http://www.celtictrust.net/CelticTru...ethePoppy.htm?
Celtic Trust statement re the Poppy
Celtic Football Club was established by Irish immigrants in Scotland. Its founders instigated a club that would forthwith be open to players and supporters regardless of ethnic, national and religious background. Our supporters include people who have a broad range of community and national backgrounds and histories and all are welcomed into the Celtic family thus enriching our cultural environment.
Mindful of the variations in how war can be understood, interpreted and remembered and sensitive to the multiple experiences and perceptions of those that constitute the Celtic community as well as beyond, the Celtic Trust has been against the forced and manipulative nature of poppy wearing in latter years, not least amongst the football community in Scotland. We are particularly against the practice of using the team shirt to promote this symbol and we welcome the news that this practice will end this year. We note that a broad public debate appears to be opening up on this question and that other individuals and organisations outwith football are concerned about the coercive atmosphere around the wearing and display of poppies.
We further note with dismay the demonising of those people who exercise their right to free speech and dissent on this question and we oppose any action which may be taken against anyone who chooses to peacefully demonstrate their point of view, whether in a football ground or elsewhere.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Celtic Fans In Poppy Outrage
A HARDCORE group of Celtic fans are plotting to disrupt a poppy day event at Parkhead.
They will SHUN a minute's silence for war dead - then WALK OUT of the stadium.
The protest comes after Celtic agreed, like all other SPL clubs, to wear poppies on their jerseys this weekend.
That angered supporters group the Green Brigade, which is spearheading the planned action at Saturday's game with Motherwell.
They are backed by Cairde Na hÉireann - a sister group of Sinn Fein - and TAL fanzine, which said: "We will be protesting against this pro-imperialist nonsense."
They'll hand out leaflets showing grieving Iraqi civilians and calling Hoops chairman John Reid - the former Defence Secretary - a WAR CRIMINAL.
And the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs said yesterday it should've been consulted over the poppy decision.
A club spokesman said: "We expect any protest to be inconsequential."
Monday, November 8, 2010
Celtic & IRA Supporters disgusting display of hate
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/x/A...=searchresults
Celtic have condemned fans who unfurled a banner which claimed the poppy was "bloodstained" by military activity in Northern Ireland.
The club said: "The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park. We are currently investigating ... and apologise for any offence."
Ex-servicemen were angered in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday after the banner also criticised military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Celtic have launched an investigation into the incident, which appears to breach stadium rules forbidding political demonstrations.
Poppy Scotland said the flying of the anti-poppy banner on Saturday was disrespectful.
But The Herald said some Celtic fans are uncomfortable supporting the Poppy Appeal.
A group called The Green Brigade regularly expresses republican views and has stepped up pro-IRA chants.
Celtic have condemned fans who unfurled a banner which claimed the poppy was "bloodstained" by military activity in Northern Ireland.
The club said: "The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park. We are currently investigating ... and apologise for any offence."
Ex-servicemen were angered in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday after the banner also criticised military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Celtic have launched an investigation into the incident, which appears to breach stadium rules forbidding political demonstrations.
Poppy Scotland said the flying of the anti-poppy banner on Saturday was disrespectful.
But The Herald said some Celtic fans are uncomfortable supporting the Poppy Appeal.
A group called The Green Brigade regularly expresses republican views and has stepped up pro-IRA chants.
Shame of Celtic after fans stage a 'bloodstained' protest against wearing Remembrance Day poppies
Celtic have apologised and launched an investigation after supporters at their Parkhead ground unfurled a huge banner describing the remembrance poppy as ‘bloodstained’.
The Glasgow club have agreed to wear poppies on their shirts at St Mirren on Remembrance Sunday, which has caused fury among a section of the club’s fans.
During the 9-0 thrashing against Aberdeen on Saturday, supporters held a banner split into seven parts and covering a large section of supporters, which declared ‘no bloodstained poppies on our hoops’ and ‘your deeds would shame all the devils in Hell’.
Nonetheless, Celtic insisted it was the action of a ‘small minority’ amid a barrage of criticism.
The Glasgow club said in a statement: ‘The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park. We are currently investigating the matter and, clearly, we apologise for any offence caused.’
Sportsmail has led a campaign for clubs to recognise Remembrance Day by wearing poppies embroided on their shirts. All clubs in the English and Scottish Premier Leagues have agreed to support the cause next weekend.
