In the 21st century, there have been multiple examples of disputes between Celtic supporters and the Board. In the main, this continues to be about the football team, for instance, with fans believing not enough is being spent on the team, and complaints about ticket prices.
However, since the year 2000, arguably the principal cause of disputes between the club and some supporters has been in relation to politics. Many Celtic fans back causes such as Irish Republicanism, anti-monarchy views and also support for Palestine. These can be expressed in different ways, including songs and banners.
These topics can divide the support, but the official Celtic position has been to criticise such actions. Following one banner which was displayed in relation to the tragic events in Gaza, a Celtic statement slammed the sign, saying Celtic “disassociate themselves from them”, adding that “political messages and banners are not welcome at Celtic Park.”
Before this, it was the issue of the Poppy that previously caused division. Some Celtic supporters dislike the Poppy for its association with the British Army’s actions around the world, outwith the two World Wars.
When a Poppy was worn on the club’s shirt in 2010, it provoked a furore. A fan banner attacked this move. It read: “Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan: no bloodstained Poppy on our Hoops.” In turn Celtic officially apologised for the supporters’ actions. This began what feels like an annual set of arguments as November comes around each year.
And sometimes the arguments are not down to fan opinions but instead actions. In recent years, the issue of pyro displays at football has caused controversy. This is true across most clubs, with the matter often highlighting generational divides in the support. There have been fines and threats of other punishments for this, which has again led the club to criticise or warn supporters.
The reality is that no large organisation will ever have uniform views. The only thing that everyone involved with Celtic agrees on is that they want the Bhoys to win.
Outwith this, there are so many issues where fans can argue amongst themselves, or with the people in charge of the club. And the reality is that this is not a new phenomenon; from almost the very moment that Celtic were founded, there are examples of arguments between the club and its fans.
Some people use the term ‘Celtic family’ to talk about everyone involved with the club.
You can debate if this is really true. But if it is, then the honest answer is that real families don’t always get on, so why should the Celtic one be any different?
Matthew Marr
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Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.
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