Accountability via Transparency.

Where transparency exists accountability inevitably follows.​

This is an extract from a post on SFM from 2015. The subject was Transparency and Slow Glass

The message then was that football governance has to catch up in realising that football has to become more transparent in its dealing with supporters and so more accountable to them.
That transparency is already here via social media because of the ability to share, but the light of truth is constrained by Slow Glass.
Slow Glass from a short story by Bob Shaw slows down the light passing through it.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_of_Other_Days
In the story and others, you have Slow Glass of different thickness in terms of the time it takes for the light to emerge.
You have Glass a day thick/long to Glass ten years thick/long and more.

Resolution 12, if measured from the Celtic AGM in 2013 when it was tabled and adjourned, has taken 6 years for the light of truth to emerge, although it could have happened sooner had main stream media removed the dust of PR that slows the light, but light is inexorable and it is emerging at an archive of events since 2011 that can be read at

https://www.res12.uk/ 

It is in two parts.

Part One
relates to events in 2011/12 including a very interesting link between UEFA Licence 2011 and the commissioning of Lord Nimmo Smith to investigate use of EBTs with side letters by Rangers FC where non-disclosure benefited Rangers FC in 2011 AND 2012.


Part Two
concentrates SFA activity (or lack of it) from 2014 to date as result of the adjournment of Resolution 12 in November 2013 that provided shareholders with the authority to seek answers.
The archive has been constructed in chronological sequence to help readers understand better the detail and separate what took place in 2011/12 which is in the past, from the SFA handling of shareholders legitimate enquiries from 2014/15 to date, which remains current and is a mirror of SFA performance in respect of the national football team.
Many narratives will emerge as a result of the transparency, some Celtic related, but a system of governance, that is accountable in some way to supporters as stakeholders in the game, can only benefit the supporters of all clubs and they are encouraged to read through the archive.

As Phil Mac Giolla Bhain has written here in respect of Celtic and the SFA

Resolution 12 information on new website

accountability has to be the outcome of transparency to wipe the face and soul of Scottish football clean.

How that is achieved will be up to Scottish football supporters everywhere to take forward via their Associations and Trusts, in collaboration with the clubs they support, but it does seem to me, and I know others with more legal experience, that the SFA would find it difficult to resist a challenge to their refusal to engage with people (in this case minority shareholders of member clubs) who are affected by decisions that they make.

This entry was posted in Blogs, Featured by Trisidium. Bookmark the permalink.
Tom Byrne

About Trisidium

Trisidium is a Dunblane businessman with a keen interest in Scottish Football. He is a Celtic fan, although the demands of modern-day parenting have seen him less at games and more as a taxi service for his kids.

1,204 thoughts on “Accountability via Transparency.


  1. Jingso.Jimsie 3rd April 2019 at 11:41

    A little bit of speculation on my part:

     

    TRFC will appeal Kent's notice of Complaint today.

     

    Tomorrow, they will represent their defence at a hearing. The word 'provocation' will be used unsparingly. The Judicial Panel, having read all the Level Sinko froth over the last few days, will refer to the JPP Section 11.4 & particularly 11.4.2.2:

     

    11.4.2.2 The existence of provocation and whether the Party acted in retaliation and/or self defence. 

     

    The Notice of Complaint will be rescinded. Level Sinko will get a bonus. TRFC will rejoice Real football fans will shake their heads, both at the injustice of the findings, but also in embarrassment.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Disagree. The "provocation", if any, was insignificant and the party did not therefore act in retaliation and/or self defence. Two game ban.


  2. upthehoops 3rd April 2019 at 07:13

    Re the incidents at the game on Sunday. 

    To use goading on the part of Scott Brown for what happened is pathetic in my view. I accept he is the type of player who gets under the skin of opponents, and other fans, but he is hardly alone in that. When he was a Hibs player he annoyed the hell out of me, but what set of fans genuinely doesn't want a bit of that in their team? I am really glad to have him at Celtic.  

    Brown's slight touch on Morelos is the type of wee dig we see from many players every week without so much as an afterthought. What we don't see is a forearm smash in response every week. Also, what Brown did with Kent when the Referee had not even tried to re-start the game was similar to what we often witness, but Kent's violent reaction most certainly was not. 

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    To be fair I would like two see both of these behaviours eliminated from the game. Granted one set is relatively minor compared to the violence but both don't belong on the field of play and neither are within the laws of the game.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Then at the end the inability by Andy Halliday to exercise any form of self respect or control was clearly the catalyst for what happened.