A section of Celtic supporters calling themselves the Green Brigade are reportedly organising a boycott of Sunday’s game at St Mirren and a statement on their website made reference to Bloody Sunday, the conflict in Iraq and the sinking of the Argentine warship the General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
Defending the protests, the statement says: ‘While we recognise the right of individuals to remember their dead and that many within the Celtic support will wear the poppy in memory of family and friends lost in WW2 and other conficts, we cannot accept the imposition of the poppy onto our shirts.’
Contrast: Liverpool fans hold a banner with legendary boss Bob Paisley depicted wearing a poppy at Sunday's game against Chelsea
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell told the Belfast Newsletter: ‘I think that Celtic Football Club have to confront the small number of fans who have engaged in the past in this type of totally unacceptable and outrageous behaviour.
‘Remembering that former Celtic players as well as Rangers players and those from other clubs have served in the Armed Forces with distinction, and that the chairman of Celtic, John Reid, is a former Secretary of State for Defence, they must be appalled, embarrassed and humiliated by this.
‘Celtic must lance this boil once and for all.’
Celtic have denied reports that they had banned the sale of poppies at Parkhead, pointing out they were available in the club supersto
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1327697/Celtic-shame-fans-stage-bloodstained-protest-wearing-poppies.html#ixzz14hvhzcjo
Celtic fans fascist banner display
Published Date: 08 November 2010
THERE is outrage after scores of Celtic football fans held banners describing the remembrance poppy as "bloodstained".
The protest staged by a section of the Glasgow club's fans saw six large banners held up ahead of a game on Saturday in opposition to the team wearing poppies on their shirts next weekend.
The banners, organised by an extreme group of Celtic fans, included one
which said "no bloodstained poppies on our hoops".
Another carried the slogan "Your deeds would shame all the devils in
Hell" above the words "Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan".
Last night Celtic apologised for the incident and said it was investigating.
But, pointing out that last year a section of Celtic fans booed during a minutes silence for Remembrance Day, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell accused Celtic of having "apologised, excused and prevaricated
instead of lancing this boil".
Saturday's incident, which took place at Celtic Park ahead of Celtic's
match against Aberdeen, was apparently organised by a section of the Celtic support calling themselves the Green Brigade.
The are angered at Celtic's participation in an initiative by the
Scottish Premier League which involves all 12 clubs wearing a poppy
on their kits for the matches over the Remembrance weekend.
A statement on the Green Brigade website attacks the football club for
its decision to support the poppy appeal, making reference to Bloody
Sunday, Basra and the sinking of the Argentinian warship the General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
Defending the protests, the statement says: "While we recognise the right of individuals to remember their dead and that many within the Celtic support will wear the poppy in memory of family and friends lost in WW2 and other conficts, we cannot accept the imposition of the
poppy onto our shirts."
The group is reported to be trying to organise a boycott of this weekend's match at St Mirren when the poppy will appear on the Celtic players' kits.
When contacted by the News Letter yesterday, a spokesman for Celtic Football Club declined to comment other than to say: "The actions of a small minority have no place at Celtic Park.
"We are investigating the matter and clearly we apologise for any offence caused."
But Mr Campbell said that he did not believe Celtic could dismiss it as a small minority as there had been a series of banners erected over several tiers of the stand.
The DUP MP said: "I think that Celtic Football Club have to confront the small number of fans who have engaged in the past in this type of totally unacceptable and outrageous behaviour.
"Remembering that former Celtic players as well as Rangers players and those from other clubs have served in the Armed Forces with distinction, and that the chairman of Celtic, John Reid, is a former Secretary of State for Defence, they must be appalled, embarrassed and
humiliated by this.
"Celtic must lance this boil once and for all. They should say to fans 'We are going to commemorate the sacrifice of our former players and that of all others and if you don't like it, that's tough.'"
Several Rangers fans contacted the News Letter yesterday to highlight what they called the "blatant sectarianism" of those involved.
One, who did not wish to be named said: "It's disgraceful that this was allowed into the stadium as all banners are to be inspected on entry."
Throughout yesterday there was condemnation of the protest on many football websites - both those of Celtic fans and rival football clubs as well as those used by members and former members of the armed forces.
A statement posted on the offcial Celtic FC website says: "Stories suggesting Celtic have banned the selling of poppies at the stadium are absolute nonsense and supporters wishing to purchase poppies can do so at our superstore.
