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Celtic Diary Sunday September 9: Expert Points Out The Obvious

The powerful investigative force that is the Scottish sports media sweep into action this morning, as the Sunday Mail highlighted the crush in the Janefield underpass at last Sundays Glasgow derby..

So, bloke who wasn’t at the game, has no access to cctv footage and presumably hasn’t spoken to anyone who was, can now tell us what went wrong..

This should be good.

Crowd expert says only luck stopped fans dying in Celtic crush before Rangers game

Anyone who was there would agree.

Professor Dr Keith Still says three times the safe amount of fans were packed into a concourse due to organisational failures that put supporters’ lives at risk. 

Fair enough. Anyone who was there would agree.

Only good luck prevented fans dying in the crush before last week’s Old firm match at Celtic Park, ­Britain’s leading crowd safety expert has said.

Professor Dr Keith Still said ­catastrophic organisational failures had put supporters’ lives at risk.

Professor Still examined video and photo evidence, fans’ testimonies and visited Celtic Park ­following the chaotic scenes last Sunday.

He said it was clear “three times” the safe amount of fans were packed into a concourse behind the ­stadium’s North Stand ahead of ­kick-off. 

So, he’s seen the same videos and read the same things that we all have, and has concluded the same thing that everyone else did last Sunday teatime.

Which is why the Celtic Trust and others took their concerns to the Celtic, and as a result of this, there is now a full, independent inquiry under way.

Still, who is originally from ­Aberdeen, is widely regarded as the UK’s leading expert in crowd safety. 

Well, he can certainly spot a problem.

And he was quite blunt about what it was…

He said the level of fans at the spot at Janefield Street, where the North Stand overhangs the road, was “clearly dangerous and a significant risk to life and limb”. 

We know.

The professor of crowd ­science at Manchester ­Metropolitan ­University said ­“questions must be asked and ­lessons must be learned” over what caused the ­terrifying incident, which left five fans hurt. 

We know. And they are.

Dozens of supporters scaled a fence and climbed into the cemetery next to the ground as panic swept through the crowd. 

Image result for woah gif

Panic ?

One of the reasons, to my mind, that there wasn’t a disaster is that the crowd did not panic.

Someone hasn’t paid enough attention to the witness statements…

One man suffered a ­broken wrist in the jam involving thousands of home fans ahead of the game in which Celtic beat Rangers 1-0.

New segregation ­arrangements were in place and police and Celtic are investigating.

The club announced on Friday they have drafted in safety consultants to review arrangements and carry out their own inquiry.

Still said: “Photographic and video evidence from the incident shows people physically in contact with one another.

“It shows the safe limit of fans has been grossly exceeded. It’s clearly a dangerous situation.

He’s good, isn’t he ?

“At low density, people filter through safely.

“If the density is too high, there’s nowhere for them to go and, as in this case, it’s a serious risk to life and limb.

“And if the input of fans exceeds the throughput – as appears to be the case here – it means there’s no way out for fans and it’s highly ­dangerous. The density of fans appears to be six to seven ­people per square metre – three times the maximum safe level of about two per square metre.

“The person who’s in the control room should have CCTV images or a vantage point high enough to be able to assess this.

“At too high density, any trip, slip or fall means people do not have the opportunity to react safely – and this can have a catastrophic effect. 

No shit ? Really ?

He’s worth every penny, this guy.

“It’s just luck that the outcome wasn’t worse. Fans were climbing up fences to get away.

“This shows people were feeling a significant risk to life and limb.

“This area should never have become overcrowded in the first place.

“We need to know what ­precise decisions were made to move two sets of fans together in this confined space in this way. This was something I would consider to have been an ill-informed crowd management situation.

“One of the causes of accidents – right up to the level of mass fatalities – is a failure to ­understand the design limits of a location. I would put this incident in this category. You need to know you ­cannot put that many people in such a confined space.

