ian1964

Champions 4 Miller 2, Lafferty, Naismith HIVS 0 :spl:

What!!!!, dive??,I hope you are kidding with this quote??

First of all aye,I think we all would love to just concentrate on the football,and no doubt if the BHEASTS were winning titles and trophies that is exactly what they would be talking about,however because they are not they are pulling out the '' we are being cheated '' card,inferiority complex in my book, this plus the '' C****c minded '' manager they have now,BIGOT in my book, he is leading the crusade against all the evil that stops C****c winning and being the best, they are indeed finally exposing themselves to the rest of Britain, if not Europe, what exactly it is they and there rotten club stands for. A wee bit of advice C****c, be carefull what you wish for. WATP

ST MIRREN 1 RANGERS 3 9th November 2010 Now before we start on the game, letââ?¬â?¢s address a few other issues. Since I started doing articles about Rangers I have incurred a little bit of interest from Celtic supporters. Fuck knows what they are doing reading Rangers websites I donââ?¬â?¢t know. The responses fall into three categories. Firstly, brain dead cowardly bastard oneââ?¬â?¢s where desktop hard men suggest that they hope I die of cancer and the like. I sometimes reply and publish these just so that people can see that these results of inter breeding exist. They are allowed freedom of speech as they live in a country that allows them that privilege because our brave troops have fought and died so that they might remain free. More on that subject later. The second category of response comes from those who quote history, usually in very long emails, making their points well but from a very one sided stance. We are the 'Shame of Scotland' because in 1972 etc, etc, etc. It gets a bit boring reading it especially when the authors can only see it from their point of view and refuse to accept any blame on their own club or supporters. The third view comes from the decent supporters of their football club, who see the bigger picture and admit that both sides have their extreme supporters and wish to deal with football matters only. The first two groups will no doubt spout bile and go down the ââ?¬Å?Yeah, but they did it firstââ?¬Â route. Quite pathetic really. I genuinely feel sorry for some Celtic supporters who surely must be totally embarrassed by the events of the last few days. Lennonââ?¬â?¢s bleating and the resultant conspiracy theories are one thing and with three penalties on Saturday, it may even be working, some might say! The other aspects are enough to make any decent human being appalled. Reports suggested that Celtic banned the sale of poppies at the ground because it might upset some of the clubs Irish supporters. Unbelievable. That statement, if it is true, supports terrorism, does it not? I get stacks of emails condemning the songs that Rangers fans sing. Well to sing a song you must know the words, but songs are an instantaneous reaction. Preparing banners, albeit with spelling mistakes, is a pre planned initiative. The club stewards allowed these banners in and it would appear nothing was done when they were revealed. Did the decent fans boo them? I donââ?¬â?¢t know, I was not there. Did the police move in and have them removed and those holding them arrested? I donââ?¬â?¢t know but I have my doubts. The one good thing to come out of this is that some aspects of the media have, for once, not ignored the subject. TalkSport's Stan Collymore condemned the actions and it will be interesting to hear the comments from the Scottish media, the SFA and Celtic FC. I await with interest. Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s Shame has a new worthy recipient of the title, but then again no... it is Irelandââ?¬â?¢s shame! Anyway back to, for me, more important matters. If I was sensible I would have taken the train to Aberdeen for my Saturday night speaking engagement but no, that would have meant missing the St Mirren game, so after five and a half hours on the road on Saturday, I was out of the hotel at 7.30am to drive down and across to Paisley. Apart from anything else that meant missing a substantial breakfast at the hotel! I arrived at the ground and was parked up by quarter to eleven which at least gave me the opportunity to catch up with emails and confirm yet more trips north of the border to speak at dinners and other fundraising events. (Click here to book Jeff.) I received some good news from Stranraer. I am due there on Saturday 29th January and as Rangers' CIS Cup semi has been confirmed for the Sunday at Hampden, I will be able to do the dinner and still go to the match the following day. I love it when a plan comes together. I rang the Leven boys and was amazed to hear them loud and clear and obviously not driving. Fuck me, they were here. Unheard of, an hour before kick off and no pubs open. This was ground breaking. Durranty came out to drop some tickets off for mates so I was able to square up with him for Valencia tickets. Top man - I appreciate his help on that game because without it I would not have got my tickets as I am not a member of the Travel Club. Then again I could just have bought them at the ground in Spain, couldnââ?¬â?