It can be quite surprising just how far the mainstream media is behind the internet sometimes, and just how far it will go to try to make amends.
As we’ve detailed before, and used various cases to offer examples, news these days comes from agencies dur to cutbacks amongst mainstream outlets, and is very often not actually news, but placed there by public relations agencies, or as in the case of John Beaton and his death threats, by a pal.
From there, the papers and radio stations will comment ,safe in the knowledge that they won’t face litigation as they are merely reporting what has already been said, which in turn leads to a dearth of actual investigative journalism, and the control of the media being in just a few, somewhat rounded and plump, hands.
Kris commons, for instance,once of Celtic and now working as a pundit, has revealed that he was frozen out under Brendan Rodgers when he arrived, along with a few others who the manager didn’t take to. We knew that at the time, and it’s taken years for him to admit it.
Writing in his Daily Mail comlumn, Commons claimed:
“During that first season under Rodgers, there were times when myself, Efe Ambrose, Emilio Izaguirre and Nadir Ciftci would be left to do our own thing,
We were kept away from the first team and left to do individual sessions with a fitness coach.
“In terms of ball work, we were training with the kids. Nothing makes you feel more of an old sod than when you find yourself having a kickabout with young lads born in the 2000s.”
Given his attitude at the time, it’s surprising he was even allowed that ….
This kind of thing goes on all the time at football clubs, and managers can almost seem schizophrenic when it comes to picking their favourites.
Bolingoli Boli may well have to say sorry to the manager for his tantrum at rugby Park, and thus earned himself a start against Clyde, whereas Johnny Hayes, it seems , can do no wrong.
Not that he has done anything wrong, but he certainly seems to be favoured by the manager when one might expect fresher faces to get a run out.
Greg Taylor is another who suddenly seemed to be discovered, but one wonders of it will last, whilst Lewis morgan is just a mystery. One minute he’skeeping Scott Sinclair out of the team, forcing the player to move on, but only after Morgan had himself moved on.
Perhaps this is the basis if the unease felt among Celtic fans as the team storms towards another treble.
Sure , we feel like the manager is making a few bizarre calls, but the results since the winter break speak for themselves, and it is a results business.
The glut of games continues tomorrow night with the visit of Hearts, who whilst still at the wrong end of the table have improved under new boss Damiel Stendel, who at least has got them organised and playing for each other.
Celtic have performed better away from home of late, and the players don’t seem to enjoy either the system employed at home or the pitch, and again it’s one of those games you just want to get out of the way.
Then again, thats a feeling thats all too common of late, and maybe it’s actually the season we want to get out of the way, and the trophies back in the cupboard. to come this far in the quest for ten in a row and blow it now is a massive fear among the fans, and one wonders f it’sin the minds of players and management as well.
Players are returning to training now after injury, and Lennon should have more or less a full squad to choose from, which can usually be a good thing, but he still has to get it right, and maybe we should give him credit for doing just that twice a week since the football started up again.
Something else we were allawareof is in the news this week, with the media now free to mention it,and that’s Craig Whyte’s book.
It comes out on Friday and as it contains some revelations..in the loosest possible sense of the word…that some would rather weren’t aired publicly, the Ibrox PR machine is in overdrive.
In fact,one would say it might be working so hard that it’s about to explode.
Given the recent shennannigans surrounding the private life of their star player, Alfredomoreos, the club have circled the wagons to tryto protect him.
And yesterday, when reports filtered through that a 12 year old boy had been charged with racially abusing him-either before , during or after the Celtic “rangers ” game in December, perhaps the most bizarre statement yet was issued from the club, and frankly, whoever wrote it is deeply in need of either some therapy, a holiday or a P45…
Now that the Police have charged an individual with racially abusing Alfredo Morelos at the Old Firm game on 29 December, it is necessary to state yet again that racist abuse, indeed abuse of any form, must never be condoned or dismissed.
The first thing to be made clear is that even though many others commented on the issue of abuse (racial and sectarian) directed towards Alfredo Morelos, Rangers had a duty of care not to say anything that might compromise a live Police Scotland investigation. What none of us should ever do, however, is dismiss, or trivialise abusive behaviour as too many media outlets, journalists, and pundits have done in this instance.
Perhaps there might be a bout of contrition and one or two may feel a pang of guilt now that the evidence some of them so loudly demanded is there in the form of this charge.
If enough of our media had been of a mind to treat the issue with the gravity required from the outset, as normally happens with these issues, there would have been none of the dismissive comments which have helped pollute social media, newspapers and broadcast platforms. Social media is, of course, largely lawless but some of the pieces written and broadcast around Alfredo Morelos in mainstream media were and remain disgraceful.