“As an expert witness in such cases, I’d be looking for the police logs, witness accounts and CCTV footage. The risk assessment itself needs to be looked at. What have the club done to prevent overcrowding to this extent in that area? 

“That is where the safety ­investigation should begin.”

Er, thats kind of what the independent inquiry is going to do, the one commissioned last week.

 

What concerns me about this report is not the sensationalism, as we are all well aware of how serious the situation was last week, but there is something missing.

Ah, maybe its in the next bit…

“The section of the ground has areas like two large funnels at either end but this is fine as long as the crowd flow and density are ­regulated.

“I think someone has not been aware of the consequences of ­allowing two such large groups of fans into this area from either side in this manner.

“There’s definitely been a failure to understand the risk in that area at the ground. 

Go on…

What happened on Sunday was dangerous but it was predictable and preventable. It’s only good ­fortune which prevented fatalities.

“I feel it’s important to ask ­questions, speak about these cases and learn lessons.

“It has been said that ‘those who do not remember the past are ­condemned to repeat it’. It’s now about working out what happened to stop it happening again.” 

Nearly there…

“From video evidence, it appears there are no barriers on either side and police horses do not appear to be regulating crowd flow.” 

And there we have it, right at the end…

Yes, you were under the impression I was perhaps not taking this guy seriously.

I am.

His professional reputation is at stake here, and there was no way he was ever going to go along with any agenda that presumes guilt on behalf of Celtic. Thats not to say if the club are at fault we should not demand action to address the fault, but it is to say we should keep an open mind until the investigation is concluded.

Apart from that one line, which he probably insisted was included, there is no mention of any possible police failings, including the change in procedure for the game.

One thing we have learned over the years is that we cannot trust the media to be impartial when it comes to Celtic, and this report, which has highlighted a genuine problem, has not looked at it in a wide enough perpsective to , for want of a better phrase, to be considered of any value to any investigation.

Although, as Still’s credentials in this field are as good as anyones, and there is no suggestion otherwise, perhaps the investigation might like to consider asking him to elaborate on that last line, and to factor in the changes made to pre match crowd control.

This morning, I get the feeling he might not be overly pleased with the way his thoughts have been presented.

 

It’s international weekend, and Scotland faced Belgium on Friday night, and there was certainly little chance of overcrowding, as no one seemed to give a toss and stayed home to watch the telly instead.

Scotland lost 4-0 and manager Alex McLeish has had a start to his management stint that truly reflects his abilities.

He’s got it all to do in the tricky European Nations League-it might be called that, I can’t be arsed checking. If Scotland have agreed to play Israel while that country is going around murdering innocent children then the SFa have finally pushed me over the edge from complete indifference to downright hostility.

He has said that he’s going to utilise the talents of alan MacGregor of “rangers ” in goal..and yet in doing so has opened up another can of worms, that one that suggests that one particular club, and its successors, is not subject to the same rulings as the others…

The Telegraph, April 3, 2009…

Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor banned for life from playing for Scotland

Rangers players Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have been banned from representing Scotland, the Scottish Football Association have confirmed.

Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, were axed from Scotland’s starting line-up for the World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Wednesday night following a late-night drinking session after the defeat in Holland on Saturday.

The pair returned to club duty but were sent home from club training on Friday as punishment after photographs emerged of the team-mates making ‘V’ signs while sat on the sidelines at Hampden Park.

A statement on the Scottish FA website read: “Following on from the events of the past week – and specifically the last 48 hours – the Scottish FA has today confirmed that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for International selection by Scotland.

“The decision was taken following further discussions today between the National Team Manager and the Scottish FA Chief Executive.

“This action has been taken in the best interests of the squad, the fans and the country. Everyone is determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from this goal.” 

Scotland manager George Burley had stated initially after his team’s win over Iceland that Ferguson would retain the captaincy but few people expect the midfielder, who has been capped 45 times, to reach his ambition of making a half-century of appearances.

