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Celtic Diary Tuesday April 11: Have The BBC Bungled Their Investigation ?

Last night, on BBC Scotland, reporter Mark Daly told us of fresh accusations of child abuse at Celtic and other Scottish clubs.

Whilst he must be commended for highlighting the issue, and the victims praised for coming forward, the programme asked a few questions which it failed to answer, and perhaps the production team should have watched a preview before cramming it into the schedules.

In cases such as this, the primary concern has to be for those who are the subject of abuse.

In the programme, some of them were protrayed by actors, some chose to face the camera themselves. Both took a great deal of courage, though it has to be said those in front of the camera were clearly upset and perhaps it would have been better to have used actors consistently.

However, they came across convincingly, and hopefully their brave stance will encourage others. One would like to think  they will now receive proper guidance and counselling in the aftermath of the programme.

Somewhat surprisingly, although I may have missed it, there was a failure to include some kind of helpline for those who have been similarly affected. I shudder to think that there may be others who have had demons awakened  in the wee small hours this morning.

The serious nature of these alleged offences demands a mature and responsible attitude from the makers of the piece, and worryingly, it didn’t seem to be there.

There appeared to be an attitude of lets get it out there as opposed to one of lets be careful how we do this and consider all the possibilities afterwards.

There appeared to be an attitude of getting the story out with a little less concern for those affected. There was , too, a disregard for the legal process in this country.

That worries me.

 

First, the programme dealt with Gordon Neely. Neely died in 2014, which removed any possibility of him defending himself against the allegations.

Neely allegedly notably abused youngsters at Hibernian and Rangers, according to various testaments.

What concerned me about this case was that after he was sacked by Hibernian, he was employed at Rangers. The programme mentioned that no one at Hibernian told anyone at Rangers of the allegations.

What also concerns me is that no one at Rangers thought to check his references with Hibernian, something not mentioned in the programme.

It was as though it wasn’t their responsibility. In fact, it doesnlt seem to be anyones responsibility to check that they are not placing children into the care of abusers.

And according to the rules at the time, it appears that there was no need to check anyway… itself a fundamental fault within the system which even now hasn’t been rectified.  Clubs still do not have to do any background checks on coaches.

For me, this would have been a major focus of the programme.

Paedophiles will infiltrate any organisation, something the BBC should be more aware of than most, and yet this crucial isue was glossed over.

At Celtic, one went to the extreme length of forming a boys club to get nearer his prey..

Jim Torbett, the man sacked by Jock Stein after allegations of abuse at Celtic Boys club, returned in 1980 to continue working with children.

This is inexcusable.

A club fires him for alleged abuse, and then re hires him after the man who sacked him has left.

It’s  inexcusable is that the club did not report their fears to police in 1977, when he was first sacked. In fact, although he was sacked, the programme revealed it wasn’t quite worded in that way…

Again, unforgivable from Celtic.

It got even murkier when it was revealed that there were business links between Jack McGinn, Kevin Kelly, and Torbett that may have influenced the clubs decision to rehire Torbett.

However, in the interests of balance, the BBC should have mentioned that Torbett at this point had not been convicted of any crime, nor was he under investigation.

Thats still not an excuse for re-hiring him, far from it, but it should have been noted by the BBC.

Torbett wasn’t convicted until the late nineties, and even the most rigid of rules could not have prevented him applying for a job with kids in 1980 when he returned.

However, common sense should have.

All clubs should now carry out checks on all staff.

All clubs should now report any suspicions to the police. This is far too serious an issue for the SFA to deal with. It’s far too serious an issue for clubs to deal with.

Its been shown that they would prefer to leave the law out of it, and that is unacceptable.

The biggest failing of all, however, came when presenter Daly cobbled together a scene where he attempted to doorstep Torbett, adopting the style of Rogue Traders or Watchdog when they discover a fellow has been selling overpriced stairlifts to elderly women.

