Spit, coins and verbal abuse towards Neil Lennon

Today it was reported that during the League cup semi final at Tynecastle between Aberdeen and St Johnstone, that Celtic manager Neil Lennon was again subjected to another experience in the capital that he would rather forget.

While sitting in the main stand, close to supporters, most of whom were believed to have been Aberdeen fans, Neil Lennon was subjected to verbal abuse! was also spat at and had coins thrown at him. It was also reported that one of the coins intended to hit Lennon instead hit an elderly Gentleman on the head.

Neil Lennon was subjected to abuse for much of the match, and had to leave midway through the second half as it had continued to escalate to a point where his safety was an issue.

This is not the first time Neil Lennon has come up against this torrent of abuse at Tynecastle as a couple of seasons ago he was assaulted from the touch line during a fixture against hearts.

Celtic have yet to make a formal complaint, but as the story circulates around varies social media outlets, Celtic fans and fans from other clubs have come out in support of the Celtic Manager. Others haven’t been so kind in their comments with the abuse and insults continuing across facebook and twitter.

We must not allow this rogue contingent of supporters to deplete the already tarnished and poor reputation of the overall product of Scottish football any longer.

Our facebook page was set up almost 3 years ago in support of wiping out bigotry and all forms of abuse throughout Scottish football and in support of Neil Lennon at the time of letters and parcels and such, which threatened the very being of a man and his family and coworkers from going about their daily routines and earning a living.

Please continue to stand up against sectarian abuse, racism and all forms of bigotry throughout football and support our page.

Please visit us below.

http://www.facebook.com/StandupforNeilLennon

Spend or save? Which way would you play the game?

Much has been said through many a topical discussion in recent seasons about where Celtic are performing as a club and as a worldwide brand. It has been a topic which has ripped through the Celtic support with arguably good and bad points for both sides of the argument.

Without going into too much detail, we all know the story of a little club formerly known as Rangers and what ultimately became one of sports biggest investigative cases in football history, with debts well within the multi millions. The story obviously had a detrimental effect on how today’s game is now looked upon by many football fans the world over.

Many argue, that the case is one which bears no real consequence to what is now the newly revamped SPFL, aimed at a rebranding of the game in Scotland, looking to maximise the brand of the Scottish game. Many fans believe that on one hand, having a new Rangers club in whatever form they take, can only be good for the exposure of the lower tiers of the SPFL structure and that in turn smaller clubs will see a better distribution of the funds circulating with the leagues. While others believe the former club should have been disbanded and that the allowance of a born again club to continue on in the place of said club, was only one of the most controversial and most costly of mistakes that the Scottish game would likely see in its lifetime. These fans believe that the backing giving to this club only served as a black mark and embarrassment to the SFA and thus affecting the potential for maximising the brand of the SPFL.

No matter where you sit within the walls of this argument, this leads us to where our club, the great Glasgow Celtic, find ourselves heading into the second half of the 2013/14 season with a 13 point gap and two games in hand at the top of the table. Celtic have probably been the one club, as big as they are, and as financially grounded as they are, to have been hit worse off than most of the other clubs in Scotland. Now before you ask the question of “why in the name would we be worse off than any other club?” – the answer could be seen as something along the lines of – celtic have probably come off worst of all the clubs, simply because, like it or not, the “old-firm”, was a brand in itself, when Rangers died, a part of Celtic did also. There can be no denying this fact in any shape or form.

Celtic have now had to become, in part, what they did not want to become – a club that now had to lower its expectations. Celtic have in truth played a very fair and quite balanced game in recent seasons. In the 2012/13 they continually punched above their weight with a very successful and humbled Champions League campaign, playing with a squad worth on average the cost of a fifth of that of the other teams.