Ferguson and McGregor had initially been ordered home once their misbehaviour was brought to Burley’s attention but they were allowed to stay with the camp after apologising to the manager.

However, the emergence of the players’ gestures during the midweek match – and the public reaction to it – has forced drastic action to be taken.

Both players issued an apology for their actions and spoke of their disappointment that their international careers are now over.

Burley was sacked in November of that year, and when discussing a replacement, then SFA chief Gordon Smith said that, regarding the lifetime ban the SFA had handed MacGregor and Ferguson..

I’m sure the new manager will have licence to pick who he wants.

 

Smith, the day before the ban was announced, had been right behind Burley…(The Times, April 2 2009 )

Gordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish FA (SFA), has refused to support the decision of George Burley to drop Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor for yesterday’s World Cup qualifying match against Iceland. Smith met Burley after the game and asked him to justify the omission of the Rangers duo, whom the Scotland manager allegedly caught indulging in a late-night drinking session at the team hotel last weekend. 

Asked before the match if he backed Burley, Smith was noncommittal. “He has made a decision and I know exactly why he has done it: he’s told me his reasons,” Smith said. “I’m going along with that just now. After the game has passed, George and I will sit down and discuss what has happened in the last few days and review the situation and how it’s been dealt with.”

Smith revealed that Burley did not consult him or the SFA board over the matter. “We weren’t involved in the decision at all,” Smith said. “It’s George’s decision how to deal with it. He has to deal with behaviour and any sanctions that are taken. He also picks the team 100 per cent. It’s his decision whether the players are away from the squad. We have to give him autonomy in that respect. But we’ll be reviewing the situation – I’ve told George that.”

Smith suggested that the manager was unlikely to alter his stance on the matter. Pressed on what he intended to ask Burley, he replied: “What happened; what the situation was in terms of players; whether players have acted in a certain way; if the players’ behaviour wasn’t the type of behaviour you’d expect from international players who are on duty. He’s told me his reasons but we’ll just decide whether it was the best [decision] and George knows that. I’m pretty sure he’ll stand by what he’s done because he’s a strong character and I think that he feels he’s done the best thing.

“The players have apologised. Every manager has to deal with disciplinary matters. Sometimes the managers can go the full way and act very strongly. And on other occasions the manager can sometimes see a situation as being over once an apology has been made. Maybe he just wants to keep the team spirit as it is without making any drastic changes.”

 

Apart from anything else, what the fuck has team selection got to do with Smith ?

Unless the two players had gone running to him asking for him to intervene ?

Friends in high places ?

Might also explain why Ryan Jack found himself in a Scotland shirt on Friday.

 

Smith went on to be Director of football at Rangers in June 2011.

Less than a year later, they went into liquidation.

Image result for laughter gif laurel and hardy

 

Incidentally, its good to see those often maligned supporters at Ibrox getting behind one of their own who has fallen, or perhaps is about to fall, on hard times..

 

Nacho Novo, the cheeky little Spaniard who was in receipt of a few quid that he is about to be asked to pay the tax on has been bleating in the Record about how he feels he has been wrongly, and badly, treated… you know…the EBT scandal…

“It has no impact on me. I don’t care about it because it is not fair on the players – we never asked for EBTs.

“When I went to Rangers, I just wanted to sign the contract and start playing. I would have signed for £10 a week.

“I didn’t care about the money and I didn’t even f****** speak English at the time so I had no idea about these things. I left it all between my agent and the club. 

Couldn’t speak English ?

Image result for oops

From his autobiography…

What I do know is that we also signed a contract which said, if there were any problems in the future, Rangers would deal with them. So I didn’t have anything to worry about. I just wanted to play. Now, years later, the rules have been changed and I find myself in this situation. I can’t go into details but what I can say is it’s just not fair.

He’s not the only one with a selective memory..

Ach, who cares ?

