CLUBS MUST ACT TO PRESERVE POPPY DAY SYMBOLISM
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has praised those at all the sporting events over the weekend who paid tribute in a dignified and solemn fashion to those from across the United Kingdom who paid the supreme sacrifice while serving their Country. In acknowledging those efforts he singled out for criticism the number of people purporting to be Glasgow Celtic followers at the Falkirk v Celtic game where a minority of fans at the ground attempted to disrupt the minute silence.
"It was a deplorable action, embarrassment was etched on the face of the Celtic Chairman as he stood in respectful silence while others sought to demean it."
For football fans right across the UK the sight of the overwhelming majority of fans, players, staff and management all taking part in an emotional and appropriate silence with the wearing of poppies in their clothing or tops was impressive. Whether an oversight or whatever but the unfortunate positions of both the present manager of Celtic at the Falkirk game and a former manager, Ulsterman Martin O'Neill at his Aston Villa game, neither of whom were sporting poppies while thousands of others did, could be used by the "disrupters" as vindication.
Hopefully an explanation will be forthcoming from both clubs to allay any suspicion on the motivation of both men.
I trust all the Clubs will take steps to ensure that there is no hiding place next year for those whose opposition to freedom allows them the choice to act as the bigots they surely are.
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