He has been described as a waster, a cheat, an angry brat and one columnist/pundit actually wrote that if you can’t take the vitriol you are in the wrong city. The implication seems to be that the fault lies not with those who choose racism and abuse, but with a young immigrant who chose to come to our country. This is a deeply disturbing attitude and that it was actually expressed in a national newspaper defies belief.
When a player is at the centre of an abuse claim he is treated with respect and sensitivity and given support. That is certainly the case in England, but not here and most certainly not with Alfredo Morelos, who is actually being demonised in many quarters of the media.
A number of factually incorrect stories have been written and published about Alfredo recently causing a great deal of stress and anxiety within his family at a time when his heavily-pregnant wife should be calm and relaxed.
A river of negative and hurtful attention has been flowing towards the Morelos family without thought or concern for the individuals involved and the way they have been treated is shameful. Especially vulgar is the manner in which claims of abuse, racist and sectarian, have been dismissed in some quarters – BBC Scotland in particular – where the overall situation has been mocked amid outrageous claims that Rangers were behind the leaking of certain stories. None of this shows our media and country in a good light.
Perhaps now some people will take a long and honest look at themselves and who knows, they might even apologise, but all of this serves only to make Rangers even more committed to our Everyone Anyone campaign. We will not stop or slow our efforts to make Ibrox a place open and welcoming to all.
Finally, Rangers would be more than happy to accommodate the young person involved in this latest incident on one of our courses designed to help people understand why racist and sectarian abuse is unacceptable. Indeed, if any of those journalists/pundits who got it so badly wrong would like to attend we’d also welcome and help them.
We found a picture of those who attended a previous “young persons awareness ” course, which suggests they may not be all they are cracked up to be.. thanks to I kicked Charlie nick on twitter
” rangers ” , of course, need cast no stones at others who have racist or sectarian supporters, as they have plenty of form in that particular game…
and one tends to think that the statement is more of a sign that all is not well at the club, and certainly not well in the mind of the writer.
I’ve no idea who wrote it, but one man dropped a hint that he recognised the style…
Tortured Syntax. What a great name for a band.
As for the case against the young boy… best summed up in this tweet…
As for tortured souls, i think we’ve found one… someone who is also helping to overheat the deflector shields that surround Ibrox.
From STV, and not, surprisingly , a South African news outlet…
Rangers chairman Dave King robbed at gunpoint in South Africa
Businessman said he was scared for his life during ambush outside office in Johannesburg.
Rangers chairman Dave King has been robbed at gunpoint outside his office in South Africa.
The 64-year-old said four men wearing balaclavas held a gun to his head during a “brazen” ambush.
One of the men robbed him of his watch, money and laptop, while his security guard and office manager were threatened.
Mr King said he had been scared for his life during the robbery in Johannesburg last Monday.
He said the South African authorities had failed to stem a “pandemic” of crime and lawlessness.
“As I arrived at the office they came up behind me,” he told The Times. “There were four guys who had guns and were wearing balaclavas.
“One of them pointed a gun at my head and another took my watch off my wrist. It was in broad daylight and they were completely brazen.”
He added: “One of them said, ‘Where’s your money?’, so I took all my cash out and gave it to them.
“They took my laptop, my case, my drivers’ licence, diary, phone and all the things I need to function.”
The businessman has led the Ibrox club since 2015 but is due to step down next month.
The Times reported that both Mr King’s daughters had been held up at gunpoint recently.
Mr King said of security in the country: “Crime is absolutely out of control here. It’s a pandemic.
“My sons have moved to London and half of their friends from school and university have gone too.
“Young people, both black and white, who should be the future of South Africa, are leaving.”
King said “Crime is completely out of control here ”
He’s right, it’s about time they locked those criminals up down there…
On a lighter note…
Yesterday, we had this….
Today…
Former Celt Jackie MacNamara has suffered a bleed on the brain, and is currently in hospital.
This is a serious condition and we wish him and his family well at this difficult time, and hope for the best.
CAPTION
Venue for first ever Haggis World Cup revealed.
Awrabest,Jackie.
Come on Jackie McNamara, fight it son with all you have, prayers said for you & your family.
You were a fighter on the park, Jackie it’s time to fight again!
Just get well Jackie!
Hail Hail!
