We had an interesting couple of announcements from the Scottish Premier League yesterday. Safe Standing areas, where instead of a seat, spectators have a crush barrier in front of them, is no longer against league rules. Before the introduction of standing areas council Health and Safety officials would need to give approval, as do the police. Council approval should be straightforward, crush barriers separating each row of spectators make the environment safe, but I’m less sure the police will be keen.
Policing huge stadiums with seated spectators is straightforward compared to policing standing fans. Disturbances tend to cause those involved to stand up, drawing immediate attention to the incident, while knowing exactly who is sitting on which seat would allow transgressors of the Scottish Governments new interpretation on making the sign of the cross to be pursued after the event.
League rules (note: not the law of the land) have also been updated to clarify the definition of “Unacceptable Conduct” as ‘using words, conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000’.
New rules on how clubs are expected to tackle Unacceptable Conduct, with fresh procedures, if necessary, have also been introduced. Clubs are now required to bring occurrences of Unacceptable Conduct to the Match Commander. Failure to do so will bring the club into breach, should an incident subsequently be reported, by TV spectators, for example.
Clubs are also charged to “Take reasonably practical steps, including consultation with police, to identify those who engage in Unacceptable Conduct”, which creates obvious dissonance with the new Safe Standing Area policy.
We’ll see how these rules work out in practice but look out for an interesting consequence. Some Celtic fans are often cited as singing about the IRA (who are on the Proscribed list in their various historical formats) but they are not the supporters who sing most about that organisation(s). That ‘honour’ falls to Rangers fans, who are bound not to sing in “opposition to an organisation proscribed”.
The notion that Rangers (and let’s not forget Hearts) are compelled to identify and sanction any of their supporters caught “effin’ the IRA” in fear any TV viewer reports them is what keeps this country unique.
Box clever.
CQN Magazine, issue 5, will be out soon. After 4 issues online and shipping single copies from Magcloud in the US, we’ve ordered a print run locally. You can order now with credit/debit card or Paypal and buy direct from the UK for only £5 by clicking on the link below.
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ASonofDan, Rory Donnelly wouldn’t get a game for our U-19s.
SffS
greenmaestro at 16:15
What about Disney’s Mulan?
I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when I saw this on C5 at 3.00 in the afternoon one day with its blatant use of the offensive term hun. I wonder will this have to be censored when shown in Scotland again.
On a completely unrelated topic, children tend to get a bit bored during football matches. One suggestion to keep them entertained is to put cartoons on the big screens before the match and during half time. Might I suggest Mulan on the 28th?
Mort
The Battered Bunnet says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:10
Following news that a child born in Scotland this year was named Anakin, one extends many congratulations to Rogue Leader and his wife Leia.
………..
Not to be picky but Rogue Leader was initially Luke, Leias brother, then Wedge. Han was never Rogue Leader!!!!
If Hooper has scored more goals than Jellylegs by January then surely he is worth more to an English club?
He is younger and would generate plenty offers from larger clubs if he does well like the crazy cash spent on the eejit Carroll. I expect Celtic to hold out for a British Record bid for Super H88per.
LB
Again the Celtic symphony is a Celtic song and does not support or attack any terrorist organisations.
Mort (Kano 1000) says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:22
greenmaestro at 16:15
What about Disney’s Mulan?
I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears when I saw this on C5 at 3.00 in the afternoon one day with its blatant use of the offensive term hun. I wonder will this have to be censored when shown in Scotland again.
On a completely unrelated topic, children tend to get a bit bored during football matches. One suggestion to keep them entertained is to put cartoons on the big screens before the match and during half time. Might I suggest Mulan on the 28th?
Mort
………..
And Commando Comic???
!!Bada Bing!! Kano 1000 says:
20 December, 2011 at 15:39
Top Corner- Is Darnell Fisher, Kojo’s bhoy?
