I’ve just caught Joe O’Rourke’s article on the Association site about the long-awaited released of statistics on sectarian crime in Scotland. Joe suggests that the data from 2003 – 2010 was has been destroyed by the Crown Office. I also hear that the Scottish Government will release entirely irrelevant ‘information’ today, specifically, where offences took place, not which groups were responsible or which groups were targeted by the offenders.
It takes a lot of effort to make sure you destroy data these days, you need to ensure not only that prosecutors permanently delete backups (which I really doubt they do) but also that the police similarly comply.
Fortunately all is not lost. While it’s just about believable that regional police forces across Scotland and the Crown Office have acted in symmetry on this issue, I could have helped the First Minister, Alex Salmond’s, search for clarity by pointing him in the direction of British Transport Police (BTP). The Transport Police are a separate force who operate across Britain and are run by the Home Office in London. They are also a lot less proficient at destroying data.
They previously gave me detailed statistics on all incidents they record in connection with Scottish football for season 2007-08. One of the most pleasing aspects of the information is the complete eradication of sectarian offences from all but one Scottish club, so the First Minister will be delighted to learn he has a smaller problem on his hands than he perhaps knew. According to BTP, 11 arrests were made for sectarian offences in total, 10 Rangers fans and one Northern Ireland fan.
You can see the detail figures for all recorded incidents here (the majority of which are for non-sectarian issues). From a total of 99 incidents (not all of which resulted in arrest), there were six involving Celtic fans, six for Dundee United, seven for Motherwell, four for Hibernian and five each for Aberdeen and Hearts. Rangers fans were involved in a total of 48 incidents.
The BPT figures also make it clear that most incidents occur when fans travel to away venues. The Force also confirmed that incidents surrounding the 2008 Uefa Cup final in Manchester were not included in these statistics.
To further aid Mr Salmond in his search for clarity on this issue, he can contact British Transport Police with a Freedom of Information request here, where they will be able to provide him (or you) with up to date stats.
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Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
BigjoePracticingForStokes,swinner
BSR
it was on a couple of pages back..
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/533317091?-10583
been in most papers about the training pitches..
bournesouprecipe says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:17
In today’s Herald.
last page 04.14..
bournesouprecipe says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:17
angelfc67
Interesting, where did you hear about the training ground switch, if I may ask?
_________________________________________________________________
It’s in todays Scotsman & Herald. Neil was talking about it during his press conference.
Morning all, fingers crossed for 3pts today.
HH
Giggs
Morning all from a dull North Ayrshire.
This nonsensical “illicit chanting” is doing my head in. Some female Scottish sports journalist (sorry, didn’t catch her name-Jane something) was peddling on 5 Live this morning. She simply told Britain that we were being investigated for it by UEFA and the SPL. The implication was that we were breaking all sorts of rules and regulations. Makes you sick. No mention of context or of stats, of course.
2010 Never Again
Unite for the fight – We are more than a club
First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Thanks guys.
I see the stories now, and I’m amazed that we’re back training at Barrowfield.
It’s an interesting theory, and NL is quick to point to it, only be so.
Being a cynical ole soul, I think some of the present players (especially Thomas) might tweak his hamstring playing on a field of cotton wool.
CQN Saturday Naps Competition
Lads, for those who are in the CQN Saturday Naps competition, please go back and post your selection on the previous article :
(“Neil Lennon speaks out for the heart of Celtic”)
Alternatively, if you cannot access the previous article for any reason, then you can send me an email message with your selection to : fleagle1888 at yahoo.co.uk
All the best, fleagle1888
Morning ghuys.
Right that’s me trawled the internet, read some historical newspaper articles and phoned a friend and I still can’t find anything that says, ” Celtic fans form Green Brigade and begin singing Irish republican songs, never before heard on the slopes of Celtic Park”. I’m afraid Lenny, in specifically targetting one group of Celtic fans, is doing himself no favours and is merely furthering the agenda of the media. The media in Scotland and seemingly the Scottish political and sporting establishment aren’t too keen on the Celtic support as a whole and scapegoating this particular group for singing contentious songs is the perfect way to divide us. If today turns into a reb fest, we’d do well to remember that the cheerleaders wont neccessarily be GB.
