UEFA Explain Rangers Decision
I wasn’t going to go back over the ground I covered yesterday with the Rangers/Celtic bigotry thread but as UEFA have came out with their reasons on why they deemed the “Billy Boys” song is not sectarian and bigoted I think I better comment anyway.
It seems that because the song has not been punished by the Scottish FA or government in the past, UEFA have decided it should be tolerated now and in the future, perhaps in perpetuity. The message seemingly eminating from the European governing body then is that if you have done something for a long time, no matter how unfavourable or despicable the act, then you should be allowed to continue to do it in the future for as long as you want.
The mind boggles. Are these people living on the same planet as the rest of us? Are there only so many brain cells at UEFA that can be shared around and if so, are they all being used to concentrate on getting more money into the Champion’s League?
A few weeks after FIFA introduce tough new measures to crack down on abuse in all of it’s guises on the terraces, UEFA give Rangers and Celtic fans carte blanche to continue singing disgusting sectarian songs because they’ve always done it.
I’m afraid if I started to rant and rave like I feel like doing on this ridiculous decision then I may never stop. Not ever. Not even for a second. There would be no limit to my capacity for calling out UEFA for the bunch of brainless, cowardly, money grabbing, ivory tower dwelling idiots they are.
Watch this space.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Uncategorized
20 opinions for UEFA Explain Rangers Decision
Aaron
Apr 13, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Well, it’s the same thing in the U.S. with teams being named things like “Redskins” or “Braves” and American Indians being up in arms.
I don’t know all the details of what is going on over there, but based on te perspective that I have from here it doesn’t seem that outlandish. But I suppose it’s all in perception.
Charles Revie
Apr 13, 2006 at 9:03 pm
What exactly do you mean? Rangers and Celtic! UEFA were investigating Rangers, you will not hear any “sectarian songs” at Parkhead, whilst you will hear “Billy Boys” at almost every SPL ground.
Get your facts right.
Dave Briggs
Apr 13, 2006 at 9:25 pm
Mr Revie must be a bit deaf if he doesn’t hear the vituperative IRA Plastic Paddy witticisms of ra Sellick hordes reverberating round every SPL stadia when they come a calling?
When you start believing your own propaganda Charles?
AllyB
Apr 13, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Clearly “the Billy Boys” is bigoted and a host of other chants match it, including words to the highjacked(ironically) simply the best. It is also clear that it is not sung, nor has it an equivalent within the Celtic support. The favourites at Parkhead would appear to be “Fields of Athenry” and , of course, “you’ll never walk alone”. Both Radio 2 material. UEFA have made it clear only one club was being investigated. Only one of these clubs is welcomed at just about very testimonial in England. Please do yourself a favour…Celtic is not Rangers, Rangers is not Celtic. To say so is a cop out and an encouragement to religious bigotry.
Tom
Apr 13, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Hey Aaron - as a man born in Scotland, but who has lived in the US for 15 years (and recently became a citizen) I can say that there is NOTHING similar between the names of American Sports teams, and the disgusting bigotry that spews from the Stands at Ibrox (and many other stadiums in Scotland) week in week out. I can say for sure that these “songs” defended by culural identity would NEVER be considered acceptable in the US, or most other countries the world over, nor should they! Do you think it would have made headline or WORLD news if Yankee fans booed a moment of silence for the passing of the Pope? Damn right! Do you think it would have been deemed okay in the States to sing ‘Feck The Pope’ because people have been doing it for hundreds of years? NO WAY! It is a different society and a different world and that really saddens me because Scotland is a fantastic beautiful country, and one that I am so proud to be from…unfortunately that great country has a secret shame that UEFA somehow managed to justify. THANK GOD EUFA and the SFA did not get involved in the civil rights struggle in this country. Had they put in their 2cents there would still be slaves working plantations in the South!
You might not be familiar with another of their ‘favorites’…the “Billy Boys” that has now been deemed “acceptable” by UEFA reads “We are up to our knees in Fenian blood, surrender or you’ll die!” (Fenians being Catholics) What are the chances of something like that being heard at Fenway?
Disgusting, right?
Andy
Apr 13, 2006 at 10:00 pm
What the hell has rangers being investigated by UEFA got to do with Celtic? You should not drag Celtic through the dirt when rangers are being investigated.
When the FA was fined by UEFA for racism against the Turkish fans - attack on turkish fans bus, singing I’d rather be a paki than a turk etc - most sensible people did not think that every single english team was racist.
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 7:28 am
Back to Mr. Briggs comments if I may - if you had read my comment Dave you would have noticed that I mentioned Parkhead, I didn’t mention the “away” games. Even then, the most you’ll get is “Boys of the Old Brigade” - check out the lyric Dave, it doesn’t mention any other religion - it does suggest the struggle against the British invading Ireland.
