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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Kayal33 says:
18 November, 2011 at 12:47
————-Forster—————–
Cha Rogne Majstorovic Matthews
——Kayal Wanyama Ledley—–
Forrest———————Samaras
————–Stokes—————-
Subs. Zaluska Hooper Commons McCourt Ki Fraser El Kadourri
Win the battle, then bring on Hooper/Commons/McCourt if needed later in the game
———-
Yep 100% – should do the trick
HH
M
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:35
Please don’t try to confuse me with facts.
Celtic_First says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:36
It’s not a coincidence that the government figures released this morning highlighted Celtic Park as the football ground at which most offences took place. Nor is it a coincidence that the government report failed to mention that more than 70% of those offences were committed by visiting supporters.
——-
Jeezo- not had time to read back –
if report as you say-
has the club made any comment so far?
HH
M
Ernie
Sorry ! ;-)
Hail Hail
Great article, Paul.
And suprisingly, well said, Celtic PLC!
A terrific piece of work, Paul. Well done, you.
Paul67,
Another excellent article.
The glaring difference between dealing with an insular ‘Scottish public body’ and a ‘British public body’ is day and night.
The Scottish versions are institutionally biased against us in my opinion, whereas the British counterparts do not have the same vested interests, and tend to tell it like it is.
I have no real view on Scottish nationialism, but the disinformation that is being released should make any Scottish nationalist wake up and consider what they are advocating while the country is governed by the institutions that are there at present.
Árd Macha
Apologies if I’ve missed a question, just popped in to update the article after a telephone question: The BTP confirmed that the above figures exclude incidents related to the 2008 Uefa Cup final in Manchester.
Will catch up later.
Celtic First
ok have seen the club statment -cheers
Thank feck the club had founds a set. Keep it up Celtic.
The problem with all of this though is that for the Christine Grahame’s of this world, who start from a basic premise that one side is as bad as the other and that they are two sides of the same coin, the statistics won’t make them question their basic premise, it will simply convince them that new legislation is required to ensure that the statistics confirm their basic premise.
ie if the stats don’t confirm the premise, change the stats to fit the premise, and you change the stats by changing what is and is not illegal.
Paul67
a cracking lead today
amazing how that info. came to you just in time ;-)
HH
M
ernie lynch at 14:30
Does anyone know what the 14 Celtic fans convicted of aggravated crimes at Celtic Park were accused of?
Does it state those arrested were actually convicted? For 14, it shouldn’t be too hard to find out all about them.
Mort
Tomorrow, I’d go:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Zaluska ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matthews ::::::::: Rogne ::::::::::::: Fraser ::::::::::: Ledley
::::::::::: Kayal ::::::::: Wanyama ::::::::::: Ki ::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: McCourt ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::: Stokes :::::::::::::: Samaras :::::::::::::::::
(Cha, Loovens, & Mulgrew are all out injured, as are the long term absentees)
Unless El Kaddouri is given another chance (why would he be at Inverness if he wasn’t at Fir Park?) Ledley is the only realistic choice at LB, which means Matthews will be filling the RB slot. OK, I may be overreacting by omitting Dan the Man (who I normally support), but I have nightmares about him at Inverness last time round. I just don’t think he has the bottle for certain atmospheres, and I suspect Butcher, as a former defender, may have known how to exploit this. As at Motherwell, I see no reason why we shouldn’t be starting Fraser, based on his faultless display v Rennes.
Kayal and Wanyama pick themselves for a tough game. Forrest showed how ill-suited he is to lumpy surfaces and lumpy challenges against McCall’s team, so I think we should go with Paddy from the start. If Forrest is kicked, it affects a major part of his game, namely short bursts of pace – and narrow pitches don’t help either. McCourt doesn’t need pace; his skill at beating players cleanly is what’s needed against Butcher’s men. Behind him, a three man midfield should be enough to give him the freedom to do what only he can.
Up front, no change, but as with McCourt, let Sammi roam, stretching the defence – Stokes is on blistering form and must play, but let those who would advocate a Hooper/Stokes partnership reflect on the last 2 occasions they played there – both times failing to score, one of which proved disastrous for our title hopes.
No Commons, as Paddy has done more to earn a start, but if Ki can’t make it, play him instead and go 4-3-3 – gamble time!
Remarkable work Paul67.
That is absolutely brilliant getting those stats. It leaves no doubt as to which particular club should be receiving scrutiny and sanction. As if we didn’t already know.
Thank you once again for fighting the good fight.
Hail Hail
Well done Celtic, Get it right intae them!
I still can’t get my head round the Evening Times feeling the need to state only 5% of offences happen around parades…
HH
ernie lynch says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:47
“The problem with all of this though is that for the Christine Grahame’s of this world, who start from a basic premise that one side is as bad as the other …..”
