Revealed; is this the true cancer of Scottish football?

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Revealed; is this the true cancer of Scottish football?


Ever since the rise of social media and various political movements divided us, Scottish society has been pretty fractured. In fact, it’s become downright hostile and Scottish football has followed suit with an escalation in nastiness that we thought was a relic of the pre-late 80s.

No, in the past year (six months?) alone we’ve seen vicious banners aimed at Ryan Jack, fans throwing coins at Kris Boyd, sectarian chanting from all sorts of fans including our own, invitations by Celtic fans for their ex-manager to die, St Mirren fans spitting on and throwing missiles at an unconscious Dundee United supporter, and now Dons fans suggesting Alfredo Morelos’ mother has questionable morals.

The reality of the sinkhole our game has plummeted into is staring us in the face – our game reflects our society, and the hard truth is it’s a cesspit – a cesspit in which hate has taken over and fans have lost their minds into carrying out immoral behaviour like it’s quite acceptable.

And let’s ditch this ‘handful of fans’ rubbish – the more it happens, the more it becomes clear that it’s a very big minority indeed – it’s a sizable chunk of various clubs’ fanbases be it Rangers’, Celtic’s, Aberdeen’s or indeed Paisley’s finest.

The horrible problem is how this festering cancer has been left to grow – in fact, arguably, encouraged by an apathy at top levels to truly tackling it – and it’s thrived, flourished and is now the dominant scene in the Scottish game.

It’s not just the west of Scotland – it’s a big problem there, yes, but Edinburgh and the north of Scotland have become polluted too – and no one has the power to stop it.

Dave King, as patronising and ‘tell off’ as his statements over the topic may seem, is right – we don’t want this garbage among our fanbase and we want to dignify the club with a support fitting of it. Enough of the sectarian piffle. And St Mirren and Kilmarnock were correct to condemn the ugly behaviour at their grounds too. And in fairness, Celtic too have committed statements such as these at their own supporters as well.

But it’s evidently fallen on deaf ears – it will take more than lip service to encourage supporters in this fine land of ours to behave themselves.

Is it a social issue? Of course it is – Scottish society has been ill for a long time and our national game shows the symptoms under a microscope – we have alcohol, health, mental illness, poverty and gambling plagues blighting us, as well as a hundred other unwanted characteristics.

But the game could and should do more because it’s getting worse.

Five years ago fans spitting on someone who was unconscious would have been unthinkable.

Back in the 90s and the Shame Game which changed society in Scotland was seen as the watershed moment which enforced alterations.

But events in the past year or less have shown the SPL has gone right back 20 years and probably further still.

How do we fix it? What constructive ideas do we have to help resolve these issues? Unfortunately, it’s something that will take decades, and generations. But that it’s getting worse now rather than better is a terrible sign for the potential of progress.

Sad.

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9 COMMENTS

  1. Our own government is poisoning us, research chemtrails, Yous will laugh at first. But it will take u down a road where u start to find out why we are all nuts.

  2. As you know I don’t always agree with you. But this is an excellent article. So what can be done? Rangers can only tackle their own fans. And they must. But society in general? Politicians must tackle the problem. Segregating children at 5 years of age is morally wrong. Let’s be honest. In 60s Catholics in West of Scotland voted Labour and Protestants voted Tory. All this has started to change. You need to study history properly to understand. Th name Auld Firm comes from 20s when it has been alleged that Rangers and Celtic conspired to have religion separate the teams and keep crowds up. Religion( all) is dying in educated western world, Scotland included. Time to move on. Rangers can be a great club again and set the standard. Given the clear field Celtic, and Aberdeen , were given in 2012 they have failed. Get behind Board , SG, and club 1872.

    • Excellent Alan Calder ..it's is Scottish Society that is broken…it's distorted and impotent The 'new dawn's of Self Autonomy have done nothing to create a better society or jobs or even basics like really giving a fuck !! We as Rangers have an opportunity to rise above this bike and hatred

  3. Can I suggest that as a start, Rangers take a long, hard look at the tickets we get for away matches?

    Make them available, in sections, to Supporters clubs. These clubs to then be responsible for maintaining order – ie stopping sectarian singing – in their section. If they fail, or cannot do so? No more tickets for that group. I suspect it would take only a couple of bans to ensure self policing.

    As for Ibrox, Stewards can do the same job, or why are they there? Whatever the seat number, a 12 month ban for a first offence. Life ban for a second offence. Would you give or sell your ticket to someone else at that risk? No, I didn't think so.

  4. Sectarianism, is here to stay. Many see it as part of their heritage. Not me, but i'm not about to try and convince legions of orange men, that their beliefs are wrong. I don't think it will ever die out tbh. No matter if Humza Yousaf likes it, or not! Just being honest.

    • Joe, fair enough. I understand and respect your opinion. I am not saying Rangers should be trying to eliminate it though. Just stop it happening at Ibrox and the away section of other grounds when we are there.
      What people choose to get up to away from stadiums is not my concern, only when it affects Rangers FC

  5. Someone said it… Brilliant! Theres always a "minority" the facts are if it was a nightclub Ibrox would be empty, because bouncers wouldnt let half the morons in and im a gers fan obviously. Reason these idiots get in every week is because they pay their money and the clubs all need the money! Its mob mentality and group thinking…. btw dont discount the divisive nature of politics and the actions of the left (SNP) using hatred against a certain group to flare up division and bigotry to gain power in politics. Glasgow isnt capable of dealing with it its too full of hatred and division!

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