothing can stop them. It’s more productive to plan on how to deal with the aftermath.
Congratulations to the Bucketeers who raised over £26k for the costs of mounting an appropriate legal defence to the Dam Square five. This is a stunning amount of money raised, which demonstrates the strength of feeling among the support.
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CQN Annual, get it while it’s hot:
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Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
14:56 on
28 November, 2013
I think Celtic not voting down resolution 12 is the root of all the recent trouble. That sent a signal all the way from G42 to Nyon.
Why did we stop boxing clever ?
Lack of information and trust ?
===================
Can you add some flesh to that. Are you saying UEFA are putting the boot in?
Philbhoy,
Thanks for the welcome.
I expect you’re right about Gauld… we missed the 30 game window with that one. The window may have been shorter. At 17, though, he get’s the creative side of the game in a way that Commons doesn’t and Forrest seems to have misplaced.
While Spain churns out a succession of players with vision and passing control, Scotland gets one every ten years, if we’re lucky.
There’s been a lot wrong with our CL campaign/team this season (as ever, I guess), but, a few positives to build upon – Brown/Mulgrew look great together, and the back 5 will do. Up front we’re a bit of a mess at the moment – one clever player could turn all that around.
It’s a bit like being that dutch kid with his finger in the dyke, being a Celtic manager – fix one leak and another emerges. We deserve better, and it’s no-ones fault, just our circumstances.
Having grown up going to see games from the Jungle in 70s and 80s I have no moral high ground from which to lecture the youngsters in the Green Brigade.
What annoys me is that there is no way UEFA’s reps understand these political messages or give a toss about them – they are not fascist, rascist, bigoted etc. etc. No one watching around the world would have read it and taken offence by it.
It is only in our own little backwater that we have people who cannot wait to grass us up (and likewise we have people doing the same to them) and bombard UEFA with emails and phone calls. The enemy lies within.
proudbhoy
Republicanism has been defeated by divide and conquer, i just hope celtic dont go the same way.—————————————-
———————————————————————
don’t necessary agree regarding the defeat of republicanism, but that is for another day, but I am of the opinion that divide and conquer is precisely what our board are endeavouring to do…
So, Doug Piranha has purchased another 100,000 Sevco shares. To be fair to him, he’s putting his money where his mouth is, unlike Messrs Murray & McColl. They’re acting like true huns, invest hee-haw but want a say in running things!
Wonder who the fat whisperer’s backing this week?
HH
Good afternoon all
Great news, my CQN Annual has not long arrived. Brilliant. Yez can chat away, I’m going to do some serious reading. Toodaloo.
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
bontybhoy
15:05 on 28 November, 2013
Philbhoy,
—
Saw first glimpse of gauld in dundee uniteds game at weekend.
He’s a player and we should offer good solid 3.5/4m for him in january or but less and offer a player or 2.
I think he will be worth double that within a year. But celtic wont offer anywhere near that and will leave it too late until he’s defo outta our reach.
ernie lynch
14.53 on 28th November, 2013
Hungary…..he re-joined the party in 56 as a re-establishment of his socialist principles. A bit like fighting the fight from within in the face or undoubted extremism – a bit like GB? or the other lot Team GB….same leverage same divide and same divide and conquer.
Mildly putting it – A bit like going back to watching football on the terraces when its live on TV in an attempt to make you voice heard!
I never keep eggs in one basket….perhaps he made a bad judgement on USSR but he was right about Ireland and Scotland
I suppose you falter on John Maclean too?
masty is neil lennon and both of us are supporting wee oscar
15:07 on 28 November, 2013
proudbhoy
Republicanism has been defeated by divide and conquer, i just hope celtic dont go the same way.—————————————-
———————————————————————
don’t necessary agree regarding the defeat of republicanism, but that is for another day, but I am of the opinion that divide and conquer is precisely what our board are endeavouring to do…
—
Maybe defeat abit too strong of a word.
Another day as u say. 23:12pm here in australia. Snoozerville for me.
All the best
Auldheid,
Via Campbell Ogilvie YES
Pure speculation
HH
Sipsini
Thanks fur the Nod.
and I thoroughly agree with your own expressed Sentiments.. in this .