Celtic then had to sell on other players, the star qualities of Wanyama and Hooper, gone, and arguably not replaced. But let’s not be too harsh on the squad we have, Neil Lennon and his men have done well in the transfer market, on a tight and limited budget of sorts compared to the elite of Europe and that of even the Championship sides in England. We have sold well and recouped vast profits for players, which fans rightfully were unhappy to see go, and even more so disgruntled that that quality was not in turn replenished into the squad.

Players like Forster and Lustig have proven their worth to the Celtic cause, and this season, with the likes of van Dijk joining the squad, who has the potential to be of the star qualities to be a big hitter in the Celtic Jersey and a fan favourite to almost the levels of say a Henrik Larsson. But many fans believe that players like van Dijk will be at the club for the short “shop window” period then head to pastures south of the border for big money. Other players like Pukki and Boerrigter have still to prove their worth, but as is the case with many Celtic signings, the club is flooded with too many players in similar positions and often these players become less than fringe players and often become inactive or loaned out and never to be seen again. Rogic for example?

Off the field it appears that Celtic have plenty of money, that only every other club in Scotland could dream of it seems. With vast redevelopment opportunities around Celtic Park, with the 2014 commonwealth games just months away, and Celtic looking to build a new development with new superstore and museum etc, one could argue that many people would feel that the league would be a given trophy for a few years at least, and that there was potential to focus on again building the brand of the club and the overall experience within Celtic Park, building a new Celtic “Village”, all with the clubs own money, every coin accounted for, and development of a wonderful complex that even some of the worlds biggest clubs could only dream of having.

The arguments are there for everyone to see. There are pros and cons of course to every single one of them. But which side of the argument do you follow? The club play in a somewhat more “open” league where respectfully, other clubs now have a chance to raise the bar at their prospective clubs in terms of euro qualification and finishing higher in the league and taking the game to the leagues clear front runners and “before-a-ball-is-kicked” champions elect, Celtic. But for Celtic the league is no more competitive now,than it was with the old enemy in tow, if not even worse.

So few can blame the board for not wanting to spend money on a team that should be capable of running roughshod over any team in the domestic leagues in its current form, and turning its attentions to building a whole new experience within Celtic park with new zones, and the kerrydale bar and new developments etc. the club clearly do not want to spend major money to compete in a European tournament that money, not the club, will dictate that they just can’t win.

It’s frustrating for Celtic supporters to see that the quality in the squad has weakened in recent seasons, and more frustration kicks in that that quality wasn’t replaced, yet it think more fans are frustrated that even through all this, the club will still walk away with another unchallenged league title.

Fans also see that crowd numbers have dropped dramatically, ticket prices frozen, yet unable to keep the numbers high enough to create that much of an atmosphere at games, now with the withdrawn Green Brigade section, fans now stay away as the atmosphere is no longer there. The current financial climate dictates also that many people are turning away purely for the fact that it costs on average one person to attend a game, the same as what it cost 3 or 4 people a little over 10 years ago. Yes times change, the value of money changes etc etc, but let’s be honest, fans have changed, but not by choice.

The main point in this article is to try and bring a balanced approach to those who feel the club do not do enough and to those who feel the club are right to be more tactful given the current mess the game is in in Scotland.

Hopefully, and the main thing is, that through all of the turmoil in the game at present, that Celtic come out stronger at the end. So far they don’t seem to be doing to badly. We still have a club to support, ultimately it’s down to the fans to decide which way the club go from here, that will always be the way it will be, if not, then football without fans, really is nothing.

Food for thoughts!!!

Where do you stand?

Green Brigade Targeted By Unjustifed Police Presence

Forums and news sites have been running rampant since Saturday after the events involving the Green Brigade and police during a peaceful protest march before the Aberdeen fixture at Celtic park.

Around 200 police officers were on the scene to “deal with an illegal street march” involving the Green Brigade, who had approx the same number of people. Videos have surfaced from various witnesses who captured the events unfolding.

As many of you will already have seen the videos and have read various accounts of what happened, we have set up a poll in order to gauge the overall response from supporters. Many who feel that the police have become unbearable to cooperate with in relation to recent harassment of Celtic and its supporters.

