video says it all
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gOwqWQS8oRY
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sectarian abuse by Celtic fans towards AC Milan players
Celtic fans try to intimidate AC Milan players but fail and resort to hurling sectarian abuse at Rino Gattuso.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d5VgOumuNhs
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d5VgOumuNhs
Celtic Goalkeeper shows his support for IRA
Celtic goalkeeper Arthur Borat show his support foe the IRA by showing the number 1916 (the year the IRA was formed).
Jeanette Findlay audio
For anyone whos hasn't heard it here is the audio of Jeanette Findlay from the Celtic Bomb Throwers Trust
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5035175ed58a02/
Here some of the atrocities supported by Jeanette Findlay
http://www.iraatrocities.fsnet.co.uk
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5035175ed58a02/
Here some of the atrocities supported by Jeanette Findlay
http://www.iraatrocities.fsnet.co.uk
Friday, November 23, 2007
Celtic Doc Lacks A Degree Of Sense
Daily Record 23/11/07
WELL done Dr Jeanette Findlay for confirming my belief that a university degree doesn't necessarily guarantee brains.
The woman lacks basic intelligence as well as common sense. But it's her sheer arrogance which gets me.
So she thinks she is "more aware of the issues" surrounding sectarianism than the common proles?
On the evidence, a debatable point, Doctor.
However she seems to be ignorant of the issues surrounding terrorism.
Someone with an Irish accent who bombs innocent civilians is no more justified than those who ignited bombs in the London underground.
Neither should be glorified anywhere in any shape, form or song.
WELL done Dr Jeanette Findlay for confirming my belief that a university degree doesn't necessarily guarantee brains.
The woman lacks basic intelligence as well as common sense. But it's her sheer arrogance which gets me.
So she thinks she is "more aware of the issues" surrounding sectarianism than the common proles?
On the evidence, a debatable point, Doctor.
However she seems to be ignorant of the issues surrounding terrorism.
Someone with an Irish accent who bombs innocent civilians is no more justified than those who ignited bombs in the London underground.
Neither should be glorified anywhere in any shape, form or song.
Celtic done no favours by Findlay's own goal
By Alasdair Reid, Daily Telegraph
On the basis that she is employed by one of Scotland's leading academic institutions, it is probably fair to assume that Glasgow University economics lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay is likely to be a formidably intelligent individual.
On the strength of her remarks to Nicky Campbell on Radio Five Live's breakfast show the other day, however, it seems abundantly clear that her specialist field cannot be one that relies on a gift for joined-up thinking.
Dr Findlay chairs the Celtic Trust, an organisation which claims to champion the interests of supporters and small shareholders.
The Trust has no official status, and there is no way of knowing just how representative it really is of grassroots thinking among Celtic followers - its membership has been estimated at just 200 - but its criticism of the appointment of former home secretary Sir John Reid as club chairman was widely reported ahead of Celtic's annual general meeting earlier this week.
So far so good. It is only to be expected that a supporter's group should take a firm position on the arrival of a figure with a controversial past and abrasive reputation.
Dr Findlay's particular objection - made after her general criticism of the Celtic board being made up entirely of white men - was that Dr Reid, for his support for the invasion of Iraq, was "closely identified with a war which is widely held to be both illegal and immoral, which was based on lies, and which has brought devastation not only to thousands of innocent Iraqis but has resulted in the death of many young soldiers from this country."
It was that stance that earned Dr Findlay her invitation to appear on Campbell's programme.
As Dr Reid might struggle to win second place in a two-man popularity contest, many listeners would probably have been inclined to agree with her position, but instead she proceeded to alienate them with a jaw-dropping defence of sectarian singing at Celtic.
Having heard her state her case, Campbell asked Dr Findlay if the appointment of the former politician would be a greater stain on Celtic's reputation than songs that glorify terrorism. It was a clear opportunity to denounce those whose numbskull chants suggest a lingering ideological association with the IRA that the club has worked feverishly to erase.
And not since the dismal days of Harald Brattbakk has anyone associated with Celtic missed an open goal so spectacularly as Dr Findlay. For instead of an unequivocal rejection of sectarianism, Dr Findlay produced a stream of mealy-mouthed prevarication that sounded uncomfortably close to its defence.
"They may take a particular view of the history, of what happened in Ireland, which is different from many other people," she said. "So I don't call those pro-terrorist songs."
Campbell pointed out that he was not referring to inoffensive ditties from the gentler end of Irish folk music, but blatant support for the IRA. Having just dug herself a deep hole, though, Dr Findlay was in no mood to let go of the spade. "Many of those songs are from what was essentially a war of independence going back over a hundred years," she replied.
Unsurprisingly, Celtic moved quickly to dissociate the club from her remarks, the Celtic Supporters Association condemned her views, while a Scottish government spokeswoman described them as 'repugnant'. It quickly became clear that Dr Findlay was hopelessly out of touch with the opinions of the vast majority of Celtic supporters.
Contributions to the Celtic Trust website yesterday suggested that her views did not even reflect what most members of her own organisation believe. By putting them in the public domain she has only strengthened the claims of critics who argue that Celtic Park is still a hotbed of IRA support.
Most neutral observers would probably agree that Celtic have seemed more successful than Rangers in ridding their ground of sectarian songs and chants.Others would argue that they have succeeded only in the sense that the choruses of hate have become more inconspicuous at Parkhead than at Ibrox. Dr Findlay has simply strengthened the suspicions of those in the second category.
And yet there is a thunderous irony to her actions. The more respectable purpose of the Celtic Trust is to campaign for supporter representation at board level.
It is a cause with which many football followers would instinctively agree, but one that was neither helped nor strengthened by what she had to say. By Ian Edwards
On the basis that she is employed by one of Scotland's leading academic institutions, it is probably fair to assume that Glasgow University economics lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay is likely to be a formidably intelligent individual.
On the strength of her remarks to Nicky Campbell on Radio Five Live's breakfast show the other day, however, it seems abundantly clear that her specialist field cannot be one that relies on a gift for joined-up thinking.
Dr Findlay chairs the Celtic Trust, an organisation which claims to champion the interests of supporters and small shareholders.
The Trust has no official status, and there is no way of knowing just how representative it really is of grassroots thinking among Celtic followers - its membership has been estimated at just 200 - but its criticism of the appointment of former home secretary Sir John Reid as club chairman was widely reported ahead of Celtic's annual general meeting earlier this week.
So far so good. It is only to be expected that a supporter's group should take a firm position on the arrival of a figure with a controversial past and abrasive reputation.
Dr Findlay's particular objection - made after her general criticism of the Celtic board being made up entirely of white men - was that Dr Reid, for his support for the invasion of Iraq, was "closely identified with a war which is widely held to be both illegal and immoral, which was based on lies, and which has brought devastation not only to thousands of innocent Iraqis but has resulted in the death of many young soldiers from this country."
It was that stance that earned Dr Findlay her invitation to appear on Campbell's programme.
As Dr Reid might struggle to win second place in a two-man popularity contest, many listeners would probably have been inclined to agree with her position, but instead she proceeded to alienate them with a jaw-dropping defence of sectarian singing at Celtic.
Having heard her state her case, Campbell asked Dr Findlay if the appointment of the former politician would be a greater stain on Celtic's reputation than songs that glorify terrorism. It was a clear opportunity to denounce those whose numbskull chants suggest a lingering ideological association with the IRA that the club has worked feverishly to erase.
And not since the dismal days of Harald Brattbakk has anyone associated with Celtic missed an open goal so spectacularly as Dr Findlay. For instead of an unequivocal rejection of sectarianism, Dr Findlay produced a stream of mealy-mouthed prevarication that sounded uncomfortably close to its defence.
"They may take a particular view of the history, of what happened in Ireland, which is different from many other people," she said. "So I don't call those pro-terrorist songs."
Campbell pointed out that he was not referring to inoffensive ditties from the gentler end of Irish folk music, but blatant support for the IRA. Having just dug herself a deep hole, though, Dr Findlay was in no mood to let go of the spade. "Many of those songs are from what was essentially a war of independence going back over a hundred years," she replied.
Unsurprisingly, Celtic moved quickly to dissociate the club from her remarks, the Celtic Supporters Association condemned her views, while a Scottish government spokeswoman described them as 'repugnant'. It quickly became clear that Dr Findlay was hopelessly out of touch with the opinions of the vast majority of Celtic supporters.
Contributions to the Celtic Trust website yesterday suggested that her views did not even reflect what most members of her own organisation believe. By putting them in the public domain she has only strengthened the claims of critics who argue that Celtic Park is still a hotbed of IRA support.
Most neutral observers would probably agree that Celtic have seemed more successful than Rangers in ridding their ground of sectarian songs and chants.Others would argue that they have succeeded only in the sense that the choruses of hate have become more inconspicuous at Parkhead than at Ibrox. Dr Findlay has simply strengthened the suspicions of those in the second category.
And yet there is a thunderous irony to her actions. The more respectable purpose of the Celtic Trust is to campaign for supporter representation at board level.
It is a cause with which many football followers would instinctively agree, but one that was neither helped nor strengthened by what she had to say. By Ian Edwards
Celtic fans' chief unrepentant for IRA song comments
Ireland Online 22/11/2007
A Celtic supporters' chief has refused to apologise for defending the singing of IRA songs.
University lecturer Jeanette Findlay, chair of the Celtic Trust, sparked fury when she said in a BBC interview that chants about terrorists had a historical basis.
Politicians and football supporters in Scotland and Ireland were quick to condemn her views.
But Dr Findlay refused to back down yesterday.
She told the Daily Record newspaper: "Why would I want to apologise? I made some relatively mild remarks on the radio and have no interest in co-operating with you.
"I am well aware of the effects that comments can have outside of football stadiums.
"In fact, I'm probably more aware than you are of the issues surrounding this subject."
She would not confirm whether she had been in contact with Celtic Trust members since the interview.
She said that the trust has its own channels of communication and that she would not be issuing any statement through the newspaper.
The row erupted after Dr Findlay spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast programme on Tuesday.
She told the programme: "The club was founded to help the poor of the Irish immigrants to Scotland.
"Many of the supporters are descendants of these people.
"They may take a particular view of history, what happened in Ireland, which is different to many other people. So I don't call those pro-terrorist songs."
She said that the chants were "songs from a war of independence going back over a hundred years".
She made the comments on the day that the latest football anti-bigotry initiative was launched at Hampden Park.
The club has distanced itself from her comments, saying they were "totally unrepresentative of the Celtic support".
And the Scottish Government said her views were "repugnant".
Yesterday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said he was opposed to the singing of such songs at football matches.
Speaking in Ballymena, Co Antrim, he said: "From what I know Scotland has been very - and a lot of its clubs have been very - forthcoming in trying to root out sectarianism."
"Any singing of those type of songs, I wouldn't encourage at all."
An umbrella group representing around 100 Celtic supporters clubs north and south of the Irish border also backed the condemnation.