"Celtic Football Club has a great relationship with Poppy Scotland. We have made fnancial donations to the charity and we have been delighted to support the charity's activities in previous years, this year and beyond."
The club is also understood to be offering the players' poppy-adorned shirts for auction after the match to raise funds for the poppy appeal.
The banners, organised by an extreme group of Celtic fans, included one
which said "no bloodstained poppies on our hoops".
Another carried the slogan "Your deeds would shame all the devils in
Hell" above the words "Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan".
Last night Celtic apologised for the incident and said it was investigating.
But, pointing out that last year a section of Celtic fans booed during a minutes silence for Remembrance Day, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell accused Celtic of having "apologised, excused and prevaricated
instead of lancing this boil".
Saturday's incident, which took place at Celtic Park ahead of Celtic's
match against Aberdeen, was apparently organised by a section of the Celtic support calling themselves the Green Brigade.
The are angered at Celtic's participation in an initiative by the
Scottish Premier League which involves all 12 clubs wearing a poppy
on their kits for the matches over the Remembrance weekend.
A statement on the Green Brigade website attacks the football club for
its decision to support the poppy appeal, making reference to Bloody
Sunday, Basra and the sinking of the Argentinian warship the General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
Defending the protests, the statement says: "While we recognise the right of individuals to remember their dead and that many within the Celtic support will wear the poppy in memory of family and friends lost in WW2 and other conficts, we cannot accept the imposition of the
poppy onto our shirts."
The group is reported to be trying to organise a boycott of this weekend's match at St Mirren when the poppy will appear on the Celtic players' kits.
When contacted by the News Letter yesterday, a spokesman for Celtic Football Club declined to comment other than to say: "The actions of a small minority have no place at Celtic Park.
"We are investigating the matter and clearly we apologise for any offence caused."
But Mr Campbell said that he did not believe Celtic could dismiss it as a small minority as there had been a series of banners erected over several tiers of the stand.
The DUP MP said: "I think that Celtic Football Club have to confront the small number of fans who have engaged in the past in this type of totally unacceptable and outrageous behaviour.
"Remembering that former Celtic players as well as Rangers players and those from other clubs have served in the Armed Forces with distinction, and that the chairman of Celtic, John Reid, is a former Secretary of State for Defence, they must be appalled, embarrassed and
humiliated by this.
"Celtic must lance this boil once and for all. They should say to fans 'We are going to commemorate the sacrifice of our former players and that of all others and if you don't like it, that's tough.'"
Several Rangers fans contacted the News Letter yesterday to highlight what they called the "blatant sectarianism" of those involved.
One, who did not wish to be named said: "It's disgraceful that this was allowed into the stadium as all banners are to be inspected on entry."
Throughout yesterday there was condemnation of the protest on many football websites - both those of Celtic fans and rival football clubs as well as those used by members and former members of the armed forces.
A statement posted on the offcial Celtic FC website says: "Stories suggesting Celtic have banned the selling of poppies at the stadium are absolute nonsense and supporters wishing to purchase poppies can do so at our superstore.
"Celtic Football Club has a great relationship with Poppy Scotland. We have made fnancial donations to the charity and we have been delighted to support the charity's activities in previous years, this year and beyond."
The club is also understood to be offering the players' poppy-adorned shirts for auction after the match to raise funds for the poppy appeal.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Celtic ban Poppies
The commemoration of those who fought against fascism is too much for Celtic and their supporters to bare.
News Of The World 1/11/10
Thursday, October 28, 2010
An Honest Opinion; As posted on the BBC Forum
"No matter how things change, they remarkably stay the same.
The recent events in the East of Glasgow has shown this to be the case. The whining, the wailing and the gnashing of wooden teeth have given us an insight to what life must have been like in those bygone days of yore.
Throughout our nations proud history we have stood up for our values and tried to instill a firm belief in right rather than wrong and stick by a work ethic that has seen our people succeed throughout the centuries.
Many years ago, some hungry immigrants were welcomed to this country. Given shelter and food. Looked after and given a chance of a new, better life. Did they take it? No. Did they try to integrate? No. They shunned their hosts, they stole from them, fought with them, and refused to recognise the hospitality that they had been shown. The feelings for these people quickly disintegrated and the only option, after numerous 'second' chances and benefits of doubt, was to shun these ungratefull degenerates.
100 years later, the same thing happened again.
Famine.
