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Celtic Diary Thursday November 3: SMSM One Day Strike Latest

The Scottish mainstream sports media went into hiding yesterday after the publication of the UEFA letters which at the very least raise questions about the governance of football in Scotland.

Perhaps its merely a one day strike-mostly on twitter-in protest at pay and conditions.

Frankly , their pay should only be given out on certain conditions, and one of those conditions is to report fearlessly and without favour on any issues that arise within Scottish football.

Thats not happening, and one day, probably in the not too distant future, when journalists are considering offers from Asian or american spots channels to work on their midnight sports broadcasts they will rue the time when the biggest story in Scottish football was handed to them on a plate, and not a single one of them looked between his legs and discovered a pair of danglies there.

Instead, they will hide under their desks, ignore their twitter feed and have a game of Call of Duty, pretending that internet bampots are the bad guys and they are some sort of libertarian defender of the truth.

In reality, neither they nor the papers they write for are , well, worth the paper they are printed on.

With circulations falling and advertising revenues dropping off, one would think they’d grasp at any chance to sell more copies, and yet they don’t.

It’s not that they are suddenly bad reporters, nor that the papers have suddenly dimished in quality.

It’s just that with the advent of social media and other outlets, we are getting to see how inept they’ve always been, and sadly, because there are some good hacks out there, the platform they currently occupy with their news and views is being roded, and they aren’t even trying to prop it up.

The Resolution 12 issue, which will be dealt with in more depth on here next week, as we can now all debate it on an equal footing with the publication of the UEFA letters and a few other things I’ll be releasing in the next couple of days, is set to dominate our thoughts and actions for a while yet.

Why ?

Simply because, as the Clumpany said in his excellent “line in the sand ” piece yesterday, Celtic have had three managers since this issue was raised at an AGm, and yet there has been no movement at the SFA.

That has to change.

There are worries that if supporters were to approach Holyrood then Scottish clubs, and the national team , would be excluded from international competition,

Possibly, but UEFA and FIFA would want to know exactly why the supporters had felt it necessary to approach national government, and the fact that the media and the clubs had not taken it up would indicate the support had no other choice.

Now, were we to email our parliamentary representative, we would find that he/she/ would just ignore it, and hope that it will all go away.

If you thought the SMSM were masters of deflection, these guys are the consumate professionals.

But it needn’t be that way.

Image result for shawshank redemption quotes

From today, if I may ask a favour, every time a journalist, a politician or anyone connected with the sports media, north or south of the border, publishes a tweet, I’d like to ask you to simply reply with

“when are you going to deal with the alleged corruption at the SFA ”

If you can get onto the official twitter feeds of Scottish clubs, ask them the same question.

You’ll get blocked, and so will many others.

At least you won;t have to listen to any more of their shite, and you’ll feel better for it.

Who knows, maybe one of them will have the balls to do something about it.

Resolution 12 isn’t going away, you know.

No matter how much they desire that.

 

You see, if no one stands up for themselves, you get situations where you are taken for granted.

For instance, this is from daviesleftpeg, a blog by a supporter of another club in glasgow…

We all know the claims made by the fake tap supplier Lionbrand; “All Profits Go Directly to Club”. What if that wasn’t true? Where has that cash gone?

Being told by our club not to buy official merchandise Lionbrand step up and offer themselves as a bona fide alternative. Despite proving on previous occasions that the price of the Lionbrand merchandise shows way more profit than the reported “£10 from each jersey goes to the club” fans are still conned into believing their spurious claims. Anyone who has actually asked them to prove those contributions go where they say will be only too aware of this. A question to Lionbrand is usually met with a sarcastic response, no response or a block on Twitter. Time and time again this has been shown to be the case. Bears with a bit of savvy about them know why.