The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs represents clubs based in each of Ireland's four provinces, and said it was opposed to sectarianism, while continuing to celebrate Celtic's Irish roots.
A spokesman said: "The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs have been engaged with Celtic and the Scottish Executive to eradicate sectarianism from Scottish football, and will continue to support this initiative."
East Derry Democratic Unionist MP Gregory Campbell urged new Celtic chairman John Reid to speak out against Ms Findlay.
Accepting the club had already said Ms Findlay did not speak for the bulk of fans, he said: "Hopefully John Reid can go further saying not only does this not represent the attitude of the club but that it is the antithesis of what the club thinks and stands for.
"These are the sort of comments that cause major problems in Northern Ireland where there are many Celtic supporters."
He said Ms Findlay should consider her position.
A spokesman for the Association of Celtic Supporters' Clubs declined to discuss Ms Findlay's remarks.
Ms Findlay is a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Glasgow and co-director of the Glasgow University Football Research Centre.
The Celtic Trust is a supporters' trust and was established to represent the interests of small shareholders and supporters at Celtic.
A Celtic supporters' chief has refused to apologise for defending the singing of IRA songs.
University lecturer Jeanette Findlay, chair of the Celtic Trust, sparked fury when she said in a BBC interview that chants about terrorists had a historical basis.
Politicians and football supporters in Scotland and Ireland were quick to condemn her views.
But Dr Findlay refused to back down yesterday.
She told the Daily Record newspaper: "Why would I want to apologise? I made some relatively mild remarks on the radio and have no interest in co-operating with you.
"I am well aware of the effects that comments can have outside of football stadiums.
"In fact, I'm probably more aware than you are of the issues surrounding this subject."
She would not confirm whether she had been in contact with Celtic Trust members since the interview.
She said that the trust has its own channels of communication and that she would not be issuing any statement through the newspaper.
The row erupted after Dr Findlay spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast programme on Tuesday.
She told the programme: "The club was founded to help the poor of the Irish immigrants to Scotland.
"Many of the supporters are descendants of these people.
"They may take a particular view of history, what happened in Ireland, which is different to many other people. So I don't call those pro-terrorist songs."
She said that the chants were "songs from a war of independence going back over a hundred years".
She made the comments on the day that the latest football anti-bigotry initiative was launched at Hampden Park.
The club has distanced itself from her comments, saying they were "totally unrepresentative of the Celtic support".
And the Scottish Government said her views were "repugnant".
Yesterday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said he was opposed to the singing of such songs at football matches.
Speaking in Ballymena, Co Antrim, he said: "From what I know Scotland has been very - and a lot of its clubs have been very - forthcoming in trying to root out sectarianism."
"Any singing of those type of songs, I wouldn't encourage at all."
An umbrella group representing around 100 Celtic supporters clubs north and south of the Irish border also backed the condemnation.
The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs represents clubs based in each of Ireland's four provinces, and said it was opposed to sectarianism, while continuing to celebrate Celtic's Irish roots.
A spokesman said: "The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs have been engaged with Celtic and the Scottish Executive to eradicate sectarianism from Scottish football, and will continue to support this initiative."
East Derry Democratic Unionist MP Gregory Campbell urged new Celtic chairman John Reid to speak out against Ms Findlay.
Accepting the club had already said Ms Findlay did not speak for the bulk of fans, he said: "Hopefully John Reid can go further saying not only does this not represent the attitude of the club but that it is the antithesis of what the club thinks and stands for.
"These are the sort of comments that cause major problems in Northern Ireland where there are many Celtic supporters."
He said Ms Findlay should consider her position.
A spokesman for the Association of Celtic Supporters' Clubs declined to discuss Ms Findlay's remarks.
Ms Findlay is a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Glasgow and co-director of the Glasgow University Football Research Centre.
The Celtic Trust is a supporters' trust and was established to represent the interests of small shareholders and supporters at Celtic.
The past of Celtic Trust Chairman Alex Mosson
Daily Record – 18th May 1999
CONVICTED criminal Alex Mosson is the new Lord Provost of Glasgow.
The Labour politician will become the public face of Scotland's largest city despite convictions for assault and housebreaking.
Colleagues in the Labour Group of Glasgow City Council voted by a clear majority for Mosson to take over the high-profile civic role, which will pay him pounds 24,000 a year of public money.
Reformed alcoholic Mosson will also become Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow - the Queen's official representative in the city.
Last night, the 58-year-old said: 'My colleagues have placed their trust in me and I won't let them down.
'I'm looking forward to working with a unified group and taking Glasgow into the Millennium.
'I've overcome my past difficulties with the support of my family and today with the help of the Labour Party.'
The Record revealed yesterday that Mosson had been jailed for nine months for assault and six months for housebreaking.
Shortly after we broke the story, desperate Mosson spoke of his past to a local newspaper in an 11th-hour bid to salvage his tarnished reputation.
Playing for the sympathy vote, the councillor for Anderston blamed his battle with alcoholism for his violent behaviour and told how he once broke into a pub to satisfy his craving for drink.
He said: 'The convictions were part of my problem.
'It is something I am not proud of, but it is a fact that with the support of my wife and my family and my faith I have overcome that problem. I overcame the problem of alcoholism and I have worked on behalf of the people of Anderston since 1984.'
Saying he has been sober for the past 21 years, Mosson added: 'Because of my own illness, I have been able to identify and assist others in similar positions.
'I have represented the city at home and abroad with dignity.'
Unemployed Mosson, who lives in a plush Victorian home in Glasgow's upmarket west end, will now have a hefty salary and enjoy countless perks of office, including a chauffeur-driven limo.
Mosson's supporters argued that he was a worthy candidate for Lord Provost because his convictions from the late 1960s are now 'spent'.
As a councillor, he was under no obligation to reveal his criminal past.
But employees of Glasgow City Council working in areas such as social work and education have no option but to reveal details of their past crimes.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which usually prevents such convictions being disclosed after a set time, is not applied.
Yesterday, the Scottish Office admitted that the new Secretary of State, John Reid, would not be able to prevent Mosson becoming the Queen's representative in Glasgow.
Of the 32 Lord Lieutenants in Scotland, 28 are recommended by the Scottish Secretary.
But the four city Lord Provosts are appointed by their councils.
In yesterday's election, Councillor Charlie Gordon was elected unopposed as council leader, and Jim Coleman as his deputy.
Last night, an SNP spokesman said of Mosson's new role: 'This shows that nothing has changed with Labour in Glasgow. It's the same old cronyism.'
Liberal Democrat councillor Dr Christopher Mason added: 'I am very concerned at this.'
CONVICTED criminal Alex Mosson is the new Lord Provost of Glasgow.
The Labour politician will become the public face of Scotland's largest city despite convictions for assault and housebreaking.
Colleagues in the Labour Group of Glasgow City Council voted by a clear majority for Mosson to take over the high-profile civic role, which will pay him pounds 24,000 a year of public money.
Reformed alcoholic Mosson will also become Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow - the Queen's official representative in the city.
Last night, the 58-year-old said: 'My colleagues have placed their trust in me and I won't let them down.
'I'm looking forward to working with a unified group and taking Glasgow into the Millennium.
'I've overcome my past difficulties with the support of my family and today with the help of the Labour Party.'
The Record revealed yesterday that Mosson had been jailed for nine months for assault and six months for housebreaking.
Shortly after we broke the story, desperate Mosson spoke of his past to a local newspaper in an 11th-hour bid to salvage his tarnished reputation.
Playing for the sympathy vote, the councillor for Anderston blamed his battle with alcoholism for his violent behaviour and told how he once broke into a pub to satisfy his craving for drink.
He said: 'The convictions were part of my problem.
'It is something I am not proud of, but it is a fact that with the support of my wife and my family and my faith I have overcome that problem. I overcame the problem of alcoholism and I have worked on behalf of the people of Anderston since 1984.'
Saying he has been sober for the past 21 years, Mosson added: 'Because of my own illness, I have been able to identify and assist others in similar positions.
'I have represented the city at home and abroad with dignity.'
Unemployed Mosson, who lives in a plush Victorian home in Glasgow's upmarket west end, will now have a hefty salary and enjoy countless perks of office, including a chauffeur-driven limo.
Mosson's supporters argued that he was a worthy candidate for Lord Provost because his convictions from the late 1960s are now 'spent'.
As a councillor, he was under no obligation to reveal his criminal past.
But employees of Glasgow City Council working in areas such as social work and education have no option but to reveal details of their past crimes.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which usually prevents such convictions being disclosed after a set time, is not applied.
Yesterday, the Scottish Office admitted that the new Secretary of State, John Reid, would not be able to prevent Mosson becoming the Queen's representative in Glasgow.
Of the 32 Lord Lieutenants in Scotland, 28 are recommended by the Scottish Secretary.
But the four city Lord Provosts are appointed by their councils.
In yesterday's election, Councillor Charlie Gordon was elected unopposed as council leader, and Jim Coleman as his deputy.
Last night, an SNP spokesman said of Mosson's new role: 'This shows that nothing has changed with Labour in Glasgow. It's the same old cronyism.'
Liberal Democrat councillor Dr Christopher Mason added: 'I am very concerned at this.'
Bomb Victims Dad hits out at Celtic Trust
Daily Record 21 Nov 2007
The father of a boy killed in an IRA bombing last night branded Findlay's remarks "downright idiotic".
Colin Parry's 12-year-old son Tim was killed by an IRA attack in Warrington, Chesire, in 1993.
He said: "Taking a soft line, I'd say Findlay's comments foolish in the extreme. Taking a hard line, I would say they're downright idiotic.
"I cant airbrush the death of my son out of my life. It is a legacy I live with everyday.
"It's beyond belief to me that an academic would espouse such views."
The father of a boy killed in an IRA bombing last night branded Findlay's remarks "downright idiotic".
Colin Parry's 12-year-old son Tim was killed by an IRA attack in Warrington, Chesire, in 1993.
He said: "Taking a soft line, I'd say Findlay's comments foolish in the extreme. Taking a hard line, I would say they're downright idiotic.
"I cant airbrush the death of my son out of my life. It is a legacy I live with everyday.
"It's beyond belief to me that an academic would espouse such views."
£500 reward if anyone recognisies this Celtic fan
There's a £500 reward if anyone recognisies him phone 0141 4205128
Celtic fans anti British Protest
CELTIC fans have begun a campaign to stop John Reid from becoming the club's next chairman because of his role in the Iraq war.Thousands of shareholders have been urged to vote against the former Home Secretary's appointment at the AGM on Monday.
The Celtic Trust, which has 200 members, cites the Iraq war alongside concerns over his close links with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Members have called for the board to launch a "wide ranging search" for a more suitable successor to Brian Quinn.
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Mr Quinn, who turns 71 this month, is a former deputy governor of the Bank of England and has held the post since 2000.
Flyers were handed out protesting against Mr Reid's nomination at a recent home game, and an internet petition has almost 1000 signatures.
