Tonight, at Starks Park, the sewers opened and the dregs of humanity came out.
I’m on the record as supporting unrestricted free speech. It’s caused a lot of arguments with people who think displays like tonight ought to be punishable.
Tonight hurts me, and sickens me, because it makes something I believe in passionately awfully goddamned hard to defend.
I can’t stomach the idea of jailing people because of the songs they sing.
It’s unacceptable when it happens to Celtic fans, and although there is zero moral equivalence between songs about a political and military struggle and what we’ve had to listen to tonight, the legal ground is dodgy and the slippery slope only goes one way.
This really crushes me you know, because I can feel my rationale sheer away under my feet, and I feel a need to apologise to people although I wasn’t there singing those filthy songs.
I feel sick because Collymore shouldn’t have to listen to that. Catholics shouldn’t have to listen to it. No-one should. The country these people live in should not need to be shamed this way.
Laws against those chants exist. It’s not like one has to be created to deal with this. It’s there already, on the statute books.
If it’s used, you know what? I will have no sympathy for those who end up jailed or banned from a football ground this evening.
I might not like the idea, or agree with it, but for once, tonight, as I feel this way, I won’t complain too bitterly. I am just tired of it.
Likewise with the SPFL. Their cowardly decision last week – and I made it quite clear that I agreed with it but not the motive behind it, which was to cover their own backsides – is most definitely what invited tonight, that and BT Sport’s corrupt decision to silence Stan Collymore, who used his own right to free speech to ask hard questions about this issue.
BT Sport’s commentary tonight – which I watched online; there is no question of me giving these people money, now or in the future – was utterly bereft of criticism or condemnation, even if their staff had wanted to offer some, which I very much doubt.
What’s happened to their colleague has made it abundantly clear where the organisation they work for stands.
Sectarian and racist abuse is acceptable. Commenting on it is not.
You can’t help but feel an opportunity was missed here, that they could have given Stan Collymore his platform and let him say what he had to.
See, I tend to believe that this does more good than any law ever could. If his suggestions had been taken seriously, and acted on, that BT Sport would refuse to show games involving the club until they confronted this matter, the fans they gave full license to this evening would have been singing to themselves.
BT Sport, like every other satellite channel, operates on an economic model that is built on two things; advertising revenues and subscriptions.
I strongly suspect that subscriptions will tank on the back of their treatment of Collymore, and they should.
But tonight, advertisers need to ask themselves serious questions too.
Laws aren’t needed here, when it comes down to it. Hard, financial consequences can change this instead. If the TV companies are content to show this stuff then advertisers should tell them they’ll not be associated with it.
Likewise the SPFL, who have expressed their own lack of interest in even condemning this behaviour far less following the law of the land.
The media has a role to play in this too, of course, but already they are indulging in their own favourite sport, the whatabouttery we’ve come to expect, with Jackson and others already tweeting about “both sets of fans.” It’s shameful.
Tonight was down to the fans of one club, and only one club, and it’s about time our hacks grew a set and reported what’s in front of them instead of attempting to hide behind the same old tired cobblers.
I really do feel crap tonight. That was a 90 minute hate fest, and although it shames one club, they’ve proved, long ago, that as long as the world remains silent about it they’ll carry on as if it never happened.
The problem is that they’ve never been properly held to account for displays like tonight and that is what has to change.
I say again, I am opposed to laws which criminalise free expression, but there are other ways to deal with this.
If our media did its job and reported the facts and nothing more – that tonight’s display was right out of the gutter – without fear, if they showed these people up for the dregs of humanity and for once confronted this as it exists, then I think we’d see changes.
If not, then yes, let’s go and look and what’s on the statute books … much as it makes my skin crawl to write those words.
Likewise, the SPFL. What are they going to do about it? That tonight … that was absolutely unconscionable. That went way beyond a few off-colour songs.
If sponsors decided, tomorrow, to withdraw their money because they don’t want to be associated with that – and if I were one of those sponsors I would do it without hesitation – what then?
For me, tonight I’m having a great deal of difficulty with the bedrock of everything I believe in. There are people living in my country and in my city who have no respect for the very rights I care about, because I realise that those rights come with responsibilities and those people have no sense of that.
I don’t want them criminalised, but what they did tonight is criminal, whether I agree with it or not. I don’t want rules created and bent to discipline them for that display, but those rules already exist, whether I like them, or even agree with them.
BT Sport would rather discipline one of its own staff for daring to call these people out.
The Scottish Government would rather criminalise political expression than tackle the real issues.
The SFA and the SPFL would rather it just went away on its own … but tonight that strategy exploded like an atom bomb.
Confront it or it’ll kill you … how can we interest people in our game when our game looks and sounds and stinks like this?
Tonight I can’t defend them. Tonight I won’t. If that makes me a hypocrite so be it. There are worse things to be tonight.
The gutters need cleaning out. Pure and simple.
