It is not simply Willie Maley that has often expressed opposition towards the actions of Celtic fans. At various times in the years following World War Two, supporters were criticised for the same ills that the brake clubs were said to have caused, including violence and drunkenness. Once more, contemporary newspapers provide numerous examples of fan arrests for such actions.
In particular, the topic of fan songs and political opinions as expressed on the terraces led to more division between supporters and the clubs. In another issue which is still evident in the current era, the Board and manager criticised many Celts for their choice of musical support.
Jock Stein, Celtic’s greatest manager – of course from a Protestant background – was known to condemn political chants and gestures. After the Ibrox disaster he remarked: “This terrible tragedy must help to curb the bigotry and bitterness of Old Firm matches. When human life is at stake this kind of hatred seems sordid and little.”
The use of the matchday programme to deliver warnings to Celtic supporters was a fairly common occurrence. It can be found in multiple programmes going back to the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. For example, in 1974, Stein wrote that:
“In recent weeks we have had a revival of songs and chants which are offensive to all decent people attending football matches. Celtic Football Club have frequently condemned this intolerable behaviour and past warnings have had some effect, but only of a temporary nature.
“It is now our intention to weed out the persistent culprits with the help of the police so that all decent Celtic supporters, as well as visitors and neutrals, can attend games at Celtic Park without embarrassment.”
One issue which has regularly seen Celtic fans – and indeed all football supporters – receive criticism relates to alcohol. Newspaper editorials in the 1960s and 70s regularly condemned the drinking culture which existed amongst football fans, especially when this spilled over into violence.
At various times, Celtic have also censured their fans for this, especially when it has resulted in political threats against football. Arguably the most famous of these came following the 1980 Scottish Cup Final when an on-field riot resulted in alcohol being banned from Scottish grounds.