_______________
sorry for delay in response
eh, don’t think so
i think he often refers to Omar Bogle
Darnell is midfield usually (may have played in defence today) whereas Omar is a striker
both rough diamonds at the moment – but progressing well – both big n strong, Omar moreso, but Darnell gets stuck right in, just needs to curb it a little – few too many yellows so far – great passion tho
Mort (Kano 1000) says:
> I wonder will this have to be censored when shown in Scotland again.
I’m sure this will be dealt with by Strathclyde Polis who I’m sure will be reporting the matter to EUFA, FIFA and OfCom.
greenmaestro says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:30
Mort (Kano 1000) says:
> I wonder will this have to be censored when shown in Scotland again.
I’m sure this will be dealt with by Strathclyde Polis who I’m sure will be reporting the matter to EUFA, FIFA and OfCom.
……..
The Bill only deals with events at the football, so Celtic should play it on the Big Screens and the TVs in the concourse!
LiviBhoy says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:24
Totally agree mate, but I think the main point you missed is that he’s English and therefore a possible future English International so IMHO this would make him more valuable than Jelly.
If we do sell I would expect a very large fee coming our way.
HH
/Bishop B
Len Brennan says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:38
That’s what I meant. I’ve had a few pints at lunch and am almost at the rambling stage!
LB
ASonOfDan says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:14
Explains why rumours of John Sutton were going around recently. It only makes sense if we have no serious oposition after Christmas.
And Oglach, are you trying to catch us out? Broad Black Brimmer does mention the IRA.
greenjedi says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:32
With mobile devices and smartphones TV content is available anywhere so anyone could be watching anything at the football.
Or listening to David Bowie’s Rebel Rebel, Bob Marley’s Soul Rebel, or Lloyd Cole and The Commotions’ Forest Fire.
In fact they could have the sound up and so cause an offence to any innocent bystander
:)
bournesouprecipe says:
20 December, 2011 at 15:22
You make a good point re the fact that when the few nutters we have see the Hun hoards across the city being able to belt out their bile with impunity they think they will have a go at this too.
Sadly thought their tens of thousands singing illegal songs are ignored (in fact praised at the CIS Cup Final) our few who indulge in only mildly offensive chanting to some–get hammered.
Where were the dawn raids, video cameras and such after the CIS?
What did Corrigan say about it? Was wonderful says the Police Typing fail.
Going to the ‘sack match’ tonight, Blackburn v Bolton. Only £15 a ticket, compare to SPL prices!!
Not sure who I want to win, maybe a draw and they both eventually get relegated.
I wonder if shouting “xxxx bobby sands” is illicit or immoral or illegal or ilegiitimate or whatever it is meant to be today
Methinks that this phrase is still a very loud add on from the ibroke hordes, albeit it its a hun addon when we sing the fields
Paul67 et al
While correctly differentiating between the law of the land, (passed only last week) and the SPL rules, we would be remit not to see a theme running through recent developments. In the last few weeks Strathclyde Police have denied setting out to “smash the Green brigade”, flagged up Celtic to the SPL, reported us to Uefa, whilst the SNP passed their football laws of the game, and the SPL, not wanting to be left out, draw inspiration from the Terrorism Act 2000. I can state without any fear of contradiction that any Celtic supporter reported to, or by, the Strathclyde Police for breaching the SNP law, for example by singing rebel songs which reference the IRA in any context, and breach SPL rules, will find themselves under the radar of Special Branch. No prizes for guessing which part of our support will be targeted first.
Celtic Mac says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:50
Paul67 et al
While correctly differentiating between the law of the land, (passed only last week) and the SPL rules, we would be remit not to see a theme running through recent developments. In the last few weeks Strathclyde Police have denied setting out to “smash the Green brigade”, flagged up Celtic to the SPL, reported us to Uefa, whilst the SNP passed their football laws of the game, and the SPL, not wanting to be left out, draw inspiration from the Terrorism Act 2000. I can state without any fear of contradiction that any Celtic supporter reported to, or by, the Strathclyde Police for breaching the SNP law, for example by singing rebel songs which reference the IRA in any context, and breach SPL rules, will find themselves under the radar of Special Branch. No prizes for guessing which part of our support will be targeted first.
