On transfer deadline day, the folks who run football clubs often have difficult calls to make.
Inevitably there are clashes between the boardroom and the dressing room.
Managers want to hold onto their star players, but the 11th-hour offer is just too much to turn down.
However, today the Sevco High Command have other worries.
Last night they put out this statement:
FOLLOWING an incident on Sunday, we repeat that Rangers FC condemns all forms of racism, sectarianism and discrimination. We are working with the police to identify any season tickets holders.
As a club, we are proud of our Everyone Anyone campaign, led through the Rangers Charity Foundation, our work with a wide range of stakeholders and our on-going dialogue with the Scottish Government.
Discrimination of all forms is a societal issue within Scotland. Those with influence within Scottish discourse should put their energy into eradicating this very serious issue across all sections of Scottish society who suffer sectarianism, discrimination and racism of any form.
This was my reaction on Twitter to the Sevco statement.
Dear reader, it remains my view.
I believe that the staunch chaps who currently run the Ibrox entity are caught between two conflicting demands.
Of course, it was good to see the Sevco High Command called to account for the behaviour of their racist klanbase.
It should not be a matter of debate that the Famine Song is a manifestation of racism.
That was established in the highest court in Scotland in 2009.
Once that crucial fact is taken on board, then the target of the racism has to be established.
Of course, the Famine Song was explicitly designed to taunt and smear the multi-generational Irish community in Scotland.
The cultural oppression experienced by second-generation Irish people throughout the 20th century was particular, denying the existence of a distinct community while systematically discriminating against them.
As I have written before, the internal logic of the Famine Song is quite sinisterly bizarre.
“The Famine is over; why don’t you go home?”
Said famine was in Ireland.
Go home to Ireland.
Ips facto Ireland is your home.
Those people are usually referred to as Irish.
However, anyone in Fair Caledonia expressing any pride in their Irish heritage are denied by the genocide choir at Ibrox.
That is the locked ward logic of Sevco’s loyal klanbase.
This is perhaps a unique form of anti-Irish racism.
I’m certainly not aware of this 2GI experience anywhere else in the Anglosphere.
This is the sort of thing that the Fourth Estate in Scotland should analyse.
However, just as with other Ibrox generated transgressions against public decency, the local media are on hand to provide cover with their cowardly reportage.
Instead of using the accurate term “anti-Irish racism” about the Famine Song, the S-Word was deployed.
For the most part, though, there is very little thought given to this unhelpful churnalism on the issue.
The digital revolution has butchered staffing levels in mainstream media organisations.
Consequently, these underpaid, demotivated content providers don’t have much time to consider what they write.
That’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
Rangers fans are, once more, behaving appallingly, so that goes down as “sectarianism”.
Conversely, this free content, dear reader, is not controlled by anyone other than your humble correspondent.
The Google Analytics thingy tells me that there are quite a lot of you out there consuming this output.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!
Now, it would be an injustice to tar all of the Fitba Fourth Estate with the sickening sycophantic brush.
Some journalists in Scottish sport are still faithful to the facts and know that accuracy matters.
Take a bow, Anthony Joseph.
The featured image is a front page by the Glasgow Times today.
James Dornan MSP has consistently acted with good authority on the need to tackle the racism of the Ibrox klanbase.
This is now being currently seen as a serious social problem to be addressed by the Scottish government.
Moreover, no PR pish about “Everyone Anyone” will deflect from the inconvenient truth that the Ibrox matchday experience has anti-Irish racism at its core.
All that wading in Fenian blood…
If you haven’t already, then, just for some light relief, have a look at this and then think of Kyogo and the Famine Song.
This confected nonsense should be played at the start of the summit proposed by James Dornan MSP.
Then the videos on the racist bus run to Dingwall and the genocide choir marching through Glasgow with a police escort.
Of course, that is the same force who bravely held the line last May when thousands of the klan went on a celebratory rampage in George Square.
You will note that the genius who put the Glasgow Times front page together used the S-Word.
I’m afraid that the broadcast media fared no better in their treatment of this story.
If they’re dragged to the point where they have to discuss anti-Irish racism, they studiously avoid having representatives of the Irish community in the discussion.
That’s not a good look STV.
So, what does all this mean?
It is clear to me that the multi-generational Irish community will no longer tolerate the racism that has been woven into the fabric of Scottish society since the Victorian era.
Dear reader, I am certain that if Scotland has a future as a decent country, there can be no room for the sentiments contained within the Famine Song.
If the Sevcio High Command are true to their pledge at the launch of Everyone Anyone then they’re gonna need a bigger rehab.
This site started in 2008, and the first major issue to tackle was the new addition to the Ibrox songsheet.
Today feels that some progress has been made.
So the clock is ticking on transfer deadline day, but time is also running out for the racists at Ibrox.
I do wonder how the chaps in the Blue Room would react if they got a last-minute bid for their klanbase?
The smart move would be to accept any offer at all.
Then again, who would want them?
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Looks like there have been 3 scapegoats picked up to suffice the racial chants. There must have been 30 shepherded to the ground and >30k in the ground singing racist songs, the small minority.
Is there any end to this deplorable situation?
