Published on 7 December 2013
It’s the media. It’s the PLC. It’s Peter Lawwell. It’s the soup-takers, the pantywetters, the bloggers. Clearly it’s everyone but the troublemakers who are to blame for the trouble that is following the Celtic support around these days.
This problem has been brewing for a while. The NoPyroNoParty Brigade, alongside the freedom fighters who haven’t yet spotted a peace process over in the Six Counties, are just a cut above the rest of us, of that they are convinced. It’s a We Are The Ultraz mentality of superiority and disrespect.
But be assured of one thing: these people are a tiny minority. A vocal minority, particularly if you observe them on Twitter, but they are small in number and their days are running out.
No more excuses.
Seats are not broken as a consequence of celebrating goals, even if Kris Commons is on fire and Celtic are putting on a show. Football games, particularly the last two that Celtic fans have enjoyed, are thrilling enough without a side order of smoke bombs, and I’m sure Fraser Forster could do without them, not to mention disabled Celtic fans who have spoken out about their fears.
And while we’re on the topic of hot debates within the Celtic support, this idea floating around that Celtic is somehow dishonouring its Irish roots unless the club and fans shut up and accept IRA chanting at football stadiums is disingenuous and self-serving for those who see a football game as an opportunity for a kid-on battle.
There is a peace process in Ireland. The people of Ireland do not want a return to the days of The Troubles, and when they remember and respect the memory of their dead, I’m sure it’s done far more effectively outside of a football stadium.
But back to Friday night, and there is clear evidence that Fir Park stadium was vandalised by Celtic supporters. Read that sentence again, and if it fills you with the anger it fills me with, it’s time to raise your voice louder than the louts.
For months, the arrogance of the Nopyronoparty Ultra Rebelz has been boiling over. A chunk of these ‘fans’ outrageously attempt to excuse what they’re doing by labelling themselves as ‘persecuted’ by the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act, thus making a mockery of the campaign against it.
To be clear, the campaign against the OB Act is about civil rights, it’s not a show of support for vandalism or any other unwelcome acts.
It’s time for a zero tolerance policy on this nonsense. Then we can all get back to the football, the Celtic way.
Angela Haggerty 
Well said Angela. This needs to stop.
Excellent article Angela.
Full of the common sense that many of these vandals sadly lack.
We have seen this disturbing growth of an ultra “clique” within the fanbase recently. Their behaviour has damaged the club and hurt our reputation in Scotland and abroad.
It’s a shame because they don’t represent any part of the Glasgow Celtic. This club is open to all and welcome to everyone. It’s not for a select few.
Nothing associated with Celtic should feel closed off. Nor should it be aggressive and hateful. The “they don’t like us, we don’t care” attitude that some Rangers fans sing, and we mock, is remarkably similar to the words I have seen by some who condone the neddish behaviour.
I don’t believe any supporter is better than the next. But I know who Celtic, the club, would rather have following the team. The fan that has a good time, loves football, creates an atmosphere yet stays within the law and acts civilly to others.
That’s not a lot to ask. It’s easy to do.
If you can’t behave, then the club has the right to deny you the privilege to see the team.
Agreed, what should be done about them though? How are they still getting tickets? Why is nothing being done at the time of the vandalism?
Spot on, Angela. This self indulgent nonsense must stop.
The people that sing the songs don’t have a clue about Ireland every decent Irish person wants peace.it kills me inside when I hear the songs because Celtic was set up to help the poor and feed the children.these people are trying to destroy our club they pretend to love the club well if they did they would not drag its name down like they are doing.I hope celtic do close down 111 because they have already been warned concerning other behaviour.the club comes first and there is no place for people who are to stupid to understand they are ruining the clubs reputation world wide.hail hail.
The damage was done by vandals, not ultras.
@Leo Grimes what song do the green brigade sing that states a return to violence in the 6 counties , as far as I know they sing the roll of honour that does not state violence just singing in memory of 10 brave men
“No place for people to understand that they are ruining the reputation of the club worldwide.” Stop being so melodramatic! Celtic have a reputation that was built up over many years, a few vandals are hardly going to ruin the reputation of the Celtic support in general. It’s football, where thousands upon thousands attend, you are always going to get a few isolated incidents now and again. You expect rowdiness, trouble or violence to rear it’s head now and again. You have to be realistic. It doesn’t make it right, but sometimes…shit happens. If you demand a quiet afternoon or evening entertainment, may i suggest a visit to the cinema, you can rustle your sweetie wrappers there.
These morons are ruining the reputation of our club they are not Celtic supporters and make ‘real fans’ absolutely sick to our stomaches, if Celtic or the police do not get rid of these clowns it will come down to self policing and do not rule out a ;Bhoys against the brigade movement;. the last thing we want at Parkhead is a divided support but unless action is taken that is what will happen!!!!! at the end of a week when genuine Celtic fans took a battering at the hands of the dutch police they roll out a Bobby Sands banner, a glorious chance to unite behind these guys and help restore our reputation abroad was lost only to be followed by the destruction of Fir park a fortnight later, they have to go and the sooner the better!!!!!
I’m equally horrified by the William Wallace banner, I mean why him,what’s that all about?
I don’t rate Mel Gibson as an actor.
Totally agree would love to see celtic supporters united and this loud minority either be part of the celtic family or take their politics elsewhere, isn’t it strange when the team was poor the supporters where brilliant now the team are performing well a part of the support are let’s say POOR
I agree with your post fair enough. So I’ve heard though it wasn’t the Official green brigade that had done this.. It was folk behind their banner because it was a friday night game they obviously couldn’t fill their whole section at Fir Park so there for had too sell tickets to a first come first served offer. I’m on the GB side.
If everyone is so keen to keep Politics out of football, firstly i suggest you read some history of Celtic Football Club and secondly, i’d rather walk away and never return to Celtic Park that give up Politics. Politics are more important than Celtic. Always have been always will be. To say “no politics in football” is just so very very naive and ignorant.
Eloquently put and 100% accurate. Most Celtic fans are sick of the “fans groups” who seem to think they’re better than us and bigger than the club. (Yes, I DO mean the Green Brigade)