Whits for them will not go by them…

Back to Friday for the Caption competition…

puggy67 September 7, 2018 at 10:32 am · Edit · Reply →

Caption: “I must say Mr Yarwood your impression of me is good but your Jock Stein’s a bobby dazzler.”

today..

Black magic car ritual.

Later today on the site, Rebus discusses what went wrong in the transfer window. Well worth a look.

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Pat Higney
5 years ago

Caption : “it’s all hail Caesar you numptys…..Caesar…..not feckin Viva!”

D'Fhinnein Mick
5 years ago

RALPH

“Resource limit has been reached”,so…

Is it really wise to have an article on what went wrong in the transfer window?

San Miguel
5 years ago

Stevie G’s tries new defensive formation at Murray Park (sorry Auchenhowie).But Parks of Hamilton need their car back.

Monti
5 years ago

Caption: ” Allahu akbar Allahu akbar ….but can he tune in Sportsound 810 mw on this heap of shite “?

Mike Annis
5 years ago

Caption: Attempts to raise Herbie again go sadly wrong.

Ken Smith
5 years ago

“I said we were going to burn a cross, not a Corsa!”

Bognorbhoy
5 years ago

Caption…
You all know the tune…

Choo Choo chit,Choo Choo chit (best i could do)

We all , we all , went dogging…

Bognorbhoy
5 years ago
Reply to  Bognorbhoy

CAPTION 2

Hooo……….clap
Hooo…….clap
Hooo…..clap
Eventually reaching a climax 😉

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Caption, The Ford Cortina Rd Club give last rites before one car goes to the great garage in the sky.

The Scottish press, nothing needs to be said.

Uralius
5 years ago

Caption: Esoteric Satanists from the local lodge celebrate Alex McLeish’s preferred style of football by dancing round a car from the same era.

Rob O'Keeffe
5 years ago

Nacho Novo….turncoat who took pieces of silver and sold his soul….can anyone think of any others who ply/plied their trade down Liebrox way?…..BTW..800 Huns at Parkhead caused the crowd problems…solution is simple….

BJF
5 years ago

Thought you were bring a bit hard in the Prof at first Ralph. Read like any consultant’s report so the final one will
Be like that but based on full facts not impressions, like the difference between me and Monti’s view of football, my facts v his impressions. I used to know Hillsborough and couldn’t work out how it could have gone do horribly wrong til the facts came out. I think this will be down to an operational decision that changed things from a normal 60000 crowd at Celtic Park. Who made the decision the police or the club, it might have been well intentioned but if a cover up is attempted that is always where things go pear shaped.

The Cha
5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

Personally the more profile this is given then the less chance of it being swept under the carpet.

Vigilance is required as so far an investigation, although welcome, has been announced, which isn’t the same as an inquiry, as it may be conducted in private and findings never published.

Also the police haven’t committed to taking part to establish their part and instead they’re doubling down on their deceit that everything work well with them resolving it before it got serious.

Monti
5 years ago

Caption: Una ( Driver ) breaks down on the set of ‘ Jihadi Kyle files ‘ in Helmand province.

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Off topic but I would hope that folk on here watched the Ballymurphy Precedent last night on CH4, if not please watch on the Catch Up option.

Dirty bastards

BJF
5 years ago

Sorry Noel after pushing it I didn’t catch it, will donehen I get back to Scotland, interesting to see what my Sinn Fein minded relatives think.

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Gerry Adams is from the Murph and if your relatives are Sinn Fein supporters they’ll be in no doubt that the people were murdered by the British State.

SteveNaive
5 years ago

I watched it. Tears then absolute rage. Murderers.

BJF
5 years ago

I was at school with Adams and in the Springfield Road on Internment Day, never to be forgotten.

Bgbhoy
5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

Just watched it. Fucking sickening. Even more sickening they come on here and gloat. Get them out to fuck!!!