The endless bile and hate fae the zombie nation
Some might try project that it’s just overstimulation
Reinvigorated after years of capitulation
A miraculous resurrection after liquidation
Companies house confirms with affirmation
Instead though they choose to believe in reincarnation
Supported in part by a corruption Football Association
Manifestation conceived by five in a secret location
An acrostic ,caustic reply fae the bhoy tae the racist scum dicks 😉
GIRUAFRY’s 🖕🏼
Mad Mike – what was clearly audible on Sunday was their lovely ditty of Dundee, Hamilton (you know the rest). As it was on the Sportscene highlights the week before in Dingwall.
The famine did not discrimanate on religion as far I am told. There was much movement from all denominations of Irish folk to Scotland, England and many other countries both temporarily and permanently. Of course the Scottish population is by nature a many race blend like most nations. I have many Scottish, Irish, English, Australian, Americans in my family, Protestant, Catholic, Agnostic.
So this song, is it a generalisation telling All Irish who moved out of their homeland due to the famine and impact to go home? If so it should offend those in many countries and probably the vast majority of the so called staunch Rangers fans too who have Irish heritage.
If carlsberg did Irony… Mixed up bunch of tribal, drunk-filled, ignorant, Fascist, supremacist bigots.
The club are a perpetual Paradox, don’t want to live with the above, can’t survive without them.
It would be interesting to know exactly what the Everyone Anyone campaign has actually done !! Except for statement o clock I can see no evidence of talks to fanbases, meetings with fans, educational measures, the club saying exactly what is acceptable and what is s not, no response match day via tannoy to racist singing/chants… It’s almost as if it’s PR stunt
If Scotland was independent then they’d a feck off,Moore narches
With regard to the playing of Sloop John B perhaps someone should get in touch with owner of the copyright. I think they would be dismayed to find out what is being condoned and encouraged by the use of their material. A cease and desist order from some corporate lawyers may be another legal fire for the Sevco litigation department to contend with.
A lot of disturbed people amongst the Ibrox fraternity. Mocking the Irish famine is perverse enough, especially when you consider catastrophic harvest failures that occurred in 17th century Scotland (albeit with a lower death rate) There’s also an issue about how they ridicule the Gaelic language. A unique and timeless native tongue in Ireland/Scotland. Almost humorous then to hear their warped slogan of ‘We Urr Da Peepul’.
What a joke some on this site are when it comes to politics in Scotland. I agree that the SNP have been pretty toothless when it comes to dealing with bigots and racists in Scotland especially those down Ibrox way, but to put forward any of the main UK parties IE Tories, Labour and the weak Lib Dems as likely lads in the fight against anti Irish racism is stretching credibility to breaking point. These parties have had more than a century in power between them to solve this problem and have failed miserably. One of the problems in Scotland is the craven attitude of some of the politicians especially in the Labour party who over the years have been more interested in personal political ambitions and retiral to the House of Zombies otherwise known as the House of Lords. Even within our club the board of directors have never covered themselves in glory when it came to defending the club and its supporters in the cesspit of Scottish football within the SFA.
I’m not sure what the answer is. Especially when the Media in Scotland both print and broadcasting prefer to ignore the problem. I do note that the only MSP with the guts to bring the issue to the Scottish Parliament is from the SNP and I applaud James Dornan for having the courage to do so, and I am pretty certain he’s taken a torrent of abuse online in doing so, good on him.
Whats the ventriliquist and his dummy in the video all about…..
I guess that the 2 most senior guardians of our Scottish game – Petrie and Maxwell – are safely hidden away in the Hampden bunker?
Still think there is more chance of The Rangers going bust – than Hampden or Holyrood doing anything meaningful…
Stilll no word from Wee Nicola was exactly the same when the Klan wrecked George Square twice.All to look forward to Glasgow in a few weeks when Orange men March through the streets of Glasgow to celebrate The Battle of the Boyne,which miraculously has changed dates….Only in this Country
Ibrox has been a seat of such anti-Irish racism for 150 years. It will change, it will take a long time. BUT I think the statement from Ibrox should be welcomed. The modern corporate and media World will not for long tolerate such singing. Racism needs to be weeded out everywhere, As a Celtic fan, I wish the Ibrox Board, Scottish media and all institutions well in changing this, it will take years but its starting in my view. The debate is out there and Phil you calling it “anti-Irish racism” and labelling it properly has really helped in my view. I also want the “anti-Orange” chants and abuse to stop at Celtic Park it disgusts me when I am there.
They can’t ban racists from ibrox as it would be almost empty.
Excellent article, as per usual
The only people that will really lose out on this is the SNP I really believe the anyone from irish background will say enough is enough. If Scottish Labour play their cards right and make their move they will do some serious damage to the SNP vote. Why would anyone want an independent Scotland where a certain klan can smash up Glasgow, make racist videos about some poor young footballer that has just stepped off the plane. And have police protection as they make fun out of over a million deaths of women and children!
The SNP have been in power for long enough and have never addressed this issue but actively encourage it by allowing the orange hate fest marching on its streets every year.