Anyhoo enough of that, COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN and bring those 3 point back to paradise.
angelfc67 says:
19 November, 2011 at 08:57
I think the players having to change at Celtic Park interacting with the fans every day is actually as crucial as the injuries.
I see Commons saying a loss of focus at Inverness cost them at the end of last season – 100% would not have happened had they been speaking and seeing the punters in the build up. Absolutely no way.
My daughter is running in Renfrewshire Cross Country Championships today at noon. Can anyone suggest a pub nearby to Rouken Glen to watch the second half ?
Eyes Wide Open says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:32
angelfc67 says:
19 November, 2011 at 08:57
100% correct, being back where there predecessors learned their trade wont be a bad thing, even if it’s only for a couple of weeks. They will certainly be under no illusion how big the next rankers game will be.
gorbalstam says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:31
Calm down mo chara – I have trawled through all of Lennons interviews and I think what has got your back up is yet another in a long line of scottish media spins.
I think Lennon actually said – that there is nothing wrong with the traditional songs, its the add ons that 1-200 people within the green brigade area of the stadium sit use that causes offence.
I dont think any of us would disagree with that assessment?
The scottish media spin was that Lennon told Celtic fans to stop singing offensive songs
Its not the first time things have been taken out of context to suit those out to harm our Club.
If I am wrong il stand corrected – however I do believe thats what has happened.
Just like the GB rejected a meeting with the police – when in fact they turned it down because they were told they couldnt mention the heavy handed tactics against Hibs! – Any clarification on that from the media…
Lennon has also said he wants to meet them in private to hear their views and tell them his – I dont think for one second anyone would leave that room with any disagreements about what we need to do.
The attack against Celtic is at its peak – divide & conquor is the tactic – dont let it work.
Lets stand united and lets stand together – im not talking about just the BG – im talking every man, woman and child going to watch Celtic in the coming weeks and months.
2010 Never Again
The morning blessing comes to you all today from Vatican City…..where by coincidence…..the officers of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs are having a private audience with the Holy Father
angelfc67 says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:38
Jesus such a point!
I hadnt even allowed my mind to stray as far as the hun game!
The pitches they train on may as well mirror those that they will play on too – so long term if its an away trip to Inverness during the winter, how much benefit is there from training on immaculate pitches with undersoil heating?
Eyes Wide Open says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:38
Take your point but I believe it woukd have been better if he asked for a meeting with representatives of other Celtic suppoters groups as well as the GB.
Eyes Wide Open says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:41
The huns never stray far from my thoughts!!
I also wish Neil had kept this out of the Sun. I also mentioned on thursday that we have a PR department (jambo)to deal with off field issues. I’d like to think the recent club statement was down to Mr. Bankier. I didn’t renew ESPN this year as Craig Hunley is too much. It’s a nightmare not being able to see the match!!! Best of luck to all travelling ‘cos your going to need it I’m afraid. Come on Celtic. HH.
Regarding Lennoxtown is the grass a wee bit longer or shorter than it was last season or has global warming affected the quality of the pitch
My own Lennoxtown theory is that it is much further to travel too from the usual footballers haunts of Bothwell and Thorntonhall than it is to London Road. Due to the increased driving distance and the wee windy roads there is an increased workload on the players legs working up and down the clutches of their porsches and ferraris placing them more susceptible to injury
Could this be investigated please
Michael Grant in todays(sat) Herald, describes the Green Brigade as ” controversial”!!!
How lazy is this and how nasty! ? He clearly never attends Celtic matches… And lacks intelligence…
HH
Imatim –
nice one!