Caption : “February 14th 2012 : ‘Rangers announce the renovation of Ibrox, due to……er…”
One accusation of racism is one too many. Celtic have had three allegations in recent weeks. One a total fabrication aired by SKY. One by Peter Adam Smith of ITV. he won a journalistic award for investigating the Administration of “Rangers”. Administration mind, not “Liquidation”. So we all know who’s pencil he sharpens, he said that a video that he was unable to share because of its horrendous nature, but was another who could not back up his fabrication by producing any kind of evidence. Celtic, our club, is under attack yet again, all orchestrated by a (“). The first one by SKY. was rebutted, we await with interest to see if the second one is also rebutted, although sometimes the rebuttal just adds to the accusation. Who could believe a word that King says, perhaps his erm. investment in Sevco has left him skinto. It all adds to the deflection of their scabby teams recent performances. Common Celtic, peddle to the metal, boot on the flute.
“Boot the flute” 🙂
The Sky complaint has gone to Ofcom, which probably means it won’t be a quick resolution.
Bear’s with the snare’s.
Hun pricks on the drum sticks. 😉
All the best for a speedy recovery for Jackie Mac!!
So Alfredo is “a young immigrant who chose to come to our country”, of course they fail to mention the constant abuse aimed at “young immigrants who chose to come to our country” from the klanbase of their own support, they don’t do irony very well!!
Caption – SFA unveils the level playing field that will be used if celtic make the cup final for the 4th year running.
Winner
I’m on record as saying that Jonny Hayes shouldn’t have been signed as he simply wasn’t close to being good enough for the team. But good enough for the squad? He’s definitely that.
And that’s what he is. A squad player,and a guy who can be relied upon when necessary. He might not get a portrait on the gantry outside the stadium,but I honestly can’t remember a bad game from him.
He should get a portrait in the tunnel – he’s a face that will scare the shit out of European teams.
🙂
Why the continual nit-picking of the Celtic manager, who has worked in professional football since his teens and is an expert in his chosen field?
If you can’t take mild criticism/concerns can I suggest you restrict your reading to the official site or Celtic Quisling News.
Damo,
Let me try & answer you, in my opinion no Celtic supporter has a problem or issue with Neil Lennon.
When Brendan left we didn’t just lose a fantastic manager, we also lost a manager who raised the bar, the standards & profile of the club, it was a lot to lose.
Neil came in & steadied the ship, he did a great job & is continuing to do a great job.
I think the support wanted another Brendan, someone who was high profile or supposedly higher than Neil Lennon, that was never going to happen.
My own opinion is that i am very happy with Neil Lennon as manager, he must be backed though by the board & the support!
Hear hear
Monti totally agree with most of what you say m8. My thoughts were he brought us home when we needed him. We will be ever thankful for that. He cant do much more than he is doing at the moment. So he has us in a good position. Sevco have been a lot stronger this season and Neil failed in his last league game against them and although we won the cup our sense of invincibility against them was crushed at hampden as we got played off the park and won.
That is my main concern does he have the beating of Gerrard. It also comes down to pulling power of a player.
Gerrard or Lennon if you are a young upcoming player and both us and them are in for you and you have no allegiance to any then Gerrard will win the transfer hands down. He has that over Lennon. Not Kenny’s fault of course but just how it is. If Brendan was still here then it makes it even.
That’s the difference between top drawer and the rest.
It was enough to out play us twice so far Charlie. They haven’t the same money as us thankfully so he hasnt had the chance and I hope he never will to go to to toe with possible signing targets I think you miss the point.
Jimmy,
I don’t think Gerrard has pulling power over Neil Lennon….unless you are talking about hub caps 🙂
🙂
defoe who has done more than Griffiths
Caption
As plastic pitches are to be banned ,scottish fa unveil the new standard ….
Thoughts are with Jackie and his family
Prayers for Jackie, a great player.
As for Jabba and his statement, tomorrow it will be a rogue Celtic element in South Africa.
The last para of the statement shows how pathetic this shower of sectarian bigots are.
Caption
A view through Jabba’s eyes
Caption the left winger faces a real uphill battle in the first half.
Caption Sevco’s new playing field is a steep slope on the road to liquidation.God look down on the MacNamara family give them comfort and strength to fight jackies illness.
CAPTION: Mon eh Slope’s 11.
Caption
Celtic’s press statement admin team advise lawell the best way for maximum exposure of the new advertising screen
Get well soon Jackie Mac.
Fat fuck Traynor sits at half way line and causes land slide.
Sevco grounds man prepares the pitch for their cup final against Vertigo fc
Get well soon Jackie bhoy. Prayer said for your full and speedy recovery
Caption: Level playing field Scottish lawmakers style
“Everyone Anyone campaign. We will not stop or slow our efforts to make Ibrox a place open and welcoming to all.”