Yes, Our Mid Field ….in it’s Present Incarnation..
Is Not Daeing it ‘s Joab.
We spin oor Wheels like a not quite guid enuff…. Carnival Barker..
Round and Round goes the Ba’
But.. This Time..
Every Buddy Knows where it wull End Up..
Stuck , in the Mid Field.
until..
Wanna o’ the Mid Field Worthies..
Hoofs the Ba oot tae the Wing.. where is is Sure tae Dae Not Wan Bit of Guid…
as..
Even, if oor Winger does Get it. under Control..
Nine Times oot Ten..
He wull Sky his Cross.. in such a Manner, that none of Oor Hungry Strikers wull Get Anywhere Near It!
Oor Wingers.. Canny be relied oan tae Get over That Telling Cross.. Jist like oor
Mid Fielders..
Canny be relied oan tae Mak That all so IMPORTANT
FINAL , TELLING PASS!
and.. Yes , Virginia.. Celtic , Need A Better Coaching Dept..
Kojo
Still,Laughin
WallyWallace
15:10 on 28 November, 2013
‘perhaps he made a bad judgement on USSR’
###
It was an utterly perverse decision. He was an arsehole.
When it comes to cup games my biggest fear remains the referee.
Ally that to my pride in our SC record and it’s apt to say I’m already keeching myself about a trip to Tynecastle this Sunday. And I’m not a fan of Sunday games.
Now, what else annoys me?
U
Deniabhoy
They are protecting their mates. They dont want any snowball rolling down the hill.
HH
BontyBhoy
.On a related note, is Ryan Gauld getting much play on here. I’d spend every penny of our budget on him – he’s going to be the best Scottish player in a couple of generations.
He may be one of the finest protege’s in Scotland,but, If he came to Celtic he will disappear into the reserves never to be seen again.
It’s quite clear that the Green Brigade are going to have to reinvent themselves in some way if they are to survive. I personally think they could do a lot worse than all taking up the ukulele.
Forget about Roll of Honour, the banners and the lateral movement and concentrate instead on strumming along in unison to Comb By Ya, Colours of Day, or some such uplifting spiritual numbers.
Tin hat on here, if by some way or other, we lose to the mini-huns this weekend, I would suggest the nail that holds Lenny’s jacket, will have become very shoogly!
No pressure, but we MUST win, or else……………….!
Sorry Neil, but as far as I’m concerned, it will be 1 defeat too much for me!
HH
Masty
Republicanism will never die
The people arose in ’69 they can rise again at anytime
‘A businessman who owned Glasgow Rangers soccer club today began the latest round of a High Court fight with a ticket-buying firm.
Craig Whyte appealed after being ordered to pay more than £17 million to Ticketus earlier this year.
He asked Deputy High Judge David Halpern QC to overturn the ruling, made by a more junior judge, at a hearing in London.
Ticketus said Mr Whyte had fraudulently or negligently made representations which induced the company to enter into agreements related to the sale or purchase of Rangers’ season tickets in 201, and claimed damages.
Mr Whyte disputed the claim.
But in April a High Court master had ruled against Mr Whyte prior to a trial, after Ticketus argued that the former Rangers’ boss had “no real prospect” of mounting a successful defence.
The master ordered Mr Whyte to pay £17.6 million.
Lawyers for Mr Whyte today argued that the master’s decision to grant a “summary judgment” had been unfair.
They said the case should be allowed to go to trial and said Mr Whyte had a “realistic” defence.’
The judge is expected to finishing hearing evidence and legal argument later today.
Brigada Ukelele
Greatest Hits, including
Don’t you want me baby?
Enough is enough
Losing my religion
Anarchy In The Ukulele
I’m leaning on a lamp post at the corner of the street in case a certain little lady goes by oh me oh my
Captain Uke and the Lost Bhoys
At various stages in his life Shangri La legend held all kinds of views, including standing for the SNP and wishing for a Nazi victory in WW2.
..and on the other hand he did write ‘The Bonny Brookit Bairn’.