The issue raised itself once again with the release of the club’s accounts last week. A few of us had a good read of those financials and could see no contributions from any alternative, fake tap, supplier. When questions were beginning to be asked the usual suspects appeared to deflect and point fingers at those asking. I even noted Greg fae the pub stating that “Lionbrand had made a contribution and it was already there in the accounts”. Just how and why would he know this? Even called the person asking the pertinent question some sort of conspiracy theorist. Without evidence individuals can make all the claims they want. Fortunately, I’m in the position to supply that evidence.

Who would you chose to believe? Someone making the Blue Pound from fans, a pub making the Blue Pound from the fans or Stewart Robertson? The same Stewart Robertson who is Managing Director of The Rangers.

A very concerned member of our support, lifelong season ticket holder and shareholder contacted me yesterday. Mr Reid had been in contact with the club, over this issue, for a number of months. The letter he received from Mr Robertson says it all;

 

From Stewart Robertson

Kind regards.

Mo 31. Oct 13:07

To Me

Cc Carol Patton

Lionbrand

 

image001.jpg

 

(4.8 KB)

 

Dear Mr Reid

 

Further to your recent enquiries regarding Lionbrand, there is no way for me to advise on this query as we simply do not collect information in a manner that could enable me to comment with any accuracy.

 

The club has no connection or agreement with Lionbrand and I would suggest that any queries as to how they use their funds be directed to them.

 

 

 

 

Stewart Robertson

Managing Director

 

Oh dear, it seems the press are not the only ones who want the blue pound.

Wonder if they’ll cover this story ?

In fact, one wonders of they cover any stories that may be even slightly controversial ?

 

If you don;t want to end up like the gullibillies, and we are of different stock over here, then get onto the relevant authorities.

At the very least, the questions raised in the UEFA letters need to be addressed.

Otherwise the reporters covering the Scottish games will probably be the only ones in the stadium, and no one will be reading what they write.

 

 

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Devoy45
7 years ago

Again, excellent, well done. Ace reporting by Ralph Malph, who leaves the MSM in the dust.

CarlJungleBhoy
7 years ago

“The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall” – Che Guevara . Time to shake the tree Celtic!

The resolution is not going away – Ralph & Others #RES12

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  CarlJungleBhoy

Carl,
Quality!

charlie
7 years ago

i just had a thought there …..a know ha ha but if fifa tell the sfa that scottish teams will be banned from europe if they wear the poppies oan the shirts for the england game the sfa would be delighted to fuck celtic up for champions league money the gap must be closed somehow

maryhillbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Charlie I would imagine that if the SFA managed to get Celtic banned from the champions league over the Poppy issues the club lawyer would be all over the issue like a dog in heat. The club is a commercial business (at least in part) the SFA have legal responsibilities.

charlie
7 years ago
Reply to  maryhillbhoy

maryhill ime only saying they are worth the watching

CarlJungleBhoy
7 years ago

^ SHAKE the tree (Doh) LOL@myself

CarlJungleBhoy
7 years ago

The title of the article reminds me of that “3 strikes and you’re out” rule. If that applied – metaphorically speaking – to the SMSM, they’d already have died – just like the “club” they’re attempting to protect with their conspiracy of collusion, obfuscation and death denial mythology

mike
7 years ago

IF the SFA do nothing,despite the UEFA letters.
The SMSM will do nothing and try to deflect this from appearing.
The BBC.our National Broadcaster,publicly funded,turn a blind eye.
The STV Broadcaster,also turns a blind eye,because of commercial ye ups.
Worst of all The CELTIC BOARD turn a blind eye and have had three years to address this issue WHY?
Then it is up to the Celtic Supporters,to lead the way forward,How?
By contacting there respective clubs to determine if there is any stomach to take this forward,if not then what?
FUCK ALL,we just make sound bites and allow it to carry on.
or we find ways to advertise this corruption and fight back.
Did i say good Diary AGAIN Ralphy,well done you.and the RES 12 BHOYS,they had the cahonies.well done them.

mike
7 years ago

If they are so intransigent over the poppy display,who was it that determined it HAD to be played on Rememberance Sunday.
Could the date not be moved to an other day,or did commercial interests dictate that it had to be on that day only?
If it is for commercial reasons,then they should be ashamed of themselves.

