Support for Celtic’s statement on Green Brigade banners

We have received plenty of comments regarding Just an Ordinary Bhoy’s opinion piece published earlier on The Celtic Star which you can read below his article which is titled: Opinion – That Celtic Statement is both wrong and hypocritical. The other side of the debate on this matter is covered by occasional contributor Martin Leadbetter and this can be read below…

A RESPONSE TO JUST AN ORDINARY BHOY’S ARTICLE ON THE CELTIC STATEMENT…

Sorry but I couldn’t disagree more. To say you are ”disgusted and disappointed at their actions, and the overwhelming majority of the support feel the same” may reflect your view but, as other comments here and on other forums show , it will not the majority of Celtic supporters.

I, like most I suspect, have a limited understanding of the political or historical background around this – although it is clear it is complex and a deep mess. Is it not also true however that the Jews themselves must be amongst the most persecuted and oppressed group of people in history?

Those banners (who has the time to make these btw!) just look like active support of a terrorist group who murdered or kidnapped hundreds of innocent people in their homes or at a music festival. Young people dying – many of whom will be the same age as those standing under those banners at the game.

We have, for decades, had to defend supporters singing songs about the IRA and Republicism but at least there is a link there to our history and roots – although surely no-one could fully support their involvement in indiscriminate bombing and killings of innocent children. over the years. Songs like Grace – and Sean South and Soldiers Song etc – are valid nods to the history of the club and its traditional support – although around events of over 100 years ago.

Yes the Green Brigade do good things and their vocal encouragement of the team is fantastic – but they undo that with alignment to political agendas of their choice and, in imho, singing songs loudly using the word against a range of targets – Royal Family, SFA, Tories, Rangers – most recently Lazio. I am no fan of any of those entities but the ground is full of kids excited about going to watch their team play football. GB stand almost next to the group of kids encouraged into the games behind that goal. Its hateful – by definition – and sounds awful. How do parents or group leaders explain that away to the youngsters?

Celtic have employed players from all over the world including countries with current or historic human rights issues. China, Argentina, Russia, Balkans. I think many Celtic supporters as late as the 70s/80s would have had reservations about us having German, Italian or Japanese players. Can we honestly expect that the Green Brigade to a man/woman share these views on Palestine when a good number couldn’t find the place in an atlas or describe just what ‘revolution’ they are supporting with that banner.

Our club is open to all – I love it for that. I still get a buzz just walking out into the place even after 50 odd years.

I think any closet angry activist sitting in the dark making banners with political slogans to support a terrorist group – whose declared purpose is to wipe out a particular group of people (not to ‘free’ Palestine) should reflect on Nir Bitton’s passionate and honest reaction to GB actions. Nir was a decent man who served our club selflessly for years in good times and bad and made our country his family’s home.

Its my view that the Club were right to issue this statement – any fair thinking organisation would do. The fine this action will inevitably attract will far outweigh the value of any food bank collection at the ground and the money would be much better used in the inclusive charity effort this club actively supports – helping people regardless of colour, creed or ethnic category.

We have recently had to finally face up to what appear to be valid accusations around child abuse associated indirectly or directly with our club. Why do we need to provide further opportunities for others to attack the club and stain its history and reputation around the world. We should be known for our footballing achievements, our inclusivity and a welcoming good humour. Not dark acts and hatred.

Martin Leadbetter

Again your comments are welcome.