Joe O’Rourke warns of another Heysel Stadium disaster

[ian1964 10,761]

CROWD FEAR Celtic Supporters Association chief Joe O’Rourke warns of another Heysel Stadium disaster and accuses Linfield of putting ‘money before safety’ if Hoops play in Belfast on week of July 12th

 

Brendan Rodgers' side could be paired with Linfield*in the Champions League second round qualifiers and fans chief fears nightmare scenario

 

A CELTIC fans’ chief has warned of another*Heysel Stadium disaster – if the Hoops play in Belfast on the week of the July 12th celebrations.

 

Brendan Rodgers’ side could be paired with Linfield – who have strong ties with Rangers – in the Champions League second round qualifiers.

 

The Northern Irish champs need to beat San Marino minnows La Fiorita to set up the crunch Euro tie, with Linfield drawn to play the home tie on July 11/12.

 

But it is believed that*the PSNI want the first leg switched to Glasgow because officers will already be stretched dealing with powderkeg Orange Order parades.

 

And worried Joe O’Rourke – general secretary of the Celtic Supporters’ Association – has urged Uefa to follow the cops’ request to avoid another stadium tragedy.

 

The Heysel disaster killed 39 people before the start of the European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool in 1985.

 

In an explosive statement, O’Rourke said: “It would be crazy for UEFA to ignore a warning of unrest from the police.“If they state that they are not confident about being able to police the match then it can’t go ahead.

 

“I also believe there is a strong possibility that Celtic will refuse to accept tickets for the game at Windsor Park, while that would disappoint a lot of our supporters, it is completely understandable, we would be in a no win situation.

 

“Let’s get it straight, the supporters of Linfield, or at least the majority of them detest everything about Celtic Football Club and what it stands for.“There is absolutely nothing the two clubs have in common.

 

“We would be sucked into a Bigotfest over there, no matter what anybody claims we would be goaded and there would be a reaction, I have plenty of family and friends there to know that to be the case, obviously the Police know that and that is one of the reasons for their objection to the match going ahead on those dates.

 

“Linfield are putting money before safety, I think I can understand that in terms of the amount of money they could make from the match, but no amount of money is worth another Heysel Stadium disaster.”

 

Linfield could land a massive cash boost should they take on Celtic, with the club set to rake in at least £1million from ticket sales, a TV deal and Uefa payments.*

 

It would prove the first competitive game of the season for the Hoops since beating Aberdeen in May to land the Treble.

 

And while the Scottish champions have several pre-season friendlies lined-up, thousands of supporters would be expected to flood over to Ireland for the mouth-watering showdown.

 

But O’Rourke added: “There has been suggestions that Celtic could receive over 6,000 tickets, which in itself would create a problem.“For a start all the ferries going to Belfast that week are completely booked sold-out, all the flights going in will be the same, so unless all the 6,000 tickets were taken up by our supporters on the Island of Ireland, it is a waste of time offering the tickets.

 

“A decision will have to be made soon, even though it’s not certain that Linfield will get through their opening tie.“This is when you need leadership, this is when UEFA have to stand up, supporter’s safety has to be put before money.”

 

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/1178182/celtic-supporters-joe-orourke-heysel-disaster-linfield-money-safety-july-12th/

 

C****c trying to bully/intimidate to get a neutral venue?

[Bluedell 5,679]

“Let’s get it straight, the supporters of Linfield, or at least the majority of them detest everything about Celtic Football Club and what it stands for.“

 

They're not the only ones....

[lenny3k 668]

C****c trying to bully/intimidate to get a neutral venue?

 

Will most likely push for the home/away ties to be swapped round so they can try and kill the game at home in the first leg

[craig 5,199]

They're not the only ones....

 

Not only that but you can bet your bottom dollar that the Celtic fans detest Linfield every bit as much as Linfield fans hate them.

 

Typical victimhood in play - they have absolutely no shame.

[StuGers 477]

Is the Sun aware that they are printing the comments of a man who once said (in words there or around) that "there wasn't enough Protestants killed when the Titanic sank"? And they wonder why they are disliked?

[26th of foot 6,119]

Is the Sun aware that they are printing the comments of a man who once said (in words there or around) that "there wasn't enough Protestants killed when the Titanic sank"? And they wonder why they are disliked?

 

Mad Joe made a specific wish in print that it was a pity more of those who had built the Titanic had not sailed on her maiden voyage. A couple of hundred Harland and Wolff workers were on the ship to deal with expected snagging problems.

 

O'Rourke was reported to the Police and was warned as to future conduct. If ra Sellik or indeed, the Sellik Supporters Association sanctioned him, we have NOT been told.

 

Linfield supporters should put Joe's exact words on a banner and draw wider attention to O'Rourke's vile sectarianism.

 

Further, does anyone know the identity of the Sun journo responsible for this piece, please inform. Given O'Rourke's wish reference shipyard workers on the Titanic, a ship built in a Belfast company's yard; why is that fact NOT included in the piece?

Edited June 21, 2017 by 26th of foot

[Bluedell 5,679]

The link no longer works. Perhaps the Sun have pulled it, either due to the issues raised in this thread or the insensitivity of referencing Heysel....particularly when it's the Sun.

[boabie 230]

If the manks learned to behave while in stadia there would be no danger to anyone.

[MacK1950 2,399]

If the mhanks want it reversed let them pay Linfield for the expected loss of income,after all they claim to be the richest club in Scotland,but maybe the biscuit tin locks have been updated and welded shut.:devil:

[BrahimHemdani 1]

It would have been justifiable for UEFA to have kept them apart in the draw; but it would be crazy for Celtic to accept tickets for the away match whenever it is played. The max cost would be for 5% of tickets which is all Linfield need to give them (if requested) and they don't need to accept or guarantee to sell.