You also made no comment on the fact that at almost every other SPL ground the “knee deep in Fenian blood” ditty can be heard?? Probably the one you attend as well.
No matter how you look at this matter the facts are simple: Rangers allow their so-called supporters to wallow in their so-called historical culture, while Celtic fans (only 3 years ago)won the UEFA Fair Play award - the first time any fans have won this award.
I wait with bated breath for your return.
Alan
Apr 14, 2006 at 8:36 am
A large case of pot, kettle and black from Celtic fans commenting here. You have no right to claim that it’s all a Summer of Love vibe inside Parkhead and beyond while vilifying Rangers for their indiscretions. BOTH clubs have the same problem, the only difference in this case is that Rangers fans got pulled on it and then got let off with a shocking kiss on the head rather than a slap on the wrist.
There are deep lying problems within Glasgow football and for some of those involved to even deny that they exist is a very worrying sign. Both clubs are guilty of pandering to the historical tribalism because, let’s be honest, it brings the punters in through the turnstiles in their droves, it sells shiploads of merchandise and it filters down from one generation to the next.
David Murray talks a good game about ending the sectarianism of the Old Firm but I rather think he’d notice the effects on his club’s bottom line in the unlikely event of it ever happening.
Aaron: it’s really a situation you have to live with to even understand a little and even then it’s never as cut and dried as it seems. It saddens me to have to write about it on a football blog because I try and keep away from these kind of issues in all aspects of life but UEFA’s attitude to the problem just shows the lack of interest from the top level at finding a solution or a way forward.
Seamus
Apr 14, 2006 at 8:46 am
I must point out that the ferry company ‘Stena Line’ went as far as banning Rangers ‘fans’, because of their extreme anti-catholic filth. Celtic and it’s fans are asked frequently to attend games and functions the world over - would this be the case if they were on a level with the Rangers support ? I think not.
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 10:07 am
Thank you Alan for what you no doubt see as an intelligent, objective and constructive critique on this matter.
Sadly you fail on one very important point - I have no way of knowing where you are situated geographically but to say this is a “Glasgow football” problem is a nonsense.
Time to dispel with the blinkers Alan - this particular problem is prevalent throughout the whole of Scotland, to say the very least.
Alan
Apr 14, 2006 at 10:19 am
I’m from Northern Ireland Charles, hence this issue is close to my heart. As I said in the previous post about the Rangers/UEFA fiasco, this problem is widespread throughout Scotland and Northern ireland and in no way was meaning it was limited simply to Glasgow football.
Unfortunately it manifests itself through these two clubs and their support and in the most public sense it is here that the tribalism is allowed to breed and fester. Regardless of your viewpoint or persuasion, there can be no denying this fact.
Wearing a Celtic or Rangers jersey is a sign of marking your territory and showing your allegiance to your own “side” and all too often the football is a side issue to the group mentality and sectarian bonding.
Don’t patronise me on this issue Charles, I’ve spent the best part of 30 years living with these issues in my daily life, I see the problems they bring and the hatred it engenders on both sides.
It’s a social issue at it’s root yet through the medium of the Old Firm it is allowed to continue in mainstream sport and, under UEFA’s acceptance, be deemed acceptable behaviour.
I strongly disagree.
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 10:52 am
Point taken Alan … can I suggest tho because you are from Northern Ireland and have lived during the “troubles” that that is why you have such a strong viewpoint on this matter. People in Scotland haven’t lived through the atrocities and because they have subsided somewhat maybe regard it as past history - it obviously remains very strongly in the minds of those who have first-hand knowledge.
My point is that in Scotland there is an inherent difference between Rangers and Celtic fans, and they shouldn’t be classed in the same category - I detest the “Old Firm” adage.
All UEFA have managed to do, is advocate the odious bile that protrudes from the mouth of many so-called football fans in Scotland - and set that same Social Issue you mention back decades.
There was no intention to patronise.
Dave Briggs
Apr 14, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Close down taxpayer funded denominational schooling in Scotland and you will go some way down the road to alleviating sectarianism. Separating five year olds at a school gate is the single biggest promulgator of a ‘them and us’ attitude accross the religious divide.
Close down Celtic and Rangers and the gulf still exists.
Perhaps Mr Revie isn’t aware of of the all inclusive ditty regularly sung by Celtic supporters containing the words ‘and soon there’ll be no Protestants at all’?
Perhaps his selective deafness lets him down again.
Rangers Supporters aren’t ‘lilly white’ and contrary to what you believe Mr Revie neither are Celtic Supporters.
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I’m sure there are many songs on both sides of the divide that can be classed as sectarian - my point is that you won’t, and don’t, hear them sang at Parkhead - I admit that on a very rare ocassion you may hear them among the away support. Celtic FC are attempting to quash that. I doubt the same can be said at Ibrox - going by the Rangers Trust tatement when the inquiry was first announced.