    Goading is part of the game, and the Rangers players were guilty of it on Sunday too when they scored. Also, ask any Celtic fan sitting near the away dug out on Sunday and ask if any goading took place from within it when Rangers equalised. In truth they were probably only giving back what they had been subjected to for much of the game. It has been notable to me in games against Hearts and Aberdeen in particular this year, that the Rangers players went out their way to goad the opposition fans when they scored, but notably none of the opposition players saw it as a reason to start a fight.

    Morelos, Halliday and Kent acted like street corner thugs on Sunday and their actions don't speak well of them at all. In terms of the fall out I suspect that has more to do with the cold light of day realisation that Stevie G and his 55 Express has derailed and is lying at the side of the tracks, and I include many of the media in that, as well as the pathetic individual(s) who made a Police complaint about Scott Brown. If you dish it out you have to take it. It's one of the oldest sayings in the book, but it seems lost down Ibrox way. 

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Can't disagree with that

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    If they really want someone to blame for where they are look no further than David Murray and the succession of crooks and shysters who have held the fort since. Had Murray not implemented his grand scheme of tax evasion it is highly unlikely they would be staring at an ever increasing possibility of Celtic getting ten in a row.  Perhaps driving away genuine businessmen like Bill Miller and Mike Ashley in the past was not the wisest move either. You reap what you sow!

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    EBTs and the other tax evasion/avoidance schemes employed by Murray were just the final nail in the coffin they didn't kill the club.

    The real cause was the failure of the entire business model which because it aimed at total dominance meant it burnt more cash than could be generated commercially. Hence the £52m rights issue in 2005(?) to clear accumulated bank debt which was moved into the wider Murray Group.

    A similar business model is still in use today. I suspect the ending may be the same.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


  3. I am surprised that events of Sunday are still being debated.  Morelos, Halliday and Kent are professional footballers.  They may well have been goaded/provoked but their actions by far outweigh the level of provocation from Brown.

    They let their team, their team mates and their supporters down. Accept the punishment and move on.  Rangers have a big enough squad to manage the loss of 3 players.

     

    Flywheel

     

     


  4. 'Jimmy Bones 3rd April 2019 at 12:30

     

    JJ at 11:41 

    A bit negative ?  I see that Section 11.4 is headed Determination of Sanction.  BBC is pushing for 2 games, I'm hoping for more.'

    ##################################

    It's more cynicism on my part than negativity. In retrospect, my mention of Section 11.4 is a bit of a 'red herring'. I now think that section doesn't apply in this case.

     

    The first thing is that three anonymous ex-officials have three choices, as per Section 13.13.6:

    1. unanimous verdict that Kent's actions warranted a red card. That unanimity has been missing a few times this season.
    2. They can agree unanimously that his actions warranted a yellow card. 
    3. A minority or majority vote indicates that no action is required. The Notice of Complaint would be rescinded. 

    :

    Secondly, Kent's Notice of Complaint refers to  Disciplinary Rule 200. My reading of Annex C, Section 2 & Section 4, Subsection F suggests that he can only receive a two match ban as that is the published, recognised suspension for breach of Rule 200 (A1), (A2) & (A3). However, if his appeal is unsuccessful & is considered to have had no chance of success, is considered an abuse of process or a delaying tactic to avoid imposition of the sanction or was considered 'frivolous', a further one-match suspension is imposed. For those that love numbers, this is set out in the JPP, Section 13.13.8.

     

    As usual, I'm happy to be corrected if any of the above is incorrect.


  5. As Rangers have not accepted the sanction on offer the Panel will decide tomorrow. If the Panel do not agree that an offence has been committed surely Police Scotland would have to get involved!


  6. JJ at 15:55

    On your first part, it was my understanding that the CO raises an issue which is assessed by 3 anonymous ex-referees who must unanimously agree her issue before a Notice of Complaint can be raised.  The CO has gained that unanimity and has raised the Notice.  I believe the club has contested – presumably so that Kent can play tonight !

    The JPP Section 13 seems to distinguish between "Fast Track Proceedings raised by the Compliance Officer" (13.2 to 13.8) and  "Fast Track Proceedings raised by or on behalf of a Player (“Claims”)"  (13.9 to 13.13); so your 13.13.6 refers to the latter. 

    The table at 13.16 gives a good summary of the timeline/differences.

    Who'd be a lawyer ??


  7. Haudthebus 3rd April 2019 at 14:16
    11 1 Rate This

    https://fanswithoutscarves.org/2019/04/03/res12-a-new-resource-and-accounting-matters/
    …………………..
    In any case, the outcome of all of this – as stated at the start – ought not to be a clamour for punishment, but steps being taken to prevent our game becoming a farce.
    …………………
    It will become a farce if there is no punishment. If they knew what they were doing they are guilty, if they are guilty they should be punished. Letting them off the hook just to find a way forward is as bad as telling a murderer, tell us where you buried the bodies and we will let you go.