Jeanette Findlay, trust member and a professor of economics, said: "We have serious concerns about the appointment of this individual to Celtic Football Club.
"The Iraq war was extremely unpopular with the public and we don't believe this appointment fits with the ethos of Celtic and how the fans see the club.
"There has always been sympathy at Celtic for the plight of oppressed people.
"We also have serious concerns about the selection process, which we believe is too narrow."
The trust's members have also called on supporters to vote against Dermot Desmond's re-election.
The internet petition, which is not connected with the trust, claims the appointment would be "contrary to Celtic's heritage as the invasion of Iraq has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people".
Mr Quinn, speaking in September, said: "I felt that the time was right to pass on the baton. I am delighted that, in John Reid, we have a man with the club's best interests at heart."
BT executive Ian Livingston, 43, is also seeking election on to the club's board.
Celtic football club refused to comment.
Publication date 14/11/07
Celtic fans may have a sense of humour
Could be a Celtic fans attempt of a bit of craic, not sure but here's a little reminder of their history.
Their faith of choice is linked in so many ways to fascism.
Their terrorist organisation is linked in so many ways to fascism.
The country they would rather call home is linked in so many ways to fascism.
Their ground has been closed singing in support of fascists.
They were responsible for the most racist/fascist incident in British football.
An Irish magazine described them as the "Irish BNP".
Celtic Fan extradited for being suspected IRA terrorist
Michael Dickson, who has been held in custody in Prague since December on an international arrest warrant, has been on Interpol's wanted list for several years.He is suspected of direct involvement in the 1996 grenade attack in Oesnabruck, as well as a bombing of barracks in Lisburn, northern Ireland, in which one soldier was killed. He has also been linked with the 1999 shooting of former IRA member Martin McGartland. Having successfully avoided detection for years, Dickson made the fatal mistake of trying to smuggle cigarettes across the Czech border in December of 2002.
Michael Dickson's appeal to the High Court, leaves the final ruling on his extradition with Justice Minister Pavel Rychetsky and may delay the process by about two months but observers do not believe that Dickson stands any chance of avoiding justice. "The High Court has no reason to question the municipal court's decision - this is a straightforward case," state attorney Dagmar Machova told journalists after the verdict. Only two things could have prevented or complicated Dickson's extradition to a third country - if he had been a Czech national or if the crime he was suspected of committing were not a criminal offense under Czech law. Neither of these apply.
There is no deadline by which the Czech High Court should rule on the case but given its gravity and its international implications, this is one case in which the Czech justice system should produce a swift verdict.
Wall of silence was his licence to abuse
The finger of suspicion was pointed at Torbett as long ago as the early 1970s. There were whispers that he molested 13 and 14-year-old players in his care. But the victims were too ashamed to admit they had been violated by someone they believed in, so they suffered in silence. The Celtic board were aware of the rumours about Torbett, who was general manager of the boys' club. But only one man took him on.
Jock Stein, who saw the youngsters as the lifeblood of the club, gave him his marching orders.The big man brought in business-man Hugh Birt as boys' club chairman, and Torbett went back to building his store empire. But after Stein's death, the pervert wheedled his way back in as fundraiser. Again, complaints were made that boys were being taken away for weekends and sexually abused. But, when Birt raised the matter 10 years ago, he was forced to resign. He said at the time: "It appears the Celtic board want to look in the other direction in the hope the trouble will go away."Birt had been told by anxious parents that their sons were being taken out socially when no games were involved. There were also fears that Torbett was taking boys to non-existent weekend tournaments.
Birt raised the claims with then Celtic vice-chairman Kevin Kelly, who passed the issue to manager David Hay. But later Kelly, along with Torbett and boys' club general manager Frank Cairney, asked Birt to resign. When he refused, Celtic withdrew his ticket to the directors' box and he had no option but to get out. Torbett later invited Kelly to become a director of the Trophy Centre chain. The pervert is now a wealthy man, who has swapped an 11th-floor council flat for a plush pad in Glasgow's west end. The Trophy Centre has a string of outlets across Glasgow selling medals, cups and fancy goods. Torbett's business partner and shareholder is Gerry McAleer, a former boys' club player. Despite the constant talk of sexual abuse, Torbett's links with Parkhead remained as strong as ever. In 1993, cash-strapped Celtic called him in to help them make their club shops profitable. At the time, a club spokesman said: "Mr Torbett is a very successful businessman and a Celtic fan. He is a retail specialist, and we want him to review the operation of the shops."
By then, Torbett was projects organiser with the boys' club, running tours to America and Europe. After one of those tournaments, in New Jersey in 1991, his old pal Frank Cairney quit as general manager. His resignation followed an alleged incident involving a young Celt. US police investigated, but the case never came to court because the boy wouldn't make a complaint. Torbett's Trophy Centre now sponsors the Scottish Amateur Youth leagues for boys between 12 and 18. Celtic have a team in every league
Jock Stein, who saw the youngsters as the lifeblood of the club, gave him his marching orders.The big man brought in business-man Hugh Birt as boys' club chairman, and Torbett went back to building his store empire. But after Stein's death, the pervert wheedled his way back in as fundraiser. Again, complaints were made that boys were being taken away for weekends and sexually abused. But, when Birt raised the matter 10 years ago, he was forced to resign. He said at the time: "It appears the Celtic board want to look in the other direction in the hope the trouble will go away."Birt had been told by anxious parents that their sons were being taken out socially when no games were involved. There were also fears that Torbett was taking boys to non-existent weekend tournaments.
Birt raised the claims with then Celtic vice-chairman Kevin Kelly, who passed the issue to manager David Hay. But later Kelly, along with Torbett and boys' club general manager Frank Cairney, asked Birt to resign. When he refused, Celtic withdrew his ticket to the directors' box and he had no option but to get out. Torbett later invited Kelly to become a director of the Trophy Centre chain. The pervert is now a wealthy man, who has swapped an 11th-floor council flat for a plush pad in Glasgow's west end. The Trophy Centre has a string of outlets across Glasgow selling medals, cups and fancy goods. Torbett's business partner and shareholder is Gerry McAleer, a former boys' club player. Despite the constant talk of sexual abuse, Torbett's links with Parkhead remained as strong as ever. In 1993, cash-strapped Celtic called him in to help them make their club shops profitable. At the time, a club spokesman said: "Mr Torbett is a very successful businessman and a Celtic fan. He is a retail specialist, and we want him to review the operation of the shops."
By then, Torbett was projects organiser with the boys' club, running tours to America and Europe. After one of those tournaments, in New Jersey in 1991, his old pal Frank Cairney quit as general manager. His resignation followed an alleged incident involving a young Celt. US police investigated, but the case never came to court because the boy wouldn't make a complaint. Torbett's Trophy Centre now sponsors the Scottish Amateur Youth leagues for boys between 12 and 18. Celtic have a team in every league
Celtic Sex fiend left me weeping in Norway
by Anna Smith
At just 13, he was Celtic's youngest-ever signing and hailed as Scotland's greatest prospect. But John McCluskey's dreams of stardom were tarnished by Jim Torbett. The innocent lad was used for tawdry sex by the manager during a boys' club trip to Norway. And, when Torbett had fulfilled his sick obsession, he left his victim alone, confused and crying.
John, the brother of Parkhead favourite George McCluskey, spoke yesterday of the agony he has felt for 23 years. Near tears, he said: "My guilt and shame now is not for what happened that night. My shame is that I waited 23 years to do anything about it. "Dunblane was the one thing that made me come forward. If some of the boys abused by Thomas Hamilton had spoken out, perhaps the massacre might not have happened." Striker John was destined to be a Celtic great. At 12, he so impressed Jock Stein that he was promised a place on the ground staff as soon as he left school. A key player at Celtic Boys' Club, John's Lanarkshire home was littered with trophies and medals. But one Best Player trophy fills him with revulsion each time he looks at it. It was given him after the awful night in Norway that changed his life forever. John said: "Every time I look at that trophy, I wonder if I got it because of what Torbett did to me. "I've always felt like throwing it in a river. But, if I had, I'd have had to tell everyone what happened." Tears fill John's eyes as he relives the nightmare. He said: "We were lying in a dormitory talking about football -the usual stuff. "Torbett was sleeping in the dorm and shouted, `Fryer' -my nickname -`go in that room and sort the strips for tomorrow'. "But, when I went in, the strips were already sorted. "Torbett followed me in and sat me down on the bed. He put his hand inside my pyjamas and fondled me. "I was terrified. I didn't know what to do. I just sat there and let him do it to me. "When I think of it now it makes me sick. "He left, and I cried my eyes out. I didn't want to go back among the boys and I didn't want to be by myself. I was so frightened. "Eventually I went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head. "I didn't know what to think. I thought there must be something wrong with me and I must have enjoyed it, otherwise I wouldn't have let him do it to me. "So I was terrified to complain to anyone."
John had been on other foreign trips with the boys' club. But he came back from Norway a different person. He said: "Everything had changed. But I was still determined to be a great player. "I trained hard and played really well. I don't know how, but I was able to concentrate on my game." But he stayed away from Torbett. He said: "A crowd of boys used to go to his home all the time. I went once, and that was enough for me. "I saw him beat up a lad who played with the boys' club, but was about 17 and seemed to live with him. "I was horrified to see him slapping his face and punching him, yet the boy did nothing to stop him. "There was always talk around Celtic about Torbett and boys, but nothing seemed to be done until Jock Stein found out. "He kicked Torbett out, but it was still kept quiet. "All the directors and lots of others knew why Torbett got the boot, but it was swept under the carpet."
John soon became a young Scottish hero, scoring the winner against England at Wembley in a 1975 schoolboy international. All eyes were on the boy who was to be the new Kenny Dalglish. But, two years later, a kick in training caused a blood clot on his leg that destroyed his career. John made a brief comeback, playing with Celtic's first team in a European tie when he was still 17. But his injury recurred, and he hasn't played since. For nearly 20 years, he has watched former team-mates grab the trophies as his life has become a tragic tale of booze and disappointment. John, who now hasn't touched a drop in four years, reckons his injury helped push him into drinking. But he is sure his biggest reason was to blot out the memory of Torbett's abuse. He said: "I started drinking after Norway. Suddenly it looked like something I wanted to do. "I was drinking heavily from 17. It was the only way to forget what Torbett did. "I was shattered that my career had finished. But I could have lived with that if it hadn't been for Norway. "I'm so glad I don't have sons. I would have wanted to send them to Celtic Boys Club, but I would always have wondered if some pervert was abusing them. "It took me a long time to come to terms with what happened and understand it wasn't my fault. "But there are still days when I suddenly find myself in tears. "Nobody should get away with what Torbett did. How many more boys have suffered because of him? "I still love Celtic. I go to Parkhead every week and I'll be a Celtic man until I die. "I only hope real Celtic fans will understand why I have come forward. If I can help stop this happening to one more boy, it will have been worthwhile."