…………
100% correct, so its time to engage the brain and not give them anything to do us with! If you get done after all the warnings, who’s fault is it.
To quote from the West Wing
You know, you remind me of the man that lived by the river. He heard a radio report that the river was going to rush up and flood the town. And that all the residents should evacuate their homes. But the man said, “I’m religious. I pray. God loves me. God will save me.”
The waters rose up. A guy in a row boat came along and he shouted, “Hey, hey you! You in there. The town is flooding. Let me take you to safety.” But the man shouted back, “I’m religious. I pray. God loves me. God will save me.”
A helicopter was hovering overhead. And a guy with a megaphone shouted, “Hey you, you down there. The town is flooding. Let me drop this ladder and I’ll take you to safety.” But the man shouted back that he was religious, that he prayed, that God loved him and that God will take him to safety.
Well… the man drowned. And standing at the gates of St. Peter, he demanded an audience with God. “Lord,” he said, “I’m a religious man, I pray. I thought you loved me. Why did this happen?” God said, “I sent you a radio report, a helicopter, and a guy in a rowboat. What the hell are you doing here?”
greenjedi
That was in a galaxy far, far away.
This is on another planet…
VP- how much whit? booze,flowers?
2 points…..
1. why is it called a “Bill” ? is that no sectarian bias and bigotry ? can it not be called a “Patrick”, a “Liam” or an “Aloysius” ?
2. official title appears to be….”Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill”…..well….there you have it right there in the title…..NOT GUILTY !!……due to the fact that “football” as it were, is rarely played in Scotland……a mis-noma from the off !!!
:)
Siena v Fiorentina live on ESPN now, followed by Cagliari v Milan at 1945
Kayal33 says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:48
Going to the ‘sack match’ tonight, Blackburn v Bolton. Only £15 a ticket, compare to SPL prices!!
They should be paying you £15 to go to Blackburn.
Good luck. Look like a dour match.
Silver City Neil Lennon says:
20 December, 2011 at 16:41
And Oglach, are you trying to catch us out? Broad Black Brimmer does mention the IRA.
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
“The one they’ll choose to lead ’em
Will wear the broad black brimmer of the IRA
You are of course correct – only trying to establish what can get one in bother and what can’t. As it stands it looks as if anything remotely emerald green or coming from Ireland will get you nicked in ALBA.
What about the SNLA are they proscribed? Seem to remember reading a good book about them about 15 years ago – Tartan Terrorists and the Anglo American state. Perhaps singing a song about the SNLA may be looked on with favour by the Scottish Nazi Party at least they aren’t Paddies (Can i still say Paddy?) Emm on second thoughts maybe not.
Still confused did HM Queen Elizabeth lay a wreath in memory of IRA Volunteers in Dublin recently? If so why can she do this but singing a song about the IRA in Scotland will land you in bother with McPlod. Bloody favouritism i say – down with that sort of thing.
The problem for me in the calls for an end to republican singing is the very important principle of free-speech.
For that reason I remain, stubbornly some might say, opposed to appeasement.
That said, I’m coming around to the idea of ‘boxing clever’.
For me ‘boxing clever’ and appeasement are two different things.
I’d like to see an increase in republican singing as a response to this ‘illicit’ law (can I say that or is it an oxymoron?).
I’d advocate belting out republican songs as loudly and proudly as can be mustered, both home and away.
Whats this to do with boxing clever?
Well, it will be within the SPL and UEFA versions of ‘illicitness’ provided that the songs do not include a direct reference to the IRA (or the Ra).
Roll of Honour, Sean South, Nation Once Again, Men Behind the Wire, Fields, Let the People Sing, Aidan McAnespie, Four Green Fields, etc, etc.