  8.  

    'Jimmy Bones 3rd April 2019 at 18:21

     

    JJ at 15:55…'

    ###########################

    Almost completely wrong, then? Ach well, it's been a bad day.

     

    Thanks for the correction!

     


  9. Hard to quantify the credit due to Res 12 spokesperson Auldheid and other members of this site, fans from across a range of clubs, who have laboured over the last few months to put this stuff together in a format that is readable, easy to follow, informative and entertaining.

    This vast resource has been meticulously catalogued, annexed, indexed, proof-read, corrected, amended and cross referenced with sources and verification. The work has been carried out by people who care on behalf of folk who couldn't care less – the clubs themselves who were denied opportunities by the reckless and irresponsible attitude to governance at Hampden, and to the wanton misapplication of their own rulebook. All compounded by a cover-up of Orwellian dimension.

    It is a long, often depressing read, but one that should fill us all with regret that the very people who rely on fans for their not inconsiderable income streams, have consistently, systematically and arrogantly treated them with almost complete contempt.

    Ultimately, the SFA refusal to be held accountable to fans, and minority shareholders of football clubs needs to be tested. This new online resource makes a compelling case that the SFA position is not one which is legally sustainable.

    The authors of the res12.uk site deserve our gratitude, the authors of the fall of Scottish football, the Hampden blazers, deserve only our contempt.

     


  10. Accountability via Transparency.

     

    Sometimes Complicity gets in the way and stymies both.

     

    Complicity abounds in all the twists and turns of not just how the licence was awarded but also all the self-inflicted damage and nonsense since and the grief and damage that is yet to come.

     

    We the ordinary fans are the stakeholders in Scottish football and the source of all income streams.

    But you'd never know that because the SFA, SPFL and clubs are acting like nothing has changed, in fact they are acting like all they want to do is recreate their broken model.

    A kind of madness.

     

    I've said before that Resolution 12 was never and is not now wanted by the Celtic board and still believe that but Celtic are only one of the many who allowed this all to happen and seem to be happy to leave it all buried and move on. 

     

    And Plus ca Change with the Petrie man who will soon be "El Presidente" having done his bit as the sponsor/guardian of the still very secret and confidential 5 Way Agreement that simply confirms how transparency or accountability was not wanted then and is certainly not wanted now by those in power.

     

    Scottish Football is in a non-transparent and non-accountable mess going nowhere but backwards.

     

    There are more skeletons in cupboards than in a pile of victorian penny crime novels and club chairman complicity in many of the deeds and policies that need buried.

    There are self serving and often hidden cliques within cliques and unholy tribalistic alliances.

    Clubs don't seem to want change and seem fully occupied in the level 1 pursuit of survival. They don't have the energy or resource to look backwards and most fans just want to know who the next signing is.

    Our international team is at an ever lowing ebb even with its shoe in ebt manager who happened to be best pals with our current SFA Chairman.

    The two Henry McLeish reports with key insights and recommendations for a better future are gathering ever more dust.

    The politicians don't want to know and in fact scared to touch anything because there are no votes in interfering 

    Etc,

    For now Complicity is rife and using a grand old football metaphor has accountability and transparency in its back-pocket.


  11. Finloch @ 9.47

    —————————————————————————–

    Excellent post Finloch. My sentiments exactly.


  12. Just in the passing I went into Court for 9 a.m this morning for the starred

     motion before Lady Wolfe re the Football Company Ltd s. damages claim v Glasgow City Council.

    The two solicitors told the Clerk that a settlement had been reached between the accountants, so there need be no hearing, and would she let Lady Wolfe know, with apologies for not being able to inform the court earlier. 

    no figure was released.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


  13. Interesting development from the Res.12 chaps, and hope that it's logical progression is achieved – with mibbees enthusiastic crowd funding involved?

     

    It's also a strong message to Hampden, CFC and ALL the other clubs that this issue is just not going away.

     

    And as per Finloch's timely reminder above, it's breathtakingly arrogant that the person who is probably most responsible for creating the corrupt, '5 Way Agreement' is being rewarded 7 years later with the job at the very pinnacle of the Scottish game!

     

    That tells everyone – in an extremely transparent manner – just how far Scottish football governance has evolved since 2012…

    angel

     


  14. The Compliance Officer has now cited Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen, Gerrard, Brown and Kent following the weekend games.

    https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-fa/football-governance/disciplinary/disciplinary-updates/

    Justice in action …….. Best not to upset just one team.

