My first reaction was one of surprise when I saw the words “Dave King” and “most sincere” in the same sentence.
A cynic might conclude that because Steve Clarke’s post-match comments about the abuse he suffered from the Ibrox klan had been reported in England then the normal high-Level stenography rules didn’t apply.
Of course, this might be a portent of what could unfold if Mr Gerrard one night checks Twitter to find it that he has resigned.
Unlike the Admirable Warburton and Poor Pedro, the ex-Liverpool U18 coach has unfettered access to media studios in London.
Therefore, that scenario could be rather messy.
However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves somewhat.
Although in the aftermath of the draw at Rugby Park I understand that there was a danger that some in the Sevco High Command were in capricious mood apropos their rookie manager.
However, after the victory at Ibrox over Killie then he was a greatest again.
If that sounds like there is a rather bipolar mindset in the Blue Room, then I wouldn’t disagree.
In 2016 Sevco travelled to Béal Feirste to play a pre-season friendly against Linfield and a Loyalist Flute band (Shankill Road Defenders) provided the entertainment.
Of course, this was after the Off License Putsch, so it happened on Mr King’s watch.
If his apology to Steve Clarke is “most sincere” then a further statement dissociating Sevco from the likes of a Loyalist paramilitary marching bands would be welcome.
Just for a moment consider a Celtic equivalent event and set of pictures.
For the avoidance of doubt, there isn’t one.
However, if such an event did take place in the Six Counties with, say, Clintonville then the Stenography Corps would be in raptures of faux outrage.
Anthony Stokes attended a Republican event in Ireland and the sports desks couldn’t hide their glee.
For the avoidance of doubt, this was one player, not the club.
Moreover, you do not need to overstretch to see that the Ibrox match day experience has fascist roots.
Consequently, when a latter-day Billy Fullerton from England wanted to develop a support base in Fair Caledonia he knew where to go.
Now, if the man slammed by a judge in South Africa as a “glib and shameless liar” is indeed “most sincere” then he has a lot of work in front of him.
I think it would be wise to believe what Mr King does and not what he says.
Of course, should fail to be “most sincere” about eradicating the klan from Ibrox then the Stenography Copse won’t mention it.
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Never mind Glibby and his sincerity or lack of, the Billy Boys rings out in several grounds in this country, not just at the crumbledome. HH
Strange guy.
If Mr King is ”sincere” in what he says about ridding Ibrokes of sectarian elements , why has he allowed The Union Bears to continue to occupy a prominent position in the stadium ?
This is the very group which staged a sectarian march to the stadium last year , advertising it with neo-nazi style pamphlets exhorting others to ”wear black clothing ” and join their ”march against the Fenians”.
Perhaps he missed this incident .
Does he sit in the director’s box wearing his noise cancelling headphones ? That would explain why he hasn’t issued numerous condemnations of the sectarian singing from ”the minority” at Ibrokes , which , to be fair , only occurs when Rangers ( sic ) are playing !
Steve Clarke has done everyone a huge favour by calling out the klan and their sectarianism.
There is now a UK wide light shining on Scotland, and of course it will shine directly on Celtic and the International.
We as Celtic fans can crow all day about how disgusting a mob they are, or how their board fuels their hatred by giving them the orange strips they crave.
It may be unpalatable to some Celtic fans, but we have allowed ourselves to be dragged down with them, thanks to the moronic behaviour of the few at Rugby park, and beyond.
When Steve Clarke gave his emotional speech, our behaviour a few days earlier must’ve been Ambrosia to our media.
It doesn’t matter how vile the klan are, if we don’t get our own house in order, we’ll forever be mentioned in the same breath as them.
We can argue all day about whether or not hanging effigies of orangemen, or calling Kris Boyd a fat OB is sectarian or not, but along with the coin throwing, the damaging of seats, and the constant flares, we are giving the media all the ammunition they need to tie us into an age old ‘old firm’ problem.
What in God’s name is it with the ned culture that’s infiltrating our away support?
Breaking seats in a stadium, seriously!
I firmly believe these little wasters are smitten by the Green Brigade, and see them as the best thing since sliced bread.
So come on Green Brigade, you’re quick enough to get a banner up if players in the team, or the board, let us down.
How about a statement ripping the little f*ckers who are ruining our reputation a new one?
Clearly the guys who call the shots in this organisation care about their reputation or they wouldn’t do all the wonderful work they do.
Time to grow up a bit, and address the elephant in the room, this organisation is now a beacon for the lowest common denominator in our support, so if the guys at the head of the organisation don’t want their reputation sullied, get the little brat foot soldiers in line.
A statement from Celtic FC would carry zero weight with these torags, but a statement from the GB would.
We are letting this corrupt, sectarian institution from the south side hold us back, by getting down and dirty with them.
We are bigger, better, and have so much more to offer the world of football.
We are Celtic HH.
Well, well, quelle surprise, Killie goalie red card rescinded but no use to them now.
The officials once again have got it wrong or right depending on your allegiances.
No card for the simulation by Kamara?
Don’t forget the Glib is the one who brought out the “orange” top… AND!! a top with a sash this season to keep the sectarian zombies happy
The Kilmarnock (Bachman) goalkeeper red card from the cup game against sevco at IBrokes has been overturned.
They want us to think that referees don’t influence the game but there’s proof if ever there was any…
A cast iron penalty denied to the away side (because it’s too early, it’s iBrokes, or incompetence) and a wrongly given red card that left Killie playing 65 minutes with 10 men and a ‘plan C ‘ formation.
The fact it’s a cup game gives no opportunity for ‘ evening out’…
Noooooo….
No influence on the game!
King’s statement is as if the issue has just arisen and should be tackled.
Where has he been for the last 50 years and more as his club’s fans have spewn out their hatred of all things Catholic and Irish from the safety of the Ibrox terracing whilst the stewards and police stood by and did nothing?
Is he forgetting that the discriminatory signing policy of previous regimes was only set aside when UEFA started making noises about banning the club from UEFA competitions?
No doubt if strict liability was enforced Celtic would have a problem with a small proportion of fans, but nothing insurmountable, however on the other side of the Clyde the problem is huge as the club have played their part in tolerating and even encouraging the sectarian bile emanating from the Ibrox terracing…..the orange strips for example.
An on field expression of support for the anti Catholic Orange Order and 1690 William whose army was paid for by the Vatican, but do you see any Vatican flags flying at an Orange parade? I think not.
Of course don’t let the facts get in the way of the perceived narrative.
Nothing will change without strict liability and if the SFA and clubs continue down the same road as before then the Justice Minister will step in and the fixing of the problem will be taken out of football’s hands with games being played behind closed doors and the resultant financial impact on the clubs will kill some of them.