Torbett, of course, wasn’t home.as Daly seemed to know- the  ” he’s still abroad ” comment implying that he already knew that.

Even if he had been, the sight of a camera crew and a BBC van outside might have made him suddenly remember where the kitchen window was.

 

Torbett is facing serious allegations.

I asked Daly on twitter if he had forwarded his dossier to the police, which would allow a proper investigation to take place, and support offered to victims at a professional level. He hasn’t replied as yet, but one hopes that Police Scotland are even as we speak reading through the testaments given on screen, and anything else that may have been left on the cutting room floor.

If he reads this, I’m sure he will give that assurance.

However, and heres the problem.

Whilst programmes like this draw attention to the behaviour of individuals such as Torbett, ho has “vehemently denied ” the allegations, his defence lawyer is now in a position to voice concerns about him receiving a fair trial.

In fact, theres no chance of him receiving a fair trial, and that is because of last nights programme and the repercussions.

The programme was a fantastic idea idea, and it may yet provoke changes within the game that remove -or at least lessen -opportunities for predatory peadophiles, but if the aim was to get Torbett to answer the allegations, , then it may well have done more harm than good.

 

For those of you who use social media, can I ask that you to think before posting anything. Remember the victims might be reading it, and they have been through enough without the ignorant casting their thoughts.

Never mind which club  was employing which predator, the real issue is that anyone employed these  people in the first place. 

It’s shameful and unacceptable they were not reported to the police at the first whisper  of abuse

And it must not be allowed to happen again.

 

 

 

 

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Chris Bhoy
6 years ago

Excellent piece Ralph

6 years ago

It amazes me that no club seems to carry out PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks on the people they hire – this is a requirement in my organisation for ALL staff. Surely anyone employing a person to work with children in any setting should be doing these checks? It is disgraceful that they don’t!!

Celticmikey
6 years ago
Reply to  Cate

The SFA places the requirement on all affiliated clubs, from professional to local boys/girls team,to undertake PVG check. Unfortunately as per usual they have failed to properly audit this process.when the recent allegations emerged they suspended a number of club teams from playing until non PVG checked coaches were put through the disclosure Scotland process.

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Cate

Here in Australia Cate, they have a “Working With Children” check which goes through the police data base, it’s a mandatory check on anyone working with or coming in contact with children ( volunteers etc )However unfortunately recent history here has shown it doesn’t guarantee paedophile cannot & will not infiltrate any organisation which give them access to children.

My thoughts go to all who have been abused, terrible traumatic situation to live with.

jimmybee
6 years ago

A very well put piece sir.
No matter what allegiances to any club the monsters who commit such horrendous crimes deserve the full force of the law to come to them.
I never saw the programme,but can only sigh when it seems to have missed a golden opportunity to help and support the poor victims,who must have suffered terribly.
Of course the bbc was trying to help,but by its own actions may have caused more harm than good.

Chucky
6 years ago

Torbett is dead, so unless Daly went to his grave and dug him up he wasn’t going to get much out of him.

Paul McGovern
6 years ago

Rehired after Jock “left”. Could that be why he was offered Celtic Pools post rather than seat on board. They knew Jock wouldn’t accept it and they could then rehire Torbett. Unthinkable if the case, and unforgivable!

6 years ago

Well put Ralph.

Had a quick check on Disclosure Scotland – voluntary work out of the remit of background checks.

https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/types-of-work-covered-by-pvg/

So who is gonna lead the cleaning up of the games grass roots..sadly I doubt the SFA\SPFL are up to it.