¢t I, which fucks up all the ideas about selling only to registered members! The game started at a slow pace and no goal within the first couple of minutes like last season! I had gone for Rangers/Rangers half-time/full-time. I was also going to go 3-1 but changed my mind. Fucking idiot! The ref, Craig Thomson, made Rangers take a free kick again to much derision from the UEFA 'B' licensed coaches from Fifa sat around me. The free kick had not left the penalty area before Papac played it. Fuck me, didnââ?¬â?¢t you know that? It was interesting to see Edu back home having not taken up the offer of a full time role as a Lucky/Lucky man in Valencia. We seemed to be suffering from a Spurs syndrome, with the after effects of a Champions League game making us look rather lethargic. Miller shot high and wide, then Weiss totally wasted a free kick by lobbing it high into keeper Samsonââ?¬â?¢s awaiting hands. Edu had a shot which flew about twenty yards wide. Pish. The game was littered with free kicks, no flow and virtually no atmosphere in the ground. Sunday lunchtime is not for football! After 25 minutes, the best move of the game so far, but Kenny only half connected and the chance was gone. My bet was looking dodgy. One thing for sure, they werenââ?¬â?¢t going to score. It's not difficult to see why they are bottom of the League. A mere shadow of the side that ran us so close in the CIS Cup Final last season. As usual teams are a bit physical in trying to stop Rangers and finally Hugh Murray was cautioned for another foul on Edu. Weiss was inconsistent, jinking in but also regularly losing possession, one run producing a free kick which Davis clipped onto the crossbar. The Manchester City loanee then got himself booked after a tangle and handbags with their full back Zanten. I forecast his early substitution for Lafferty. It just wasnââ?¬â?¢t happening for him today. Edu must have been wearing one of those trilbyââ?¬â?¢s his brothers were flogging in the square last week when he headed over with the goal at his mercy. Come on boys, half-time/full-time would have paid for my ticket and fuel! At last I got lucky - ball in the net just before half-time. Disallowed. Itââ?¬â?¢s a fucking conspiracy!! As the half-time whistle blew I noticed my mates adopting rather soft as shit behaviour. Bucket had his little bald head covered tightly by the hood on his coat and Scott had his nice posh 'designer' gloves on! It was a lovely day - what the fuck are they going to do when it gets cold? Well the Minister last week said that something needs to be done in Scottish football. Well could I suggest that hamster racing is not the answer! Broxy Bear finished last. Another fucking conspiracy. The world and hamster racing is against us! At least Cash For Kids benefitted. The attendance was announced as 5,674. We took more to Valencia. The second half started with the introduction of the seven foot flute player and within minutes we were camped in their half. The tempo increased, the fans woke up and Kyle created havoc in their defence. Own goal, oneââ?¬â??nil. A great move saw Lafferty square the ball for a Naismith tap in. 2-0, game over. It was like a testimonial now. They were very poor. Celtic will get ten against them and five penalties probably! I noticed a TV camera in front of us pointing in our direction and soon the texts started arriving, I had got a mention on ESPN. Hopefully they noted I was with the boys and not freeloading in the posh seats. To answer the sarcastic questions, my hat was orange, my favourite colour, bought in Valencia, because I was there and my glasses were not borrowed off Jack Duckworth. Have some fucking respect - he does not die until Monday! A mistake from a defender, wide awake Kenny Miller latched onto it and 3-0. This really is a two horse race, even more so than for the last Christ knows how many years. Maybe we should just play them every week! Rangers v Celtic every week - that would be interesting. We could sing our songs and they could practice their spelling on their banners. Boughie tried his best to make a game of it by nearly scoring an own goal, their first effort I think! The Scottish sport of clattering Alan McGregor was practised yet again, before a harsh penalty against Rangers. Walter, you really should start bleating to the press every week. We are going to be cheated against every week you know. The referees are against us! 3-1 and incredibly their announcer states the name of the scorer of St Mirrenââ?¬â?¢s consolation goal! Honesty but probably not the wisest thing to say. He could be joining Chesney on the dole soon. We passed away the closing minutes watching the steward seated in front of us. You may recall I donââ?¬â?¢t like stewards. At Killie I saw the fattest and St Mirren the softest. I am opening up categories. I am looking for the fittest (female) and the dirtiest (female). Well I spend a lot of time alone in Scotland! Suggestions willingly accepted! I wonââ?¬â?¢t be up for the Hibs game, but I am planning to make a suicidal journey from Heathrow next Saturday morning, 470 miles, in time to watch the Aberdeen game, before hosting a dinner in Glasgow on the evening. I am under pressure then to go to Leven on Sunday for their Remembrance Day activities. I will wear my B-L-O-O-T-A-I-N-E-D poppy with pride. AS WE APPROACH REMEMBERANCE DAY LET US REMEMBER FOR ONE MINUTE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN AND PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. "LEST WE FORGET" http://www.jeffwinterentertainmentandmedia.co.uk/world/0910040.php