Immigration.
Ungratefullness.
Now, in present times, we see the descendants of these immigrants still bleating about oppression and hardship.
Complaining to anyone that will listen. Failing, yet again to recognise their own shortcomings.
Celtic were founded out of this self portrayed sectarian oppression.
The catholic church preyed on the feeling of hardship and victimisation that was felt within the immigrant catholic community. They saw the hatred for the crown, and realised the potential to satisfy their churches love of the half-crown.
Money was invested to lure most of Edinburghs Hibernian football team over to the city of Glasgow, and Celtic and their sectarian soup kitchens were born. Soup kitchens setup by Celtic, only served the hungry if they denounced their religion and kissed the papal ring.
This union of church and football thrived on their victimisation status and promoted these feelings at every level of society.
Fast forward to the recent events involving this club.
Post war their record shows that nothing can shame them, no crime, no matter how heinous can bring a blush to their cheeks.
They were born out of sectarianism and brought this to our country, and still to this day, the prey on the victim mentality that is encouraged throughout their community.
Even the former captain and manager was wheeled out last season to proclaim to the doubters that the SFA had been involved in a conspiracy against them for 50 years.
Poor us, they cry.
Always cheated, never defeated.
Oppressed since 1741, 1842, 1888 or a fortnight past on Saturday.
Celtic fans warned they face five years in jail for abusing referees
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/10/28/football-thugs-warned-they-face-five-years-in-jail-for-abusing-referees-86908-22663638/
Thugs who threaten Scotland's referees face five years in jail if they are caught.
Legal chiefs issued the warning after the Record told how Old Firm ref Willie Collum and his family were subjected to death threats in phone calls to their home on Sunday.
Collum was targeted after giving Rangers a controversial penalty. And a senior prosecutor last night told twisted fans they will face "the full rigour of the law" if they threaten refs.
Crown Office director of operations Scott Pattison said: "New legislation came into force on October 6 and created a new of fence of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
"This offence covers telecommunications and, if convicted on indictment, carries a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment, or a fine, or both."
The Crown Office said the new law could also be used to prosecute fans who threaten or abuse referees - or anyone else - at games.
We revealed on Tuesday that Collum received a number of threatening phone calls at his Lanarkshire home hours after Sunday's derby.
In one call, at hug threatened to "go after him and his wife and children".
It's understood Collum reported the calls to police but refused the offer of police protection at his home.
The SFA said there was a sectarian element to the calls, one of which was taken by Collum's wife. A spokesman said: "This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
Celtic plan to write to the SFA to ask for an explanation of Collum's penalty decision.
Manager Neil Lennon said: "If there's a perception Celtic are putting referees under pressure, it's an unfair perception.
"If I feel a controversial decision has gone against us, I have the right to ask questions."
But he added: "I didn't want the penalty incident to spill over into something that affected Willie's health and wellbeing. It's a game of football and people have to remember that."
Several referees are said to be considering their futures because they feel they are being put under too much pressure over decisions.
Linesman Steven Craven quit this week after the row over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United.
And Dougie McDonald, who refereed the game, has told bosses he is unhappy with how officials are being treated.
Thugs who threaten Scotland's referees face five years in jail if they are caught.
Legal chiefs issued the warning after the Record told how Old Firm ref Willie Collum and his family were subjected to death threats in phone calls to their home on Sunday.
Collum was targeted after giving Rangers a controversial penalty. And a senior prosecutor last night told twisted fans they will face "the full rigour of the law" if they threaten refs.
Crown Office director of operations Scott Pattison said: "New legislation came into force on October 6 and created a new of fence of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
"This offence covers telecommunications and, if convicted on indictment, carries a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment, or a fine, or both."
The Crown Office said the new law could also be used to prosecute fans who threaten or abuse referees - or anyone else - at games.
We revealed on Tuesday that Collum received a number of threatening phone calls at his Lanarkshire home hours after Sunday's derby.
In one call, at hug threatened to "go after him and his wife and children".
It's understood Collum reported the calls to police but refused the offer of police protection at his home.
The SFA said there was a sectarian element to the calls, one of which was taken by Collum's wife. A spokesman said: "This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
Celtic plan to write to the SFA to ask for an explanation of Collum's penalty decision.
Manager Neil Lennon said: "If there's a perception Celtic are putting referees under pressure, it's an unfair perception.
"If I feel a controversial decision has gone against us, I have the right to ask questions."