After the SPOTLIGHT exposure in Boston etc, theres no “We didn’t know” defence, time for Celtic to stand up, do whats right and ensure every inch of the clubs involvement with vulnerable kids is made safe in every area the club is involved from youth teams to match days

Sadly the cynic in me is even wondering why this has came out in the same week Dave King is due to make an offer to all shareholders for their shares ( I know, I know, says more about me etc)

Tam the tim
6 years ago

The problem is a massive one. When children are concerned there will always be characters trying to take advantage of parents trust to get at their children. They are very plausible and children, being completely innocent sometimes may think this behaviour is normal. We have the advanced disclosure system here which is designed to stop this kind of thing happening but still it goes on. The problem with football and the directors is that they saw themselves as above even the law and were and still are arrogant enough to see themselves as untouchable. I myself felt that my father had misgivings about a guy who ran the juvenile side I played for. Thankfully he was wrong.
HH

Brencelt
6 years ago

Very well said Ralph. Unfortunately a lot of idiots will use the programme as a vile way at point scoring.

Shame on the perpetrators of this vile crime. Shame too on the point scoring neanderthals

Cartvale88
6 years ago

It’s a sad fact that in the past, this issue did not exist. Look at all the organisations involved in sweeping this under the carpet. Even the BBC were seen to have problems regarding this sadness. The film ‘Spotlight’ covered the problems not only by the hierarchy in the Catholic Church but all of the other organisations that colluded to brush the issue under the carpets, journalist amongst them.
Killed myself laughing that they again smashed the toilets at Abereen, do they have an issue with lavies as that’s where the shit goes?

alan
6 years ago

in Ireland, where we have had significant problems in the past, checks are now mandatory for anyone who is in any way involved with children. in any capacity. voluntary or not.

I do hope that this programme may have softened the cough of a some of the most moronic huns on social media with their relentless paedo patter.

fuckwits..

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  alan

Alan,
Disclosure checks don’t go far enough in my opinion, for example a disclosure check will only show something if you have been caught and your crimes are in the system.
Someone could have a clean disclosure but could be a rampant Paedophile, who has never been caught!

alan
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

but how do you legislate for that? ban adults from contact with children? you have to get references here so if there is any doubt about you, you should be detected. we cant get into a situation where guilt is presumed either.

its a fucking minefield..

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  alan

Alan,
Indeed it is!

Chalkie Orlah
6 years ago

Well said Desimond this has been released with no other reason than to taint all that has been achieved this season as we are on a high going for the treble and tiarthe smsm need to appease the sevconian gullibillied they will use any trash they van dig up.ynwa

BJF
6 years ago

Good piece Ralph, yes Desimond it probably does. The way institutions have ” covered up” abuse says more about them. The Catholic Church’s previous default position was to sweep abuse under the carpet and move abusers so they could start all over somewhere else. Thankfully the Scottish Bishops Conference has begun to resolve this by adopting Vulnerable Persons policies and procedures. Football needs to stop looking the other way and show some energy about abuse proofing the national game. Perhaps Mark Daly’s programme will take this forward, Police Scotland have very sophisticated awareness, training and interventions in this field.

charlie
6 years ago

ile jeest leave this heer clumps puts it better than me

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie
charlie
6 years ago

great article ralph

Monti
6 years ago

Ralph,
Excellent m8!
It’s a source of frustration that victims don’t speak out when these Paedophile scum are still alive, as in the Saville case.
There has to be a more effective line of reporting these abuses and crucially, authorities listening, acting and taking allegations seriously.
Victims must be put first and supported immediately at the point of reporting the abuse.
The Celtic directors of that time, those still alive, should be sat in front of an independant inquiry and answer some strong questions.
No matter what club or church attached to, ALL abuse is completely unnaccetable!

Wisnae me
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

“It’s a source of frustration that victims don’t speak out when these Paedophile scum are still alive, as in the Saville [sic] case.”

Are you fucking kidding me? Victims were speaking out all over the place, but parents, authorities and others in charge refused to believe/care. Fuck sake, Savile was boasting about it on TV and everyone was having a little uncomfortable chuckle about it. The Catholic parents and Irish authorities were convincing and punishing child abuse victims, telling them they were making it up.