We’re all doomed if they believe that sh1t
Best wishes to Jackie you’ll always be a legend to me.
Caption:
Sevco’s floating pitch prototype requires serious recalibration before installation go-ahead
Caption……….
ᴉuᴉlossnW oᴉpɐʇS
Get well soon Jackie, you will go down in history as a great player and legend for the celts, good luck Jackie.
Everything is ready for the much anticipated local derby, as Camberidge United host Canterbury.
Caption: Kilmarnock would narrow that.
Caption: ” If you win the toss, choose to shoot left to right in the first half “
Take the initiative, seize the narrative and vocalise your thoughts. All things that a good Celtic board would instigate. Why be always on the defensive? if you take the initiative you can get your attack in first, but only if you seize the narrative and remove it from Level 5. He is always on the attack and our board are always too passive to counter his arguments, in short our P.R. is mince. The board are good at planning, they do have SOME good ideas including sponsorship and gaining income streams. But they fail to realise our emotional attachment to the team and they-he does not show enough football ambition, protect the club by all means but show more football ambition. But first of all to do any of the above, your hands must be clean, whiter than snow, but theirs are not and that is a huge problem for them. By being complicit, you can never be fully integrated with the support. There is always time to make the changes needed, its never too late.
Love is in the air, for Jackie Mac. for he is deserving.
Suffer little children and have sympathy for a child, whose brain has been contaminated by racist detritus.
Caption: Groundsmen across Scotland get an sfa directive as to how a pitch should be when Celtic come calling.
No time to read Diary or comments. Just two things. I see Jackie McNamara has been taken seriously ill and just wish him “All the Best” for a speedy recovery. Great player and mhan. Get well soon Jackie.
On another note, it looks like Hertha Berlin are in chaos. For all you muppets on here that thought he could play, do you still think thate tripe? A one-man defensive disaster, as genuine as rocking horse shit. No surprise Hertha are in the doldrums, just glad we got him tae fuck. Imagine, we were su[pposed to have been offered 9 million for the big phony prick! OUCH!!!!
FC not PLC
HH
TicToc,
Is it the actual reading bit that you struggle with?
All the best to Jackie and family. Jackie’s career helped make it respectable to be labelled as a utility player. Latterly, the club did not treat him well. Now is the time to make amends through best wishes.
Rebus
Get well Jackie. You gave 100% every time and we greatly respect your key part in our history. We’ll never forget that race you had with that bold touchline fox. Michael Marra even wrote a song about it! Good recovery and Godspeed Jackie. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Well said a great celt who always kept his dignity.
Caption: this should not affect the side passing game we have all come to know and love.
Four gunmen with balaclavas on? Outrageous,surely the British Armed “forces” should be considering an invasion,led by Lofty Saiz,if the PTSD allows…….Gunmen and balaclavas,that should be part of our new strip design with Adidas….
Jackie McNamara is awake & talking, hopefully this is a good sign he is in recovery.
The power of prayer is a powerful thing!
Decent shout!
Rob… What a bore… YAWN
Ach he’s right diplomacy is a misnomer with Boris at the helm
Caption. Copenhagen promise excellent facilities for Celtics preparation in Denmark
Jack is too good looking to leave this mortal coil he will be back for another crack at coaching. Always liked this Guy for his effort and endeavour more class than given credit for
Caption: ” Get your hats, scarves, macaroon bars & spirit level “
If it came to us signing a player between a catholic and a protestant we would sign the protestant first as they would never sign the catholic.
Big Jock knew alright who was the only racist and sectarian club allowed in football.
Good to see Celtic taking action against sky. Let’s not stop there.
Celtic v Hearts
Big call for Lenny now with Ellynoussi back fit. I think he will stick with the 2 up top.
Forster
Jozo Jullien Ajer
Forrest Brown Ntcham McGregor Taylor
Edouard Griff.
Subs Christie Rogic Ellynoussi Hayes Bolingoli paddy.
6_0 the bhoys
Celtic 3-5-2
Forster
Simunovic
Jullien
Ajer
Forrest
Brown
Ntcham
Elyounoussi
McGregor
Edouard
Griffiths
Its good to read that at long last, that all the soup takers are waking up to the extremely talented “Awesome Odsonne” he’s been under their noses for years. Comparisons between the Fud and Eddy were ridiculous and made them look even more foolish than they are. I just hope that its a long, long time until he leaves. A bit of pre-planning by bringing in his replacement must be a priority in the not to distant future.
“Young Hearts get broke as Awesome Odsonne sticks three in the poke.”
Were they Celtic supporters that robbed him?. Am surprised the ibrox guru didn’t put a statement out to that effect