     

    Meanwhile Steven Gerrard speaks

    Ronnie Charters‏ @STVRonnie

    Steven Gerrard on Ryan Kent’s Appeal: “We don’t think it was violent conduct & we don’t think it was in the face ”Ryan was just pushing him away to get him out of his face after being provoked” “It’s always easy in hindsight to look at pictures that look worse than they are”

     

    I'm shaking my head at this point.


  15. The papers have copied / pasted a hand out from the SFA about McLeish, stating that he met with Maxwell – in London, where McLeish lives.

     

    Pure speculation on my part, but as the meeting was not at Hampden I would guess he is officially on sick leave.

    And I hope he does screw the SFA incompetents for every penny he can.

     

    …And just like the compensation – allegedly – paid by Rangers to the SFA for poaching Walter…

    the actual settlement figure for McLeish will be shrouded in secrecy.

    No transparency allowed.

    Again.


  16. This is going to get farcical.

     

    The SFA is somehow going to have to develop a definition of 'over celebrating' and/or 'improper celebrating' on the field of play.

     

    Joke organisation.


  17. I welcome and fully support the requisitioners in the creation of the RES12 website and the publication of all the associated evidence and documents in a timeline format.

    It seems a long time in the making as it's now 8 years since the defining events. The process may well be close to its end and I suspect is unlikely to produce any meaningful changes in the governance of the game, as the clubs, authorities and a compliant media refuse to rake over old coals.

    The timelines and documents should leave no one in any doubt about the systemic lying and cover up that occurred between the club's officials and the football authorities.

    It is galling that those who were complicit are unlikely to face any sanction, but it is now more important that the website serves as a permanent record of what actually went on and that all the participants are named and shamed.


  18. Resolution 12 blog: needs to change the ’fnas’ spelling error and the missing ‘not’ on the last line. Someone. 

     

    sorted


  19. Speaking as a Celtic supporter and a big fan of Scott Brown, he was totally wrong in what he didafte the match towards the Rangers supporters. I have also seen a video of it and after he makes the 8 sign he walks away a bit, then turns and makes another gesture towards the Rangers support.

    He is in the wrong.

    The problem we now have is that people who make a "Shhh" sign, or cup their ears, or indicate a scoreline etc towards the opposition support will also be in the wrong and will have to be treated in the same way. Presumably for every division in the SPFL as the same rules must apply across the board.

    Bottom line, from now on no matter what abuse a player takes from the opposition support he must never react to it in any way. It could be argued that should always have been the case but it clearly wasn't. It has to be now.


  20. easyJambo 4th April 2019 at 11:29

    It is galling that those who were complicit are unlikely to face any sanction, but it is now more important that the website serves as a permanent record of what actually went on and that all the participants are named and shamed.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Great work by the Res12 team.

    I share most peoples frustration at the lack of impact the process has had on the SFA in terms of them reforming themselves. I accept they are unlikely to reform themselves and maybe it will take another Rangers insolvency event to create the crisis necessary for them to change their ways.

    That said I have read through the Res12 site and there are clear grounds to investigate a potential fraud. Would it be appropriate to make a complaint to Police Scotland or better still the Serious Fraud Office.

    It appears they can be easily reached here: https://www.sfo.gov.uk/


  21. sannoffymesssoitizz 4th April 2019 at 13:59

    I'm shocked and angry that HMRC's investigating officers gave an undertaking "not to seek any penalty if settlement was agreed" at their meeting on 21st March 2011.angel

    ========================================

    I think that was the right decision at that particular point.

    Rangers were given an initial assessment in Sep/Oct 2007. They appealed those assessments within the statutory 30 days.

    The appeals were put on hold while the similar AAM scheme went through the tribunal process.  That delayed matters until Oct 2010.

    Rangers were issued with new assessments in Nov 2010 on the basis of the AAM ruling, then further assessments based on the discovery of side letters.

    Rangers asked for time to seek legal opinion on the chance of success of a new appeal. We know that the opinion was to seek a settlement agreement. That's what happened in calls and meetings in Feb/Mar 2011.

    Penalties were correctly not levied at that time, although interest had been included in the settlement figures. The penalty was only levied in August 2011 after the club failed to pay anything towards the agreed bill.


  22. Perhaps the SFA is just playing the PR game? [I hope.]

     

    Since Sunday and according to Level42 / the SMSM, Brown is the villain of the peace.

    Not Morelos, not Kent, nor Halliday.

    That's the very loud message.

