Angry Mobs and Arrogant Tossers
My @Record_Sport column on why the “shoot the board “ banner has tarnished the great reputation Celtic fans have all around the world and it shouldn’t be tolerated. And why protesting before the game really defeats the object... it doesn’t help the team... your thoughts?? https://t.co/kXcoJ60w9A
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 12, 2020
Chris Sutton takes a stick to the morons behind the 'Angry Mob' protests outside Celtic Park recently.
Having your say is one thing - but threats, violence, intimidation and mob rule are quite another.
Angry Mobs and Arrogant Tossers (10/12/20)
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has received death threats and bullets through the post, so you would think the angry mob behind these protests at Parkhead would have more sense than to display a banner with the ugly message: 'shoot the board'.
Apparently not, but that's what happens when a self-appointed rabble holds itself out as the 'voice' of Celtic supporters.
Angry Mobs and Arrogant Tossers (06/12/20)
I understand that the 'Greetin Brigade' are planning another demonstration at Parkhead today, as Celtic play St. Johnstone.
I won't be there, but you have to say this self-appointed GB group are a bunch of arrogant tossers for organising a protest against their own team, the Celtic players and their manager.For some reason they think their views are more important than other Celtic supporters.
I'm no expert on the claims and counter claims between Police Scotland and the Green Brigade.
But I do remember posting photos on the blog last year which show that Glasgow's High Street and Gallowgate were 'choc a bloc' and dangerous - yet some people were banging away on social media insisting that the roads were clear.
Now that is funny.
A small minority of Celtic fans were complaining on social media yesterday after Police Scotland re-routed an open-top bus carrying the victorious Celtic team which had just sealed an unprecedented, historic 'Treble Treble' after winning the Scottish Cup.
The police judged the area to be unsafe after fans refused to clear the road while the usual, moronic social media warriors insisted that 'the road was clear'.
Yet these photos speak for themselves and you have to wonder who suggested such an event in the first place because it was certainly not 'family friendly' or organised with children and young people in mind.
The Glasgow Times reports that the 'looney tune' team behind ACAB (All Cops Are Bastards) have extended their activities to other memorials in the city.
Now this has nothing directly to do with anti-racist campaigns or Black Lives Matter - it's just a group of self-righteous pricks trying to hijack an important issue by spray painting a juvenile message of 'Fuck the Polis'.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18506614.teams-rapid-removal-graffiti/
Teams in rapid removal of graffiti from Glasgow statues after BLM protests
By Stewart Paterson - Glasgow Times
Lord Roberts statue
Council teams have been cleaning up graffiti from statues after several across the city were targeted following anti racism protests in Glasgow.
Statues in George Square, Cathedral Square and Kelvingrove park were vandalised with slogans spray painted onto plinths
Three statues in Kelvingrove park were targeted.
Glasgow City Council said it was aware of the strong feelings towards links to slavery of certain individuals who have statues but cannot condone the vandalism of public monuments.
The bust of Thomas Carlyle at the bridge over the River Kelvin was sprayed.
Yards away on the opposite bank of the river, the memorial to the Highland Light Infantry was sprayed with BLM and an offensive anti police slogan.
At the top of the park at the Park Circus entrance the statue of Lord Roberts, who had led military in South Africa and India, was also sprayed with BLM.
In Cathedral Square the statue of King William III was also targeted with anti-police graffiti.
In George Square the statue of Robert Peel was daubed with paint and slogans.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland condemned the vandalism and issued a statement along with a photograph of the damage to the King William Statue.
It said: “The Orange Order are rightly proud of the civil and religious liberties delivered by King William III that our citizens enjoy today.
“However civil rights and liberty come with a responsibility to act lawfully and uphold government medical advice not to gather publicly in order to protect lives.
“We call on the Leader of Glasgow City Council and the First Minister to condemn these offensive acts and provide Police Scotland with the necessary resource to protect our public memorials.”
The council condemned the vandalism and said work had already been started to look into how the city’s history with slavery is represented.
Council teams worked quickly on Sunday and Monday to remove the paint and return the statues to normal.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “The graffiti that appeared on statues in George Square, Kelvingrove Park and other places over the weekend has been removed or is in the course of being removed.