Not once have I suggested Celtic fans are “lilywhites”, that would be silly, every football club in the world has an “element” … my point this time, is that Celtic and Rangers shouldn’t be classed as “one and the same” - we are totally different and I’d like that to be recognised by the authorities (I’m sure I have your accord on that matter).
Have a happy Easter weekend Mr. Briggs.
Dave Briggs
Apr 14, 2006 at 2:56 pm
I watch both Rangers and Celtic on Setanta and can’t really see where the difference is in what they chant…… both sets of Fans can be found at fault.
The difference between you and I Charles is that I can recognize defficiencies on the part of Rangers Fans where you seem to be only grudgingly admitting that Celtic may have a wee bit of a problem as well.
If you can’t put yourself in another mans shoes then your argument falls by the way side.
I notice by the way that you side stepped the educational point that I made. I understand why you do so.
Celtic and Rangers are indeed one in the same, both being Football Clubs that have, as you say, an ‘element’ in their Support who could be termed undesirable.
If you and I can recognise that, then we are at least part way to solving the problem. Old Firm sectarianism is a symptom of an underlying problem. Eradicating FTP, IRA, Fenian blood etc from Football wont eradicate sectarianism from Scottish Society.
Educating all of our children in the same educational system would be a worthy beginning towards that laudable goal.
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 4:53 pm
To Mr. Briggs:-
First of all let me say that I do not think our debating this issue is likely to resolve this divisive issue - in saying that tho’…. The fact that you claim to watch Rangers and Celtic on Setanta would lead me to think that generally speaking, apart from the VERY rare ocassion you only watch Celtic and Rangers AWAY games - hence my point in a previous post.
I watch Celtic at Parkhead and can categorically state that NO sectarian songs are sung - that cannot be said the same as at Ibrox.
I am most certainly able to look at a discussion from more than one viewpoint.
Next, I did sidestep the educational point, quite deliberately, because Scotland has moved from a mainly Protestant(with a few Catholics thrown in)county to a multi-national, multi-cultural country were there would appear to be less and less Catholic-only schools. It makes sense that if no new schools are being built (using the tax payers money (which I presume we both are)), and there is an influx of a mixed culture who wish to follow their own faith, then non-denominational, or mixed-education schools will become the norm.
Obviously I have no figures to back up this supposition but then, that’s why I side-stepped it in the first place.
So if your premise is correct and my supposition is correct then natural progress will see the end of sectarianism!!!!
Maybe Mr. Briggs we should just agree to disagree.
Dave Briggs
Apr 14, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Charles, I will take your Post paragraph by paragraph
I take it from this that Celtic Football Club take no responsibility for the actions of their Supporters at away fixtures in the SPL? I listen to both sets of Supporters at their away games, as you say I do and both are guilty of what could be termed sectarian/discriminatory chanting. The Supporters who attend away matches are more than likely to be Season ticket holders or members of Supporters Clubs. Are you telling me that Celtic or Rangers for that matter can’t be held responsible for their Supporters actions?
Sorry but you don’t appear to have this facility.
It astounds me that you use the term ‘Protestant’ as a tag for Non Denominational schools. What do you think the term ‘Non Denominational’ means for heavens sake?
I have read no publication that has in any way averred or inferred that The Roman Catholic Church is in the process of allowing it’s flock to be educated in the same classroom as all the other children in Scotland. In fact I would say they would fight tooth and nail to prevent integration. New schools are being built all over Scotland…. NONE are integrated. You might think that Scotland is moving towards a ‘happy clappy’ multi cultural Society, but sadly it is not.
You are right there, for they don’t exist.
What I hope for and what you believe is happening may indeed coincide, but unhappily a lot of attitudes have to change on both sides for non sectarian nirvana to exist in Scotland
————————————————–
It seems that The United States of America and France for example do not allow religious education in their State subsidised classrooms ………………..noticed any sectarian problems in both countries lately?
Looking at you kid from my side of the barricade ………….and we’ll call it quits
Regards
Dave
Charles Revie
Apr 14, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Now I feel like a Celtic player being interviewed by the impartial Scottish Press - one thing is said and somehow or another a completely different slant is reported.
My point about “away” games is that you only see those and I already conceded that Celtic FC have a problem with a section of the “away” fans, whilst at Ibrox this happens at “home” and “away”. You would think the home officials would have more control, so who is doing more Celtic or Rangers?
No need to answer.
Where did I use “Protestant” as a tag for non-denominational? I mentioned non-denominational in the same breath as mixed education - you should read what’s there, not what you expect to see.
This has obviously gone on too long (and I don’t mean sectarianism) when you start paraphrasing from Casablanca.
There are no barricades were I live, nor in my mind.
Good day.
Dave Briggs
Apr 14, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Unfortunately there is a very large chip on your shoulder Charles.
Dave
sfa
Jul 29, 2007 at 2:56 pm
sfa…
Please a new site that I found….
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: