This Saturday, Celtic return to action for the first time since their defeat at St Mirren two weeks ago, and thank goodness for that.
Since we last played there has been a litany of right wing rags, politicians and media figures erupting like a pot of boiled gammon about the away support’s applause for Her Majesty and the wider Royal family. An endless debate about respect, countered by highlighting the nonsensical inequality of monarchy and their colonial crimes, has rumbled throughout the last fortnight. Whatever your view, it is now just nice to put all that tiresome stuff behind us and concentrate on watching us play football again.
Alongside the royalty respect debate, it’s been a long international break. International football has never been to my liking. As an English born person of Irish descent, I heard that fans of the country I live in sung derogatory songs about the Pope, Republicans and Celtic fans. Meanwhile, Scotland fans booed the Irish national anthem and James McClean – something which divided the Celtic support as much as the fixture itself – where familial history collides with current citizenship. Who should we be supporting? Another tiresome debate. (Whoever you feel allegiance to by the way)
So roll on Saturday when we’re all under the one banner of supporting Celtic and celebrating our common culture at Parkhead. No more nonsense, phone hackers or bullies whining about morals on TV, and a return to watching the only team that matters.
Let’s hope the Bhoys get back to winning ways and the jam tarts do us a favour in helping to regain that five point lead.
Liam Kelly