Poppy Thread.

I dont think we would need to much of an excuse tbh. We have audio and video evidence of them (in their thousands) committing illegal acts. Thats enough. I know some will say its being pedantic but personally I dont want them anywhere near us.

 

Why then do the Celtic team have to wear the poppy on there jersey this weekend??

Yes the fans have the right to protest at something they don't want on our jersey. All supporter clubs have come out against the wearing of the poppy.

AICSC
www.aicsc.com

Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs
AICSC STATEMENT
Written by jkelly Tuesday, 09 November 2010 13:31

Last month, the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs (AICSC)
issued a statement in which we noted our dismay at Celtic’s decision to
display the poppy emblem on the club’s jerseys.
We outlined the divisive nature of the poppy in Ireland – the country of

Celtic’s heritage and from where a significant proportion of its support
comes - and its negative connotations of support for the British army,
whose operations in Ireland (and in other parts of the world) have caused
division, loss and rancour on a large scale.

We made it clear that we respect the memories of those who lost their lives
in war – not least those former Celtic players and supporters and their
family members. Clearly, anyone who chooses has a right to wear any such
symbol.

However, Celtic were wrong to choose once again to use the club jersey –
which we all respect and identify with no matter our personal views - as a
medium for such a divisive symbol and one which does not recognise the
memory of victims of the British military. Indeed, the club’s actions are
all the more regrettable after engagements with supporters - either through
official bodies such as the AICSC and “Meet the Supporters” events through
the year – would have left its officials in no doubt as to the significant
level of concern felt by supporters.

A recent display of banners at Celtic Park spoke for many of us and not, as
some would have it, a minority. We believe this was an overdue and welcome
message to the club and reflects a large degree of concern at the failure
to listen to the views of supporters.

In addition, we deplore any threat to ban those who participated in this
display from Celtic Park and call on it to be retracted immediately. We
believe that those behind the display have added greatly to the atmosphere
at the stadium in recent times and such an attempt to stifle their freedom
of expression should be condemned.

We are frequently told that politics has no place in football or within
Celtic F.C.. Yet, this claim rings hollow against the background of the
club agreeing – with full knowledge of the concerns of dedicated and
honourable supporters – to use the jersey to identify it with the
contentious poppy symbol. We would call on the club to engage once more and
on a meaningful basis with its supporters and their representatives on this
and other issues.

Finally, we are mindful that none of this should be allowed to distract

from the ongoing controversy surrounding Dougie McDonald’s decision at
Tannadice. Having confessed to misleading the SFA, the Celtic manager and
the football public in general with a lie, we have no confidence in Mr
McDonald.

He must resign or be removed and the SFA must immediately put in place a

credible system that establishes proper refereeing standards and makes
referees accountable to persons other than former referees. We have no
confidence in the current system or in Hugh Dallas, who has presided over
the current mess and in respect of whom recent allegations regarding
supposed e-mail activities only serve to pose further questions as to his
suitability.

Signed: The Committee of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs

9 November 2010

Celtic Supporters Association
The Celtic Supporters Association after having a number of discussions with the club and our member branches wish to make it clear once again that we believe the Celtic shirt should be used only to promote Celtic Football Club and it’s sponsors.

We believe that this form of bullying people and clubs into wearing the poppy symbol is contrary to what many people believe is a democratic right; to have freedom of choice; freedom of expression, and freedom of speech.
The Celtic Supporters Association is a democratic organisation which act’s in the best interests of their members, we consult with them on all issues and then carry out their wishes to the best of our ability.

We believe that it is not in the best interest of Celtic Football or their fans to have a policy which is clearly divisive, this poppy issue came up two years ago as a direct result of the backlash for the singing of the racist “Famine Song” we have opposed it every year and are glad to hear that this will be the final year of the policy.

Celtic Trust Celtic Football Club was established by Irish immigrants in Scotland. Its founders instigated a club that would forthwith be open to players and supporters regardless of ethnic, national and religious background. Our supporters include people who have a broad range of community and national backgrounds and histories and all are welcomed into the Celtic family thus enriching our cultural environment.