     

    The SFA has cited both clubs and Gerrard. To 'even things up' and avoid attracting more vitriol coming their way, the SFA has cited Brown for something / anything.

    Bears are happy, and calm down. Can is kicked down the road, and into next week.

     

    Brown's case will be thrown out, perhaps on appeal?

     

    That's the only reasonable rationale I can think of for even citing Brown at all.


  23. So does this mean kent will also be charged with shushing and celebrating his goal in front of the Celtic fans.


  24. Bogs Dollox 4th April 2019 at 13:32

     

    11

     

    0

     

    Rate This

     

     

    easyJambo 4th April 2019 at 11:29

    It is galling that those who were complicit are unlikely to face any sanction, but it is now more important that the website serves as a permanent record of what actually went on and that all the participants are named and shamed.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Great work by the Res12 team.

    I share most peoples frustration at the lack of impact the process has had on the SFA in terms of them reforming themselves. I accept they are unlikely to reform themselves and maybe it will take another Rangers insolvency event to create the crisis necessary for them to change their ways.

    That said I have read through the Res12 site and there are clear grounds to investigate a potential fraud. Would it be appropriate to make a complaint to Police Scotland or better still the Serious Fraud Office.

    It appears they can be easily reached here: https://www.sfo.gov.uk/

    ============================

    There are a number of narratives arising from the Res12 Archive as set out on CQN  at

    https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/scott-brown-defence-pyro-problems-the-joy-of-ryan-christie/comment-page-2/#comment-3358696 above

    but the one that will make it difficult for Celtic not to address, is that the known evidence points to them being defrauded by Rangers FC in March 2011 and the SFA participated in covering it up from September 2011 to date.

    That evidence re March 2011 was presented to a lawyer expert in criminal law, who concurred with the heading in the Archive that the licence was granted on false pretence

    That is what the SFA have been trying hard to keep under wraps from 19th September 2011 if folk visit the archive at https://www.res12.uk/ and check for themselves  and what follows from 2015 on the archive supports the view SFA did not want that to come out.

    Now if that expert advice is wrong because of some unknown, the SFA only have to explain on what grounds, which is what Res12 would have delivered had it been passed.

    If however the advice is correct, shareholders have ever right to ask what Celtic intend to do about it.
    From the moment Res12 was adjourned in 2013 the issue was never going to go away, the police might be where it eventually lands as football law prevents justice..


  25. Hello Audheid, Is there anything anyone can do to get this fraud addressed in court of Law ?


  26. There is an "unstarred motion" in the CoS court rolls for tomorrow.

    INNER HOUSE UNSTARRED MOTIONS

    A293/16 Paul Clark v The Chief Constable of Police Scotland &c

     

    I suspect that this will be the submission of a minute of amendment on behalf of Clark, similar to the one put forward by Whitehouse last week. ……….. So nothing new or unexpected.


  27. easyJambo 4th April 2019 at 17:41
    0 0 Rate This

    There is an “unstarred motion” in the CoS court rolls for tomorrow.
    …………………..
    Looking at today’s papers a sheriff withdrew from a rangers administrator’s case because a light blues-supporting fellow beak is a witness.
    Aisha Anwar’s Glasgow colleague Lindsay Wood is to give evidence in David Grier’s civil action against cops.
    Fear’s she could be biased.
    ……….
    Looks like Grier’s team are leaving no stone unturned.


  28. Image may contain: one or more people, people playing sport and outdoor

    Making gestures towards opposing support.

    How is that different to someone showing 8 fingers. Other than he was doing it to tens of thousands and Brown was doing it to under 1,000.


  29. Also in today's paper.

    Rangers plunged into administration the following year and were later Liquidated before being Demoted to the old Third division.

    Douglas Walker…

    Hang your head in shame. There are no rules in scottish football to demote a liquidated club. Why would there be?


  30. Cluster One 4th April 2019 at 19:24

    ===========================================

    Rangers still exists, liquidation is a process and that process is ongoing.

    "There are no rules in scottish football to demote a liquidated club." because it is a nonsense, why would there be rules to cover it. 

    To go over old ground there was no demotion. A club applied to join the SPL (as was) and that application was rejected. The club then applied to join the SFL (as was) and that league accepted them into the lowest division.

    That is not demotion, relegation or anything else like that. It is applying to join in the first place. 


  31. Cluster One 4th April 2019 at 18:12

    easyJambo 4th April 2019 at 17:41

    There is an “unstarred motion” in the CoS court rolls for tomorrow.
    …………………..
    Looking at today’s papers a sheriff withdrew from a rangers administrator’s case because a light blues-supporting fellow beak is a witness.
    Aisha Anwar’s Glasgow colleague Lindsay Wood is to give evidence in David Grier’s civil action against cops.
    Fear’s she could be biased.
    ……….
    Looks like Grier’s team are leaving no stone unturned.

