Celtic Supporters Thread (contains GB chat)

Arguments getting stupid now and mani's comments are getting blown way out of proportion. No need to put words in peoples mouths.

I like the GB as much as anybody else, but mani is right in saying that there will be consequences for wrong doings, they aren't immune from that because they create a great atmosphere.

The treatment they receive is out of order and the police and maybe more so the club are totally out of order but the GB do occasionally go to far with bangers etc. the people letting them off must know be aware of the consequences of getting caught. Also they must also be aware of the added attention they will bring to the group.

If you're fellow supporters are being persecuted and harassed by the law surely the last thing you wanna do is set off bangers?

 

The actual MSP who drafted the Bill, which is at the forefront of this whole campaign, stated it was motivated by the need to 'even things up'. Does it get any clearer than that?!

And if I'm correct in saying, this came after reports the already existing legal legislation relating to sectarianism provided results which painted a picture of Scotland having a rather shameful anti-Catholic and anti-Irish culture. Perhaps I'm wrong, but is it not even the case that the Catholic Church in Scotland asked for the facts and figures of crimes and convictions relating to sectarianism, only to be told by the Scottish Government that the records had been lost and/or destroyed? All rather 'convenient' I'm sure you'd agree, particularly when you consider the recent legislation and campaign that has been introduced since?

 

Pretty damning statement from the GB.

there is a lot hearsay in it mind you that I would mind getting clarified but I have no reason to disbelieve them. What would they have to gain by making all of that up?

I think the silence of the club in support of the GB speaks volumes for how they view the section and it's members.

I'm interested to see the clubs response to this.

 

It will be the usual "club rubbishes GB claim" response - then everything will be hunky-dory again........no questions asked.

 

Aye, you're right, she did say that.

I don't think it's got anything to do with this though. Why aren't random people would be getting arrested all over the stadium.
Just a bit odd that the GB are the only target in their balancing out act.

 

How much easier is it to justify arrests of an 'ultras' group who are anti establishment than just a random person.

You can't just arrest anyone, you need to have a way to cover it up and manipulate figures to suit your agenda.

 

True. And I'm sure setting off flares doesn't help them out much here.

I just don't believe this has anything to do with an Catholic crack down, that's all.

 

It would be sad if the G.B folded

 

I'm gonna be honest and say i'm not 100% sure what being Catholic has to do with it? I don't remember seeing anybody bring religion in to it before. I mean, how would they know who is Catholic and who is not?

 

Are you serious?!

The Green Brigade are perhaps the most vocal and colourful section of the Celtic support. Added to that they are viewed by many as being a relatively young and politicised group, and in a society (with a media) where the rather moronic view that 'Irish rebel songs=sectarian/bigoted/bad' is quite widely held, it should come as no surprise why they are the targets.

Edit: I'm sure there are Celtic supporters who have fallen victim of this discriminatory campaign who have nothing to do with the Green Brigade.

 

No. If you're charged with something you're charged with something whether a court finds you guilty or innocent. Some people are trying to suggest that police are arresting GB members for no reason - that isn't true. I agree the zombie banner was inoffensive and they shouldn't have been arrested for it. That doesn't mean the police were outwith the law to arrest them though. If they feel something is offensive they are allowed to arrest people. That's how the law works.

 

As far as I'm aware the GB have distanced themselves from every flare or smoke bomb let off since at least the CDSA statement.

This is becoming another problem especially at away games. The GB are a relatively small group and when a fan not affiliated with them does something it is immediately attributed to the GB.

 

It is not just the Green Brigade that are being targeted but if you want to intimidate Celtic supporters and make everyone toe the line. ( Stop calling "huns- huns" or zombies- zombies or singing Irish songs) then that would be the obvious place to start.

I don't know anyone in the Green Brigade or know that much about them. I stood up twice yesterday for "stand up for the Green Brigade" but what I was actually doing was standing up against Celtic supporters being criminalised for supporting Celtic. whether they are in the Green Brigade or not.

 

Are you advocating this, or saying this is what is happening currently?

 

I think what we really need is to get the entire Celtic support involved, firstly to show everyone how much the GB mean to the wider support and get behind them, and secondly to keep everyone in the loop. I know the group were wanting a meeting with Lenny and Lawwell, I think it would be great if the meeting could be attended by ordinary fans as well, to allow them to air their views, hear the views of the club and polis and to show that this isn't an issue which just affects one small group, isolated within the support. The group represent what a lot of fans stand for and a lot of what the club's history and tradition is all about. They're vital to matchdays and to target them is to target the Celtic support as a whole.

 

Theres nothing wrong with calling them huns/zombies


The Huns Are Zombies.

 

I am saying that is what Celtic and the police are doing now. Charging people for the Zombie banner trying to stop people singing Boys Of The Old Brigade, Read The Roll Of Honour, The Celtic Symphony.

Trying to intimidate Celtic supporters for no reason. ( And as I said not just the Green Brigade)

 

Sorry as that has been picked up twice. I obviously worded it poorly. I was referring to the ridiculous charges that came from the Zombie banner at Norwich and the attempts to criminalise Celtic supporters for singing Irish Republican songs.

 

Then we are both in full agreement

 

ah i see mate, yes i agree, very ridiculous!