“We are acutely aware of the strength of feeling that exists over Glasgow’s links to trans-Atlantic slavery and the determination many have for change in how the city’s history should be regarded.
“We have commissioned an in-depth academic study on the city’s links to the historical slave trade and how that has shaped the streets, statues and buildings of modern Glasgow.
“The findings of this study will be put forward for consultation and the public’s voice will be heard on how the city should respond.
“We cannot condone damage to public property and our community safety teams will link with police on how further damage can be avoided, including through the use of CCTV.”
Here's a message from a group which operates under the acronym of ACAB - All Cops Are Bastards.
ACAB would have us believe that policing is fundamentally violent, corrupt, oppressive and beyond reform - and their poster ends with the announcement that the police are the 'enemy of the people'.
Now I have my criticisms of Police Scotland, but this seems a tad 'over the top' to me so I'm going to start up my own rival group which I plan to call AAAB (All Anarchists Are Bastards).
In the meantime, I would like Glasgow City Council to remove this juvenile street graffiti and chuck it in the bin - because it's definitely not worth preserving.
The Greetin' Brigade's death skull banner reappeared at Celtic Park on Sunday, but sadly this was not the only example their juvenile behaviour.
Another banner was unfurled during the second half of the match against Hibs which said "Tories not welcome" and "F*** off Rod", the latter being a reference to Rod Stewart.
Now I'm not interested in understanding the mindset of these self-appointed, moral guardians who seem to think they are in a lofty position to judge who is and who's not welcome at Celtic Park these days.
But the bottom line is they are a terrible embarrassment to Celtic FC which should now take action to prevent further damage being done to the club's good name and reputation.
How pleasant it was to be at Celtic Park last night and not have to listen to the moronic chants of the 'Greetin Brigade'.
I can do without idiots singing 'Up the 'Ra' and 'You can stick your poppies up your arse' - thank you very much.
Celtic did absolutely the right thing by banning these clowns and putting the Club crest on the safe standing area where they congregate.
The Rennes fans were great, I have to say, they kept their spirits up even when they went 3-0 down and were a real credit to their club.
The Daily Record reports that Celtic FC have taken action against the 'Greetin Brigade' by closing part of the safe standing area for tonight's Europa Cup match against Rennes.
Now this is a welcome move if you ask me, because these clowns seem to think they are bigger than the club, that they are a law unto themselves with their dumb antics - which include setting off flares inside the ground, offensive chanting and disrespecting other fans (including other Celtic fans) on a regular basis.
I wrote to the Celtic complaining about the Green Brigade's moronic behaviour during the Celtic vs Motherwell match when they were booed into silence after telling fellow fans to 'stick their poppies up their arse' on Remembrance Sunday.
Football vs The Angry Mob (30/11/20)
Chris Sutton spoke for the vast majority of Celtic fans when he condemned the behaviour of the angry mob who vented their spleen outside Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.
Sadly, the truth is that without a significant police presence these morons would have forced entry into the stadium to intimidate, harass and generally 'get in the faces' of players and staff - at their place of work.
So well said Chris Sutton because while I'm all in favour of people making their voices heard this kind of behaviour is over the top and completely unacceptable.
Glasgow - Every Picture Tells A Story (24/06/20)
I'm no expert on the claims and counter claims between Police Scotland and the Green Brigade.
But I do remember posting photos on the blog last year which show that Glasgow's High Street and Gallowgate were 'choc a bloc' and dangerous - yet some people were banging away on social media insisting that the roads were clear.
Now that is funny.
Every Picture Tells A Story (26/05/19)
A small minority of Celtic fans were complaining on social media yesterday after Police Scotland re-routed an open-top bus carrying the victorious Celtic team which had just sealed an unprecedented, historic 'Treble Treble' after winning the Scottish Cup.
The police judged the area to be unsafe after fans refused to clear the road while the usual, moronic social media warriors insisted that 'the road was clear'.
Yet these photos speak for themselves and you have to wonder who suggested such an event in the first place because it was certainly not 'family friendly' or organised with children and young people in mind.