    ============================
    https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/4079683/rangers-court-case-judge-aisha-anwar-lindsay-wood-david-grier/

    That's good to know as I would like to know what went on during the Police Scotland investigation prior to the indictment of the seven. The involvement of a sheriff may have been to grant a search warrant to seek documents from the individuals homes, offices and lawyers premises. I know that such warrants were mentioned at previous hearings.

    I'd like to attend Grier's proof hearing if I can. It should be coming up fairly soon, although I've got a load of commitments over the next couple of months, so I might not get the chance.


  32. Homunculus 4th April 2019 at 20:58
    1 1 Rate This

    Cluster One 4th April 2019 at 19:24
    …………
    To go over old ground there was no demotion. A club applied to join the SPL (as was) and that application was rejected. The club then applied to join the SFL (as was) and that league accepted them into the lowest division.

    That is not demotion, relegation or anything else like that. It is applying to join in the first place.
    ……………..
    You have got to wonder after all this time journalists like Douglas Walker…would know there was no demotion.
    Maybe he wishes it was so,But just can’t let go of the demotion lie as it helps him sleep better at night.


  33. easyJambo 4th April 2019 at 21:01
    That’s good to know as I would like to know what went on during the Police Scotland investigation prior to the indictment of the seven. The involvement of a sheriff may have been to grant a search warrant to seek documents from the individuals homes, offices and lawyers premises. I know that such warrants were mentioned at previous hearings.
    ………………
    Light Blues fan Sheriff Lindsay Wood — who presides at the same Glasgow court — granted warrants during the police probe which saw Mr Grier, 57, nicked.

    An ibrox fan granted warrants.
    ……………………
    I’d like to attend Grier’s proof hearing if I can…. I hope you can, but you have done so many and are due time to yourself and commitments come first.
    Maybe JC can make it?


  34. Been a while; but never far.

    There can be no excuse for celebrating a win. None whatsoever. Not only is it unsportsmanlike, it can be perceived as offensive. And rightly so. 

    Historically, regardless of the sport, teams and individuals that win games, break records or achieve personal bests just don’t celebrate. If you’re tempted then look to the Champion League finals, Olympic Golds, The Ashes or even the sobriety that is rugger (rugby to those of us that are secularised and ill informed). It’s offensive. The sooner we collectively realise that protocol dictates that such celebrations (huddles, imitating hertigely inpired bands, armed forces interventions or inspired consumption of hydrating fluids in front of visiting fans)  makes for poor sportsmanship the better. 

    Creativity, however should be celebrated. Try Mimicing playing a musical instrument instead. This  always goes down well and makes for a smashing headline. Be sure to bring a bodhran; no offence will be taken. But don’t bring a flute or an air gun or for that a fishing rod and a bag of beer. You’ll be forever damned otherwise.

    Above all, don’t pretend you’re an aeroplane; that, my friends, is the definition of offensive behaviour. 

    And don’t buy shares in celebration of failure. 

    Apologies in advance. 

     


  35. I have a solution to all  the current issues surrounding Scottish football. Firstly, every other club should just let Rangers win everything then the SFA, the Media, the Police, and the Government will live happily ever after. Better still, bring back David Murray as Chairman and put the Bank of Scotland back into the control of good, staunch, Scottish hands. 


  36. Whit's wrang with the Quatrième État in this country.  

    My last observation on the Kent incident: the BBC went for a fair and unbiased opinion on whether it was a "push", "shove", "lash out" or "punch" to Kenny Miller – the BBC's go-to guy for suchlike.

    Russia Today give a much fairer coverage of Scottish affairs.

     

    Flywheel

      


  37. upthehoops 5th April 2019 at 07:06 

    I have a solution to all  the current issues surrounding Scottish football. Firstly, every other club should just let Rangers win everything…

    ##################################

    How would the alternate clubs be selected: alphabetically or league position at the end of the previous season?   To remove any complaint of bias I suggest that it should be "every club".  Fair means or foul. 

     

    Flywheel  


  38. Don't seem to remember there being anywhere near as much trouble at footy games – both on and off the pitch –

    …when there was no team representing Ibrox in the top league…

     

    However, I certainly do remember that other clubs' fans seemed to genuinely appreciate the refreshing absence of an Ibrox team from the top league.

     

    [aka, 'the good old days', c. 2012 – 2016].