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Very much the same emotions I felt Steve.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Noel Skytrot

Ballymurphy was a shocking example of brit occupation, intimidation & murder.
Watching this made me wonder how many lives could have been saved over the course of the troubles, on both sides, if Ballymurphy & Bloody Sunday didn’t happen?
My personal feeling is that the number of deaths, over 3,000 would have been nowhere near as high.
How many lives in britain would have been saved, how many families in Ireland & Britain left with their families intact?
The brits have a lot to answer for in Ireland & across the globe, they have destroyed families & lied about it, they were a disgrace & those responsible & still alive to this day must face justice for their actions!

TIOCFAIDHARLA……and it will come soon!

Go on home & fucking stay home!

Tim Buffy
5 years ago

Caption: “Just do the Bud Light thing, guys.”

5 years ago

Caption.
The dark side get their 55. A 1955 Chevrolet Impala

Noel Skytrot
5 years ago

Winner

Kevin McDermott
5 years ago

ahh love this diary for it’s light hearted humour as well as hitting the nail on the head regarding serious issues within the club or outside issues that have a direct effect on matters Celtic ie, cheating corrupt fuckers geared towards giving one Club a half rolled to the knee leg up at every fucking chance they get….But this resource limit is severely ripping ma tits aff big time and if a posted a picture of said tits u would realise it’s not a fuckin easy task bhoys….Other than sore tits I will struggle on for the simple fact the diary also leaves me with sore side’s… Cheers for the effort it’s really appreciated

Kevin McDermott
5 years ago

ahh love this diary for it’s light hearted humour as well as hitting the nail on the head regarding serious issues within the club or outside issues that have a direct effect on matters Celtic ie, cheating corrupt fuckers geared towards giving one Club a half rolled to the knee leg up at every fucking chance they get….But this resource limit is severely ripping ma tits aff big time and if a posted a picture of said tits u would realise it’s not a fuckin easy task bhoys….Other than sore tits I will struggle on for the simple fact the diary also leaves me with sore side’s… Cheers for the effort it’s really appreciated

Mike
5 years ago

I watched the Ballymurphy massacre last night on channel four and posted twice on the previous diary, so I don’t have much more to say about it. The E-Tims twitter feed this morning suggested that those that are interested could also watch “No stone unturned” on youtube about the Loughisland massacre, so I’m going to watch that tonight. That is if I can stifle the anger, I can stand the horrors, I can wonder at the courage of the people, their appalling treatment, the poverty, their blatant degrading treatment, the gerrymandering, the abuse, the racism, but the spirit especially of those brave woman, shines through its the criminality, the discrimination and the cowardice of the army, the cover-ups, the death’s of innocent people, that is what brings on the anger. It was said that the inquiry into the massacre begins soon and those brave people must get some form of justice…

Devoy45
5 years ago

Ballymurphy. I was shocked when the Catholic priest waving a white handkerchief of peace/surrender was shot dead in Ballymurphy. I couldn’t believe it. Cold-blooded cowardly murder of such a brave person. He was simply going to get an ambulance for a dying, unarmed young man. I’d buried this incident away in my mind because it was so shocking and cruel. And multiply that by thousands…

Puggy67
5 years ago

Caption: At a meeting of the Alabama KKK a gun is drawn as the argument over whose mum washed the kit with her black pants gets serious.

Puggy67
5 years ago

Thoughts with all those affected by the crush in Madagascar. When football fans are treated with respect by clubs and police rather than chattel or criminals this will end.

henkesdreadlocks
5 years ago

Canna watch yer car mister?
Canna watch yer car mister??
Canna watch yer car mister???
Canna watch yer car mister????……..

(Fuck it , can’t be bothered)

5 years ago

http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/the-rangers/

Gerrard set The Rangers up to avoid another multi goal mauling. When he changed tact, a patient Celtic were waiting to pounce. Final third quality eventually told.

Uralius
5 years ago

Thanks very much once again.

Monti
5 years ago

Ctic by numbers,
Quality!

Devoy45
5 years ago

Celtic by Numbers. Excellent stuff. Thank you for this. It explained a lot.

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