SFA, SPFL, referee’s, do your selves a favour and grow a pair. The three wise monkeys come to mind, see no evil, hear no evil, never act against such evil. If Scotland is to truly march into the 21st century, these officiating bodies have to act and act now. Regrettably, it’s been there for a while, we laugh at it, decry it, put up with it and sadly, simply shrug it off. These cretins, immersed in a bygone era have to be taught a lesson, one which will with all hope for Scotland, reign them in. Start with points deductions for their resurrected club/clumpany, if this does not quell their bigotry, then take away their license to play the game. It is a game, not a re-enactment of battles from over 300 years ago.
If only someone could come up with an idea to stop these morons,life in our great country would be bliss,they are not wanted anywhere,and its time they were called too boot thet need weeded out once and for all’
You’re coming across as a bit confused James. You say you believe in absolute free speech, I take it from that you mean the right to say anything, and then go onto say the police should take action. There’s laws. The cowardly SFA etc. Something doesn’t add up. Is absolute free speech ok as long as it’s not you that’s offended by it? That would be a je suis proper Charlie idea.
Firstly, it was the SPFL that said it would take no action. It said that because basically that’s it’s rules as agreed (demanded?) by the clubs that clubs will not have strict liability for the actions of supporters as long as they can show they’re taking all reasonable actions. Sounds to me like Scottish football clubs all came to this agreement. UEFA of course take a different view, one of strict liability and that’s the approach I’d like our football authorities to take. It’s your fans and you’re responsible, no arguments, end of story.
Secondly, who is the arbiter of what is and isn’t offensive? Your definition may be the opposite of your neighbour.
In my view it comes down to common decency. Temper your behaviour to a level where the most easily offended in your company wont be offended. There’s women and children at games after all and why should they have your or anyone else’s world views force fed for the ninety minutes when they’re there to watch football.
That’s good manners surely.
Fundamentally it’s male arrogance that it’s their team, their game and they should be able to do as they please, when they please.
In this day and age the game belongs to everyone who contributes to it.
Freedom of speech is for all. The thing is, if you get offended don’t pay attention. Shield thy children away from such monstrosities. You should be in control of your own distinctions and cannot lay aside blame for those simple minded and quick to judge. They are the sad cases that need more help then condemnation. True that their behaviour is apprehensible and can be viewed as condemnable but if you pay the attention you’ll pay the price which is exposure to that behaviour. Those elements thrive off it. Best ignore these fools rather than waste our precious attention spans on them.
Any harmful comenent on race religion or creed is unacceptable
James, you attach your own morals and standards to people who clearly have none.
Freedom of Speech should be defended, but, and it’s a big but, when it is abused it makes it easier for Totalitarian Laws to be passed for the “Greater Good”.
I commented on your last blog about the Mob rule ethos emanating from Ibrox and how I felt they were being empowered by the lack of action by Police Scotland and the SPFL/SFA, and how in my opinion it went against free speech because it was their way or be shouted down.
The situation has deteriorated since then, Child abuse and racial slurs as well as personal degradation has been added to the list that they are free to comment on in an abusive way.
That was the point I wanted to make, freedom of Speech is not a one way street never mind the cul de sac of abuse and hatred coming from these people unchecked.
Sadly I cannot see the Authorities acting to stop it or the MSM reporting it in an honest way… It is all whataboutery and justification where possible or totally ignored.
This weakness has empowered the bigots.
Quite frankly this whole free speech thing needs put into perspective. I will first of all move away from the term free speech and use the term “rights of the individual.” In a free democratic country who holds certain truths to be self evident: “All men ( and wo- MEN) are created equal.” An individual has the right to do whatever he/she pleases provided those actions do not encroach on the right a of others. Individuals from all walks of life, religions and supporters of every football team up and down the country have defended those rights, died defending those rights and continue to defend those rights either in the military or the police force. Now if someone wishes to sing sectarian songs in his/her own shower in the privacy of their own home. By all means go right ahead that is your right that thousands serve to defend. However, if the singing of sectarian songs encroaches on the rights and freedoms of another individual INCLUDING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO BE BROUGHT UP IN A NON-BIGOTED SOCIETY then those who defend the freedoms of individuals should be able to take away the freedom and rights of sectarian bigots using all the tools and violence they use to defend such rights and freedoms! PROTECT THE INNOCENT!
Absolutely Andy, I couldn’t agree more. Many people are too quick to defend the obnoxious things they say by squealing it’s their right of free speech. But when the very things they say violate the rights of others it becomes an abuse of their right of free speech and has no place in modern society.
What “rights” are these that are being abused?
The “right” not to be offended? That “right” doesn’t exist you moron.
Oh sorry … did I offend you? Hard lines. Take it to court. See how far it gets.
good points Andy, the fact of the matter is that if one is taking ones child to a football match, KNOWING there will be sectarian songs/abuse, racism, filthy language in general, there is a strong case for that parent standing accused of verbal/emotional child abuse, or neglect of a minor.
That’ll be why there are so many empty seats at Ibrox these days.
The SFA control the SPFL and the referees under the Presidency of one Campbell Ogilvie,who was Secretary at Ibrox when the EBT’s were in full flow.
Do you really expect the authorities to take any action against this toxic club,don’t hold your breath,remember J.Farry.
Will it take UEFA to drag the SFA over the coals regarding their turn a blind eye approach to the toxic song sheet emanating from Ibrox, or will an ever increasing public condemnation eventually shame them into doing what should have been done decades ago?