Check out our poll and voice your opinions on the story that has shed new light on the situations that fans and police find themselves in. It must change for the good of the club and it’s fans.

Check the poll out here http://ultimateceltic.proboards.com/thread/293/brigade-targeted-before-aberdeen-fixture

Still a believer??

Celtic all but bowed out of the UEFA Champions League after the 3-0 home defeat to Juventus.

But there are still those who believe that stranger things have happened, and live and die by the clubs “keep the faith” slogan.

We know the task is almost certainly going to be providing nothing in the way of a fruitful result other than possibly a win, but not one that guarantees qualification.

Celtic have nothing more to lose in this match, they still have everything to play for. Pride, recognition, and some well deserved respect and praise from the footballing world for “punching above their weight”.

As long as they don’t crash out to a poor aggregate shoreline, then Neil Lennon and his players can be assured that their efforts on the elite stage of world football has been nothing short of excellent.

Winning away from home throughout the European campaign, and showing a willingness to compete at the highest level.

Nobody should feel that this return leg is unachiveable. Celtic have slammed some 20+ goals in only a handful of games, although the opposition may be questionable,and not classed anywhere near the same calibre as the mighty Juve. Even still, Celtic can score goals and play football.

The believe and general want to win and do well is there, the task is mountainous but not unattainable. It will be difficult, but why can’t we believe that we can do it.

The truth is, we will most likely end our run in Europe on Wednesday night, but we go out fighting. Any kind of positive result will do, but Celtic can beat them. Let’s hope miracles happen and we can be in London in a couple of months.

Believing in your clubs abilities must be something that continues to drive this club forward. We have a food squad and a wonderful support. One last push is in order. Let’s go for it!!

Join us on our forum at http://www.ultimateceltic.proboards.com or join our Facebook pages at http://www.facebook.com/StandupforNeilLennon
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It’s All A Game Of Numbers.

This Sunday could see the jelly and ice cream band strike a few chords, as Celtic travel to the HMRC Tesco-Wonga stadium, In search of their first league title in 4 seasons. Last weekend was a sore one to take, as not only was the unbeaten run finally overturned,but we lost out on a great chance for the domestic treble, missed out on the League cup trophy,and it certainly didn’t bode well for this weekends derby,which if the numbers game plays its part points wise, could see the hoops be crowned champions at ibrox.
Just as we had hoped the treble was on its way, we were hit with some of the dire drivel we got served up at the low points of the season. But in the light of the defeat,a lot of the Celtic faithful turned their attentions to the young killie player who’s cup victory celebrations were cut drastically short,upon the tragic death of his father just hours later.
Anyway the main thing I would like to address is, there’s been a lot of talk amongst us Celtic fans that the numbers game may very well be against us this weekend. A lot of people are determined to see Celtic miss out on a derby day championship victory at ibrox. I’m sure anyone willing to do so,would easily win a bet to suggest that the newly crowned league cup winners,will take a battering this weekend,thus ending the hope of a derby day championship. Although we know that the title is won,it’s just the waiting of the points to run down,many Celtic fans are longing for this victory,and hope that the points elsewhere help us to claim what would ultimately be one hell of a league victory,given the circumstances surrounding Sundays “tainted” apponents.
Let’s just hope that if kilmarnock are professional enough,setting aside a players personal tragedy,that they go out and give Motherwell a game,and allow us to claim the title at ibrox.
For yes,it’s all a game of numbers. Which way will they all add up.

Nowhere To Hide

Here is a video we hope you will share. It’s just poking fun at a certain clubs financial troubles. Share it and if it becomes popular we will do part 2. We have plenty to add to this one. Hail hail, enjoy.

The Jelly & Ice Cream Band

Ok, I was given the task of coming up with a new song, to poke fun at our administrative chums across the city. Here’s the link to what the end result was, hopefully you will all enjoy it. Share it with as many friends, or bluenoses as possible.hail hail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc4GNcxaOnM

One season on, oh how things change!!

