What I love is that the Celtic family feels privileged not entitled

I am not just a Celtic “Da” but bordering on being a da’s da given my age. I am not a Catholic, I’m not even a Christian, and I’m not white. Given that demographic background I could be seen as having a unique perspective on this fantastic club of ours. However, it’s because I can say this “club of ours” that I don’t feel unique, have never been made to feel different, but always felt like I’m a simple, yet as equally important as any other member of a fantastic family.

Like any other family, we have had and have our bad yins, we have had periods we should, and are rightly embarrassed by. That said, as I hail from a culture that embraces the extended family system, I am pleased that as is with that system, we tackle those inconsistencies with the Celtic ethos, call out what is wrong and ensure those who have erred learn from their mistakes.

What I love about my family is that when we enjoy historic moments like yesterday we feel privileged not entitled. No one says they are more deserving of enjoying the success than any other, simply because of heritage or background. We cherish such times knowing they may never come along again but because as Billy said “there is a fairy tale aspect to this club” we know they will inevitably “rear their head now and then”.

The backgrounds, the diversity in our club’s staff, players and supporters is something we welcome and are rightly proud of. There have been many in the club’s history, who have totally appreciated the immensity of what the club means to our fans, in broader terms than just football. Belonging to this group of fans, who consistently are on the right side of important issues off the field too is an honour. The achievements of our management and players on the field are matched by the goals, hopes and fears of our fans off it.

As I savour another momentous day in the history of Celtic, and make my way today to pay tribute to another captain who has been part of it, I reflected, on something which happened off the park yesterday which epitomises, our club and all of the above. I watched a young man of 20, who has already achieved so much in his profession. Someone who will achieve so much more, and possibly go on to join the ranks of our club’s greatest evers. Yet in this age of global celebrity and adulation it doesn’t “spoil” him. In the era of fake badge kissing Gods galore, he is someone that when he isn’t playing, actually stands with us, as us. Someone who never forgets he was, is, like us just a fan at heart.

Kieran Tierney may well go on to be the greatest Celt ever, not just for his footballing talent but because he follows in the traditions of a select few like Tommy Burns, as one who embodies and is the root of the greatness of Celtic: its fans.

A Celtic Star Reader

Also by A Celtic Star reader this week…

Steven Gerrard, shedding a wider spotlight on Scotland’s Shame?…read HERE

Have you got one of these? Beautiful Sunday should be celebrated all summer long…

The latest podcast is out now- it’s part 2 of the brilliant interview with Celtic’s SLO John Paul Taylor where he selects the games and the soundtracks of his own personal Celtic journey. Loved his memories of the 4-2 game in the first part of his interview. Here’s the latest instalment from the UK’s Football podcast of the year…

Listen to “John Paul Taylor with A Celtic State of Mind (Part 2/3)” on Spreaker.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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