Strachan isn't 'Celtic-Minded' Enough? That's a Laugh!

[Frankie 8,218]

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=476&Itemid=1

 

So it seems we have another weekend of the unhinged Celtic manager causing problems on the touchline. If this guy hasn't had enough by abusing the media, referees and fans (including his own) he now moves onto officials of other clubs.

 

And yet some Celtic supporters still appear reticent to bring him into the 'Celtic-minded' camp? That's strange given he certainly fits the description going by the incidents below.

I remember Martin O'Neill (supposedly Strachan's good friend) suggesting Ian Ferguson was big enough and ugly enough to deal with any abuse (sectarian or otherwise) from the Celtic support.

 

Seems it's only Celtic players and management teams that are permitted to take offence whilst being on the fringe of starting riots with their own aggressive and undignified behaviour.

 

1. In November 2004, Neil Lennon spits on a Rangers scarf and calls the Rangers bench and support cheating DOBS. He has never apologised and Celtic 'disciplined' him by, erm - giving him a lucrative new contract and making him club captain.

 

2. After the same match, Martin O'Neil marches Lennon to the Celtic support and makes several aggressive gestures to the home fans. No punishment or apology was forthcoming.

 

3. In February 2005, Fernando Ricksen was hit by several objects thrown by the home support as he clapped his own fans. The culprit has never been found and Celtic have never apologised.

 

4. The following season Lennon verbally and physically assaults referee Stuart Dougal amongst further public disorder offences at Ibrox. Lennon receives lenient 3-match ban. No response from Celtic or the player.

 

5. In 2006, Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is cautioned by the police for several rude and aggressive gestures to the Rangers support. No apology by the player or discipline by the club.

 

6. Only 3 matches into the 2007/08 season, Celtic assistant manager allegedly reacts to the Aberdeen fan victory taunts with a 2 fingered gesture of defiance. A steward is asked to deal with the incident and is verbally abused by the Celtic manager in an extremely heated exchange. Celtic back their employee's behaviour "100%".

 

I could go on for longer but rather than risk boring the reader I'm sure one appreciate the emerging pattern. Ergo, the following questions should be asked.

 

Why does one club deem itself to be above reproach when it comes to the kind of shameful behaviour that would embarrass children in the school playgrounds?

 

Why do the usually eager media refrain from debating the issue to the same level they treat other clubs and players for similar issues?

 

Will the SFA/SPL ever take this club to task for constantly bringing our game into disrepute?

 

What is clear is that every player and club suffers from being abused by opposition fans. It's not nice and although it's certainly difficult to separate what's offensive from banter; players and managers should be above reacting no matter the provocation. Of course certain supporters are equally culpable for looking to cause trouble and they too should be dealt with.

 

In saying that, perhaps Celtic wouldn't suffer from such problems if they didn't seem to actively encourage and tolerate similar neanderthal behaviour from their own staff.

 

Once they apologise for the embarrassing incidents above maybe they (and their support) can actually assume the moral high ground when it comes to the long list of issues they complain about.

[pete 2,499]

I agree with you Frankie virtually all footballers receive abuse, but should be man enough to be bigger than it.

The Celtic assistant was stupid to react as it could be defined as inciting crowd trouble. Coaches and players in the dugout should be oblivious to all the screams and calls that are going on and be fully concentrated on the game.

If they do have a problem with excessive abuse then they should be the ones to call in the stewards.

Gordy can maybe manage a football team but he has difficulty in managing himself.