http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Anger-over-IRA-flag-waving.5259951.jp
Published Date: 13 May 2009
By Staff reporter
THE display of an IRA flag at a weekend 'Old Firm' fixture has been roundly condemned.
A Celtic supporter was pictured at the league fixture against Rangers at Ibrox holding aloft an Irish tricolour with the acronym of the terrorist organisation clearly visible.
The defiant gesture is the latest sectarian incident to mar a game between the 'Old Firm' Glasgow rivals.
In March, at the Scottish League CIS cup final between the two sides, Celtic supporters were accused of taunting rival fans with empty pizza boxes in a sickening reference to the murder of two soldiers at Massereene Army barracks earlier this year.
Sports Minister Gregory Campbell then confirmed he would write to his counterpart in the Scottish administration calling for firm action against such sectarian actions.
The latest episode is a prominent topic of debate in online fans' forums and it was claimed by a Scottish-based newspaper that the offending fan is currently dating a niece of Celtic manager Gordon Strachan.
Ulster-based Rangers supporters responded to the way sectarian undercurrents were being highlighted.
Colin Gray from the Bannview supporters' club in Banbridge believes the misdemeanours on the blue half of Glasgow have appeared in the past to generate more adverse coverage.
"This behaviour happens every week. The Celtic fans are synonymous with singing IRA songs, but it never seems to be ever mentioned," he said.
"Rangers have been hammered from pillar to post over the past six years, but it only seems to be a one-way street.
"If a Rangers fan goes into a ground with an Ulster flag, then it gets blown out of proportion.
"It comes from the very top of Scottish football and there doesn't seem to be anything done about it."
Admitting there is a "hardcore small minority" on the Rangers terraces intent on stoking up sectarian tensions, the 21-year-old believes relations off the pitch are not as sinister as in the past.
"I think things are getting better. At the end of the day you are there to support the team, not a paramilitary organisation. No matter what your political beliefs are they should not be coming onto the field of play," he added.
A Celtic spokesperson confirmed the club was aware of the incident and said the club does not "tolerate sectarian behaviour".
The offending fan is expected to be barred from future club fixtures.
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