Pains in the Ass (21/06/20)
A group of supporters from the Green Brigade, many not wearing face coverings, are escorted away from Glasgow's George Square chanting 'All Cops Are Bastards'.
I spoke to a number of police officers yesterday when I visited George Square to pass on my remaining Equal Pay medals and found them all to be very helpful.
Whereas these self-styled football 'ultras' are always just a righteous pain in the ass.
All Anarchists Are Bastards 2 (11/06/20)
The Glasgow Times reports that the 'looney tune' team behind ACAB (All Cops Are Bastards) have extended their activities to other memorials in the city.
Now this has nothing directly to do with anti-racist campaigns or Black Lives Matter - it's just a group of self-righteous pricks trying to hijack an important issue by spray painting a juvenile message of 'Fuck the Polis'.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18506614.teams-rapid-removal-graffiti/
Teams in rapid removal of graffiti from Glasgow statues after BLM protests
By Stewart Paterson - Glasgow Times
Lord Roberts statue
Council teams have been cleaning up graffiti from statues after several across the city were targeted following anti racism protests in Glasgow.
Statues in George Square, Cathedral Square and Kelvingrove park were vandalised with slogans spray painted onto plinths
Three statues in Kelvingrove park were targeted.
Glasgow City Council said it was aware of the strong feelings towards links to slavery of certain individuals who have statues but cannot condone the vandalism of public monuments.
The bust of Thomas Carlyle at the bridge over the River Kelvin was sprayed.
Yards away on the opposite bank of the river, the memorial to the Highland Light Infantry was sprayed with BLM and an offensive anti police slogan.
At the top of the park at the Park Circus entrance the statue of Lord Roberts, who had led military in South Africa and India, was also sprayed with BLM.
In Cathedral Square the statue of King William III was also targeted with anti-police graffiti.
In George Square the statue of Robert Peel was daubed with paint and slogans.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland condemned the vandalism and issued a statement along with a photograph of the damage to the King William Statue.
It said: “The Orange Order are rightly proud of the civil and religious liberties delivered by King William III that our citizens enjoy today.
“However civil rights and liberty come with a responsibility to act lawfully and uphold government medical advice not to gather publicly in order to protect lives.
“We call on the Leader of Glasgow City Council and the First Minister to condemn these offensive acts and provide Police Scotland with the necessary resource to protect our public memorials.”
The council condemned the vandalism and said work had already been started to look into how the city’s history with slavery is represented.
Council teams worked quickly on Sunday and Monday to remove the paint and return the statues to normal.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “The graffiti that appeared on statues in George Square, Kelvingrove Park and other places over the weekend has been removed or is in the course of being removed.
“We are acutely aware of the strength of feeling that exists over Glasgow’s links to trans-Atlantic slavery and the determination many have for change in how the city’s history should be regarded.
“We have commissioned an in-depth academic study on the city’s links to the historical slave trade and how that has shaped the streets, statues and buildings of modern Glasgow.
“The findings of this study will be put forward for consultation and the public’s voice will be heard on how the city should respond.
“We cannot condone damage to public property and our community safety teams will link with police on how further damage can be avoided, including through the use of CCTV.”
All Anarchists Are Bastards (09/06/20)
Here's a message from a group which operates under the acronym of ACAB - All Cops Are Bastards.
ACAB would have us believe that policing is fundamentally violent, corrupt, oppressive and beyond reform - and their poster ends with the announcement that the police are the 'enemy of the people'.
Now I have my criticisms of Police Scotland, but this seems a tad 'over the top' to me so I'm going to start up my own rival group which I plan to call AAAB (All Anarchists Are Bastards).
In the meantime, I would like Glasgow City Council to remove this juvenile street graffiti and chuck it in the bin - because it's definitely not worth preserving.
Celtic's Greetin Brigade (17/12/19)
The Greetin' Brigade's death skull banner reappeared at Celtic Park on Sunday, but sadly this was not the only example their juvenile behaviour.
Another banner was unfurled during the second half of the match against Hibs which said "Tories not welcome" and "F*** off Rod", the latter being a reference to Rod Stewart.
Now I'm not interested in understanding the mindset of these self-appointed, moral guardians who seem to think they are in a lofty position to judge who is and who's not welcome at Celtic Park these days.