It has been a while since we last posted anything. But it’s been such an entertaining couple of weeks to say the least. So let’s take a look and reflect on what has come to be………..

This time last season, there was a lot going on, on and off the park. Neil Lennon was in control at Celtic park, yet at every turn was being hounded by the media, misquoted and painted as being some sort of thug. Now, in some ways maybe Neil Lennon didn’t present himself in the most positive of ways, but who really cares now, he has come a long way in his tenure as Celtic manager. He dealt with bomb threats and personal attacks on his well being and more importantly his and his family’s lives. Not to mention being attacked by the thug at swine castle.

Although Celtic fell short last season,lessons were learned, and I’d challenge anyone to say that the team that Neil and his staff have developed, isn’t a good one…..it’s a team in transition, a team learning it’s trade week in, week out, a young team, but it is A TEAM, a hungry championship winning team. We are winning games that would have ended in a slightly different fashion last season.

All the while, that shambles of an “Institution of Scotland” along the banks of the Clyde, have been lapping up the last of its luxuries, before the Whyte Knight rode in on his rocking horse and pulled them into the shitter. Now in administration, clawing away, klinging on to any little dregs of life that it has left.

Oh the difference a year makes. Now we are in full swing, winning the league on our own merits, stick yer ten point deduction up yer youknowwhat….we won’t need it. This Celtic team are producing the goods, regardless of the team, the way they get the job done, the fact is its there now and it’s gonna be bringing home a possible treble.

Have to laugh at these morons from govan who think we will bottle it. Get a grip guys, we will be champions, with fully paid up players, tax paid.

Anyway. To continue on with the party why not join us at our Facebook page, the party still in full swing here
www.facebook.com/StandupforNeilLennon

Clinical Celtic show no signs of new year hangover.

Celtic saw off Dunfermline in an easy 3-0 win away at East End Park. After the high of hammering the blue half of glasgow on Wednesday night, Celtic looked like they were in the mood to see out both sides of new year in style. Celtic never looked in danger of losing today, and 3 fantastic strikes saw all 3 points head to Celtic park,and kept the hoops on top,with a now 10 game win streak.
A fantastic looping shot from Stokes gave Celtic the lead, and it was a finish that any player would be proud of,quite similar in build u to Wanyamas strike at celtic park a few weeks back. Incidentally, big vic was next on the score sheet with a cross over the box from mulgrew which Wanyama beat his marker to,to side foot it high into the net. Celtic cruising at this point. Then finally a free kick in the second half from mulgrew which beat the wall,and left the keeper stranded in the middle of his goal. Stunning free kick,which we take for granted as he seems to have a list of hitting the crackers from outside the box. 3-0 job done,points in the bag.

Celtic now,look to be in complete control of this SPL quest for the title. 10 games, and 10 wins straight. They have turned he corner from the 3-3 draw at Kilmarnock,have made a 17 point turnaround in 7 weeks,from 15 behind to 2 ahead. Its now looking likely that Celtic are back to their winning ways and based on the recent wins since the game in Ayrshire, it’s going to take a really brave, or idiotic fan,to bet against the hoops for this title now.
Yes, there is a long way to go,may well be a lot of twists and turns to go, but the format this season so far has been simple, rangers were top,while we couldn’t string a win together, and eventually pulled away for a while,looking outright runaway leaders. But the game has changed and it now looks like they may well be in our position very soon, for I think Celtic may start to pull away now. It would be silly to say that we will be out of sight and have it in the bag,but we’ve come back from the almost near impossible,to leading the pack in just over a few weeks. Thats got to count for something.

Celtic are showing the metal required now to go on and lift the title in may,if not before then. The guys must be given credit for this. Bring on the rangers…….oh wait,we brought them on…..and brought them to their knees……..next.
Good times for the tims. And great to see Izaguirre back. Hail hail.