I think you are being a little generous to Christine Grahame as she is likely to believe that one side is worse than the other !
Gordon j @ 14:05
Sorry to shoot your theory down
If you examine the document more closely it will reveal that the BTP did in fact make 8 apprehensions on the Glasgow Subway System
2010 Never Again
Payback for a personal endorsement?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-12591383
Unionist Sir David Murray backing Alex Salmond
Sir David said he still supported the Union
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Tycoon unveils £1bn ‘garden’ plan
Murray ‘big loser’ on rich list
Murray condemns independence plan
Rangers owner Sir David Murray is backing First Minister Alex Salmond for a second term in office.
The long-time Unionist said Mr Salmond was the “best choice” for Scotland in the current difficult climate.
He said he still supported the Union but felt the SNP had demonstrated it could lead a competent government.
Speaking ahead of the general election last May, Sir David had said a Conservative victory would be in the long-term interests of the country.
In 2007 Sir David accused Alex Salmond of “intimidating” Scotland’s business community and said independence would lead to greater taxes.
He had also warned that it could lead to anti-Scottish sentiment among business chiefs in the City of London.
On Sunday the former Rangers chairman said he remained in favour of the Union but was giving his support to Alex Salmond.
“Over the years I have been asked on numerous occasions my views on Scottish politics,” he said.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
The SNP has demonstrated that they can run a competent government and Alex Salmond makes a fine first minister”
Sir David Murray
“I now intend to make my present views clear, but have no intention to make any further political statement or to become involved in party politics.
“As people know, although I have never been party political, my views have always been in favour of the continuation of the Union.
“They still are. However, the SNP under Alex Salmond has demonstrated that they can run a competent government and Alex Salmond makes a fine first minister.
“I think Alex deserves a second term in office, and he is the best choice for Scotland during these difficult times.”
The former Rangers chairman is founder of Murray International Holdings, one of Scotland’s largest firms.
Mr Salmond said: “I am delighted to receive a personal endorsement from one of Scotland’s most respected business leaders.
“It is all the more significant because David Murray is not a party political person or independence supporter – he is backing a track record of achievement and delivery over these last four years.
“Like David, people all over Scotland will be judging this election on who has the best team and the best programme to take Scotland forward, and I hope that they come to the same positive conclusion.”
ASonOfDan at 14:53
Surely 5% of offences happening at parades in Scotland is quite a big number when compared with the number attending parades and the number attending football matches. Add in the fact that it is usually only one grouping who attend parades, those figures are quite bad.
Proportionaly speaking, I’d say more offences at parades than at football so by that extension, the SNP should be looking at legislation surrounding parades.
Mort
up_over_goal
I know it’s just the team you’d go with, but I don’t imagine Dan or Forrest will drop out.
Interested to know your thoughts on Hooper though. To me he has the potential to be a top end striker. His blip this season isn’t necessarily unusual for a successful player in their second year, so I’m not writing him off by any means. Indeed his form during the blip has been pretty good for, er, bad form.
Think he might be finding his feet again, and like Kayal and Commons injuries will slow the return to top pace, and expect he will resume his role as our first choice striker sooner rather than later.
Expect it will be Sammi and Stokes tomorrow, they deserve the run out. However, medium term would you have Hooper back in?
Mort
3 Were charges with being caught in possession of curly red hair and freckles
3 loitering with intent to use a pedestrian crossing
2 coughing without due care and attention
3 walking on the cracks in the pavement
2 walking in a loud shirt in a built-up area
1 walking around with an offensive wife
Hail Hail
I should have been more thorough. Injuries are now an hourly occurrence, and it would seem the ole Lennoxtown uranium mine has struck again. Rogne also out. Dan it will have to be:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Zaluska :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matthews ::::::::: Fraser ::::::::::: Majstorovic ::::::: Ledley
::::::::::: Kayal :::::::::: Wanyama ::::::::::: Ki :::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: McCourt :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::: Stokes :::::::::::: Samaras :::::::::::::::::
Ernie
You can also change the stats by lumping in a load of comments recorded by the police as having been made to the police in police stations and police cars.
Good article Paul. Good statement from Celtic too
A Son of Dan,
to be fair that same stat was mentioned on the bbc website too.
Its no doubt included as a way of saying : “Look no trouble at our parades, no need for banning them”…………….of course what it fails to understand is that no right minded Catholic/Celtic fan would find themselves in the vicinity of said “parades” due to the offensiveness of the paraders.
Not to mention attitudes of the police on duty at such things.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
mickbhoy1888,
You’re correct – I didn’t realise that the Transport Police covered the underground. Still, I was half right as they don’t cover buses.
bournesouprecipe @ 14.23 – That’s 465,907 bytes I won’t be seeing again. Thanks a bunch.