But the bottom line is they are a terrible embarrassment to Celtic FC which should now take action to prevent further damage being done to the club's good name and reputation.
Bams Banned From Celtic Park (29/11/19)
How pleasant it was to be at Celtic Park last night and not have to listen to the moronic chants of the 'Greetin Brigade'.
I can do without idiots singing 'Up the 'Ra' and 'You can stick your poppies up your arse' - thank you very much.
Celtic did absolutely the right thing by banning these clowns and putting the Club crest on the safe standing area where they congregate.
The Rennes fans were great, I have to say, they kept their spirits up even when they went 3-0 down and were a real credit to their club.
Bams Booed at Celtic Park (28/11/19)
The Daily Record reports that Celtic FC have taken action against the 'Greetin Brigade' by closing part of the safe standing area for tonight's Europa Cup match against Rennes.
Now this is a welcome move if you ask me, because these clowns seem to think they are bigger than the club, that they are a law unto themselves with their dumb antics - which include setting off flares inside the ground, offensive chanting and disrespecting other fans (including other Celtic fans) on a regular basis.
I wrote to the Celtic complaining about the Green Brigade's moronic behaviour during the Celtic vs Motherwell match when they were booed into silence after telling fellow fans to 'stick their poppies up their arse' on Remembrance Sunday.
So well done Celtic and if the 'ultras' are not prepared to listen and shape up - it's time to start shipping them out.
Celtic issue Green Brigade with final warning over UEFA and council fears
The fans group branded the club vindictive after the Parkhead standing section was slashed for Thursday's clash with Rennes.
By Michael Gannon - Daily Record
Celtic were clobbered with another £13,000 fine from UEFA for banners and chanting in their encounter with Lazio – their third punishment from the beaks this season.
Hoops chiefs took action in a bid to fend off more damaging sanctions from the big wigs.
I have been trying to discover the significance, if any, of the strange banner on display at Celtic Park which I saw for the first time last week - a menacing black skull wearing a gas mask.
Doesn't seem very friendly or inclusive to me, but if any readers know the answer, drop me a note (in confidence of course) to - markrivine@compuserve.com
I said I would write to Celtic about the shameful antics of the self-styled 'Green Brigade ultras' at Sunday's match against Motherwell.
Here's what I had to say to the Club who responded very quickly to confirm that my comments have indeed been brought to the attention of the Celtic Board.
I hope other supporters will raise their voices too - in the same spirit which led to the 'bampots' being booed and quickly silenced on Sunday.
Dear Celtic FC
The start of yesterday's home match between Celtic and Motherwell was marked by a respectful minute's silence for Remembrance Day.
But the occasion was spoiled somewhat in the second half by the moronic behaviour of a small group of fans in the safe standing area - the self-styled 'ultras' in the Green Brigade - whose cheerleaders decided to sing: "you can stick your poppy up your arse".
The rest of the Celtic support responded quickly by roundly booing the bampots, but the real problem is that these clowns think they are a law unto themselves - answerable to no one and bigger than the club itself.
What's incredible to me is that Celtic FC help to facilitate this nonsense by allowing the 'ultras' in the Green Brigade to bring drums, loudhailers and banners into the stadium - without any guarantees about their future behaviour.
Celtic has been fined regularly by UEFA, the European football authority, over the infantile behaviour of this group of fans whose antics hit the club in the pocket, as well as damaging its hard won reputation for being fair-minded and tolerant.
I will be writing to the club to make my voice heard and hope other supporters will do the same.
Celtic issue Green Brigade with final warning over UEFA and council fears
The fans group branded the club vindictive after the Parkhead standing section was slashed for Thursday's clash with Rennes.
By Michael Gannon - Daily Record
(Image: SNS Group)
Celtic have slapped the Green Brigade with a final ultimatum – shape up or get shut out of the Betfred Cup Final clash and the Rangers Festive showdown.
The fans group branded the club vindictive after the Parkhead standing section was slashed for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Rennes.
Celtic have slapped the Green Brigade with a final ultimatum – shape up or get shut out of the Betfred Cup Final clash and the Rangers Festive showdown.
The fans group branded the club vindictive after the Parkhead standing section was slashed for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Rennes.