Mindful of the variations in how war can be understood, interpreted and remembered and sensitive to the multiple experiences and perceptions of those that constitute the Celtic community as well as beyond, the Celtic Trust has been against the forced and manipulative nature of poppy wearing in latter years, not least amongst the football community in Scotland. We are particularly against the practice of using the team shirt to promote this symbol and we welcome the news that this practice will end this year. We note that a broad public debate appears to be opening up on this question and that other individuals and organisations outwith football are concerned about the coercive atmosphere around the wearing and display of poppies.

We further note with dismay the demonising of those people who exercise their right to free speech and dissent on this question and we oppose any action which may be taken against anyone who chooses to peacefully demonstrate their point of view, whether in a football ground or elsewhere.

 

It was done to us by the Huns in 1994, but a law was since passed that clubs must make a provision for away fans, so that is a non-starter.

 

All these people harping on about free speech and that politics is OK at the football, what's the difference between the banners we unfurled and the huns chanting that irish immigrants should 'go home' since the famine is over?

That's their 'political belief' after all.

 

If we can site that they are breaking the law (which they have done every time they've been there in the last couple of years) by singing outlawed songs, I doubt very much we would struggle to impose a ban.

 

Court rulings I think you'll find.

 

Perhaps, but my point remains.

 

It's been blown way out of proportion.

It's simple really, if Celtic weren't wrongly adding the poppy to the shirt, once again dragging politics into football (which Celtic themselves have asked the GB to keep out), then the GB wouldn't have wrongly had the banner up in the first place.

Could have been avoided by Celtic, caused by Celtic, simple as that.

 

I agree that the board should have handled things differently, however, two wrongs don't make a right and the GB need to take responsibility for their own actions instead of just blaming the board.

 

The Board are a disgrace under Reid's guidance.

Look at the success on the pitch, look at the barren trophy spell, look at the empty seats. Is it no wonder people are staying away considering not only his facist approach but ignoring the many sentiments of a majority for years?

How can Celtic PLC actually believe the propaghanda being spouted by the media, SPHell, SFA and the poppy trust. They all have their own agenda's and no doubt certain members of each board are interwoven, just like I'm sure Reid is.

If people do get banned over this incident, the best way for us to show solidarity is to boycott. I for one will be along with many pals of mine and other associates. I have given back my season ticket this season already over the boards continuing retention of Reid.

The leaving the politics at the gate only applies to supporters it looks like. Maybe that is because those on the baord come through a revolving door.

We don't care what the animals say.......

 

Reids an imposter,hes got some nerve to criticise them,leave politics at the door John remember?It was like waving a red flag in front of a bull when they agreed to this poppy madness.Outraged that he walks into the club and tries to silence the people he disagrees with.

 

this

i do agree TAB it has been blown way out of proportion but its not suprising given the nature of the scottish press and our on going fight with the SFA, the GB protest took the focus off 9-0 and the scandals engulfing the SFA almost daily; you have to admit the GB did mess up on that score

 

the thing is that isn't a political belief, you've said so yourself, its been proven to be racist in a court of law. It's discriminatory, not a valid political belief.

 

Jesus Christ I can't believe what I have read , he's actually saying that the 6 year old should have been protected from celtic supporters because his Dad was wearing a poppy.
This sums it up for me, these people (?) shout for freedom of expression but when someone else expresses that same right they are accused of inflaming the situation, to the point where a 6 year old is put in danger.
Hang your * head in shame for such a comment, I sincerely hope you do not represent the mindset of the GB in general, if it does then not only should they be banned from CP they should be deported to another * planet.

 

agree with you completely. what about 6000 huns singing were up our kness in * blood a few weeks ago? was that not a disgrace didnt see that in the papers...

 

David Cameron rejects China request to remove 'offensive' poppies | Mail Online

the gb arent the only ones offended by the poppy

 

4.

And it's guys like me that's in the "minority" ? aye right

Their "political belief" if you want to call it that is racist for a start. Then again I couldn't care less about what they sing anyway.

We don't care what the animals say, what the * do we care!

 

I see on the official CFC website there is a tribute to the fallen heroes ex celtic players who lost their lives in the great war , I hope this is a dig at the idiots who dragged our names through the mud on Saturday .

 

Why would it be a dig ? Those "idiots" would be happy to remember the fallen in the World Wars.

 

Would they ? I doubt it .