TORBETT PLEADED AS HIS VICTIM SOBBED A few days ago, John got a chilling phone call from Torbett pleading his innocence. It came after John made a sworn statement about the pervert to Celtic's lawyers, in the presence of club supremo Fergus McCann. John said: "I didn't even tell my brother George about Torbett until last week. "He was furious and wanted to do something about it. I told him to leave it, that I was coping fine. "But, when he left the house, I just burst into tears. "While I was crying, the phone rang. It was Torbett. "He said: `What are you doing to me, son?' "I told him it was what he did to me that was the problem. "He said:`You know I never touched you, son. You know I loved you, and your family.' "I was sick, just listening to him. "I told him that I hadn't gone to the police or the newspapers and he said, `I appreciate that, son'."
John told how a visit from the police, who were investigating sex abuse allegations at Celtic Boys' Club dating back four years, finally made him come forward. He said: "The police were asking about someone else. "I thought they wanted to talk about Torbett, but they didn't, so I didn't tell them my story. "I spoke to Tommy Burns about it instead. He got me to make a statement to Fergus McCann who asked me to make a statement to their lawyers. "I have now done that. I will also make a statement to the police." If you are a victim of sexual abuse at Celtic Boys' Club we want to talk to you. Please call us on 0141-242-3409 or 3325.
At just 13, he was Celtic's youngest-ever signing and hailed as Scotland's greatest prospect. But John McCluskey's dreams of stardom were tarnished by Jim Torbett. The innocent lad was used for tawdry sex by the manager during a boys' club trip to Norway. And, when Torbett had fulfilled his sick obsession, he left his victim alone, confused and crying.
John, the brother of Parkhead favourite George McCluskey, spoke yesterday of the agony he has felt for 23 years. Near tears, he said: "My guilt and shame now is not for what happened that night. My shame is that I waited 23 years to do anything about it. "Dunblane was the one thing that made me come forward. If some of the boys abused by Thomas Hamilton had spoken out, perhaps the massacre might not have happened." Striker John was destined to be a Celtic great. At 12, he so impressed Jock Stein that he was promised a place on the ground staff as soon as he left school. A key player at Celtic Boys' Club, John's Lanarkshire home was littered with trophies and medals. But one Best Player trophy fills him with revulsion each time he looks at it. It was given him after the awful night in Norway that changed his life forever. John said: "Every time I look at that trophy, I wonder if I got it because of what Torbett did to me. "I've always felt like throwing it in a river. But, if I had, I'd have had to tell everyone what happened." Tears fill John's eyes as he relives the nightmare. He said: "We were lying in a dormitory talking about football -the usual stuff. "Torbett was sleeping in the dorm and shouted, `Fryer' -my nickname -`go in that room and sort the strips for tomorrow'. "But, when I went in, the strips were already sorted. "Torbett followed me in and sat me down on the bed. He put his hand inside my pyjamas and fondled me. "I was terrified. I didn't know what to do. I just sat there and let him do it to me. "When I think of it now it makes me sick. "He left, and I cried my eyes out. I didn't want to go back among the boys and I didn't want to be by myself. I was so frightened. "Eventually I went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head. "I didn't know what to think. I thought there must be something wrong with me and I must have enjoyed it, otherwise I wouldn't have let him do it to me. "So I was terrified to complain to anyone."
John had been on other foreign trips with the boys' club. But he came back from Norway a different person. He said: "Everything had changed. But I was still determined to be a great player. "I trained hard and played really well. I don't know how, but I was able to concentrate on my game." But he stayed away from Torbett. He said: "A crowd of boys used to go to his home all the time. I went once, and that was enough for me. "I saw him beat up a lad who played with the boys' club, but was about 17 and seemed to live with him. "I was horrified to see him slapping his face and punching him, yet the boy did nothing to stop him. "There was always talk around Celtic about Torbett and boys, but nothing seemed to be done until Jock Stein found out. "He kicked Torbett out, but it was still kept quiet. "All the directors and lots of others knew why Torbett got the boot, but it was swept under the carpet."
John soon became a young Scottish hero, scoring the winner against England at Wembley in a 1975 schoolboy international. All eyes were on the boy who was to be the new Kenny Dalglish. But, two years later, a kick in training caused a blood clot on his leg that destroyed his career. John made a brief comeback, playing with Celtic's first team in a European tie when he was still 17. But his injury recurred, and he hasn't played since. For nearly 20 years, he has watched former team-mates grab the trophies as his life has become a tragic tale of booze and disappointment. John, who now hasn't touched a drop in four years, reckons his injury helped push him into drinking. But he is sure his biggest reason was to blot out the memory of Torbett's abuse. He said: "I started drinking after Norway. Suddenly it looked like something I wanted to do. "I was drinking heavily from 17. It was the only way to forget what Torbett did. "I was shattered that my career had finished. But I could have lived with that if it hadn't been for Norway. "I'm so glad I don't have sons. I would have wanted to send them to Celtic Boys Club, but I would always have wondered if some pervert was abusing them. "It took me a long time to come to terms with what happened and understand it wasn't my fault. "But there are still days when I suddenly find myself in tears. "Nobody should get away with what Torbett did. How many more boys have suffered because of him? "I still love Celtic. I go to Parkhead every week and I'll be a Celtic man until I die. "I only hope real Celtic fans will understand why I have come forward. If I can help stop this happening to one more boy, it will have been worthwhile."
TORBETT PLEADED AS HIS VICTIM SOBBED A few days ago, John got a chilling phone call from Torbett pleading his innocence. It came after John made a sworn statement about the pervert to Celtic's lawyers, in the presence of club supremo Fergus McCann. John said: "I didn't even tell my brother George about Torbett until last week. "He was furious and wanted to do something about it. I told him to leave it, that I was coping fine. "But, when he left the house, I just burst into tears. "While I was crying, the phone rang. It was Torbett. "He said: `What are you doing to me, son?' "I told him it was what he did to me that was the problem. "He said:`You know I never touched you, son. You know I loved you, and your family.' "I was sick, just listening to him. "I told him that I hadn't gone to the police or the newspapers and he said, `I appreciate that, son'."
John told how a visit from the police, who were investigating sex abuse allegations at Celtic Boys' Club dating back four years, finally made him come forward. He said: "The police were asking about someone else. "I thought they wanted to talk about Torbett, but they didn't, so I didn't tell them my story. "I spoke to Tommy Burns about it instead. He got me to make a statement to Fergus McCann who asked me to make a statement to their lawyers. "I have now done that. I will also make a statement to the police." If you are a victim of sexual abuse at Celtic Boys' Club we want to talk to you. Please call us on 0141-242-3409 or 3325.
Pervert preyed on Celtic Boys Daily
by Anna Smith Charles Beaton and Iain Ferguson
Pervert football boss Jim Torbett terrorised a generation of young Celtic players. The trusted team chief lured innocent lads with promises of the big time. Then the Celtic Boys' Club supremo molested the babes who idolised him.
Depraved Torbett, 50, is still a major figure in the Parkhead talent nursery. Today three of his victims -including Scotland cap Alan Brazil -break their silence. Brazil, 37, said: "Torbett should be locked up. "He shouldn't be allowed anywhere near boys' teams." Sex abuse allegations have haunted Celtic Boys' Club for almost a quarter of a century
A Record investigation has revealed Celtic's board knew about the rumours 20 years ago. Only Jock Stein was big enough to show Torbett the door. And after the legend died, the pervert wormed his way back into the good books.
Today, Torbett is a respected senior official of the boys' club. His Trophy Centre shops sponsor the league Celtic boys play in, and provide Celtic FC with most of their medals and awards. He also helped raise cash for the Celtic Charity Fund. And he has a regular seat in the Parkhead directors' box as guest of his pal, past chairman Kevin Kelly.
Bachelor Torbett lured Celtic kids to his council flat with ice-cream and fancy meals. He also took them on glamorous foreign tours. Then he used them as sex toys, in return for a promise of glory.
John McCluskey, brother of Parkhead star George, was one of Torbett's victims. He said: "All I ever dreamed of was to play for Celtic. But Torbett turned that dream into a memory that will haunt me until I die. "My shame is not for what happened, but for keeping it quiet so long."
Last night, Parkhead supremo Fergus McCann promised to personally investigate the scandal. He has already spoken to some of the victims. He even called in police, who found nothing. In a statement, McCann said: "These are very serious allegations, and those concerned should report all information to police. "I would like to make it clear that this matter has no current link to Celtic Football Club. "I have nothing to say on the past board's handling of the matter."
Celtic Boys' Club chairman Tony McGuiness said he would call for an immediate special general meeting to probe the claims. He said: "I asked Jim about the allegations, and he assured me he would never do anything to harm the club. "He is still connected with the club, although he is not a regular attender at meetings. "I have heard rumours and counter-rumours over the years against several people, and I recently helped police with certain inquiries." At his home in Glasgow's west end, Torbett said: "I have nothing to say on the matter."
Pervert football boss Jim Torbett terrorised a generation of young Celtic players. The trusted team chief lured innocent lads with promises of the big time. Then the Celtic Boys' Club supremo molested the babes who idolised him.
Depraved Torbett, 50, is still a major figure in the Parkhead talent nursery. Today three of his victims -including Scotland cap Alan Brazil -break their silence. Brazil, 37, said: "Torbett should be locked up. "He shouldn't be allowed anywhere near boys' teams." Sex abuse allegations have haunted Celtic Boys' Club for almost a quarter of a century
A Record investigation has revealed Celtic's board knew about the rumours 20 years ago. Only Jock Stein was big enough to show Torbett the door. And after the legend died, the pervert wormed his way back into the good books.
Today, Torbett is a respected senior official of the boys' club. His Trophy Centre shops sponsor the league Celtic boys play in, and provide Celtic FC with most of their medals and awards. He also helped raise cash for the Celtic Charity Fund. And he has a regular seat in the Parkhead directors' box as guest of his pal, past chairman Kevin Kelly.
Bachelor Torbett lured Celtic kids to his council flat with ice-cream and fancy meals. He also took them on glamorous foreign tours. Then he used them as sex toys, in return for a promise of glory.
John McCluskey, brother of Parkhead star George, was one of Torbett's victims. He said: "All I ever dreamed of was to play for Celtic. But Torbett turned that dream into a memory that will haunt me until I die. "My shame is not for what happened, but for keeping it quiet so long."
Last night, Parkhead supremo Fergus McCann promised to personally investigate the scandal. He has already spoken to some of the victims. He even called in police, who found nothing. In a statement, McCann said: "These are very serious allegations, and those concerned should report all information to police. "I would like to make it clear that this matter has no current link to Celtic Football Club. "I have nothing to say on the past board's handling of the matter."
Celtic Boys' Club chairman Tony McGuiness said he would call for an immediate special general meeting to probe the claims. He said: "I asked Jim about the allegations, and he assured me he would never do anything to harm the club. "He is still connected with the club, although he is not a regular attender at meetings. "I have heard rumours and counter-rumours over the years against several people, and I recently helped police with certain inquiries." At his home in Glasgow's west end, Torbett said: "I have nothing to say on the matter."
