Support for Celtic statement on Green Brigade banners

We have received many comments regarding the Just an Ordinary Boy opinion piece. published earlier on The Celtic Star whose article you can read below is entitled: Opinion – This Celtic statement is both false and hypocritical. The other side of the debate on this issue is covered by occasional contributor Martin Leadbetter and can be read below…

A RESPONSE TO A REGULAR ARTICLE BY BHOY ON THE CELTIC STATEMENT…

Sorry but I couldn’t disagree more. Saying that you are “disgusted and disappointed by their actions, and that the overwhelming majority of supporters feel the same way” may reflect your point of view but, as other comments here and on other forums show, this does not will not be the case for the majority of Celtic supporters.

Like most people I suspect, I have a limited understanding of the political or historical context surrounding this issue – although it is clear that it is a complex and profound problem. But isn’t it also true that Jews themselves must be among the most persecuted and oppressed group of people in history?

These banners (who has time to make them, anyway!) simply look like active support for a terrorist group that has murdered or kidnapped hundreds of innocent people from their homes or at a music festival. Young people are dying – many of whom will be the same age as those who will stand under these banners at the match.

We have had, for decades, to defend supporters singing songs about the IRA and republicanism, but at least there is a link to our history and our roots – although surely no one could fully support their involvement in the indiscriminate bombings and killings of innocent children. over the years. Songs like Grace – and Sean South and Soldiers Song and so on. – are valid nods to the club’s history and traditional support – albeit around events dating back over 100 years.

Yes, the Green Brigade do good things and their vocal encouragement of the team is fantastic – but they undo that by aligning themselves with their political agendas and, IMHO, loudly singing songs using the word against a series of targets – Royals, SFA, Tories, Rangers – most recently Lazio. I’m not a fan of any of these entities, but the field is full of kids eager to go watch their team play soccer. GB stands almost next to the group of children encouraged to take part in the games behind this goal. It’s hateful – by definition – and it sounds horrible. How do parents or group leaders explain this to young people?

Celtic have employed players from all over the world, including from countries with current or historic human rights issues. China, Argentina, Russia, Balkans. I think many Celtic fans, up until the 70s and 80s, would have had reservations about the presence of German, Italian or Japanese players. Can we honestly expect the Green Brigade to share these views on Palestine when many of them cannot find their place in an atlas or describe exactly what “revolution” they support with that banner.

Our club is open to everyone, I love it for that. I still feel a buzz when entering this place, even after 50 odd years.

I think any angry activist sitting in the dark and making banners with political slogans in support of a terrorist group – whose stated aim is to annihilate a particular group of people (and not to “liberate” Palestine) should think again to Nir Bitton’s passionate and honest response. to UK stocks. Nir was an honest man who selflessly served our club for years, through good times and bad, and made our country his family’s home.

I think the Club was right to issue this statement – ​​any fair organization would do so. The fine that this action will inevitably incur will far exceed the value of any food collection on the ground and the money would be much better used in the inclusive charitable effort that this club actively supports – helping people regardless of color , belief or ethnic category.

We have recently faced what appear to be substantiated accusations of child abuse associated indirectly or directly with our club. Why must we provide new opportunities for others to attack the club and tarnish its history and reputation around the world. We should be known for our footballing exploits, our inclusiveness and our welcoming good humor. No dark deeds and hatred.

Martin Leadbetter

Once again your comments are welcome.