But he added: "I didn't want the penalty incident to spill over into something that affected Willie's health and wellbeing. It's a game of football and people have to remember that."
Several referees are said to be considering their futures because they feel they are being put under too much pressure over decisions.
Linesman Steven Craven quit this week after the row over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United.
And Dougie McDonald, who refereed the game, has told bosses he is unhappy with how officials are being treated.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Celtic Manager Neil Lennon targeted Referees before season started
Celtic Talk
Celtic Supporters Question & Answer Session in Dundee on 25th July 2010With Peter Lawwell & Neil Lennon
Quote provided by Celtic Talk, The Home of Celtic FC Discussion
This quote from Neil Lennon was given more than two weeks before the football season has even started.
Question: Now that Rangers are in a bit more trouble than last season and given that the amount of "honest mistakes" that happened last season from the referees, will we do anything to combat the inevitable "honest mistakes" that will go against us this season?
Neil Lennon: Do you not remember me getting in Stewart Dougals face? I want to create a siege mentality, us against them, we are anti-establishment!
----------------------------------------------------
Celtic Supporters Question & Answer Session in Dundee on 25th July 2010With Peter Lawwell & Neil Lennon
Quote provided by Celtic Talk, The Home of Celtic FC Discussion
This quote from Neil Lennon was given more than two weeks before the football season has even started.
Question: Now that Rangers are in a bit more trouble than last season and given that the amount of "honest mistakes" that happened last season from the referees, will we do anything to combat the inevitable "honest mistakes" that will go against us this season?
Neil Lennon: Do you not remember me getting in Stewart Dougals face? I want to create a siege mentality, us against them, we are anti-establishment!
----------------------------------------------------
In the job little more than six months, the newcomer needs to be properly dealt with by the authorities, as he struggles to cope and to remember his own expressed opinions. |
| It's possible you might have missed Neil Lennon complaining about Sunday's referee but his club has repeated the trick from the week before and written to the SFA asking for 'clarification'. So far, so par for the course. But wait, here's what he said today (see link) to try to suggest this isn't a regular habit. "Up until last weekend I don't think I've mentioned a referee in any of my post-match interviews." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9129435.stm Really? SC Braga 3 - 0 Celtic Lennon was critical of referee Serge Gumienny and his assistants for giving the penalty when a cross hit the arm of Ki Sung-Yeung. "His arms and his hands are down by his side; it's ball to hand," said the manager. "He [Gumienny] made some strange decisions. He booked Charlie Mulgrew after less than 10 minutes for time-wasting. That was just incredible. "He didn't book any of the Braga players until maybe the final five minutes. "So I'm not pleased with the referee's performance at all." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8863959.stm FC Utrecht 4 - 0 Celtic Lennon continued: “It feels as bad as Ross County. We had a decent advantage and we only needed to score one goal. But it’s the overall performance; we were second best in just about every area. “The first penalty was soft and for the second we shot ourselves in the foot. We’ve gone one down and just need to weather it and we get one goal and win the game. But we never gave ourselves a chance. “Refereeing decisions? I’m not going to go on about the referee because that would take away from a poor display. I would just be making an excuse, but two penalties is really poor from us.” http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/...ason-1.1050827 Celtic 1 - 3 Rangers Lennon had issued a veiled warning to the referee, Willie Collum, who was taking charge of his first Glasgow derby, on Friday. Sadly for Celtic's manager, Collum proved the main post-match discussion point after his decision to award Rangers a dubious second-half penalty, which Kenny Miller scored to earn a 3-1 lead. "It looked soft to me," Lennon said of the penalty, given after Kirk Broadfoot tumbled over the Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic. "If you look at him [Collum], I'm not sure he saw it so I don't know why he has given it. He has a lot of questions to answer." Lennon was riled that the Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch, already on a booking at that juncture, was not dismissed for a challenge on Georgios Samaras. "I want to know why McCulloch was still on the pitch after a blatant obstruction when we were breaking," Celtic's manager added. "I'm not going to go on about the referee because I have my own problems regarding the team but you have to get the big decisions right and there's another big decision that has gone against us. I will be asking for an explanation." Smith believed the home side's concentration on the referee in the preamble to today's game was unwarranted. In what is merely their latest battle with the Scottish Football Association, Celtic had written to complain about the performance of the officials during last weekend's win at Dundee United, an issue which became public knowledge during the build-up to yesterday's encounter. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/24/celtic-rangers-scottish-premier-league
|
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
COLLUM DEATH THREATS
http://davidleggat-leggoland.blogspot.com/
HUGH DALLAS was probably the least surprised man in Scotland to learn Willie Collum had been subjected to death threats in the wake of Rangers 3-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead.