Vandalism by Celtic Fans at Kilmarnock
Celtic fans weren't happy that their rivals won the league championship so they decided to take it out on Kilmarnock FC.
Jo Brand's sees Celtic for who they are
Independent, The (London), Jul 20, 1996 by Jo Brand
The Guardian G2 second section this week decided to look at the life and times of Michael Dickson, suspected IRA bomber. A melodramatic set of headlines ended with: "Why is a man with no clear Irish links a suspect in an IRA bombing?" Beside these words was a picture of Mr Dickson in glorious colour sporting a Celtic football shirt. Ho hum, not a clear Irish link in sight there, then.
The Guardian G2 second section this week decided to look at the life and times of Michael Dickson, suspected IRA bomber. A melodramatic set of headlines ended with: "Why is a man with no clear Irish links a suspect in an IRA bombing?" Beside these words was a picture of Mr Dickson in glorious colour sporting a Celtic football shirt. Ho hum, not a clear Irish link in sight there, then.
Celtic Fans - "Irelands equivalent of the National Front"
by Hot Press music Magazine, Republic of Ireland
Celtic Supporter Attacks Sir Alex
By Stephen Moyes Stephen.Moyes@Mirror.Co.Uk 13/09/2007
A drunken thug chanted: "Fergie, Fergie, shut your mouth" after punching Sir Alex Ferguson between the legs, a a court heard yesterday.
Celtic fan Kevin Reynolds, 44, is thought to have had a go at the Manchester United boss because he once played for rivals Rangers.
Yesterday he admitted assaulting Sir Alex and headbutting and shouting racial abuse at a community police support officer.
Reynolds, who has 105 previous convictions and had only been out of jail five days, was warned he was heading back behind bars.
Homeless Reynolds, described by magistrate Daphne Wickham as a "fighting drunk", had downed several strong lagers and half a bottle of vodka before his attack at Euston station in London, City of Westminster magistrates' court heard
Sir Alex, 65, who had arrived from Manchester for a charity event, on Monday thought he was begging.
Then Reynolds, from Fife, suddenly punched him in the groin.
Carol Tod, prosecuting, said: "Mr Ferguson asked, 'what the hell are you doing?' He replied, 'I'm sorry Fergie. I didn't know it was you'." He then stuck out his arms, chanting."
Police support officer Peace Toluwa arrived and Reynolds shouted racist abuse and headbutted him.
Adeola Oluwu, defending Reynolds, said he was joking around and hit Sir Alex while shadow boxing.
Ms Wickham said: "I do not think Sir Alex Ferguson saw this as a joke. I think it has to be prison."
She can only jail defendants for up to six months so she passed his case on to crown court for sentencing.
Afterwards witness Bob Walkey, 45, told the Mirror how Sir Alex doubled up in pain but did not retaliate.
He said: "I was amazed by his calm. Anyone else would surely have retaliated, but he showed astonishing restraint."
He added: "The thug hit him and began mocking him. Although Sir Alex was in pain and doubled up, he remained calm.
"I'd seen this loser staggering around and he had an air of menace. I saw a policeman nearby and sent him over."
Do you know Kevin Reynolds? Contact the Mirror newsdesk free on 0800 282 591.
A drunken thug chanted: "Fergie, Fergie, shut your mouth" after punching Sir Alex Ferguson between the legs, a a court heard yesterday.
Celtic fan Kevin Reynolds, 44, is thought to have had a go at the Manchester United boss because he once played for rivals Rangers.
Yesterday he admitted assaulting Sir Alex and headbutting and shouting racial abuse at a community police support officer.
Reynolds, who has 105 previous convictions and had only been out of jail five days, was warned he was heading back behind bars.
Homeless Reynolds, described by magistrate Daphne Wickham as a "fighting drunk", had downed several strong lagers and half a bottle of vodka before his attack at Euston station in London, City of Westminster magistrates' court heard
Sir Alex, 65, who had arrived from Manchester for a charity event, on Monday thought he was begging.
Then Reynolds, from Fife, suddenly punched him in the groin.
Carol Tod, prosecuting, said: "Mr Ferguson asked, 'what the hell are you doing?' He replied, 'I'm sorry Fergie. I didn't know it was you'." He then stuck out his arms, chanting."
Police support officer Peace Toluwa arrived and Reynolds shouted racist abuse and headbutted him.
Adeola Oluwu, defending Reynolds, said he was joking around and hit Sir Alex while shadow boxing.
Ms Wickham said: "I do not think Sir Alex Ferguson saw this as a joke. I think it has to be prison."
She can only jail defendants for up to six months so she passed his case on to crown court for sentencing.
Afterwards witness Bob Walkey, 45, told the Mirror how Sir Alex doubled up in pain but did not retaliate.
He said: "I was amazed by his calm. Anyone else would surely have retaliated, but he showed astonishing restraint."
He added: "The thug hit him and began mocking him. Although Sir Alex was in pain and doubled up, he remained calm.
"I'd seen this loser staggering around and he had an air of menace. I saw a policeman nearby and sent him over."
Do you know Kevin Reynolds? Contact the Mirror newsdesk free on 0800 282 591.
SECTARIAN CHANT FAN IS ARRESTED
by Daily Record Aug 21 2007
A CELTIC fan was arrested for sectarian chanting during Sunday's clash with Aberdeen, it emerged last night.
The incident is the latest involving away supporters from Old Firm clubs.
The 23-year-old man was escorted out of the ground after he was caught singing vile chants during Celtic's 3-1 win at Pittodrie.
He was then arrested and held in police cells until yesterday morning, when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
A spokesman for Celtic yesterday said the club would investigate the incident.
A CELTIC fan was arrested for sectarian chanting during Sunday's clash with Aberdeen, it emerged last night.
The incident is the latest involving away supporters from Old Firm clubs.
The 23-year-old man was escorted out of the ground after he was caught singing vile chants during Celtic's 3-1 win at Pittodrie.
He was then arrested and held in police cells until yesterday morning, when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
A spokesman for Celtic yesterday said the club would investigate the incident.
'Vile' sectarian songs embarrass Celtic
by STEPHEN HALLIDAY, THE SCOTSMABRIAN Quinn didn't quite paraphrase Harold Macmillan yesterday, but the Celtic chairman was on safe ground when he suggested that the Parkhead club have never had it so good.
After overseeing probably the least contentious annual general meeting in Celtic's history, during which a leak in the North Stand roof and illegibility of players' names on a signed strip were about as much as shareholders could find to complain about, Quinn reflected afterwards that life on and off the pitch at the club is as healthy as he has experienced since he joined the board of directors in 1996.
However, the club showed no signs of succumbing to complacency when Peter Lawwell, the chief executive, admitted to embarrassment over the continued singing of sectarian songs at away matches.
Quinn lavished praise on manager Gordon Strachan, who has recovered from a calamitous start to his Celtic career to emerge as a worthy successor to Martin O'Neill, and expressed deep contentment with the club's financial position which saw them slash their debt by over £10 million to £9.1 million in their accounts to June this year.
"I've never seen it better," said Quinn. "The wheels can come off at any time in football, but I don't think they will at Celtic. Is everything in the garden rosy? I'd say I feel more comfortable now than I have for quite a long time. I think the fruits of our endeavours are beginning to pay off.
"Gordon Strachan has been extraordinary. He is a very resilient person. He has said himself that [the defeat to] Artmedia [last season] was a bit of shock to his system, but to give him absolute credit he gathered himself up, applied himself to the job and did what he does so well in terms of coaching and managing the players. He has done a remarkable job."
Eight points clear in the defence of their SPL title and in a promising position to make progress from their Champions League group, bad news is unusually scarce at a club which once had a monopoly on crisis headlines and cracked crests in the newspapers.
The only negative undercurrent of yesterday's agm was the continuing campaign to eradicate sectarian chants and behaviour from an element of the club's travelling support whose conduct at Inverness earlier this season was described as "vile" by one shareholder.
Lawwell restated the club's determination to weed out the offenders with the increased help of police and stewards at away fixtures. Lawwell later told the media, however, that some of the songs being sung have been wrongly identified as sectarian.
"Celtic are different, to the extent we have strong Irish roots and Irish links," said Lawwell. "A proportion of our fans celebrate those roots and links by singing Irish ballads. In no way could these ballads be described as sectarian, but I think in some quarters it is misinterpreted as sectarian. It is not sectarian behaviour. There is a difference there. We are a proud Scottish club, but with strong Irish connections. It's a fact and we don't want to hide it."
It remains to be seen whether UEFA, who have redefined their own rules to outlaw any "extremist ideological propaganda" being exhibited by clubs or their supporters, will decide to examine any of the songs sung by Celtic supporters. "We have had no threat or remote suggestion that UEFA are looking at Celtic, so all we can go on is what has been suggested and delivered elsewhere," added Lawwell. "We have to be proactive to eliminate any potential threat, because, fundamentally, sectarianism is wrong.
"I believe our supporters are second to none. It's not just a boast - we can substantiate it through the awards they received from FIFA and UEFA. There is, however, a very small proportion of our away support who offensively chant songs that are contrary to what the club stands for. It embarrasses the club, it is unacceptable and we have a very firm plan to stamp it out. We do not want to be categorised as a club that has a sectarian problem. UEFA are very, very serious about this. There will be some sporting or financial sanctions on the club if we don't address it."
A suggestion that Celtic should clearly inform their supporters which songs are acceptable was dismissed by Quinn.
"Wherever you draw the guidelines, you will find opinion split," he said. "It is a task which is very difficult to address. I think people know which songs and chants are offensive. . If they don't know what is offensive, then they are told pretty quickly by the supporters around them. Some people are offended by what I say on this issue and tell me they have a right to free speech. We are not denying them their right, we are saying their right has to also take into account the rights of others not to be deeply offended by what they hear at games."
The club's principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, sent his apologies for his absence, having to attend a business meeting in Chicago instead.
Le Guen's spat on by Celtic Fans
by The ScotsmanRANGERS manager Paul Le Guen was confronted by rival fans after attending the Hearts v Celtic match at Tynecastle on Sunday, police have said.
The Frenchman was verbally abused by supporters as he left the ground after Hearts' 2-1 win.
Police said they received reports of an incident involving the coach, who joined the Glasgow club in the summer.
It was reported yesterday that the manager was spat at, had his windscreen obscured and was flashed at by a Celtic fan.
He was said to have been spotted by Celtic supporters, who had just seen their team lose 2-1, near a school on McLeod Street which is used as a car park on matchdays.
Le Guen, who was reportedly with his assistant Yves Colleau and other members of his staff, was understood to have then been verbally abused by a group of fans.
It was reported a newspaper was thrust across his windscreen as he tried to drive away after a fan spat at him.
