Is pro-IRA chanting a taboo subject for authorities? asks Spratt
South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has expressed his disappointment at the response from SPL Chairman Lex Gold to concerns he had about sectarian chants at a recent Celtic game and is now raising the matter with Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. During a game on 2 November, several instances of sectarian chanting could be heard emanating from the Glasgow Celtic support. Commenting, Mr Spratt said:
"Having heard several pro-IRA chants from Glasgow Celtic supporters during live TV coverage of their teams recent game versus Hearts, I wrote to the Chairman of the SPL, Lex Gold, outlining my disgust at what I had heard and asking what specific action he intended to take to address pro-IRA chanting.
Having received his response, I must say I am considerably underwhelmed at how the SPL intend to deal with this specific example of sectarianism in football. While I appreciate that the SPL have certain rules designed to address unacceptable conduct, and welcome that being the case, the fact that Mr. Gold chooses to shy away from dealing with this specific matter of pro-IRA chanting is regrettable.
In recent weeks much has been made in the media and by the authorities surrounding the so called ‘Famine Song’. Surely the media and authorities should be making specific reference to pro-IRA chanting, as in essence it is the glorification of a terrorist organisation who murdered over 1800 people in the course of a campaign which had sectarianism at its very core. By refraining from doing so, certain sections of the media, and authorities, only deepen the suspicion held by many that pro-IRA chanting by Celtic supporters is a taboo subject to which a blind eye is repeatedly turned.
I condemn any form of sectarian singing, regardless of who it emanates from. What is clear though is that there is a continuing problem with sectarianism among Glasgow Celtic supporters who glorify the IRA through chants and songs.
Due to the seriousness of the problem I have pressed Mr Gold to outline specific action he intends to take to highlight this particular problem, and have again raised it with the Scottish First Minister Alec Salmond. It is times for real action on this matter and I would urge those in positions of authority to make clear it will not be tolerated."
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