After all, Dallas, at Parkhead in his refereeing heyday, was felled by a coin which left him with blood pouring from a wound and needing stitches, when he took control of the Celtic shame game in May 1999 which Rangers won to take the title.
And afterwards, after he had reached what he believed to be the sanctuary of his own home, and was in the bosom of his wife and family, a brick was sent crashing through one of his house windows.
More recently, Steven Craven, the assistant who was involved in referee Dougie McDonald's about turn on that penalty award to Celtic against Dundee United, has quit the game following reports that he too had been threatened, and his two sons verbally abused.
It is amazing that on the day UEFA President Michel Platini, who had been Celtic's guest at the Old Firm game, was speaking out about the need for clubs and supporters alike to respect referees, Collum should have had to call in the police.
There was also, according to the Keith Jackson's latest outstanding exclusive in the Daily Record, a sectatrian nature to the threats, though how that worked is a bit of a mystery.
Collum is clearly a man of deep convictions and teaches Reilgious Education at the Cardinal Newman School in Bellshill.
That he should be subjected to this - and I think we can safely assume it wasn't Rangers fans upset at his decision not to send off Anthony Stokes - is, as the Scottish Football Association rightly says, "behaviour which is abhorent and has no place in football."
But going even further back than Dallas being assaulted on the field and then attacked inside his own house, there is a pattern which has developed over the years.
I recall that when linesman George McBride flagged Jorge Cadette controversially offside in an Old Firm game at Ibrox, what followed appeared an organised campaign to blacken his name and call his integrity into question.
And during the same era there was the strange case of Jim McCluskey and the private investigators.
I was at Old Trafford on the day the story broke, and in those pre-internet days, knew nothing about it until my old chum, the late Jim Blair of the Daily Record, arrived with a copy of that day's paper which carried the tale.
It was to the effect that one of the leading lights and best known names within the Celtic Supporters Association had hired a private eye to follow McCluskey and try to dig some dirt on him ahead of an Old Firm League Cup Final.
In the media room my many English colleagues soon gathered round to read this extraordinary story and their reaction was to hoot with laughter and derision at both the petty nature of such a support, and its sinister aspect.
I've got a pal who was based in Manchester with a national daily back then, and who still operates as a reporter in the city, who often recalls it and chortles. The image of Celtic, which the club always appear so keen to project in a good way south of the border, took a battering in England over the McCluskey episode.
But coming up to date, and examining what has happened to Collum, it is worth recalling the words which were so carefully delivered by Walter Smith after his team's triumph.
According to Smith, it was wrong to put so much pressure on the official in the build up, with the Rangers manager adding tellingly, that this was the second time in the days prior to the last three Old Firm encounters this had happened.
Dougie McDonald suffered before the game in February, which Rangers won, and what appeared on the official Celtic webite was branded as "cowardly" by SFA president George Peat.
As I have already revealed, when the same Celtic website, questioned a decision in that match by McDonald, saying no "fair minded man could agree it was right," the clear implication was that the referee was not fair. Not impartial. Not unbiased.
Therefore, he was, unfair, partial and biased.
Yet, when this was referred to Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie's General Purposes Committee, it decided a censure was appropriate, and under Petrie's orders, the decision was kept secret until I revealed it just prior to Sunday's match.
Scottish football supporters in general should be indebted to the Daily Record's Keith Jackson, whose fine reporting skills uncovered the death threats to 31-year-old family man Collum, and his kids.
And a debt from all fans is also owed to Mark Guidi who, first in the Record and then 24 hours later in the Sunday Mail, produced exclusives about the threats to Craven and his sons, and how he was poised to quit.
New SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has indeed walked into the eye of the storm at a crucial time for the future of football in Scotland.
If referees and their assistants are not allowed to go about their buisness of being without fear or favour during the match, because they are in terror for their own safetly and that of their children afterwards, then the jig is up
Indeed, not only is there something rotten at the core of Scottish football, but Scottish society in general.
Perhaps it is not so much a a footballing mess for Regan to try and sort out, as a bigger one, relating to a broken society in Scotland which needs some sort of intervention from Alex Salmond.