Society at large has a huge debt to these people and we should be looking at ways to set up our institutions so that regular people inside them don’t think the institution is more important than any potential scandal, especially places like the NHS, the BBC and religious organisations.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Wisnae me

No i’m not fucking kidding you!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Wisnae me

Wisnae me,
My point was it’s frustrating that some perpetrators of Child sexual abuse, die before they can be brought to justice.
The Saville case i raised was maybe not the best example to use, but in a lot of cases of abuse, victims don’t speak out until it’s too late.

HH

FredCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

your a fucking dick blaming the victims. Where was missus childline when her best mate saville was at it. Turning a blind eye thats where. Thats why saville got away with it npt because of the victims ya total fucking bell end.

FredCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  FredCDobbs

above meant for montit

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  FredCDobbs

Subtitles please….

FrdCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  FredCDobbs
schoosh71
6 years ago

The perpetrators will ‘rot in hell’, but the CLUBS need to take responsibility that these HEINOUS crimes happened on “THEIR” watch and that they didn’t take due care, protection and responsibility with KIDS in their ‘hands’. So sad. HH

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

“The perpetrators will ‘rot in hell’” whut a load of shite. The savilles of this world got off scott free.

If you think there is some ‘after life’ justice, well IMO that’s ridiculous.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  BondiBrian

JESUS LOVES YOU!

The Cha
6 years ago

There is an ongoing investigation into historic abuse in football by both the police and football authorities.

Although there has always been mandatory checks for coaches this didn’t always happen and a drive is underway to ensure that this is in place for all. In the way of these things it’s the smaller local clubs that are suffering, as they can’t afford the fees leading to coaches being barred and teams folding.

As someone mentioned the Catholic church above, I’ll believe it’s changed when it has the confidence of survivors groups and not statements from bishops who were responsible for covering up for historic abuse.

mike
6 years ago

Well said and well written Ralphy.

I never watched last night’s programme on purpose, because I just find this whole issue deeply depressing, your faith and trust in people just becomes diminished. You are always on your guard so as NOT to put yourself in a position, so that your every action is not misconstrued.
To think that their are monsters out there who would be capable of using bairns for there own perverted sexual gratification, just makes me sick and angry. Children are the lifeblood and the future of our society, they should be nurtured and protected. To think that that as a youngster doing the sport or anything for that matter, that they love doing could be affected by this monstrosity, is just disgusting.
We must do everything that we can to protect and encourage our young people, not to overindulge them, but to let them enjoy the innocence of their childhood.

Rebus67
6 years ago

Excellent piece, Ralph! Both rational and emotionally charged. Depending upon age, most of us can probably recall instances of unacceptable behaviour hat was either laughed off, or simply ignored by moving the problem on. I can think of several instances while going through school as a pupil, and also professionally when in the teaching game. Similarly, there were instances in the cubs and also from coaches in sports.
A big part of the reason for non-action was lack of awareness of the seriousness of what was happening. It is no excuse, of course. Another reason for lack of action is often rooted in self regulation. Sport is, largely, left to regulate itself, as are the professions…..medical, teaching, lawyers etc. Many of these are imply not competent, nor aware of the seriousness of abuse. “Oh, just keep away from him!” Is an attitude thst still exists, sadly. When these issues are dealt with at all, there is a tendency to want to deal with them inhouse, when clearly there is a legal case to be answered.
The time has passed when Sport can be left to regulate itself as in the past. The level of corruption and finances involved demonstrate a need for radical changes to governance. Our own SFA is an example of it.