A supporter was reported to have then exposed himself to the former Lyon coach.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that officers attended an incident at the stadium's car park after the game, and said Le Guen was subjected to "banter and backchat".
She added no complaint had been received and by the time officers arrived Le Guen had gone.
A spokeswoman for Rangers declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Celtic.
A spokeswoman for Hearts said the club had no precise details of the incident, and as it did not happen inside Tynecastle Stadium there are no plans to investigate.
Celtic in IRA songs row
Celtic fans reacted with fury today after the head of a club shareholders' group defended singing IRA songs at Parkhead.
Dr Jeanette Findlay, chairwoman of the Celtic Trust, said songs about the IRA were "songs from a war of independence going back over a hundred years".
But her comments, during a BBC radio interview, sparked an immediate response.
ngry texts, and some members said they would quit the Trust.
One said: "Her answers made me cringe. Please tell the rest of the UK that not all Celtic fans are blinkered Irish nationalists, and that some of us are football fans."
Another texted: "Her one-eyed hyprocritical views are disturbing and a ludicrously perverted take on history. She doesn't represent the majority of opinion of Irish nationalist Celtic fans."
Jim Divers, of Celtic Supporters Association, said the association opposed any offensive add-ons to chants. He added: "We will continue to support the club's many on-going anti-sectarianism initiatives, which are backed by the vast majority of supporters."
Dr Findlay spoke out during an interview with Nicky Campbell about the Trust's opposition to the appointment of John Reid as Celtic FC's new chairman.
The Trust opposed the appointment of the former Cabinet Minister because of his role in the Iraq War.
Mr Campbell said that people who had relatives murdered by the IRA might find songs about the organisation as offensive as Dr Findlay found Dr Reid's appointment.
She replied: "I'm sure the parents of Peter McBride, murdered by two British soldiers who were then reinstated under John Reid's watch, will also find that offensive. There's deaths on both sides."
A spokesman for Celtic FC said: "There are around 27, 500 Celtic shareholders .
"We believe that Ms. Findlay claims to speak for only around 200 of these, a very very small minority, as yesterday's 99.1% vote in favour of Dr. Reid's appointment as Chairman clearly underlines.
"These comments are totally unrepresentative of the Celtic support and we are delighted with the way in which our fans currently support the team."
Publication date 20/11/07
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1846187.0.0.php
Dr Jeanette Findlay, chairwoman of the Celtic Trust, said songs about the IRA were "songs from a war of independence going back over a hundred years".
But her comments, during a BBC radio interview, sparked an immediate response.
ngry texts, and some members said they would quit the Trust.
One said: "Her answers made me cringe. Please tell the rest of the UK that not all Celtic fans are blinkered Irish nationalists, and that some of us are football fans."
Another texted: "Her one-eyed hyprocritical views are disturbing and a ludicrously perverted take on history. She doesn't represent the majority of opinion of Irish nationalist Celtic fans."
Jim Divers, of Celtic Supporters Association, said the association opposed any offensive add-ons to chants. He added: "We will continue to support the club's many on-going anti-sectarianism initiatives, which are backed by the vast majority of supporters."
Dr Findlay spoke out during an interview with Nicky Campbell about the Trust's opposition to the appointment of John Reid as Celtic FC's new chairman.
The Trust opposed the appointment of the former Cabinet Minister because of his role in the Iraq War.
Mr Campbell said that people who had relatives murdered by the IRA might find songs about the organisation as offensive as Dr Findlay found Dr Reid's appointment.
She replied: "I'm sure the parents of Peter McBride, murdered by two British soldiers who were then reinstated under John Reid's watch, will also find that offensive. There's deaths on both sides."
A spokesman for Celtic FC said: "There are around 27, 500 Celtic shareholders .
"We believe that Ms. Findlay claims to speak for only around 200 of these, a very very small minority, as yesterday's 99.1% vote in favour of Dr. Reid's appointment as Chairman clearly underlines.
"These comments are totally unrepresentative of the Celtic support and we are delighted with the way in which our fans currently support the team."
Publication date 20/11/07
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1846187.0.0.php
Celtic fan jailed for drunken attack
by Scotland on Sunday
A MAN was jailed for three years and ten months for carrying out a drink-fuelled attack after an Old Firm game. John O'Donnell, 22, repeatedly struck Charles Beattie with a broken bottle in Saltcoats, Ayrshire last September.
A MAN was jailed for three years and ten months for carrying out a drink-fuelled attack after an Old Firm game. John O'Donnell, 22, repeatedly struck Charles Beattie with a broken bottle in Saltcoats, Ayrshire last September.
MP and wife in Celtic boat abus
A DUP MP has said he and his wife were subjected to "sectarian abuse" by Celtic supporters during a ferry crossing from Scotland.
Gregory Campbell said he deliberately timed his journey to avoid football fans but a small number were on board.
Mr Campbell said the incident on 15 September was upsetting for his wife.
"Two individuals on two separate occasions individually engaged in foul-mouth sectarian abuse," said the East Londonderry MP.
"I'm used to that from time to time because I'm in the political game, but I didn't think it was the appropriate thing for my wife to endure."
Mr Campbell added there was "no problem or difficulty" with the vast majority of fans on the ferry.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7033546.stm
Gregory Campbell said he deliberately timed his journey to avoid football fans but a small number were on board.
Mr Campbell said the incident on 15 September was upsetting for his wife.
"Two individuals on two separate occasions individually engaged in foul-mouth sectarian abuse," said the East Londonderry MP.
"I'm used to that from time to time because I'm in the political game, but I didn't think it was the appropriate thing for my wife to endure."
Mr Campbell added there was "no problem or difficulty" with the vast majority of fans on the ferry.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7033546.stm
CELTIC FANS BOO THE QUEEN MUM
Sunday Mirror, Apr 7, 2002 by DONNA CARTON
HARDLINE Celtic fans plunged their club into shame yesterday by disrupting the one minute's silence held in memory of the Queen Mother.
Republican Hoops fans marred their team's second Scottish Premier League Trophy win in a row as boos, chants and whistles echoed around Celtic's Parkhead stadium.
Fighting between Celtic fans broke out in the stands as the jeers of around 300 protestors sounded over the bowed heads of the Celtic and Livingston teams.
The minute's silence was cut short to just 32 seconds by referee Willie Young when obscenities were heard.
Frankie Shanks from west Belfast was at the game with his seven- year-old daughter, Claire, son Kieran, 14, and his pal, Steven, 14.
He said: "The trouble and shouting and booing was sickening. Fighting started right near us on the stand and my daughter began crying and was afraid, so we decided to leave.
"It was disgraceful. Celtic fans were fighting with each other, all because some wanted to disrupt the minute silence for the Queen Mother."
Frankie, who belongs to the Eireann go Bragh Celtic fan club added: "I am from west Belfast. I'm not a Royalist but all of us at our club had decided that we would act respectfully.
"We were there to see a football game. What happened today gives Celtic fans, especially ones from Northern Ireland, a bad name and yet most fans feel the way I do.
"I spent pounds 90 on tickets and pounds 147 on the ferry and we left the ground today before we even saw a ball kicked. I am very angry."
A band of supporters, many of whom are believed to have travelled from Northern Ireland, had vowed to boo loudly before the match.
Despite two public address pleas to observe the silence, the fears of football bosses were borne out .
Sunday Mirror sports writer Joe McHugh said: "Whistles began before the minute's silence and there were sustained cat calls and boos over the 30 seconds.
"In a packed stadium of 59,000, the noise from a few hundred who broke the silence made a big impact in Parkhead."
In a second royal snub, the national anthem was not played before the key title match, because football chiefs were worried it would spark violence.
The Scottish Football Association last week refus d to order clubs to play God Save the Queen for fears of antagonising Celtic supporters.
Their decision not to order Celtic to play the national anthem - a favourite with their arch rivals Rangers - even went against a directive from Downing Street.
Over 5,000 Celtic fans had made the journey from Northern Ireland and a small group of republicans had warned of "chaos and confrontation"
However, the majority of supporters at the crunch clash joined in the one minute's silence despite widespread speculation the booing would be out of control.
The players wore black arm bands and bowed their heads in respect.
However, Celtic bosses were said to be relieved that the booing which precursed the 5-1 title win had not been worse.
A Celtic FC insider said: "There was some booing and whistling but it could have been a lot worse. We're quite relieved because it went relatively well.
"But it could have been very embarrassing indeed if we would have been made to have played the national anthem."
A Celtic spokesman later condemned the actions of "a small minority" of fans.
He added: "It's disappointing that a small minority went against the request of the club.
"However, we are delighted that the vast majority of the supporters respected the silence."
Celtic's routing of Livingston saw them clinch the championship, giving them their second successive Scottish Premier League title.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman later said: "Their views are a matter for them and we leave it up to others to judge them."
Five fans were arrested and hauled out of Parkhead during the game for breach of the peace and drink-related offences, according to police.
Another six fans were arrested outside the stadium before and after the game for similar offences.
HARDLINE Celtic fans plunged their club into shame yesterday by disrupting the one minute's silence held in memory of the Queen Mother.
Republican Hoops fans marred their team's second Scottish Premier League Trophy win in a row as boos, chants and whistles echoed around Celtic's Parkhead stadium.
Fighting between Celtic fans broke out in the stands as the jeers of around 300 protestors sounded over the bowed heads of the Celtic and Livingston teams.
The minute's silence was cut short to just 32 seconds by referee Willie Young when obscenities were heard.
Frankie Shanks from west Belfast was at the game with his seven- year-old daughter, Claire, son Kieran, 14, and his pal, Steven, 14.
He said: "The trouble and shouting and booing was sickening. Fighting started right near us on the stand and my daughter began crying and was afraid, so we decided to leave.
"It was disgraceful. Celtic fans were fighting with each other, all because some wanted to disrupt the minute silence for the Queen Mother."
Frankie, who belongs to the Eireann go Bragh Celtic fan club added: "I am from west Belfast. I'm not a Royalist but all of us at our club had decided that we would act respectfully.
"We were there to see a football game. What happened today gives Celtic fans, especially ones from Northern Ireland, a bad name and yet most fans feel the way I do.
"I spent pounds 90 on tickets and pounds 147 on the ferry and we left the ground today before we even saw a ball kicked. I am very angry."
A band of supporters, many of whom are believed to have travelled from Northern Ireland, had vowed to boo loudly before the match.
Despite two public address pleas to observe the silence, the fears of football bosses were borne out .
Sunday Mirror sports writer Joe McHugh said: "Whistles began before the minute's silence and there were sustained cat calls and boos over the 30 seconds.
"In a packed stadium of 59,000, the noise from a few hundred who broke the silence made a big impact in Parkhead."
In a second royal snub, the national anthem was not played before the key title match, because football chiefs were worried it would spark violence.
The Scottish Football Association last week refus d to order clubs to play God Save the Queen for fears of antagonising Celtic supporters.