Unless the first minister elects to sing dumb, for fear of losing votes in the Scottish election coming up in May.
HUGH DALLAS was probably the least surprised man in Scotland to learn Willie Collum had been subjected to death threats in the wake of Rangers 3-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead.
After all, Dallas, at Parkhead in his refereeing heyday, was felled by a coin which left him with blood pouring from a wound and needing stitches, when he took control of the Celtic shame game in May 1999 which Rangers won to take the title.
And afterwards, after he had reached what he believed to be the sanctuary of his own home, and was in the bosom of his wife and family, a brick was sent crashing through one of his house windows.
More recently, Steven Craven, the assistant who was involved in referee Dougie McDonald's about turn on that penalty award to Celtic against Dundee United, has quit the game following reports that he too had been threatened, and his two sons verbally abused.
It is amazing that on the day UEFA President Michel Platini, who had been Celtic's guest at the Old Firm game, was speaking out about the need for clubs and supporters alike to respect referees, Collum should have had to call in the police.
There was also, according to the Keith Jackson's latest outstanding exclusive in the Daily Record, a sectatrian nature to the threats, though how that worked is a bit of a mystery.
Collum is clearly a man of deep convictions and teaches Reilgious Education at the Cardinal Newman School in Bellshill.
That he should be subjected to this - and I think we can safely assume it wasn't Rangers fans upset at his decision not to send off Anthony Stokes - is, as the Scottish Football Association rightly says, "behaviour which is abhorent and has no place in football."
But going even further back than Dallas being assaulted on the field and then attacked inside his own house, there is a pattern which has developed over the years.
I recall that when linesman George McBride flagged Jorge Cadette controversially offside in an Old Firm game at Ibrox, what followed appeared an organised campaign to blacken his name and call his integrity into question.
And during the same era there was the strange case of Jim McCluskey and the private investigators.
I was at Old Trafford on the day the story broke, and in those pre-internet days, knew nothing about it until my old chum, the late Jim Blair of the Daily Record, arrived with a copy of that day's paper which carried the tale.
It was to the effect that one of the leading lights and best known names within the Celtic Supporters Association had hired a private eye to follow McCluskey and try to dig some dirt on him ahead of an Old Firm League Cup Final.
In the media room my many English colleagues soon gathered round to read this extraordinary story and their reaction was to hoot with laughter and derision at both the petty nature of such a support, and its sinister aspect.
I've got a pal who was based in Manchester with a national daily back then, and who still operates as a reporter in the city, who often recalls it and chortles. The image of Celtic, which the club always appear so keen to project in a good way south of the border, took a battering in England over the McCluskey episode.
But coming up to date, and examining what has happened to Collum, it is worth recalling the words which were so carefully delivered by Walter Smith after his team's triumph.
According to Smith, it was wrong to put so much pressure on the official in the build up, with the Rangers manager adding tellingly, that this was the second time in the days prior to the last three Old Firm encounters this had happened.
Dougie McDonald suffered before the game in February, which Rangers won, and what appeared on the official Celtic webite was branded as "cowardly" by SFA president George Peat.
As I have already revealed, when the same Celtic website, questioned a decision in that match by McDonald, saying no "fair minded man could agree it was right," the clear implication was that the referee was not fair. Not impartial. Not unbiased.
Therefore, he was, unfair, partial and biased.
Yet, when this was referred to Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie's General Purposes Committee, it decided a censure was appropriate, and under Petrie's orders, the decision was kept secret until I revealed it just prior to Sunday's match.
Scottish football supporters in general should be indebted to the Daily Record's Keith Jackson, whose fine reporting skills uncovered the death threats to 31-year-old family man Collum, and his kids.
And a debt from all fans is also owed to Mark Guidi who, first in the Record and then 24 hours later in the Sunday Mail, produced exclusives about the threats to Craven and his sons, and how he was poised to quit.
New SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has indeed walked into the eye of the storm at a crucial time for the future of football in Scotland.
If referees and their assistants are not allowed to go about their buisness of being without fear or favour during the match, because they are in terror for their own safetly and that of their children afterwards, then the jig is up
Indeed, not only is there something rotten at the core of Scottish football, but Scottish society in general.
Perhaps it is not so much a a footballing mess for Regan to try and sort out, as a bigger one, relating to a broken society in Scotland which needs some sort of intervention from Alex Salmond.