Rebus

Robard
6 years ago

Spot on … this has nothing to do with the colours you wear. Sending out a vigilante clarion call is clumsy at best. All media outlets know this and here is the real moral judgement – they should hang their heads when they deal with a topic as important as this one in such an incomplete and unfinished manner that displays clear bias.
Real and meaningful procedures need to be put in place to safeguard the innocent from this depravity and I don’t just mean getting the government to provide parental supervisors and think that is enough.
Every institution where children and young people are involved need stringent governance that is regularly and appropriately reviewed and subject to severe penalties in the event of a breach. There should be no compromise. These young people will soon be our leaders … lets start building our society based on intolerance of pedophilia and close the vacuum that allows Torbett / Saville / Harris and any of their supporters – regardless of their social status – a place to operate.
Why are the investigation leaders so scared to complete the task in London?
Hugh Davies QC – deputy counsel to the inquiry (December 2015)
Toby Fisher – joint first junior counsel to the inquiry (August 2015)
Elizabeth Prochaska – joint first junior counsel to the inquiry (September 2016)
Ben Emmerson QC – lead counsel on the inquiry (September 2016)
Aileen McColgan – lead barrister on inquiry investigations into the Anglican and Catholic churches (November 2016)
All resigned …. ???

mike
6 years ago

Today is my tribute day to the followfollowing.

Thank you Craig Whyte, for exposing the “Rangers” to perpetual amusement.
Thank you Chuckles Green, for your unashamedly rodgering of the true blues.
Thank you Squinty King for the endless fun and amusement, you are a true leg end.
Thank you Big Mike for putting the pish into punishing the huns.
Many people have paid a lot of cash over the years, in the pursuit of laughs, but those mentioned above have kept my auld ticker going at a fast rate with fun and amusement, we truly are in your debt. hahahahahaha.

charlie
6 years ago

mike heers a message fot the toilet wreckers

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie
mike
6 years ago

Cheers ma dears.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Eh sorry too busy watching Benny Hill’s hero’s.

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago

DID UNA WIN THE CAPTION? >:)

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  ROB O'KEEFFE

Monti

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

BBC One tonight, Panorama. The spy in the IRA. @ 11.45.p.m.

Would that be about Stakeknife, said to be Alfredo Freddie Scappaticci? Its on too late for moi mibbee record it.

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

BY A NOSE? OR AM I CONFUSED? HH

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  ROB O'KEEFFE

tut tut must have eaten a kebab and now he’s repeating himself, ah saiz he is repeating himself.

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago

BY A NOSE? OR AM I CONFUSED? HH

Tenaka Khan
6 years ago

This may be interpreted by some as “another stick to beat Celtic with” but the fact remains that people within our club covered up the rape of little boys. Undeniably, sensibilities were different 40-50 years ago but a number of these people are still around today and they need to answer for their actions.

I always knew that in spite of the vitriol hurled at us by other supporters this was a universal scourge which would eventually include most, if not all clubs. We’re now seeing the evidence of this. Let’s not get dragged down to their gutter level by indulging in whataboutery. Consideration of the victims is paramount at this time.

I would like to see our club lead the way in dealing with this issue openly and without fear or favour.

We should be able to say “We are the Celtic family and we care for our people.”

Or else what is the point of Celtic?

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Tenaka Khan

Correct this is about the victims of this depravity, its not about, club, institution or church and it is certainly not about point scoring. The perpetrators, dead or alive should be identified and held to account, else they the victims cannot move forward. Lessons need to be learned and practices put in place to ensure that these crimes are rooted out as much as is humanly possible.

FredCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  Tenaka Khan

but the fact remains that people within our club covered up the rape of little boys.

I would need to see some evidence before making claims about facts.

mike
6 years ago

Confucius saiz, Everything has it’s beauty but not everyone see’s it.

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Speaking of saiz, whare is Charlie Saiz…or did he change his moniker?

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  BondiBrian

I think he has done a runner, changed his moniker and wears a false nose and wears a moustache he currently uses Monti’s name, cos he talks some pish.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

🙂

Monti
6 years ago

I’m a member of the PVG scheme and had disclosure checks done, through my old work with Capability Scotland, i worked with kids with severe disabilities.
What my concern is tho is that people seem to think if you have a clean PVG/Disclosure then you must be fine?
There needs to be checks carried out BEYOND the disclosure check.