PATIENCE is rarely a virtue when it comes to the Old Firm but Walter Smith believes he's now reaping the rewards of a slow-burner approach with key members of his squad. The Ibrox boss is only too aware that a quick-fix is normally the order of the day at Rangers or Celtic. But after adopting the strategy used by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Smith feels the long-term approach taken with the signing of guys such as Steven Naismith, Kyle Lafferty, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker is now paying dividends. Whittaker has blossomed into a genuine top-class performer after a tentative start to his Ibrox career, Lafferty is finally coming good while Naismith has arguably been the best player in the country during the first four months of the season. And Smith said: "Patience and the Old Firm don't go hand in hand but I felt we had to look longer term because of the position we were in. "In the past, we looked for players who would be instant successes and the pressure was on us to do that. Now we have to look a bit further into the future. "At Man United, for example, they bring in younger players and the older ones in the group handle that situation and help bring them on. "Cristiano Ronaldo scored five or six goals in his first two or three seasons then all of a sudden he was into the 20s, 30s and 40s by his last season. "You have to allow these players time to mature. The same thing has happened with a number of our players although we had a problem with Naismith in that his injury interrupted the process. "With Whittaker, he has met the demands of playing for the Old Firm and it has improved him as a player. "Some players don't handle the constant pressure but the majority of the group we've got have handled it extremely well and revelled in it in many ways." As he geared up for tonight's visit of Hibs, Smith revealed the obstacles players must overcome if they are to meet the unique demands of playing for the Old Firm. He said: "Players in their late teens and early 20s often produce a good performance and then go down a bit. "With Naismith, you could see his level of ability, but he might not be the same in another game. "The main thing players gain here is a consistency of performance and you can see it with Naismith now. "Whittaker and Broadfoot have raised their levels too and young John Fleck is coming in just now. "He has been here for a few years and knows the demands but it takes these players a while to impose themselves on games. John is going to have to start where Naismith started." Colin Calderwood brings his struggling Hibs side to Ibrox on the back of three straight defeats, including a brutal beating in Sunday's derby at home to Hearts. But Smith has warned his players to be wary of a backlash from the Easter Road outfit who roll up in Govan with nothing to lose. Three points pretty much looks a given for the SPL leaders on paper although Smith admits he is still concerned by the damaging effect of his team's gruelling Champions League campaign. The Gers boss feels his side's mental focus has been blunted in recent weeks on the back of tough European assignments. It's a an affliction not just confined to his own team, with Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and Group C rivals Valencia all losing at the weekend after being on Champions League the previous midweek. Smith said: "It is not always a physical thing. It is a mental thing. Look at Spurs. "How do they go from beating European champions Inter Milan to losing at Bolton? "Mentally, you are not attuning yourself to the game. "We've handled our matches after Champions League fixtures OK but have been slow to start them. "At St Mirren the other day we had 76 per cent possession in the first half but we never had the edge to go any further. I don't think their keeper had a save to make other than punching the ball into his own goal. "You need that extra edge and we got it for the first 25 minutes of the second half. "It's a natural thing to happen and it is difficult to counter. "Man United do it by changing players and they've also got to a situation where they are well used to it. It's normal. "For us, we have to expend a hell of a lot of energy in the Champions League and we need to do it in every game. "Tottenham are in their first year in the contest and they are seeing it as well. It is a problem. Last season, we dropped a fair number of points after European games and it was a bit of a concern. It still is as we have a hell of a run of fixtures right now. "The edge has come off the team in spells. "We scored the first goal against Inverness and then just played within the game. The edge was missing. "But we have a small group and can't really change things round. "We've been a bit flat in several matches. We have Hibs and Aberdeen next. They have both shown us before that they will make it difficult and these two games are dangerous ones." TeamNews Vladimir Weiss is in line to play against Hibs at Ibrox tonight despite struggling with injury. The Slovakian winger has been troubled with severe bruising on his heel but has trained over the last couple of days and will be available for selection. Rangers manager Walter Smith has no fresh injury concerns but long-term crocks Andy Webster, James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic are still sidelined. BETBOX Kenny Miller can't stop scoring in the SPL and has six in four games against his former club (including a hat-trick this season). Back Miller to score two or more at 5-2. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2010/11/10/walter-smith-rangers-long-term-policy-of-investing-in-youth-has-paid-off-86908-22705747/