Their decision not to order Celtic to play the national anthem - a favourite with their arch rivals Rangers - even went against a directive from Downing Street.
Over 5,000 Celtic fans had made the journey from Northern Ireland and a small group of republicans had warned of "chaos and confrontation"
However, the majority of supporters at the crunch clash joined in the one minute's silence despite widespread speculation the booing would be out of control.
The players wore black arm bands and bowed their heads in respect.
However, Celtic bosses were said to be relieved that the booing which precursed the 5-1 title win had not been worse.
A Celtic FC insider said: "There was some booing and whistling but it could have been a lot worse. We're quite relieved because it went relatively well.
"But it could have been very embarrassing indeed if we would have been made to have played the national anthem."
A Celtic spokesman later condemned the actions of "a small minority" of fans.
He added: "It's disappointing that a small minority went against the request of the club.
"However, we are delighted that the vast majority of the supporters respected the silence."
Celtic's routing of Livingston saw them clinch the championship, giving them their second successive Scottish Premier League title.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman later said: "Their views are a matter for them and we leave it up to others to judge them."
Five fans were arrested and hauled out of Parkhead during the game for breach of the peace and drink-related offences, according to police.
Another six fans were arrested outside the stadium before and after the game for similar offences.
Celtic fan taunts U.S. captain with airplane gesture
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- American midfielder Claudio Reyna of Glasgow Rangers was taunted by a fan imitating an airplane in a "disgusting" gesture recalling the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States.
Reyna, captain of the U.S. national team, was named to a 23-man roster on Sunday ahead of Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica in Foxboro, Mass. (2 p.m.; ABC). A loss would virtually eliminate the U.S. from the 2002 World Cup finals.
However, he limped off the field in the second half Sunday in his first game back after a groin injury. According to the Rangers official Web site, the club has no major injury worries over Reyna, but his status for Sunday is not known.
Said Rangers team doctor Gert Goudswaard: "Claudio hurt his knee when he collided with the post and, although it is causing him some pain, we managed to get ice on it quickly and it's not too badly swollen."
But is wasn't his injury that drew headlines on Monday.
"It's disgusting to think about it because of how horrible the tragedy was and how someone could stoop that low," Reyna said Monday after Rangers was beaten 2-0 by Celtic at Rangers' Ibrox stadium.
The "Old Firm" match is one of the most bitterly contested in world soccer, with the clubs divided along mostly sectarian lines -- Roman Catholics supporting Celtic and Protestants behind Rangers.
A Celtic fan made the plane gesture toward Reyna as he was taking a corner kick.
"I did honestly think about it afterward and I was surprised," Reyna told STV Scotland Today. "I thought that if anything it [the tragedy] would teach people to unite and not to act like that.
"I wouldn't care even if he had had a lot to drink, you wouldn't think that something as sick as that would come into someone's mind. If they can punish the person they should because that's pretty awful. Or they should at least point it out to the fans because it's just uncalled for."
A Celtic spokeswoman, who asked not to be named in keeping with club policy, said the guilty fan would be "banned for life." She said his "blurry" image was caught by at least one newspaper. She said video footage of the incident had not been located.
"This one person has managed to drag the supporters into the mud with the lowest and most despicable behavior imaginable," she said.
Meanwhile, two planeloads of Northern Ireland residents who attended Sunday's game arrived home a day late Monday in Belfast after airline pilots decided they were too drunk to fly following the match.
The passengers included supporters of Celtic and Rangers. Ferries that serve the Belfast-Scotland routes before for Celtic-Rangers games often segregate the two sets of fans on alternate decks.
Reyna, captain of the U.S. national team, was named to a 23-man roster on Sunday ahead of Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Jamaica in Foxboro, Mass. (2 p.m.; ABC). A loss would virtually eliminate the U.S. from the 2002 World Cup finals.
However, he limped off the field in the second half Sunday in his first game back after a groin injury. According to the Rangers official Web site, the club has no major injury worries over Reyna, but his status for Sunday is not known.
Said Rangers team doctor Gert Goudswaard: "Claudio hurt his knee when he collided with the post and, although it is causing him some pain, we managed to get ice on it quickly and it's not too badly swollen."
But is wasn't his injury that drew headlines on Monday.
"It's disgusting to think about it because of how horrible the tragedy was and how someone could stoop that low," Reyna said Monday after Rangers was beaten 2-0 by Celtic at Rangers' Ibrox stadium.
The "Old Firm" match is one of the most bitterly contested in world soccer, with the clubs divided along mostly sectarian lines -- Roman Catholics supporting Celtic and Protestants behind Rangers.
A Celtic fan made the plane gesture toward Reyna as he was taking a corner kick.
"I did honestly think about it afterward and I was surprised," Reyna told STV Scotland Today. "I thought that if anything it [the tragedy] would teach people to unite and not to act like that.
"I wouldn't care even if he had had a lot to drink, you wouldn't think that something as sick as that would come into someone's mind. If they can punish the person they should because that's pretty awful. Or they should at least point it out to the fans because it's just uncalled for."
A Celtic spokeswoman, who asked not to be named in keeping with club policy, said the guilty fan would be "banned for life." She said his "blurry" image was caught by at least one newspaper. She said video footage of the incident had not been located.
"This one person has managed to drag the supporters into the mud with the lowest and most despicable behavior imaginable," she said.
Meanwhile, two planeloads of Northern Ireland residents who attended Sunday's game arrived home a day late Monday in Belfast after airline pilots decided they were too drunk to fly following the match.
The passengers included supporters of Celtic and Rangers. Ferries that serve the Belfast-Scotland routes before for Celtic-Rangers games often segregate the two sets of fans on alternate decks.
Celtic mascots' foul play anything but lucky
Sunday Herald, The, Nov 19, 2000 by Paul Cuddihy
THE news last week that Celtic mascot Hoopy the Huddle Hound had allegedly been charged with theft has rocked the world of club mascots to the core.
For those of you who missed the story, it was reported that police were called in by Celtic after a 20-year-old man who wore the costume to play Hoopy was involved in an incident at the stadium.
Apparently, he has been stripped of his costume, sacked by club officials and a report passed to the procurator-fiscal.
THE news last week that Celtic mascot Hoopy the Huddle Hound had allegedly been charged with theft has rocked the world of club mascots to the core.
For those of you who missed the story, it was reported that police were called in by Celtic after a 20-year-old man who wore the costume to play Hoopy was involved in an incident at the stadium.
Apparently, he has been stripped of his costume, sacked by club officials and a report passed to the procurator-fiscal.
Battle Goes On
By Daily Record
YESTERDAY should have been a good day for Scotland.
Old Firm legends Billy McNeill and Richard Gough lined up with Alex Salmond to launch the Kick Out Bigotry campaign.
It was a sign that Scotland was growing up and would have no truck with the dinosaurs who cling to sectarian views.
And then, on national radio, up stepped Dr Jeanette Findlay, chairwoman of the Celtic Trust and economics lecturer at Glasgow University.
She proceeded to tell Five Live's Nicky Campbell that it was acceptable for Celtic fans to sing pro-IRA songs.
A nation listened aghast.
Findlay was roundly condemned by Celtic Football Club and their fans, as well as Salmond who branded her views "repugnant".
But not before the damage was done.
At least her outburst shows why campaigns like Kick Out Bigotry are important.
If articulate, supposedly intelligent, women like Findlay can spout nonsense like this, we still have a long way to go.
YESTERDAY should have been a good day for Scotland.
Old Firm legends Billy McNeill and Richard Gough lined up with Alex Salmond to launch the Kick Out Bigotry campaign.
It was a sign that Scotland was growing up and would have no truck with the dinosaurs who cling to sectarian views.
And then, on national radio, up stepped Dr Jeanette Findlay, chairwoman of the Celtic Trust and economics lecturer at Glasgow University.
She proceeded to tell Five Live's Nicky Campbell that it was acceptable for Celtic fans to sing pro-IRA songs.
A nation listened aghast.
Findlay was roundly condemned by Celtic Football Club and their fans, as well as Salmond who branded her views "repugnant".
But not before the damage was done.
At least her outburst shows why campaigns like Kick Out Bigotry are important.
If articulate, supposedly intelligent, women like Findlay can spout nonsense like this, we still have a long way to go.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Celtic fans mocks 9/11
Celtic fans can clearly be seen mocking American Claudia Reyna by making aeroplane gestures as he takes a corner kick just weeks after the 9/11 atrocities.
HOOPS VIDEO HOTEL OWNER IS IRA CRONY
THE hotel where Celtic stars were caught up in a sectarian sing- song is owned by a known IRA sympathiser, the Irish Sunday Mirror can reveal.
Hoops duo John Hartson and Stephen Pearson were filmed with fans who shouted out "IRA" and "Sinn Fein" at a booze-fuelled bash in Donegal.
The footage, shot on a mobile phone, was taken at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, Donegal, which is owned by known IRA sympathiser Hughie McGee.
He also owns the Wolfe Tone bar in the town which boasts photos of hunger striker Bobby Sands on the wall and where the Colombia Three are due to make a guest appearance.
In 1997 McGee stood bail for IRA fugitive Anthony Kelly, who escaped from the Maze where he was serving life for murdering an off- duty RUC reservist. And in 1994 the hotel hosted a controversial conference for 800 members of Sinn Fein.
The tape of the raucous sing-song has been seen by thousands of football fans and is the talk of soccer forums and phone-ins.
It features worse-for-wear striker Hartson, 30, and midfielder Pearson, 23, linking arms on stage with three men during the singing of the The Fields of Athenry.
As the five belt out the anthem and stagger merrily in front of the audience, clear cries of "IRA" and "Sinn Fein" can be heard.
At one point Hartson turns to the man on his right and hugs him.
The players insist they did not join in the widely condemned chants, which made front-page news in Scotland and Ireland yesterday.
But the revelation that the hotel is run by a known IRA sympathiser has led to growing calls for a full inquiry by Celtic into the tape. Antibigotry campaigner and Lib Dem Scottish MP Donald Gorrie said: "I think these incidents damage the clubs involved.
"It's in Celtic's best interests that they're trying to tackle this problem.
"They've got to play a part in leading their supporters towards behaving in a more acceptable way."
The sing-song came after a testimonial dinner for former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara last April.
Mr Gorrie added: "Perhaps Celtic were naive and should have done a bit more research before getting involved. I don't know if heads have to roll, but they have to investigate to get the facts clarified. Then they have to talk to their players to get them to act as ambassadors towards co-operation across the sectarian divide."
Anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth renewed its demand that Celtic launch a probe into the revelations.
A spokesman said: "This gives further reason for Celtic to investigate this matter. Nil By Mouth has written to the club urging them to investigate this issue and to publicise their findings and any action they intend to take."
In 1994 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams held a conference on the peace process at the four-star hotel, once known as the Holiday Inn.
He stood on the steps and rejected then Prime Minister John Major's plea for peace.