You get so much from assisting these kids lead as normal a life as they can.
One of the funniest moments in this job came as we were on a day out to a local youth center, the task was to put compo into the plant pot and pot a plant.
The kid i was helping had a condition that made the lad shake uncontrollably, he was holding the plant pot as i was trying to fill it with compo, he kept shaking the compo out the pot and we were getting nowhere, so i changed the roles i held the pot while he tried to fill it with compo, only there was no compo going in the pot but thrown all over me.
He couldn’t stop laughing throughout this task, it was funny in a nice way, the guy was happy and that’s all that mattered.

HH

Thewildgoose
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yet you wanted Celtic to sign Adam Johnson not long ago…….

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Thewildgoose

Erm…yes, that wasn’t a serious suggestion tho.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Thewildgoose

Go on…..

Monti
6 years ago

Wee red,
No Racism on here please!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

“Digging” ? is that a reference to slavery?

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Bully boys eh, you hold him da so I can hit him ffs a wee guy you said to probably he was 14 or 15 and your oan about child abuse. Couldnae make it up.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Jimmybee,
Totally agree!

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago

THAT’S RACIST! SIGNED MLK. TIME LAPSE FOR ME. HUNS KEEP COMING UP TELLING ME BR IS GOING TO ARSENAL, I’M TOTALLY…

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago

WE ARE COMRADES ERUDITE MAN,ON THE ONE ROAD,SINGING A SONG

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  ROB O'KEEFFE

Rob you keep shouting out the same pish moaning about the lack of fitba. talk, but you never contribute any meaning full fitba. talk.Now its all about noses and other mince.
Get a fucking grip and stop with the insults or mibbee they will be returned pdq.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
Well said big nose 🙂

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I only let YOU say that because you have met me and know that it is not true, its now becoming BORING.
But whatever floats yer boat. BALDY.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
Take it in good spirit m8, i wouldn’t say or do anything to upset you pal.
You know i mean that!

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

I can take a joke like anyone else,but now it is getting a wee bit tedious.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

No bother i shall from this moment refrain from calling you big nose 🙂

mike
6 years ago

Just dawned on me who Rob is its fatbhoy slim aint it Monti!!!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Nope

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yup, I wondered about the love fest earlier, at first I thought it was Henke but now I know!!!!!!.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Nope.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Thanks Weered,don’t want to talk Pish,I’ll tiptoe through the tulips.It is Klingon,I am from a land beyond the sea though.

Celtic125
6 years ago

You couldnae mark the neck of Scottish Fitbaw wae a blowtorch

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Mike,I only came on earlier and tried to lighten the mood,after all Una has been duped twice now.I asked early on this site,the other day,what team we would put out against Kilmarnock.No-one put forward a team,not even the Erudite Monti.I also pointed out that Brocklebank the other day and how he was denigrating our supporters.I am happy to talk football on here and have meaningful discussions even though people have different views.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Rob,
He knows that, he’s just upset because more and more people in Dundee are installing CCTV camera’s!

Ken

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Here’s one for the Bhoys and Ghirls.If anybody can correctly predict the two scores against Sevco,I’ll give them £100 either directly or through Ralph.I’ll write down every prediction and nom de plume.Hopefully,someone is correct and can use it for themselves or someone in need.Ghood luck.HH

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Ps if I win give mine to the Kano foundation m8.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Rob/Monti…cough,

Cup semi – Celtic 3 Huns 0
League game – Huns 0 Celtic 2

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Cough all you want, but same shit different flies spring to mind, ok MontiRob.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
What on earth are you on about?

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Hi Rob, My predictions for the two games are as follows Semi Final 6 0 league game 2 1 both wins for us btw

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Semi…Celtic 2-1

League…Celtic 4-1

Gie it to the charity of your choice.