  39. StevieBC @09.47

    It might help matters if the SMSM also stopped fuelling the unrealistic expectations of the supporters and Manager of the club founded in 2012 and just tell the truth especially in relation to the financial situation. Of course financial strength does not automatically  mean there will be success on the field. It was probably a complete statistical anomaly that the the most expensive player on the pitch scored the first goal and laid on the winner in the big game last Sunday. Just a coincidence really.


  40. A puzzling line by Stephen Halliday in the Scotsman (online):

     

    'A Rangers spokesperson said they were “extremely disappointed by the outcome”. Gerrard had insisted still photographs made the incident appear more violent than it was. But while it is understood the tribunal accepted Kent did not strike Brown in the head or face, they saw sufficient force and intent to apply the suspension.'

    https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/rangers-and-celtic-will-both-fight-scottish-fa-charges

     

    Eh?  Did you get that direct from Level Sinko?


  41. Ex Ludo 5th April 2019 at 11:37

    https://twitter.com/sangobeg/status/1113872704787156992?s=21

    Interesting wee exchange.

    ===============================

    The loan charge was being debated at Westminster yesterday. I actually listened to a part of it before rain stopped play with water pouring through a hole in the roof of the Commons.

    Most MPs seemed to think that their constituents with EBTs were being hard done by. They all seemed to have blanked the underlying issue of EBTs being used by their constituents to reduce the amount of tax paid to the exchequer.

    Some of the comments in the twitter exchange above appear to describe the situation more accurately than in the original tweet.


  42. Easyjambo @12.22

    The MP’s will get it right. Don’t worry about it. They’re highly paid to attract the right calibre of person to Parliament. They’ll do what’s best for the country. 


  43. I don't know about everyone else but the bottom split looks likely to be a cracking watch.

     


  44. I did always like Gerrard as a player.

    Was surprised he took the TRFC job, but in the absence of other offers it was perhaps understandable.

     

    But, his comments since Sunday's game has not done him any favours.  At all.

    Yes, he's a rookie manager but he's been dealing with the media at pressers etc. for at least 20 years now, and he fully understands how his words could be reported – or used to create an eye catching / controversial headline.

     

    He also knows that it is poor form for a manager – or a player – to talk at length about, or criticise, another team.

     

    You stick to commenting on your own team and what you can control.

     

    However, Gerrard's "playing the victim card" quote is crossing the line, IMO, especially when you consider what Lennon himself has endured over the years – and mostly from TRFC supporters.

     

    Blatant – and irresponsible – playing to the gallery from Gerrard and its crassness reeks of Traynors fingerprints.

     

    But, Gerrard is highly experienced.  He's not a Warburton.  He could easily instruct Traynor to just bugger off and leave him alone.

     

    Disappointing from Gerrard, and it seems to indicate that his own values have been adversely affected since joining TRFC.


  45. StevieBC 6th April 2019 at 09:00
    Disappointing from Gerrard, and it seems to indicate that his own values have been adversely affected since joining TRFC.
    …………….
    Just another Joey Barton. Gerrard will be forgotten in scotland once he resigns, walks away or is sacked


  46. StevieBCStevieBC6th April 2019 at 09:00

    Good post, Stevie, just not so sure that Gerrard's values have been changed all that much by his sojourn at TRFC.

    As with most 'stars' the public persona ia usually very different from the reality, and Gerrard has, on some accounts, a history of a more nasty nature off the pitch than the one we saw on it. I think he may be more suited to his position at Ibrox, personality wise, than he might have first appeared.


  47. With Gerrard trying to add "Better players" better players who will command a bigger wage for next season, and an Ashley court case on the horizon for damages.And if it is severe.

    Would it be better for king to put the club into Administration?

    Cost cutting as a way to off load Gerrard and his better higher wages players option. The board have already stated they can't keep on funding a loss making business. Where does SG believe the money is coming form to get quality players?

    Will his demands be to rich for the board?


  48. I had to put my laptop in for repair yesterday and won't get it back until later in the week.

    This wee tablet thingy is very fiddly and I find it a pain to use!

    So, I may be very quiet for a few days.


  49. Hoping someone can help, how can I get earlier posts from today and yesterday the is no numbers for pages at the bottom of the page, I would like to catch up on the ones from yesterday. Cheers Also how can I stop these annoying bar ads at the bottom of the page they keep appearing every minute or two. Cheers again


  50. How do I go back before 11.27, there are no wee arrows or chevrons.

     


  51. Re; previous pages

    I clicked on 'John Clark…View Comment', then clicked one of his earlier postings, which took me to the previous page. I suppose the paging will be fixed soon, but the above works for now.