STEVIE NAISMITH is ready to commit his future to Rangers. Naisy, 24, has been touted for a move to England after a dazzling start to the season. October's SPL player of the month is in no rush to quit Rangers. Ex-Ibrox star Mark Walters said last week that the Ayrshire ace was destined to be a Premier League star. Naismith said: "It's great to hear this from guys who have played in the game, and at a high level, but I'm not going to get carried away. "It's the first season where I have really managed to play every week for Rangers. "I'm playing my best football, but I know what the whole speculation thing is like. "Before I moved to Rangers I had a bit of that as well. I'm happy just now and have 18 months on my contract. "I'm not going to sit here and say I'm going in to talk about a new deal, I'm just happy to play. "If Rangers want to talk about a new deal that's great and I'd definitely be interested in that, but there are guys at the club everyone wants tied down before myself." Naismith is in the form of his life for club and country after bouncing back from two career-threatening injuries. The ex-Killie star, set to face Hibs at Ibrox tonight, said: "I feel as if I've got back on track from where I was. "I'm feeling a big part of it and that has been the biggest thing that has driven me on." Meanwhile, Gers have finally landed French- Algerian winger Salim Kerkar on loan until the end of the season. Boss Walter Smith moved after Kerkar impressed on a trial set up on the recommendation of Madjid Bougherra. Assistant Ally McCoist said: "He is a lad who is shaping up well. "He is a nice lad, but, more importantly, he has a good left foot." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3219901/Naisy-Id-love-to-stay.html#ixzz14s3oI8lz

funny to see the SHEEP applauding/cheering a Rangers player!!!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9174126.stm

The Celtic Supporters Association after having a number of discussions with the club and our member branches wish to make it clear once again that we believe the Celtic shirt should be used only to promote Celtic Football Club and it’s sponsors. We believe that this form of bullying people and clubs into wearing the poppy symbol is contrary to what many people believe is a democratic right; to have freedom of choice; freedom of expression, and freedom of speech. The Celtic Supporters Association is a democratic organisation which act’s in the best interests of their members, we consult with them on all issues and then carry out their wishes to the best of our ability. We believe that it is not in the best interest of Celtic Football or their fans to have a policy which is clearly divisive, this poppy issue came up two years ago as a direct result of the backlash for the singing of the racist “Famine Song” we have opposed it every year and are glad to hear that this will be the final year of the policy. At this Sunday’s match versus St Mirren there will be a minutes silence held before the kick off, we would ask once again that if anyone doesn’t want to take part in the silence for whatever reason, then remain outside in silent protest, then make your way into the stadium. http://www.celticsupporterassoc.co.uk/content.php?r=82-Association-s-Position-on-the-Poppy-Issue

Our best player this season by far,IMO,keep it up Stevie

Borrowed from another forum:- Taken from the Celtic Trust Site ...i despise this boot Jeanette Findlay statement Jeanette : Jim, the policy you propose re the minute's silence at New Love Street is the one put forward by the Trust and the CSA last year and we have not changed that. Those who wish to take part should do so and those who do not should wait quietly outside. However, on the broader point, without wanting to rehash old debates, the situation prior to three years ago was exactly right: those who wished to wear a poppy and to take part in Remembrance Day celebrations could do so freely; those who did not could also follow their conscience. However, the problem is that since November 2008 these activities have been unilaterally tagged on to a game of football and now those who do not wish to take part have to make special arrangements to withdraw. I cannot understand why you do not see that this is wrong. 9/11/2010 Jeanette : Sean, I sincerely hope that noone will be banned from Celtic Park for peacefully protesting. If they are then I will also stand beside them and refuse to renew my season ticket. I am sure there will be many more like us. Reply With Quote

http://e-edition.metro.co.uk/2010/11/09/

An OFF-DUTY cop faced up to a colleague who was singing IRA songs on a night out, a court heard yesterday. Ian Cameron said he stepped in when Christopher Halaka sparked an angry reaction by singing sectarian songs as he approached a taxi rank. He said he was trying to calm down Halaka, 31, and his uncle Laurence Winters, 43. Perth Sheriff Court heard that Mr Cameron, who was at a football team reunion in the city, told the men to stop singing. The Paisley CID officer added that a woman in the taxi queue also told them to stop. He added: "Both were shouting at the same time. It was words to the effect of, 'What's it got to do with you?' and, 'We'll sing what we want, mind your own business'." The court was told that Mr Cameron told them he was a police officer and, when he produced his warrant card, one of them tried to grab it. He said he phoned Tayside Police when another group of men came forward to confront the men. Halaka, who is also a cop with Strathclyde, and Winters both deny religiously provoked breach of the peace. The trial will continue next month. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/11/09/off-duty-cop-sang-ira-songs-at-taxi-rank-court-hears-86908-22703241/