Nice gesture Rob. don’t let us doon though.

Tex
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Cup semi Celtic 2 huns 0

league game Celtic 3 huns 0.

Pick any charity,yer a diamond ROB.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Tex

Cheers Tex,you are entered in the “Derbies Prophecies”.Thanks again for your Celtic Scotland Six,it sparked an excellent discussion when brought up in a gathering of Bhoys,those from the Sectarian Speakeasy and others from other diddy teams.HH

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Is the league game official?

jimmybee
6 years ago

So according to Phil the sfa have told sevco to do one.
Their paperwork for a UEFA licence is not acceptable.
I’m surprised they didn’t fill it in for them.
They know we are watching them now,no more lies,favours will be tolerated,they have been warned.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Rob, I think the Hampden game will be the one we show them who’s the boss.
I think 4-1 to the hoops in this.
Ibrokes will be closer as I think we might just tbe playing for the fun of it. 4-2 to the hoops.

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

“think we might just tbe playing for the fun of it” Christ, the day we play that mob for the fun of it is the day the team need a wee word.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Duly noted jimmybee,you are first on the team sheet.HH

Katanes
6 years ago

Just had to add my well done on this. Very good job focusing on what is most important.

deadhead67
6 years ago

when was torbett employed by celtic he ran a boys club that was ,not part of the club

Monti
6 years ago

Dortmund bus bomb attack in Germany tonight!!!!

For fuck sake??

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

It was the Dortmund team bus, no deaths or anything like that but Marc Bartra received an injury to his hand.

Jeez

jimmybee
6 years ago

Terrible news from Dortmund as the team bus gets bombed.
Luckily no one seriously injured, seems like three devices were found near to the team bus. Dortmund fans offering accommodation to Monaco fans for the night as the game is rescheduled for tomorrow night. Class.

mike
6 years ago

A tale of human spirit on bbc2 tonight relevant to Ralph’s piece
today, of 17 members of the Clark family, born in Greenock, of brothers and sisters some sent out for adoption, other’s boarded out, the earliest sibling born in 1937 up until 1957.
True stories of cruelty and depravation and sadly of cover up and the non sharing of documents.
Some 5 of the sibling’s died in infancy, most of the other sibling’s knew nothing about the others, only finding out about them by the perseverance of George, one of the brothers, who sadly died before the final meeting up of the remaining family bar one who could not be traced.
Included was the abuse of some, lives wasted because of hurt and angst, but in truth of spirit and human endeavour, of chaos in their early years. The victims of neglect.
We must do all that we can to ensure that young people are nurtured and protected, well done Ralph for raising this issue of abuse, only by speaking about it and raising it can we learn to do something about it.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Absolutely. Children are very vulnerable, what kind of society lets this shit happen, we must do everything we can to protect them.

mike
6 years ago

In fitba. news, Brendan to get £15 million pounds to strengthen the team, haw haw Barny McGraw, whit’s that I see miles ahead, its the Tic.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

It’s not the amount of money available that’s important, it’s getting the right players on the right deal.
Moussa Dembele being the prime example.
Got him for £500,000 & should receive £35-40m when he goes.
Remember we signed Raphael Scheidt for £5m and he was exactly that…shite.
Kouassi was signed for £3m but i’ve not seen any evidence yet that he is worth that, to be fair it’s a bit early to judge him, but i’d like to see a big performance or two from him before the season ends, just to whet the appetite.

HH

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You understood my point tho….

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Of course money is important, money talks, Sheidt was signed by an unexperienced manager and that is the difference, Rodgers is a manager who if we are honest is a manager in a minor league, it is only because of his love for Celtic that he is here at all.
Celtic won the league with a budget twice the size of the mankies. £15 million is probably twice what our normal budget would be. The Larsson’s and Dembelle’s come along once in a generation. Brendan has added Lee Congerton as chief scout to find the next Continhue’s he will not be available for £3 million, which is usually our highest budget available.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Weered,

It is not feasible to sign another two Dembeles. How would we tell them apart? What would each be called? Dembele 1, Dembele2 etc?