Celtic were clobbered with another £13,000 fine from UEFA for banners and chanting in their encounter with Lazio – their third punishment from the beaks this season.
Hoops chiefs took action in a bid to fend off more damaging sanctions from the big wigs.
(Image: SNS Group)
But Record Sport understands the club are determined to clean up the ultras section as there are real safety fears due to the use of pyro and the overcrowding of the standing area.
UEFA take a tough stance on political and offensive chants and banners – but they hold and even harder line on supporters’ wellbeing.
Celtic also have to remain in line with Glasgow City Council over safety certificates for the standing area and have huge concerns over the continued use of fireworks and flares.
The Green Brigade have been banished from tomorrow’s clash and the club are also withholding tickets until further notice – which could see the group excluded from the Betfred Cup Final with Rangers as well as the Old Firm showdown on December 29.
But Record Sport understands the club are determined to clean up the ultras section as there are real safety fears due to the use of pyro and the overcrowding of the standing area.
UEFA take a tough stance on political and offensive chants and banners – but they hold and even harder line on supporters’ wellbeing.
Celtic also have to remain in line with Glasgow City Council over safety certificates for the standing area and have huge concerns over the continued use of fireworks and flares.
The Green Brigade have been banished from tomorrow’s clash and the club are also withholding tickets until further notice – which could see the group excluded from the Betfred Cup Final with Rangers as well as the Old Firm showdown on December 29.
Green Brigade slam 'vindictive' Celtic and reveal they face ban for Betfred Cup Final AND Rangers league clash
The fans statement said: “Our aim, as always, is to positively support Celtic and following Thursday we hope to get back to that.
“However, omitted from the club statement is that fact that all Green Brigade tickets are being withheld until further notice – including the upcoming League Cup Final and potentially as far as the Glasgow Derby at the end of the year.
The fans statement said: “Our aim, as always, is to positively support Celtic and following Thursday we hope to get back to that.
“However, omitted from the club statement is that fact that all Green Brigade tickets are being withheld until further notice – including the upcoming League Cup Final and potentially as far as the Glasgow Derby at the end of the year.
Peter Lawwell and Ian Bankier meet UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and UEFA Director of Competitions Giorgio Marchetti in 2017
“We hope that the club will reconsider this position and re-engage with the fans in a positive manner.
“For over 10 years we have maintained a reasonable working relationship with the club which usually manifests itself by way of regular meetings.
“Unfortunately this relationship broke down earlier in the season when we had the audacity to criticise the Celtic board for lack of investment.
“Although engagement has remained, it has been largely futile and undermine by a breakdown of trust.
“To implement sanctions at three days’ notice highlights a blatant disregard for the considerable expense and arrangements some fans undertake to support Celtic.
“We hope that the club will reconsider this position and re-engage with the fans in a positive manner.
“For over 10 years we have maintained a reasonable working relationship with the club which usually manifests itself by way of regular meetings.
“Unfortunately this relationship broke down earlier in the season when we had the audacity to criticise the Celtic board for lack of investment.
“Although engagement has remained, it has been largely futile and undermine by a breakdown of trust.
“To implement sanctions at three days’ notice highlights a blatant disregard for the considerable expense and arrangements some fans undertake to support Celtic.
(Image: SNS Group)
“Considering we met with the club last week to discuss potential sanctions specifically against our group, the timing and scope of this decision is particularly vindictive.”
The Green Brigade blamed the club stewarding issues for the overcrowding problems and are unapologetic about the use of fireworks.
They said: “We appreciate that pyrotechnics run the risk of drawing the ire of footballing authorities. “There are varied views among the Celtic support on its use however it is undeniable that such displays of passion in the stands remain incredibly popular with significant swathes of Celtic supporters, whilst it’s safe use is common across the footballing world.
“Pyrotechnics within football, and even at Celtic, predates the Green Brigade. It would be naive to assume that it can simply be eradicated and instead, the mature, progressive approach would be for football clubs and authorities to properly engage with fans to promote safe use.
“On the select occasions we opt to use pyro, we do so with total regard for safety and seek to limit risk as much as possible.”