Unless the first minister elects to sing dumb, for fear of losing votes in the Scottish election coming up in May.
Official resigns after his children threatened by Celtic fans
The Scottish Football Association fears further resignations from referees and officials after Steven Craven, the assistant referee who overturned a penalty award to Celtic during their game at Dundee Unitednine days ago, quit today.
The level of abuse Craven has received for that intervention has led him to end his refereeing career, the SFA admitted tonight. "I can confirm that I have met with the relevant match officials and members of the referee departments regarding the events that occurred during the recent match between Dundee United and Celtic," said Stewart Regan, the SFA's chief executive. "I can also confirm that Steven Craven has tendered his resignation and will no longer officiate in the professional game. I hope to conclude the investigation within the next 48 hours and will make further comment at that time."
The SFA believes Craven may not be the last to adopt that stance, with worries growing within Hampden Park over continually negative scrutiny of referees. Kenny Clark, a former top-flight official in Scotland, has claimed that his ex-colleagues have been "receiving letters with razor blades in them and having their windows smashed" by irate fans.
Celtic have made their displeasure with decisions plain recently. The referee for Sunday's Old Firm derby, Willie Collum, was castigated by the club's manager Neil Lennon for awarding a dubious penalty to Rangers. The SFA has thus far not publicly backed Collum over his performance.
Celtic fans target officials Children
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/8087076/Referee-targeted-after-Old-Firm-clash.html
The 31-year-old made his debut in the fixture and was criticised by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the 3-1 win for the visitors.
The official reportedly answered a number of phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".
It is understood that Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home.
SFA spokesman Darryl Broadfoot told the Daily Record: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday night, one of which was taken by his wife. This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
Death threat calls made to referee's Wife & Children
OLD Firm ref Willie Collum received chilling death threats just hours after taking charge of the powder-keg Glasgow derby on Sunday.
The shaken official answered a number of sinister phone-calls at his Lanarkshire home with the caller threatening to "go after him and his wife and children".
It's understood Collum reported the calls to the police but turned down the offer of protection outside his home. The 31-year-old outraged Celtic manager Neil Lennon by awarding Rangers a penalty in the second half of the top of the table showdown.
Last night Collum's SFA bosses confirmed that he had been the target of death threats and added that there was a sectarian undertone to the calls .
Spokesman Darryl Broadfoot said: "Willie received a number of threatening calls at his home on Sunday. night, one of which was taken by his wife .
"This kind of behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football."
The threats comes as several top officials are believed to be considering their futures because of the intense scrutiny they are being placed under.
Linesman Steven Craven resigned yesterday after being caught up in a furore over a decision to deny Celtic a penalty at Dundee United.
Dougie McDonald, who was in charge of that game, has also told his bosses of his increasing discontent with the pressure being puton our top whistlers.
----------------------------------------------------
The following messages were posted on Celtic fans' message board http://www.thehuddleboard.com/hb/ on 25/10/10
Originally Posted by bigman204
Someone phoned his house last night threatening to kill his wife and children, so he told the class today.
Originally Posted by RyzaBhoy
bang out of order to bring his wife n kids into it. hes fair game though
Originally Posted by bigman204
The police were going to stand outside his house all night but he didn't want that.
Originally Posted by TRA_GHEARR_BHOY
Thats out of order, tbf threatening to kill him would have been enough.
Originally Posted by Haywire
I hope the poofy looking **** dies. The Sun can print this. He looks like some **** you would not let watch yer kids.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Celtic fans in the dock over attack on officials
Celtic could face a probe from the SPL and SFA after missiles were thrown onto the pitch at Tannadice in the aftermath of Dougie McDonald’s penalty U-turn.
After having it pointed out to him by one of his assistants, the referee picked up a lighter that was tossed from the stand housing the travelling support, and will include the incident in his match report.
Tayside police claim chestnuts and coins were also lobbed on, and that a number of Celtic fans were ejected.
A spokesman said: “It was a rowdy Celtic support in the stadium.
“Coins were thrown onto the pitch and, bizarrely, a number of conkers landed on the grass.
“The referee will be making a report and police are making further inquiries.”
However, after Neil Lennon’s face-to-face confrontation with fourth-official John McKendrick in the aftermath of McDonald’s decision, which led to the ref being called over to speak to Lennon, it is understood no further action will be taken against the manager.
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