Let’s keep it simple…one Dembele only. Sign a McGonigal…we do not have any of them.

Rebus

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Is Moussa Dembele dieting?

Monti
6 years ago

Ross County v Celtic

Hazard

Gamboa
Boyata
Sviatchenko
Izaguirre

Mackay Steven
Bitton
McGregor
Kouassi

Roberts

Aitchison

Subs: Gordon, Simunovic, Forrest, Armstrong, Dembele.

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

With that selection it’s adios to the invincibles. Anybody watch the barca match last night and think the same as me when they made their first sub gomes i asked myself who’s that,gone are the day’s of Xavi coming on for inesta,puyol off for motta or all 4 in the team at the same time with ronaldhino and Messi up top. For me it will Juve picking up the champs league this season btw Buffons 1000th game a legend of the highest order.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

You can’t have much faith in the players!

portpower
6 years ago

Ralph,well wrote.

Within the echelons of society this disgrace needs to be accentuated.

Though Satan should buffet,though trials should come.

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Weered,the knowledge to deceive knows no time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bezVbPCK5Q8

Nothing,Done Nothing…

jimmybee
6 years ago

How important a strong defence is. Juve showed last night, a strong defensive display from the goalkeeper right through. is the building block for any top class side.Barca are a joke at the back,but will still fancy their chances at home. I still think Juve will need a goal over there to qualify.
Brendan knows that Eric is too slow, Jozo is not fit enough to play every game,so a strong Centre back must be top of his list. Boyata could come right into his own if he keeps progressing,but he still has a lot to learn.Toure being there is a great help to him.
The nucleus of the team for next season is good,but another 3 premiership quality players could take us to the next level.
Let’s hope with Champions league football,we can attract some players like Wanyama and Virgil to come to paradise.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

I agree with most of that jimmy but the last bit, do not bring past players back, bring in new players, new hero’s, but yes you are correct get the defence sorted and strengthen from the back. Then test Messi give him a lifelong season book and offer him cash in the attic, see sorted.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Ross County v Celtic
I think we should start with our strongest 11, no need to make changes until the last half hour or so. The players have plenty of rest before the semi final.
Gordon
Lustig Jozo Boyata Tierney
Brown Bitton
Forrest Armstrong Sinclair
Dembele
Subs Rogic Izzy Gamboa Eric , Roberts Griff. Goalie.

mike
6 years ago

It’s getting very interesting, yesterday video celt’s reported that the SFA had returned Sevco’s application for European fitba, saying that it was incomplete.
Now today we hear that squinty has not replied to the take over panel, although that does not in itself debar them from entering European fitba. it does add more pressure to Sevco and of course the SFA.
So every Tim demands SFA that you do your duty and bar them, then it is entirely possible that lack of resources will bring on liquidation 2. oh happy days are here again, watch as they go down the lavy again, oh happy days, when squinty walks oh when he walks, naw no oreilly he has been a guid laugh, so squinty, please stay, by me!!!!

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,the rumour has it that the SPFL have just allowed the sevconians to play with heated shoulder pads.

sevco campaignionees FC.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

They should wear nappies, blindfolds and gags, so we do not have to watch them see them or hear them and of course smell them.

Viva laport.

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Viva Celtic`s Land…Parish Govan

Hail Hail the Frenzy.

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Clean body memories.HH

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Weered,
there`s no Father like Son here in the monopolist fascist Aussieland since water is still charged as a privilege.

Mystery of the;
why all the single odd sock,solved though.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Help ma boab av just went blind,
come come, come and be joyful down at the auld bull an bush.

mike
6 years ago

Yes, but the promise is NO SEX until the 10 inar is won, so hurry up ffs. Then it could just be a roll on sausage, links of course.

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