The vandals, the violent and the vile

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called what happened in Glasgow on Saturday “violence and vandalism and vile anti-Catholic prejudice”.  No holding back from Newco’s often-reluctant combatant.

On Friday, I suggested those who believe in Scottish or Glaswegian superiority should reappraise themselves on the streets on the city the following day.  Our society’s underbelly was as clear as it was predictable.  I could argue it is uglier than most places I know.

With George Square filled exclusively with illegally-assembled Newco fans, the combatants turned on each other; reliving the violence earlier generations of Oldco fans brought to cities across Britain and beyond.  There is no peer-control, no one cares enough about this particular reputation, certainly not the club that asked, “If possible, please celebrate within your own community.”  When “If possible” statements are permitted, you know what you are dealing with.

Some of us are mere football fans, not trying to compensate for a whole range of inadequacies.  If possible, let them wait another decade before they have another trophy to celebrate.