“Considering we met with the club last week to discuss potential sanctions specifically against our group, the timing and scope of this decision is particularly vindictive.”
The Green Brigade blamed the club stewarding issues for the overcrowding problems and are unapologetic about the use of fireworks.
They said: “We appreciate that pyrotechnics run the risk of drawing the ire of footballing authorities. “There are varied views among the Celtic support on its use however it is undeniable that such displays of passion in the stands remain incredibly popular with significant swathes of Celtic supporters, whilst it’s safe use is common across the footballing world.
“Pyrotechnics within football, and even at Celtic, predates the Green Brigade. It would be naive to assume that it can simply be eradicated and instead, the mature, progressive approach would be for football clubs and authorities to properly engage with fans to promote safe use.
“On the select occasions we opt to use pyro, we do so with total regard for safety and seek to limit risk as much as possible.”
Death Skull vs Fighting Leprechaun (27/11/9)
I wonder if the Green Brigade are monitoring my blog, because after I shared my post about their daft 'death skull' banner it was replaced by a 'fighting leprechaun' for Celtic's next home game last Saturday at Parkhead.
Now I suspect these violent images are the product of an immature, juvenile, male mind which would be in keeping with the group's general behaviour.
But let's see what happens in the weeks ahead.
Now I suspect these violent images are the product of an immature, juvenile, male mind which would be in keeping with the group's general behaviour.
But let's see what happens in the weeks ahead.
Bams Booed art Celtic Park 3 (22/11/19)
I have been trying to discover the significance, if any, of the strange banner on display at Celtic Park which I saw for the first time last week - a menacing black skull wearing a gas mask.
Doesn't seem very friendly or inclusive to me, but if any readers know the answer, drop me a note (in confidence of course) to - markrivine@compuserve.com
Bams Booed at Celtic Park 2 (12/11/19)
I said I would write to Celtic about the shameful antics of the self-styled 'Green Brigade ultras' at Sunday's match against Motherwell.
Here's what I had to say to the Club who responded very quickly to confirm that my comments have indeed been brought to the attention of the Celtic Board.
I hope other supporters will raise their voices too - in the same spirit which led to the 'bampots' being booed and quickly silenced on Sunday.
Dear Celtic FC
I would like to register a complaint about the behaviour of some of the Celtic fans at the match against Motherwell yesterday.
Specifically, my complaint is about a small group of supporters in the safe standing area who style themselves as 'ultras' or the Green Brigade.
During the second half of the match the fans in question began singing 'You can stick your poppy up your arse' led on by cheerleaders who did their level best to amplify this ugly, divisive message via their loudhailers and drums.
I have written about this shameful incident on my blog site and what I find incredible is that Celtic FC help to facilitate this nonsense by continuing to allow the 'ultras' in the Green Brigade to bring their drums, loudhailers and banners into the stadium - without demanding guarantees about their future conduct.
In my opinion their behaviour on Remembrance Sunday crossed the line and the club should take action to deal with these morons who regularly bring Celtic's good name into disrepute.
I enclose a copy of the article which has been posted to my blog site and would be grateful if you could bring my comments to the attention of the Celtic Board.
Kind regards
Mark Irvine
Bams Booed at Celtic Park (11/11/19)
The start of yesterday's home match between Celtic and Motherwell was marked by a respectful minute's silence for Remembrance Day.
But the occasion was spoiled somewhat in the second half by the moronic behaviour of a small group of fans in the safe standing area - the self-styled 'ultras' in the Green Brigade - whose cheerleaders decided to sing: "you can stick your poppy up your arse".
The rest of the Celtic support responded quickly by roundly booing the bampots, but the real problem is that these clowns think they are a law unto themselves - answerable to no one and bigger than the club itself.
What's incredible to me is that Celtic FC help to facilitate this nonsense by allowing the 'ultras' in the Green Brigade to bring drums, loudhailers and banners into the stadium - without any guarantees about their future behaviour.
Celtic has been fined regularly by UEFA, the European football authority, over the infantile behaviour of this group of fans whose antics hit the club in the pocket, as well as damaging its hard won reputation for being fair-minded and tolerant.
I will be writing to the club to make my voice heard and hope other supporters will do the same.