Jobo
2010 Never Again
Time is running out to get your bets on MIB 5 from 3 giving the huns another dodgy penalty.
Was Matthew not a tax collector….
mickbhoy1888
That’s a Ryan Giggs hamstring injury theory, – where he blamed his Porsche.
Neil would have been well advised not to make statements on the songs issue.
I’m more than happy to give him the benefit of the doubt that he is being inaccurately reported.
Even if this is true the effect is the same; succour for the establishment’s demonisation of Celtic supporters.
Imatim is spot on; time to unite for the fight (wherever your views on political songs may lie).
Best wishes go to all Celtic fans travelling today; be safe!
Mon the Hoops!
gourockbhoy
have alook out for MWD, think he is a south sider..
I see rangers are holding a Thanksgiving Special today,with live music, in honour of their three american yanks.
I can only assume that in March they will be honouring their northern irish players in similar style with a St Patricks day special complete with live music and irish dancing.
Remember abour equality in the workplace.
Or is this likely to cause an outbreak of sectarian or illicit or offensive chanting.
We all know this does not happen at ibrox….Is that not true Mr match commander
Jobo Baldie says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:49
Imatim –
nice one!
Jobo
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2010 Never Again
Jobo
How would you like to give the midday blessing today as I will be oot?
Be creative if you like <:-))
gorbalstam says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:
I do agree with you – however I think those type of meetings should be done on an annual basis before every season starts. A indepth discussion about the previous season, what went right what went wrong. What we could have done better as a support (with critical analysis and video examples maybe of a head or two going down at the same time the support were giving off).
I wouldnt want Lawell there.
It should be about the team – leave the politics to one side for once.
The representatives of all the clubs could then go off and spread the word to their respective flocks.
I think the meeting he is looking to arrange is an emergency type meeting he needs to assemble within the next day or two – and time is of the essence. Therefore speaking to the vocal few and the ones you know is emenating from makes sense.
Its also not a ‘beat the green brigade’ session – in your forum those who dont engage in the chants would be airing their view and the BG would be airing theirs – that wouldnt benefit anyone.
Lennon is the only man the GB will listen to and rightly so – it should be him and only him talking directly to them, and only them.
Thats my take anyway
Good morning fellow timsters, from an overcast but brightening city of York. Taken the family down for a few days break but obvoiusly require a bar to watch today’s game. Celticbars has ome called O’neills, does anyone know if they or anywhere else will be showing the game?
HH
blantyretim says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:51
Was Matthew not a tax collector….
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2010 Never Again
Blessed are the tax collectors……for they will collect much tax
Eyes Wide Open says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:38
Forgot to say mate, always calm, bourne of an inner peace from choosing the ways of Celtic.
West Wales Celt says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:52
I disagree on two fronts.
The first is I believe Celtic have to be publicly seen to do and say all they physically can on the matter. So that when it comes to these so called ‘investigations’ the club come out squeaky clean.
The club can then also insist they have the situation under control – so back off and leave us to it.
If I am wrong on that again, il stand corrected – I am using Hearts as the basis for my opinion (where they made a few paltry public statements and all was literally forgiven for the attack being allowed to happen on Lennon).
The second is I am not sure how he can avoid mentioning it.
He can probably tell the media he wont be dealing with questions around the songs debate – however its the only show in town. Rightly or wrongly, its the only thing all of Scotland wants to see and hear about (attacks on our club).
How would it look if the following days report was ‘lennon refuses to condemn pro IRA chants’
Because that is what they would have done.
Remember numerous people were looking to kill the man 5-6 months ago….
Eyes Wide Open says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:55
“Therefore speaking to the vocal few and the ones you know is emenating from makes sense”.
Again I know where your coming from here but I would have to reiterrate here that if there is a mass singing of IRA songs today, it is unlikely that the choirmasters will be GB members.
gorbalstam says:
19 November, 2011 at 09:56
There has never been a time in my life I am more staunchly devoted to Celtic.
Never!
Hail Hail