charlie
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

mike the poppy thing should be a personal choice there are probably players on both sides who dont want to wear it but after seeing the shit mc clean gets are afraid to say the fas should not be putting them in that position

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  charlie

My point charlie is i can not remember International games going on on Rememberance Sunday,could the game not be played on no other day?
If it could be then some one is at it,perhaps Sky dictating when the game is played.
Is it not on Friday on STV if so the poppy debate is rubbish,a deflection.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike/Charlie,
If the Poppy solely represented those list in WWI and WWII there would be no problem.
But they have made it synonymous with ALL conflicts, including N.I.!

James Maclean is right, get their poppy to fuck……and their fleg!
Tiocfaidharla!

charlie
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

mike they are trying to set a precident rules are for johnny foreigner

EddieJungle
7 years ago

What are the supporter organisations views on this? the CSA, the Affiliation, the Trust, etc?
Are they involved?

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  EddieJungle

I said much the same above Eddie,we should contact all elements of the support for there views,if they do want to continue to fight this,then we could all bring almighty pressure on the Tic. Board to get seriously involved,instead of hiding.

Honest Hoops
7 years ago

Funny how the SEA can move fast when it wants too, the poppy saga, but will turn a blind eye to the it incompetence and quite clear corruption, well done to all on the research required to expose the res 12 findings, I for one will support this 100%, I hate dismissive people / organisations…

mike
7 years ago

Is there a list of the Celtic Supporters Affiliations to gather views on taking this forward,if there views are positive then present a unified protest to the Board,to DEMAND action.
UEFA and the SFA will only act if the Celtic Board move this forward by contacting them on our behalf.
If we do nothing then the game in Scotland is fucked and as we know heavily weighed to one team and this will continue.
I would be willing to contribute to this,so will many others if we are unified.

Monti
7 years ago

Afternoon Ralph and fellow Tims,
This is the time to go after the SFA once and for all, every last drop of our energy must see this through until Justice is delivered on those who cheat us, namely the SFA!
All we fucking want is a level playing field for fuck sake, is it too much to ask?

FUCK THE SFA!

7 years ago

Good Afternoon.

Thanks for the mention! Here is the piece in question…
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2016/11/02/resolution-12-the-line-in-the-sand/

Keep up the good work!

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  The Clumpany

The clumpany,
And the same to you sir!!
HH

7 years ago
Reply to  The Clumpany

Clump, ah enjoy yer site. Keep it up. Ralph, you are much more of a journalist than any redtop “writer”. HAIL HAIL.

Monti
7 years ago

Ralph Malph,
There is a major question to be asked that affects not only Scottish football but the entire footballing community worldwide, a question so pivotal to the games very future, that makes me wonder why no one else has asked it.
That question is this……….when is the next etims night out? 🙂

Auldheid
7 years ago

An interesting take on the 5 Way Agreement v UEFA.

https://www.sfm.scot/peace-not-war/?cid=151625

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Auldheid

Auldheid,
How are you Bertie? 🙂

Monti
7 years ago

Hugh67,
Are you still alive sir?

Wisnae me
7 years ago

Wouldn’t it be great if the “Lionbrand” had been set up by someone to actually fund the stiffed creditors of the original club (In Liquidation)?

andybhoy
7 years ago

Caption…..

Whiteout.

andybhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

…. bit like the Celtic board on Res 12.

kris
7 years ago

Anyone remember this site used to be about actual fitba ?

7 years ago
Reply to  kris

There is no fitba if its corrupt.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  kris

Kris,
It is about the football and those who are corrupt in the game.

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  kris

Kris fitba is more than simply the game played on the pitch. It is how it is governed, financed, marketed and presented as a fair game where the skill of one team is matched against the skills of another. The governing body is there to ensure without fear or favor an even playing field for all clubs. If they fail to do that it affects fitba and cheapens it. If they allow cheating, it undermines same rules for all. If they actively collide to promote the interest of one club overall it really does affect everything about fitba so that we can no longer trust of have faith in the integrity of the game. I would say this is very as much about fitba as having opinions on players managers and playing systems

Uralius
7 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

Pish!