Politics is life, life is politics.
Politics and sport are intertwined.
We should not accept that lawfulness is defined by other people’s definition of acceptable politics.
Unacceptable behaviour:
If the above is not the law of the land, what is the police’s role in this? (you can include the report to UEFA also here)
Surely they are there to uphold the rule of law. Are they double jobbing for the SPL/UEFA and if so, why are they operating outside of their remit.
Taxpayers money (no laughing at the back) is being paid for the police to do their job. If their resources are being used to comment on areas with no connection to the law, should the Public Accounts Committee be asking questions.
Out to watch the school drama.
Árd Macha
RFC_OfficialRangers FC Official
The gaffer insists there’s no need to panic despite defensive lapses almost costing the victory against Inverness:
I loov it, jut loov it when they use words like “panic” in their messages to the berrs.
West Wales Celt says:
20 December, 2011 at 17:12
The problem for me in the calls for an end to republican singing is the very important principle of free-speech.
For that reason I remain, stubbornly some might say, opposed to appeasement.
———————————————–
Mo Chara
I predict that you will soon be engulfed by a huge wave of righteous indignation spewed from the mouths of our very own self-appointed guardians of morals and correct behaviour. How dare you suggest such a thing don’t you know we fought a war to stop this type of thing?
bsr
was Marc Crosas up at the game at Lnxtn today ?
wee double tonight Norwich 11/4 & Blackburn 11/10
For the Irish lads, the person responsible for shooting dead the Crossmaglen player has apparently taken his own life.
Árd Macha
philvisreturns says:
20 December, 2011 at 13:37
love the video’s “comments” section…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc46Gk-6qrA
Jockybhoy
@14:56
Now I’m not suggesting for a second that you’re a hun, you’re clearly not. However, I think it’s important to point out the danger in your argument.
I attended the FAC meeting in October which was held in Whitehill Secondary in Denniston. Now this was the gathering where approximately 40 huns walked in before the event began. As this was a public meeting they were fully entitled to be there despite their deluded and disputed intentions.
Now I left shortly after the start when the futility of meaningful dialogue became clear but this was after one the scum was given the opportunity to express his view.
His argument was very similar to yours. His claim was that the impending bill, which of course has now been made law, was the fault of the Celtic support. As a direct result of us highlighting the sectarianism of TBB and the racism of TFS we prompted and goaded government into finding a solution.
A bizarre and intrinsically wrong version of reality.
hamiltontim – Dennistoun not a good place IMO, a hun stronghold.
Can I ask for a bit of clarification – in the new SPL rules singing for or against proscribed organisations appears now to be actionable. Did they bring any rules in about singing against non proscribed organisations? Should we lobby for the vatican and the papal office to be proscribed to assist the SPL with cleaning up the game?
Dear oh dear. Operation equalisation at the expense of all decency motors on unabated.
I mean for a “neutral” meeting place BTW!
Unacceptable behaviour?
The PLC okay’ed the displaying of a banner at the turnstyles in 2010. (Neil Lennon as Vladamir Lenin in a mock up of a famous photo) and days after the event, some huns take offence because the banner has the word ‘Hun’ on it.
The same PLC say they can’t find anything offensive about it and will defend the lads (who have been charged with sectarian aggrivated BOP by now, thanks to a bluemail campaign, by peepil who managed to be alarmed by seeing it on their home computers).
The case becomes a saga of epic proportions, the sectarian aggrivated part being dropped the day before trial.
Up steps the PLC stooge, Hawthorn (Cheif of security), who says ‘don’t worry lads, we’ll back you up.’ only then to try his utmost for the prosecution. Being their star, if not only, witness!
Unaccptable behaviour come in many forms.
Bada
Agreed mate I was astonished when I heard the chosen venue. Turns out though another school was the intended site until the jannie, a hun, discovered the purpose of the meeting and affinities of those attendance. He pulled the plug which resulted in a new venue being sought as quickly as possible.