    Good luck

     


  52. finnmccool 6th April 21.27

    Hi finnmcool.

    I tried the url like you said to Ballyargus but it it just keeps saying error page not found, any idea how to sort it.

    Cheers

    Kentes1


  53. Hi mods.

    What has gone wrong with the site, I can't get to earlier comments and keep getting annoying bar ads every minute or two.

    Any help would be gratefully received.

    Cheers


  54. It's amazing that 7 days on Scott Brown is still making the headlines but unless so-called journalists take off their blue tinted glasses the story will continue for some time yet. It's important to acknowledge some have surprised me by doing so.

    From video I have seen an inflatable European Cup  appears to have been thrown towards Scott Brown. I think it unlikely that the fans of old Rangers or new Rangers would be responsible for this especially when all the fans in that section were wearing green and white colours!

    Could it be that the journalists are colour blind?

    I do worry that the SFA have the same sight issues but we will all have to wait and see.


  55. Cheers HP.

    Got it sorted (for the time being at least) cheers for that


  56. Whilst McLeish's lawyer continues to make the SFA pay for their incompetence, via a generously negotiated payoff…

     

    And as Strachan seems to have talked himself into unemployability on TV, a la Ron Atkinson…

     

    What are the odds that Strachan is welcomed back at Hampden with open arms?

     


  57. Evening. I too getting the same problems as mentioned. Can I just say that is a fantastic archive guys and spent the afternoon going through it. Absolutely top drawer work . Thank you. 


  58. StevieBC 7th April 2019 at 13:29
    What are the odds that Strachan is welcomed back at Hampden with open arms?
    ………………………..
    What are the odds that one day the SFA look to Scott Brown to manage Scotland?


  59. Somebody has to ask . The coconut on the pitch – did it come from a shy ?


  60. Extracted from BBC Sport;

    "And [Stevie] Clarke thinks it odd to stage the league climax over six spring weeks, having played seven times during December.

    "It's one of the vagaries of the Scottish amateur league, sorry the Scottish football league", he said.

    "We've got two weeks off for an international break, pack three games into a week and then have another two-week break before we play another league game.

    "We've got five allocated Saturdays between now and the end of the season. So when we get really good weather we spread the games out but in the winter we pack them all together. It's really clever."

    ===============

    The Killie manager getting in a few extra digs at the SFA buffoons – before he departs Scottish football at the end of the season…?


  61. paddy malarkey 7th April 2019 at 22:00

    Somebody has to ask . The coconut on the pitch – did it come from a shy ?

    ===============

    cheeky

    pm, that's so bad… has to be a straight red!

     

    There's not a kernel of truth that the coconut came from a shy.

    But it would be Fair to say, it's Bounty have been thrown from a nut job…

    indecision


  62. Is it fair to assume that whatever damages Ashley is awarded at the forthcoming court case, King will simply kick it into the long grass with an appeal?


  63. StevieBC 7th April 2019 at 22:06

    ===============

    The Killie manager getting in a few extra digs at the SFA buffoons – before he departs Scottish football at the end of the season…?

    ———————–

    Looks like it sadly.

    Whatever happens hes been my manager of the year by a mile.

    On a limited budget hes got his team playing well and i like the way he says it like it is. Other managers including my own seem reluctant to have a go at the authorities. 

    Clarke's time in England has helped him realise that what is deemed normal in Scotland isn't in the rest of the footballing world.


  64. Court hearing tomorrow, but don't know when it will start. (I can't make it anyway)

    TO BE ALLOCATED

    STARRED MOTION

    1 hour

    A413/16 David Whitehouse &c v James Wolffe QC – A & W M Urquhart

    I've no idea what this hearing is about. The main proof in the case isn't scheduled until September


  65. Auldheid 8th April 2019 at 11:54
    10 3 Rate This

    For succinct reasoning why Resolution 12 matters (if you care about dishonesty and about restoring some semblance of integrity for a so called sport many pay large sums to follow) have a read at the 200% article.

    http://twohundredpercent.net/resolution-12-the-archive
    ………………
    The more it gets out there the better.


  66. easyJambo 8th April 2019 at 17.23

    ' Court hearing tomorrow…….'

    %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

    I hope to attend Court tomorrow for the Whitehouse matter.

    I don't know what it is about, of course,but I vaguely remember hearing that Whitehouse had not been paid some monies that he had already been awarded by the Court some considerable time ago.

    Maybe he might be chasing that up,or perhaps (more likely) I've got a false memory of hearing something like that.

    We'll find out tomorrow.

     

Comments are closed.