Fortunately those of you who are not from Scotland will probably have no idea what I am on banging on about today.
I'm talking about the scourge of sectarianism which once more has raised it's ugly head.
While undoubtedly a societal problem which is prevalent in the West of Scotland it manifests itself most often among the fans of the two main Glasgow football teams Celtic and Rangers.
In the last week Kilmarnock footballer Kris Boyd (a Protestant) has been subjected to sectarian abuse from Celtic supports and then Killie manager Steve Clarke ( a Catholic) was the butt of sectarian abuse from Rangers fans.
He had the courage to speak out about it and rightly pointed out that it belongs to the Dark Ages
Sadly Kris Boyd felt it was water of a duck's back given that it happens so often.
There has been the usual handwringing, buck passing and whataboutery. A lot of talking and very little action.
The harsh truth is that both of the Old Firm may deliver platitudes but they have a vested interest in ensuring that it continues as it represents a significant cash cow for both of them.Those of you who think that the Scottish Football Association will do anything like levy fines or dock points are living in cloud cuckoo land.
The vast majority of folk go around their business without getting involved in this nonsense. Sadly the knuckle draggers are not going away any time soon.
Ballboy - The Sash My Father Wore
A fine set of words CC - You are right though, too engrained to go anywhere soon, and shameful indeed.
ReplyDeleteWay back in the 1960's, the great Hamish Imlach did a song about Rangers and Celtic fans called "The Derry & Cumberland Boys" and one of the verses neatly sums up the problem:
ReplyDelete"When asked what they think o religion
They'll say "Aw religion's aw right"
But these guys are only religious
When they want an excuse for a fight"
50 years and more later, nothing has changed. And successive Scottish Governments, politicians of all parties, church leaders, Scotland's various football authorities and others in positions of influence just pay lip service to combatting religious bigotry in Scotland.
Unfortunately, as an outsider many thousands of miles away, I know more about the off-field antics than I do the football. As a sometime follower of Airdrie (thanks, Drew!), this garbage popped up even when they played at Celtic in cup action back in January. A real shame.
ReplyDeleteDisgraceful that this nonsense is still going on in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteYes, good sentiments there. It's pathetic isn't. 2019 too. I was aware of Ballboy but hadn't realised the strength of their lyrics. Worth a revisit I reckon. I hope that 'my' Scottish team Stenhousemuir, who I've followed since the '60s aren't a pariah club too. Living down here in the deep south I'd simply never know.
ReplyDelete