He was speaking after a special conference of 800 party activists which was aimed at paving the way for a ceasefire. Then in 1997 McGee put up sureties of pounds 20,000 to help bail maze prisoner Anthony Kelly.
Kelly, 44, was among 38 prisoners who escaped from the Maze in 1983 and was wanted for extradition to serve the remainder of a life sentence for the murder of reserve RUC officer Stanley Wray in Derry in 1979.
McGee - who was described by the court as a someone of "standing in the community" - was one of two men who stood surety for his bail.
McGee also owns the nearby Wolfe Tone bar where he's lined up three alleged IRA men The Columbia Three to make a special guest appearance.
The trio, Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, were arrested at Bogota airport in 2001 under suspicion of training Marxist rebels.
Each was sentenced to 17 years in a Colombia jail after an appeal court reversed their initial acquittal of the charge.
The men, who had been accused of being IRA members, jumped bail in December 2004 as they awaited a decision from the court of appeal. The trio returned to Ireland last year.
Monaghan, 60, is an alleged IRA weapons expert' McCauley, 42, has previous terrorist convictions' and 39-year-old Connolly was Sinn Fein's official envoy in Havana.
Last night, a spokesman for Celtic said: "We have no further comment to make while we carry out our own investigation."
On Friday the club said in a statement: "Both players freely admit they joined in singing of the Fields of Athenry, a well-known and popular Irish folk song at a supporters event in Ireland but absolutely did not join in any sectarian chanting."
It was from the same event that former on-loan Celtic striker Craig Bellamy sent abusive text messages to his former Newcastle team-mate, Alan Shearer.
Last night one Celtic fan said: "This is all very embarassing for the club. We have been doing really well in getting rid of the lunatic fringe of late, then all this blows up."
A Celtic insider added: "The dinner was organised by the testimonial committee, not the club. Celtic had nothing to do with the choice of venue."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060108/ai_n15993243
Hoops duo John Hartson and Stephen Pearson were filmed with fans who shouted out "IRA" and "Sinn Fein" at a booze-fuelled bash in Donegal.
The footage, shot on a mobile phone, was taken at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, Donegal, which is owned by known IRA sympathiser Hughie McGee.
He also owns the Wolfe Tone bar in the town which boasts photos of hunger striker Bobby Sands on the wall and where the Colombia Three are due to make a guest appearance.
In 1997 McGee stood bail for IRA fugitive Anthony Kelly, who escaped from the Maze where he was serving life for murdering an off- duty RUC reservist. And in 1994 the hotel hosted a controversial conference for 800 members of Sinn Fein.
The tape of the raucous sing-song has been seen by thousands of football fans and is the talk of soccer forums and phone-ins.
It features worse-for-wear striker Hartson, 30, and midfielder Pearson, 23, linking arms on stage with three men during the singing of the The Fields of Athenry.
As the five belt out the anthem and stagger merrily in front of the audience, clear cries of "IRA" and "Sinn Fein" can be heard.
At one point Hartson turns to the man on his right and hugs him.
The players insist they did not join in the widely condemned chants, which made front-page news in Scotland and Ireland yesterday.
But the revelation that the hotel is run by a known IRA sympathiser has led to growing calls for a full inquiry by Celtic into the tape. Antibigotry campaigner and Lib Dem Scottish MP Donald Gorrie said: "I think these incidents damage the clubs involved.
"It's in Celtic's best interests that they're trying to tackle this problem.
"They've got to play a part in leading their supporters towards behaving in a more acceptable way."
The sing-song came after a testimonial dinner for former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara last April.
Mr Gorrie added: "Perhaps Celtic were naive and should have done a bit more research before getting involved. I don't know if heads have to roll, but they have to investigate to get the facts clarified. Then they have to talk to their players to get them to act as ambassadors towards co-operation across the sectarian divide."
Anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth renewed its demand that Celtic launch a probe into the revelations.
A spokesman said: "This gives further reason for Celtic to investigate this matter. Nil By Mouth has written to the club urging them to investigate this issue and to publicise their findings and any action they intend to take."
In 1994 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams held a conference on the peace process at the four-star hotel, once known as the Holiday Inn.
He stood on the steps and rejected then Prime Minister John Major's plea for peace.
He was speaking after a special conference of 800 party activists which was aimed at paving the way for a ceasefire. Then in 1997 McGee put up sureties of pounds 20,000 to help bail maze prisoner Anthony Kelly.
Kelly, 44, was among 38 prisoners who escaped from the Maze in 1983 and was wanted for extradition to serve the remainder of a life sentence for the murder of reserve RUC officer Stanley Wray in Derry in 1979.
McGee - who was described by the court as a someone of "standing in the community" - was one of two men who stood surety for his bail.
McGee also owns the nearby Wolfe Tone bar where he's lined up three alleged IRA men The Columbia Three to make a special guest appearance.
The trio, Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, were arrested at Bogota airport in 2001 under suspicion of training Marxist rebels.
Each was sentenced to 17 years in a Colombia jail after an appeal court reversed their initial acquittal of the charge.
The men, who had been accused of being IRA members, jumped bail in December 2004 as they awaited a decision from the court of appeal. The trio returned to Ireland last year.
Monaghan, 60, is an alleged IRA weapons expert' McCauley, 42, has previous terrorist convictions' and 39-year-old Connolly was Sinn Fein's official envoy in Havana.
Last night, a spokesman for Celtic said: "We have no further comment to make while we carry out our own investigation."
On Friday the club said in a statement: "Both players freely admit they joined in singing of the Fields of Athenry, a well-known and popular Irish folk song at a supporters event in Ireland but absolutely did not join in any sectarian chanting."
It was from the same event that former on-loan Celtic striker Craig Bellamy sent abusive text messages to his former Newcastle team-mate, Alan Shearer.
Last night one Celtic fan said: "This is all very embarassing for the club. We have been doing really well in getting rid of the lunatic fringe of late, then all this blows up."
A Celtic insider added: "The dinner was organised by the testimonial committee, not the club. Celtic had nothing to do with the choice of venue."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060108/ai_n15993243
Lawwell embarrassed by IRA songs
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell admits the club still have work to do to eradicate pro-IRA songs from their away supporters' repertoire.
Such songs were clearly audible during their defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle last weekend on live television.
Lawwell told the Scotland on Sunday that such behaviour was "unacceptable and offensive", adding that "last Sunday was embarrassing".
Lawwell is determined to rid his club of the remnants of the sectarian problem.
"We have made great strides at Celtic Park and anyone who comes here will not leave with the view that sectarian singing is prevalent," he added.
"You will always have some idiots, but, at Celtic Park, it has reached a margin for error that is difficult to wipe out. The problem is 99% resolved at our home games.
"The issue we have is the away support and songs sung in support of the Provisional IRA.
"They are not overtly sectarian songs, they are political songs that have no place at football. We will be addressing that.
"One of the reasons the away support is still an issue is that it is not within our jurisdiction.
"You need the local police forces and the local stewarding to identify and then police or eject supporters, or identify to us those that are creating the problem.
"We have ideas about how we can co-operate better with the local authorities that we are going to take to them. I do not think it is a massive problem, however."
Celtic Fans arrested at friendly match
Police made 15 arrests at a pre-season friendly between Newcastle United and Celtic at St James' Park on Thursday.
Six thousand tickets had been made available to Celtic fans for the game, with an estimated 5,000 in attendance.
Northumbria Police said most of the fans were good humoured. However, 15 people were arrested for drink-related and public order offences.
Newcastle won the game 4-1, with goals from Obafemi Martins, James Milner, and two from Albert Luque.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/6918761.stm
Six thousand tickets had been made available to Celtic fans for the game, with an estimated 5,000 in attendance.
Northumbria Police said most of the fans were good humoured. However, 15 people were arrested for drink-related and public order offences.
Newcastle won the game 4-1, with goals from Obafemi Martins, James Milner, and two from Albert Luque.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/6918761.stm
Fans' protest forces Johnston out
Former Celtic and Rangers striker Mo Johnston has pulled out of a charity "Auld Firm" game at Hampden after fears of a boycott from Celtic fans.Johnston was a controversial figure in 1989 after agreeing to join Celtic for a second time only to sign for Rangers.
He was due to play a half for each side in the charity game on 23 March.
But organiser Rory Nicoll said: "Mo does not want to be held responsible for people not going to the game. I'm told he is a bit bewildered."
Johnston, now based in the USA, had been keen to support the event at Hampden Park.
Money raised will go to charities with Celtic and Rangers links - a motor neurone research foundation supported by Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone and the Davie Cooper Fund, which will support a centre for children with special needs.
"Mo Johnston has decided he will not play for Rangers or Celtic in the Auld Firm match on the 23 March due to the Celtic supporters reaction to ticket sales," said Nicoll.
"He would much prefer the supporters got behind the charity event.
"Organizers of the event will replace Mo in the next few days with another headline Celtic name.
"There will be another press conference called within the next week, which will include Jimmy Johnston himself, to appeal to Celtic fans to get behind the game.
"Mo is really annoyed because he was desperate to play.
"He feels it all happened a long time ago and most people would not be bothered after all this time.
"But he knows what is more important and that is the amount of money raised."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/4335691.stm
SFA seeks Celtic missile answers
The Scottish Football Association is to write to Celtic asking for their views on the incident in which Rangers' Fernando Ricksen was hit by a missile.Sunday's match referee Mike McCurry has included the incident in his report, which the SFA received on Tuesday.
The SFA's head of discipline Drew Herbertson said he would await the club's comments on the matter.
"That then goes to the disciplinary committee, who will be getting together on 15 March," added Herbertson.
Strathclyde Police have begun their own investigation after Ricksen was struck on the head, apparently by a lighter thrown from the crowd.
Ricksen needed a stitch to a wound just above his eye.
Match commander Kevin Smith said: "We are continuing enquiries into this, as well as using CCTV footage to assist in identifying those responsible."
Celtic aim to identify the culprit and a club spokesman said: "I can confirm that an object was thrown at the Rangers player and I believe it was a lighter that was thrown.
"We are studying video tapes of the incident to identify the individual.
"We will act accordingly thereafter, but that is ongoing."
Police chief superintendent Smith said: "Following the Celtic v Rangers game at Celtic Park, I can confirm there was a total of 30 arrests in and around the stadium.
"Twelve of these were for offences of religious prejudice, one was for a racist offence and the remaining 17 were for other minor offences.
"We are aware of a further incident that took place during the second half of the game."
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill condemned the behaviour of some of the supporters.
"That would be disappointing if anything was thrown at any players," he said.
"You want the passion and everything else about the game, but you don't want it to get to that stage."
Rangers manager Alex McLeish played down the incident and thought it should not overshadow his side's victory.
"I don't want to make a big issue of it," he said.
"Fernando played extremely well and showed a lot of commitment and bravery, but he has had a stitch inserted in the corner of his brow.
"It's not an incident unique to Scotland. The crowd was generally well behaved, but unfortunately sometimes these things happen."
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