Celtic Supporters Thread (contains GB chat)

i only mentioned the 90s as that was my time.

you could ask the committee members who sang * Save Ireland after every meeting in the 1800s, you could ask the supporters in those days who sang rebel songs, you could cite the official Celtic albums of the 60s that had rebel songs next to Celtic songs...

I could go on but you get the point.

The fans are the club and they have been displaying a love of Irish Republicanism for as long as we have been around.

 

Fair enough. The supporters of our club have always been and still are largely nationalists. That's undeniable. Some would say the fans give the club its identity. That's not to say people with differing views are any less part of the club, just as a whole we've generally been supportive of the Irish cause. I'm glad to hear you don't oppose political expression & I don't think people who are differently politically-minded are Huns.

 

Thank you.

But would you also agree that while some ask for certain political leaning fans to 'have a voice' that would also apply to those who are of a different political persuasion and may not agree with these banners?
Should they be called lesser fans? Loyalists? Huns? That's my issue.

If the other fans in stadium started calling the Green Brigade * like that and told them to go support another club as they don't agree with them, there would rightly be outrage on here.

 

Agreed.

Everyone is welcome but no one should stifle anyone elses right to free speech.

 

I wasn't saying people with different opinions should * off, I was saying I want people who want to eradicate the political side of the club to * off. You could be a BNP supporter for all i care as long as you don't try and change the identity.

 

I am all for political expression. I think the Green Brigade do wonderful things, as do our club and it's other fans. Whether that be for charity, the club as a whole or match day atmosphere and the like.
Our club will mean many things to many people, but yes we are steeped in Ireland and Irishness and Republicanism - whether that takes a political perspective is up to the individual i would say and shouldn't be forced upon anyone.

 

Senna, people wear poppies at Celtic Park, voice support for Catalan & Palestinian nationalist movements & the Palestinian cause; sing songs about the Spanish Civil War; protest board decisions such as the decision not to pay Celtic employees the living wage; hold up antifascist, antiracist and antihomophobia banners & discuss their support for Scottish nationalism or Unionism so I think it's fair to say that there's a range of politics on show at Celtic Park even if some are perceived as going hand-in-hand. Is someone holding up a Union flag going to go well? Of course * not. :smiley-laughing002: But there're are a surprising number of Unionists (even if some object to that label) in our support and they're welcomed with open arms.

 

Agreed.

 

Agreed. That goes both ways though. Some Celtic fans would force their anti-politics at football stance on the GB and the wider Celtic support in a second. It's even apparent on this thread. The GB getting told what they can sing and what banners they can bring to games. It's that element that I don't like and that is dangerous.

 

Actually baffled but at the same time not suprised that a celtic fan could have problem with this display! Why can't you just turn a blind eye and if politics isn't for you then fine your entitled to your opinion! But our support is getting worse where a banner actually offends you or whatever you would like to call it ! It sounds something a mankie Hun badtard would say IMO!

As i sayd if you have a different opinion then fine but don't put your negativity and start brining in your views in to this club!

 

This.

 

Just seen the banner earlier there - absolutely outstanding.

Anybody doesn't like it - too * bad.

 

I empathise with the displays sentiments, but I have to be honest and say I thought it was inappropriate for the occasion.

That said, it wasn't offensive, so I'm not going to denigrate a section of fans for promoting a view they hold dear.

I absolutely loved the last display with the Lions on it!

 

May I ask why?

 

I think it's fine for people to bring their own views to the club. The only problem is when people start telling others what they can and can't say and that goes both ways. If people are allowed freedom of expression, there's no threat to Celtic's identity however you perceive it. It's only when banners like the one last night are no longer allowed inside Celtic Park that we'll have a problem. People might not agree with the sentiment, it doesn't make them Huns. As for people who want Celtic to be apolitical - or a-Republican, rather - they can go * themselves.

 

Not reading all the comments about last nights banner as we all know what they'll say, and who'll be saying them.

Great tifo, perfect message and perfect stage to say it - champions league and the snps white paper day.

 

Ach... I just don't like mixing sport and politics to be honest. Big sporting occasions are one of the few things that take me away from the troubles in life and I enjoy the space to just breathe and be.

As I said though, there was nothing controversial, offensive or 'wrong' about it. It just didn't resonate with me like the Lions one did in the last match. I thought that was absolute class and prefer displays on big nights to focus on the glory days of the team!

 

Agreed

Regarding the banner, while it has served its purpose on here ie we are all talking about it, but we are the "converted" when it comes to the point being made. I have radio Scotland on and it has not been discussed so far this morning, so in that respect, it has not served its purpose sadly ie take the issue to a wider audience. Can only hope it is picked up later on.

 

Hard to ignore politics in sport when supporters are being chapped up a 6am or met at the airport when coming back from a family holiday, all for singing a song.