Amidst the ongoing rift between Celtic and the Green Brigade, former Hoops hero, John Hartson, has publicly stated that he hopes that all supporters across the country are held accountable for their actions. It comes after the Celtic PLC AGM saw the recurring issues between the heirarchy and the ultras group still showing no signs of being resolved anytime soon.
Whilst the supporters group itself, and many other Celtic fans feel that the reason for the current ban is the solidarity with the people of Palestine, the club’s officials have refuted this suggestion, claiming it’s to do with general anti-social behaviour and safety concerns. The tit-for-tat has become an unwelcome sideshow which has divided opinion amongst the fanbase and takes away from the football on the pitch.
Big Bad John has now had his say on the matter and has urged the authorities to use the same standard and levels of scrutiny with Scottish club’s across the board – not just with the Green Brigade.
Speaking to The Go Radio Football Show, the Parkhead legend said: “It looks in a way that they’re singling Celtic and the Green Brigade out. Yes, they’ve got their faults. Yes, they’ve cost Celtic a lot of money over the years in fines. But also, you have to look at other clubs. And I hope they are, because all the clubs will have good eggs and bad eggs in terms of what they sing and act.”
The Welshman played for the Bhoys during spells under Martin O’Neill and Gordon Strachan in the early 2000’s and he’s heard, as well as received his fair share of abuse from the terraces. He added: “I played in Scotland for five years, I’ve seen it in away games. Some of the fans and what they say and chant. So I just hope that Celtic are not the only club being penalised or being looked at and it’s looked at across the board because other clubs’ fans are no angels either.”
Paul Gillespie