Time will tell I suppose, but as BT sport have shown, they preferred to dispose of an employee for bringing it to everyone`s attention, rather than facing up to this evil that blights Scottish football.
Shame on them
In Italy they just stop the game if any racism is been seen from crowds .also close parts of grounds and fine club heavy .
We should adopt it .It would be a start in the right direction to get rid of this cancer
this is exactly what should happen, and deduct points, which would surely have a massive effect.
Campbell ogilvie has been apart of and supported this scum for years does this not tell us something ? Mabe the poison goes straight to the top of the S P F L
If you are offended , which I am not,they are only morons and should be ignored. Switch off . Really easy and if BT or any other provider continue to broadcast this trash do not renew your subscrpiption
Scotland’s shame……..lets hope every decent person in the country gets behind Stan and gives him support.
No chance of whataboutery claims last night…….or was it those nasty Raith fans up to their knees in Fenian blood?
Let’s see what the SFA response will be……..if any despite the sectarian/racist chanting being highlighted by the SFA delegate.
I think this whole Stan Collymore affair could rumble on and further highlight the issue as the SFA stick their head deeper into the sand.
Racist and sectarian, and guess what, the black pundit who highlighted the issue, gets sacked.
Shame on you BT……no more subscription from me. I hope your sponsors also pull the blog
NI has nothing to do with Scotland if you think it does then go live there! Republican or loyalists are not wanted in Scotland! Celtic and Rangers are Scottish clubs don’t like it don’t support them.
As offensive as the songs are, you do realise that songs about the IRA and abusing the armed forces are offensive.
Typical Celtic supporters only see their side of the story. Get your own house in order.
Offensive to you, and to others … but NOT ILLEGAL …
Last night’s singing was AGAINST THE LAW … sit down and give it some thought, and put the Buckfast away as you do.
and if they were made illegal what would your response be? To obey the law or attack the law?
In my opinion football should be taking ownership of this issue in the way UEFA have. Zero tolerance.
I would be against it, of course, and if you had a brain in your head you would be against it too. Because that is an attack on free speech and nothing more.
It’s been many years since Rangers turned their back on their sectarian selection process, or rather were helped on their way with UEFA on the case.
These morons hate with a passion everything thats Catholic, Irish or have a Celtic connection.
We constantly are fed ‘its the schools’ line nonsense when the reality is that this hatred and bigotry is passed from father to child in the home.
These same morons are given free passage to parade their hate every summer on the streets of Scotland. I make a point of going nowhere near Glasgow when a walk is scheduled…..you can smell the stench of sectarianism from miles away.
Grow some SFA and do something otherwise they will continue with their vile hatred as a matter of right.
We are all Stan Collymore.
These people have nothing to do with Scotland and the Scots. That is other than these Brits live in a part of this island called Scotland. I am disgusted but I’m certainly not ashamed.
How can anyone usr the term good rangers supporter while they attend
Are you fir fucking real ya fuckin bigot wanker, for decades your help scum club harboured a peado and covered it up by using a fat mug in stein when ye fkuked a win over Milan in 67 don’t fuckin sit there and claim you are the bigot club when your the root of secteriamsim within the game. Muppet
Absolutely scandalous comment “george” and typical of the kind of hate I am talking about.
Your comment is now live so others can read it and marvel at your depraved mind.
How can anyone use the term good rangers supporter while they attend games hear this shite and say or do nothing
ps I’d be surpised if you posted my comment from earlier as your nothing but a bigit and an idiot, not to mention your in denail but the sooner your club wise up and accept the abhorrent behaviour of you vermin the better. Scotland said no by the way deal with it.
I’ll post any comment you want … they show you up as a hopeless case beyond help.
Bigot is spelled with an O and not an I. Learn to write first.
You should do another article leading from this James, entitled – The clubs that shame Scotland!
Because I’ve just heard on the radio the SFA proposed a strict liability law to the clubs a few years ago and only 5% of Scottish clubs voted for that.
Maybe some digging is in order to find out which clubs voted for the proposal.
So singing about supporting the IRA is fine because it’s not illegal. What a joke. I massively condemn that line in the Billy Boys but at the same time, singing about the IRA disgusts me. Just because it is “legal” to sing doesn’t make it any less offensive and it is that attitude that aggravates the morons to sing these songs. The sooner Rangers and Celtic ditched the embarrassing links to Ireland and started celebrating being Scottish then both sets of fans could find some common ground.
It’s got nothing to do with what’s fine … I don’t give a shit, and neither should anyone else, what “disgusts” you. There is no law in this country – and nor should there be – that caters to individual tastes. People who put sauce in their soup disgust me … If they tried to make it illegal I would be up in arms.
So you are offended? SO WHAT? Tory Party election broadcasts offend me. There is no law against that either and I wouldn’t be in favour of one.
The “embarrasing link to Ireland” … getting rid of that is going to be problematic for Celtic, I’m afraid, since our club’s historical roots are from there.
It is that – Irishness – that offends you in truth … and THAT is YOUR problem no-one elses.
Correct, there should be no references to paramilitary organisations at any ground.