Celtic Football Club was established by Irish immigrants in Scotland. Its founders instigated a club that would forthwith be open to players and supporters regardless of ethnic, national and religious background. Our supporters include people who have a broad range of community and national backgrounds and histories and all are welcomed into the Celtic family thus enriching our cultural environment. Mindful of the variations in how war can be understood, interpreted and remembered and sensitive to the multiple experiences and perceptions of those that constitute the Celtic community as well as beyond, the Celtic Trust has been against the forced and manipulative nature of poppy wearing in latter years, not least amongst the football community in Scotland. We are particularly against the practice of using the team shirt to promote this symbol and we welcome the news that this practice will end this year. We note that a broad public debate appears to be opening up on this question and that other individuals and organisations outwith football are concerned about the coercive atmosphere around the wearing and display of poppies. We further note with dismay the demonising of those people who exercise their right to free speech and dissent on this question and we oppose any action which may be taken against anyone who chooses to peacefully demonstrate their point of view, whether in a football ground or elsewhere. http://www.celtictrust.net/CelticTruststatementrethePoppy.htm?

Lafferty did make the difference when he came on and probably deserves it,but I'll go for Naismith again,the wee man is on excellent form and never hides,always involved in any good play from Rangers,worked hard again,scored again and was unlucky to see the goal chalked off.Can we do without him?.

Is it not illegal to be seen to publicly support an outlawed terrorist group??

Thought I'd put this in here,Stoke fans reaction to the BHEASTS banners http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Potters&action=display&thread=140695

A group of Celtic fans has angered ex-servicemen in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday after they unfurled a giant banner that claimed the poppy was “bloodstained” by military activity in Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. The behaviour of a minority of fans at Saturday’s match has infuriated a large proportion of the support, many of whom were astonished at the controversial display as the nation prepares to honour thousands of war dead this weekend. Last night Celtic apologised for any offence caused and said they had launched an investigation into the incident, which would appear to breach stadium rules forbidding political demonstrations. The charity Poppy Scotland described the flying of the anti-poppy banner during Celtic’s 9-0 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday as “disrespectful and regrettable”. Some Celtic fans are uncomfortable supporting the Poppy Appeal because of the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. One group called The Green Brigade regularly express republican views at games and in recent weeks has stepped up pro-IRA chants. At half time on Saturday, fans unfurled a giant banner that read: “Your Deeds Would Shame All The Devils in Hell. Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan. No Bloodstained Poppy on Our Hoops.” The Parkhead club has already said this year marks the end of the recent practice of having the red poppy worn on the shirts of its star players. However, the behaviour of a minority of fans has threatened to damage Celtic’s standing in the community during a sombre and poignant week when thousands of soldiers killed in two world wars and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are remembered. Ironically, the club’s current chairman is Dr John Reid, now Baron Reid of Cardowan, who was Defence Secretary in Tony Blair’s Labour Cabinet and supported the war in Iraq. Celtic fans’ online forums were incensed by the banner, with many believing the controversial display had gone too far. A Celtic supporter calling herself DanniGhirl on the TalkCeltic forum wrote: “Trying to improve the atmosphere is great – and something that is well and truly needed and their displays look good, but things like their poppy protest was, in my opinion, ridiculous. “Some of their song choices (especially at away games) leave a lot to be desired. “Overall I’m happy they (The Green Brigade) are trying to improve the atmosphere but it sometimes can come across as them just being attention seekers.” Another supporter calling himself Domo1888 wrote: “Do they not understand that the poppy isn’t just a sign of British Imperialism and that it commemorates everyone who’s died in war, whether it be the British troops, the Gerrys or even those who fought for the IRA?” Poppy Scotland was quick to make its feelings known on the matter, but recognised the views of the Green Brigade did not represent Celtic supporters as a whole. Chief executive Ian McGregor said: “Clearly, this incident was regrettable and disrespectful. “However, I don’t believe for one moment it reflects the views of the overwhelming majority of Celtic supporters. “The matter is something the club will have to deal with – we sympathise with them over the difficulty they face.” Asked how servicemen and women would feel if they saw such a banner, Mr McGregor replied: “I would hope they would not judge a whole club’s support by the actions of a tiny minority.” A Celtic spokesman said the faction responsible for the banner may be part of a smaller group within the Green Brigade, who were generally well behaved at games. He added: “The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park. “We are investigating the matter and how the banner was brought into the ground. We apologise for any offence caused.” Last year in Scotland, poppy buying raised Ã?£2.2 million. The money is used to help the charity provide assistance to thousands of individual ex-servicemen and women, as well as helping to fund specialist services such as long-term care, housing and help finding employment. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/veterans-anger-as-celtic-fans-stage-half-time-protest-against-poppies-1.1066550