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Uralius

And it’s pish because …..

jimmybee
7 years ago

There is no fitba if its corrupt.

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Apparently Jimmy corruption is pish

Pensionerbhoy
7 years ago

Ralph,

Top notch piece as is The Clumpany’s, especially his challenge to the Celtic board. I have to confess to being not a little embarrassed by its silence. I wish I had the energy and the courage to do what you guys do. Thank you all for being our voice in an ear-plugged arena.

H H

Big Shuggy
7 years ago

I am not on twitter but noticed this guy. He puts a load of good points about the poppy polis and then mentions games that Engerland have played,either on or the day before or after armistice day. They had no poppys displayed on these occaissions. it has been completely hijacked by others with ulterior motives in recent years.

Kevin Maguire ‏@Kevin_Maguire 11h11 hours ago
England played 10/10/01 Armistice Day eve. WW1 veterans alive. More from WW2. No poppies. 2016: manufactured row

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Kevin Maguire ‏@Kevin_Maguire 12h12 hours ago
England last played on Armistice Day 11/11/87. WW1 veterans alive. More from WW2. No poppies. 2016: manufactured row

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Big Shuggy

I agree Remembrance Day which was for world wars and more for World War One has been hijacked as a test of “nationalism” rather than for the memory of people who gave their lives in the world wars. I see no need for any team to display it unless they wanted to and no need to wear one unless you wanted to. This is a relatively new thing. I remember a few people wearing poppies when I was young and certainly it had nothing to do with football games. This chap McGuire is doing a good job. I think wearing a poppy is a personal choice and has no place on football shirts

Rebus67
7 years ago

I see Dundalk are drawing away to Zenit. They have had good results this season. Any of their players worth looking at? The two CBs and two of the mids seem in the correct age range to be worth evaluating….i.e. Around 23-25.

Rebus

mike
7 years ago

We all look forward to new players arriving in January,but who is going out the door?
Four Goalkeepers.
Eleven Defenders.
Ten Midfielders.
One Attacking Mid.Sinclair.
Five attackers.
That is a total first team squad of 31.

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

I think…
Bailly
Ambrose Boyata Ralston
Commons Bitton Allan
Ciftci

Monti
7 years ago

Ambrose-out
Boyata-out
Mackay – Steven – loan
Ciftci- out
Commons – out
McGregor – loan
De Vries – out

(January)

Bitton- out ( at end of season )

mike
7 years ago

Plus Commons,regretably.

Plus Allan, forgot about Scot.

Its to early i believe to let Boyata go,as back up only.

He still needs DeVries to put pressure on Gordon.

mike
7 years ago

Suprized that you said Ralston Charlie.

Saidy Janko,is still on loan.

Also he mentioned that he will let young Ajer go out on loan.

So to sum up perhaps some 4/5 players might leave in January,with perhaps, two new midfielders and a striker brought in,mibbee another centre back or a right back?

mike
7 years ago

My take on it.
Goalkeepers, Logan Bailly.
Defenders, Efe Ambrose, Saidy Janko.
Midfielders, Kris Commons, Gary Mackay-Steven.
Attackers, Cifti.
Six squad players who COULD leave or be loaned back out.
It brings the squad down to 25 plus additions.

Al Bundy
7 years ago

The great Upton Sinclair said “It is difficult to get a man to understand something,when his salary depends on his not understanding it” Great foresight regarding the SMSM,I think!!!!

7 years ago
Reply to  Al Bundy

Am, have yi read the Jungle? Fantastic read.

mike
7 years ago

Here was my list,posted missing.

Bailly.

Ambrose,

MacKay-Steven.

Cifti.

mike
7 years ago

They say that it takes a new Manager three transfer windows to finally have his own team,the good news is that Brendan looks and sounds that he may be here for some time.
Get the SFA sorted then mibbee we will have our sport back on an even keel.

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