Honest mistake
I’m
Not getting in to a ding dong with you as I suspect we have shared ambitions and frustrations. I’m just irked that we have (IMO) squandered an opportunity again through short sighted spending strategy.
I’m also concerned at what lies ahead in the next few months. Will be interesting to read this seasons attendance figures in May. I can only speculate they will decline further over the next few months.
‘Up the West End that’s the best end
Where the nightclubs shine
Down in to a dive you go
There you’ll find her She’s a has-been
Has been lord knows what
Every night she’s there on show
She dances underneath a magic spell
She’s full of charm and gin and scotch as well
Every morning at the break of day
They call for the dustcart and they cart away
Fanlight Fanny the frowsey nightclub queen’
There’s a very good documentary about George Harrison, where Tom petty tells a story of him coming to his house once and saying, ” You know what’s wrong with this house? There’s not enough ukuleles in it.” He opened his car boot and left him four.
Proudbhoy,
Been following him for a bit, some good(ish) youtube stuff, if not the BBC site, if you want to catch up – he’s had a good 2013 all around. Two footed, pacy, clever and decent finisher. Bit lightweight, but doesn’t play the British way, so it doesn’t matter so much.
I used to lament that a cross between Maloney and McGeady would be close to perfection… Gauld may be that player.
Oldbhoy, granted. Loan him back to Utd. From what the lad’s been saying he’s in no hurry to move – seems very grounded and happy there. He’s far too good for reserve football.
Ach, I’m just dreaming, he’ll go to an EPL club and they’ll loan him out.
Ukulele….you got me on my knees
Ukulele…I’m beggin’ you,darlin’, please
Ukulele….darling won’t you ease my worried mind
dontbrattbakkinanger
15:22 on 28 November, 2013
Very very interesting …looking forward to the Judge’s decision. More fun ahead.
cliftonville celt from belfast praying for Oscar the wee legend
15:21 on
28 November, 2013
Masty
Republicanism will never die
The people arose in ’69 they can rise again at anytime
——————————————————————————–
no arguments here mo chara……
Celtic will do very well to entice Ryan Gauld. I know 3 clubs who are sniffing and each have a much bigger lure than Celtic.
My mate works with his dad. He is on the brink of untold wealth and glory.
” I’ll hae nae haufwayhoose, but aye be whaur extremes meet , its the only way I ken
To dodge the curst conceit o bein richt that damns the vast majority of men “
Former footballing genius, captain of industry, ace broadcaster and loving son Gordon Duffield Smith was on the wireless last week banging on about hanging out and playing guitar with his good good mates Paul McCartney and erm.. Pete Best.
Some man so he is.
Anybody want in The Capri Sun Brigade?
Radio Snyde set to shop Celtic to UEFA for the ole Amido lyric.
” She’s a peach but understand
She’s called a peach because she’s always canned “
Bontybhoy
This Gauld Chap..
Dis he hiv a Powerful Physique?
Ah hivnae seen him..or..if He did Play agin us..
Ah Never Noticed Him..
Anyway.
Unless,he is Built like a ..”You Know whit..”
He wull Nevah Capture..
Kojo’s Interest..
Fur..
Playing fur a Provincial Side…and Playing fur The Celtic..
are Two entirely different Things..
When ye Play fur Us..
Ye Need tae Be Strong as an Ox ,yet Gentle as a Lion.
We are always at the Receiving End of the Rough Treatment..
And..the Scottish Refs.. mak DAMN SURE ..
That we wull Always Be..
and those Refs are Simply Delighted..
Tae .. Penalize us..if we Dare .,,Retaliate ,in Kind..
No.. Pal..
A Celtic Player needs the Protection of Himsel.. by HiMsel.. and Fur Himsel.
And the Best Protection ,he kin Hiv.
In Ma opinion..’
Is A Powerful. Physical Presence..
So .. Ah repeat.. If Gauld Diznae hae this Awe Important Requirement..’
He wid not Play Much of a Starring Role..if he Played fur us… like he ,supposedly Dis.. wi his Present Employers.
Kojo
Still,Laughin’.