A GROUP of Celtic fans were last night blasted for unfurling a giant anti-poppy banner during Saturday's game with Aberdeen. The minority - known as the Green Brigade - displayed the banner claiming the poppy was "bloodstained" by military activity in Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Charity Poppy Scotland branded it "disrespectful and regrettable" - and many fans' websites also slammed the move. But Poppy Scotland chief Ian McGregor added: "I don't believe for a moment it reflects the views of the overwhelming majority of Celtic supporters." And when asked how servicemen would feel, he added: "I would hope they would not judge a whole club's support by the actions of a tiny minority." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3216433/Celtic-fans-blasted-for-raising-anti-poppy-banner-at-Aberdeen-game.html#ixzz14fpZpSmm

Stoke fans as well: http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Potters&action=display&thread=140695

Aye,the HIVS fans should be in a bit of bother after the coins/missiles that rained down on to the Hertz player!!!!

As long as WS told the ref after the game,in private, what he thought about the goal, then I prefer to keep quiet. leave the whinging to the BHEASTS they are digging a hole for themselves,IMO,no need to go mental at a wrong decision,again leave that to the WLB.

Away man,get a grip of yourself.mon the champions:rfc: :spl:

RANGERS: McGregor; Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, McCulloch, Edu, Weiss; Miller, Naismith

Green Brigade statement: At half-time during today’s match against Aberdeen we displayed message banners calling for ‘No bloodstained poppys on our hoops’ in protest at the Club’s decision to once again wear the poppy on our shirts during next week’s game at St Mirren (a match our group will not attend because of this decision). This is in support of an appeal by Poppyscotland to all SPL clubs. Poppyscotland describes its role as ‘supporting heroes’ and state that ‘the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance and for the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces’. Our group and many within the Celtic support do not recognise the British Armed Forces as heroes, nor their role in many conflicts as one worthy of our remembrance. Earlier this year, the Saville Report on Bloody Sunday confirmed that 14 unarmed civilians were murdered in Derry in 1972 by the Paratroop Regiment. They were among hundreds killed by the British Army during the most recent phase of conflict in Ireland. More recently, the British Armed Forces have murdered and maimed many thousands more innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. The poppy remembers not just our grandfathers who fought the Nazis but also those who bombed the Belgrano and brutally occupied the streets of Belfast and Basra. While we recognise the right of individuals to remember their dead and that many within the Celtic support will wear the poppy in memory of family and friends lost in WW2 and other conflicts, we cannot accept the imposition of the poppy onto our shirts. As far back as April, representatives from the Green Brigade, Celtic Supporters Association and Celtic Trust met with Peter Lawwell to express our united opposition to the Club imposing the poppy on the first team jersey. We also know that the AICSC and many other individual supporters had called on the Club to reverse their position of previous years and take the poppy off the shirt. Following our meeting in April, the Club were contacted on several occasions for further dialogue on the issue but informed us that they were still considering their position and would get back to us. The first any group knew of the decision was after it had been made, and publicly announced. We share the views of the AICSC whose recent statement on the poppy stated that ‘to see the jersey being used as a medium for such a divisive symbol and the message it communicates is deplorable’, and that it showed a complete lack of respect for the support, further highlighted by repeated declarations on the official website of Celtic’s delight to be wearing the poppy and supporting Poppyscotland. It appears rather than leave his politics at the door, chairman John Reid, the former Armed Forces Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Defence, has forced his onto the first team jersey. As you may have noticed at today’s game, we mistakenly missed out the ‘D’ in ‘bloodstained’. This happened in the rush to finish two displays for todays game (with our ‘Show the SFA the red card’ action before the match). The real mistake, however, is the Club forcing the poppy onto our shirt