Time for Celtic family and anyone associated with Ireland to turn their backs on the SNP and give their vote to Labour and give them a chance to make a change.
I do believe that the SNP have been utterly wrong on their pandering to the scum who don’t vote for them, I am a supporter of independence who has voted SNP for a long time so last time I voted Green for the first time. I would love nothing more than a mass exodus away from the SNP but still want independence.
A mass move to the greens who will still do a deal with the SNP is the best option for me.
The SNP need a bloody nose but not floored.
I work in oil and gas so I do feel like a turkey.
Hayton, what strides did a previous Labour Govt. make in ridding the country of racism?
Politicians are part of the Establishment and only those who are affected speak out.
The Labour Party is dead in Scotland but that’s what happens when they side with the Tories. They are a spent force so don’t hold your breath waiting for a comeback. HH
It is Scottish labour and tortes who have continually opposed the Scottish government from doing anything about the Rangers fc for decades. Leave your paranoia for the SNP out of it.
Labour did a lot to get rid of orange marches when they were in power !
I would rather not vote at all than to vote for any Union Jack waving party.
They can all shove that flag up their gonga! Whatever or wherever that is!
Independence for Ireland. Independence for Scotland.
Labour is just one cheek side of the same posterior actually the worst side, they all jump in bed with the Tories when offered a peerage Labour in name only look at the leader Sir,,says it all, I gave up on them yonks ago
Bet bet is the snp get independence then fight for a proper govt
Aye….Labour were doing such a great job of fighting it for all those years that I was growing up in Scotland. James Dornan (SNP) has done more than any labour MP has ever done in all the years that they had the chance to do so.
In fact , if my memory serves me , certain labour MPs attended orange parades and alluded to the ” enemy within”
NEVER TRUST LABOUR OR TORY. THEY ARE THE SAME THING
The so called Famouse
Yip we all know the drill, what school did you go to, what team do you support, what’s your father’s name. What Church do you attend on a Sunday.
On the Dawn of the formation of the new Rangers, the new directors and owners of RFC had the chance to bury the hatred, that had went beforehand at the previous club.
Instead it decided to embrace the so called culture of the previous regimes of past days of yore , where a fast buck could be made of the loyal and true. Where the Family Club (aye right) would maintain the status quo.
I would estimate at least a third of the support maybe even two thirds maintain the that the orange Lodge, Presbyterian values and loyalty to the Queen is uppermost on there so called cultural values in follow following the Rangers. If not your no a real Rangers man.
Most hide behind the, it’s only banter, I have friends who are Catholic.
I was witness to a video on social media that had a Hotel of punters enjoying a good old F the Pope and the IRA sing song with the bar maid, pumping her arm to the beat. After the game on Sunday,
Not all got into the swing of things but only one punter looked to be disgusted by the proceedings.
The new generation of the family club, enjoy singing in the hating of the Irish, and Catholics in Scottish society. Its part of the so called culture.
It’s been handed down from generation to generation.
If its going to be tackled it needs to be tackled heads on with no holding back on who it offends. No bail straight to jail.
Covid done something that most councils in Scotland could not stop or try to stop. The brotherhood marching through out, our towns and cities.
Yea am almost certain you missed it. Not
You can be sure they will be back out in force in 2022
This gradually needs to be removed from our streets. If they want to march, let them hire a park.
Let’s see what transpires in the coming weeks. My moneys on the matter being forgotten until the next time.
HH stay safe
Under what ever legislation they are allowed to march let them march, but to allow them interfere in everyone else’s life is is an outrage. Let them march on a closed industrial estate or where they do not disturb the peace. See how long they would keep it up. I would love too see them do a lemming but in the absence off big cliffs….
Oh Ehhh, we can’t be having them parade on an industrial estate, there are no R.C. churches there! HH
Practically the whole stadium were singing Derrys Walls and the Famine Song on Sunday Sky TV even commented how fine they were singing !!.All this pish about Everyone and Anyone what a joke .They deliberately play Sloop John Bee during matches to encourage their scum support to sing the Famine Song and as for the Orange strip for former Dutch players!!! God give me strength they’ll never change
Derry’s walls , in my opinion is not a racist song. It a political or cultural song. The famine song on the other hand is racist
And the end chorus of F—k the Pope ?
If you are going to argue a point please get the facts straight.Those words do not appear in that song.
As a guest of the Celtic board on Sunday I can also confirm the famine song was not sung during the game nor was Sloop John B played at any time.
So please be correct of you want to challenge things as you are wrong on both counts here.
Oh and as for calling them the Klan I’m afraid you do lose the moral high ground
How can you lose the moral high ground to lowlife? Hope you enjoyed your succulent meal,
The Famine Song was heard by all who tuned in Sunday.
I also doubt that Celtic had any guests given that Celtic fans were banned and there would have been a minimal presence.
If you were a guest of anyone on Sunday it was more likely to be the Onion Bears with their “Bangers” TIFO (I assume this is their rival to Cinch), as you seem to favour their selective hearing, denial and deflection.
I started with my SNP MSP stating that I was sick of the streets of Glasgow being used to promote this garbage and that my decision to remove my plastic vote from the SNP has already been taken.