Sir Paul
“Well Done,Watson!”
Concernin’ Yer Editorial O The Day..
Ah hiv only Wan Woid, tae say aboot it…(Are ye Sure?…ed)(Soitenly~)
“DI-NO-MITE!”
Kojo
Re Parades
In one report I read there were 20 arrests following a parade in Bridgeton in 201o. The parade had 1500 participants.
That’s 1 arrest for every 75 people.
Compare with 1 arrest for every 71,000 Celtic supporters.
mort
2010 Never Again
Who exactly was on the Takeover Panel?
http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail.html?announcementId=10859193
Regulatory Story
Go to market news section
Company Wavetower Limited
TIDM
Headline Acquisition(s)
Released 18:28 06-May-2011
Number 11827-1D10
Wavetower Limited
(“Wavetower” or the “Company”)
Acquisition of controlling interest in The Rangers Football Club P.L.C.
Wavetower is pleased to announce that it has today acquired 92,842,388 ordinary
shares, representing approximately 85.3 per cent. of the issued share capital
in The Rangers Football Club P.L.C. (the “Club”), for a consideration of £1.
Wavetower acquired its interest in the Club (the “Acquisition”) from Murray MHL
Limited.
The Acquisition would ordinarily have required Wavetower to make a general
offer in cash under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code to all other shareholders in
the Club but, as the consideration paid by Wavetower for the shares acquired is
£1, the Takeover Panel has granted Wavetower a dispensation from making such an
offer.
Wavetower intends to post a circular to the Club’s shareholders by 16 May 2011
containing background information on Wavetower and other relevant information.
Wavetower intends to maintain the Club’s listing on PLUS Markets for a minimum
of 12 months from the date of this announcement.
Wavetower is 100% owned by Liberty Capital, a company which is ultimately owned
by Craig Whyte. Craig is a lifelong Rangers supporter and is very much looking
forward to guiding and assisting Rangers in its development over the coming
years.
Enquiries
Ian McKerron
Hay McKerron Associates
0141 286 2633
Marcus Fraser may get the nod tomorrow, but Jackson Irvine his CB partner is immense in the air, 2 goals and MoM v Killie for the U-19’s last Sunday.
Good luck to whoever gets the jersey.
BontyBhoy
re. Dan, of course he’ll start, but so will Forster, and I’d pick Zaluska every time. Having said that, Dan is now our only fit 1st team defender, so that pretty much seals our fate.
I like Hooper, and predicted at the start of the season he would retain his place (hardly going out on a limb, I know). however, he’s clearly not quite there yet, and Inverness is certainly not a happy hunting ground for the Stokes/Hooper pairing. Keep him hungry, keep him on the bench.
It’s also not a question of medium-term/long term. Samaras has shown how important he is for certain games, and I think Lennon must accept 4-4-2 may be fine for Dundee Utd at home, but not for Motherwell away (as both last season and this have illustrated). Stokes is currently the nearest our strikers get to being a certain starter, but Sammi has more in his locker than goals (thank God for that, eh?) and I can see him playing out left in a good few games.
Mort,
I never realised stats could be sooooooo revealing. Paul67 & your good self have made my day. One wee (overriding) problem. Such breakdowns of the stats will NEVER appear in the Scottish media. I wonder if Asmaah Mir or Kevin McCarra might be asked to comment on them?
re the CFC statement…… well done!
There was me thinking you all went into winter hibernation.
V
Just a wee link to the BBC website reporting the conviction of Muslim Rangers Fan for a sectarian aggravated BOP
His picture is reproduced and a part of his sentence is a 5 year football banning order
I wonder if he will have a club to follow at the end of his ban
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15777852
My Dear,Dear,Dear, Friend.. Up over Goal
Pal..
Ah dinna like yer idea of Playin.. Ki and McCourt,as Starters ,in
yer TeamFur the Morra.
Sammi is a Seven Minute Man.. but..
Paddy,is a TWO MINUTE, Man!
He is Strictly Fur the Late , Late Show..
Never .. fur Prime Time!
Ki is too Wappit(?…ed)(Ah know..but collie says it fits) fur sucha Game
as we kin expect tae Face fae the Northerners ,Tomorrow..
Kojo
yer pal…who like ye aloater
Up_Over_Goal
Good stuff, broadly in agreement. Suddenly we have competition for places again, makes all the difference.
Didn’t notice the Forster omission. I like Forster, I really do. Perhaps I’m not seeing enough of him in person, but, when watching on TV the number of quality saves he makes is impressive. He’s a little questionable in some other situations, and not sure about his communications skills (and I always thought Rab Douglas excelled in this respect to such an extent that he was more effective than far superior goalies), but, compared to the other great shot-stopper in Glasgow he’s made fewer silly mistakes… and the other one is regularly quoted as a £10m player.