From the “You Couldn’t Make it Up if You Tried” File
By: Matt | July 1st, 2009
Before I go on, this is not intended to be a comment on sectarianism in Scotland or Northern Ireland, but rather a story of irony that I think people of all religions, political persuasions, and any other divisions can appreciate.
Former Motherwell midfielder Bob Malcolm has explained that he is quitting Fir Park for Australian side Brisbane Roar because of sectarian abuse. The former Rangers midfielder said: “I’ve had enough of walking along a street in Glasgow and someone shouting ya dirty Orange b*****d’ in my face, though Malcolm was first known for signing an autograph “FTP”. Malcolm continued, “It’s the main reason for me wanting to go to Australia. I was asked to go last year but didn’t want to miss out on Europe with Motherwell. Now is the right time to move on. I feel I have done everything there is to do in Scotland.”
Now it goes without saying that there are idiots on both sides of the Rangers Celtic rivalry who engage in these type of insults. Malcolm has not been innocent of this idiotic behavior either, but it is not unbelievable that someone said this to Malcolm on occasion. Here’s where the irony kicks in. Apparently these insults have just crushed the tough footballer’s soul, so much he’s got to head to the land down under to avoid these hurtful, hurtful words from Celtic supporters. The only problem is, the first match that Malcolm will be available for his new team, the Brisbane Roar, will be a friendly against Celtic this month, on July 12th. Poor Bob just can’t escape it.
Category: Celtic
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*ducks*
Posted from
United States
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As a “Yank” Celtic fanatic, I guess I will never understand the whole crazy religion fight between Celtic and Rangers. I understand Organized Religion plays a huge roll in worldly affairs, but sports? Don’t get it. Protestants and Catholics are a branches of the SAME DANG RELIGION, where does that make sense? It doesn’t. I believe in God and Christ, but this is one of the main reasons why I do not associate myself with any specific denomination.
It’s just ridiculous.
Posted from
United States -
A lot of it comes from old Glasgow. Poor Catholic Irish came to Glasgow during the famine, but were seen as less people by their Protestant neighbors. Brother Walfrid started the Celtic Football Club to help feed the poor Irish of East Glasgow, so Celtic has forever become linked with that Irish Catholic community. Unfortunately, the troubles in Northern Ireland have been linked with both Celtic and Rangers. While one of the reasons I was drawn to Celtic was their connection with the Irish immigrant community, I am with you. All of this stuff seems about 200 years outdated. Both sides have idiots on it, and while I am happy with how Celtic have distanced themselves from the foolishness, I fear that some of the history of Celtic must be preserved. That includes the links to Ireland. Other stuff doesn’t need to be there.
Once again, I shared this story because the irony of it. Malcolm leaving Scotland because he’s facing “abuse” from Celtic fans, abuse that he’s probably dished a fair amount of out himself, only to be facing Celtic his first match with his new team. I’d think Celtic, Rangers, or Partick Thistle fans might find this humorous.
Posted from
United States -
I’m a “Yank” Celtic fan too, by the way.
Posted from
United States -
As a Brisbane Roar support, I heard about this a while ago, what a larf. The other thing is the match is on Orangeman’s Day, I really hope nothing comes out of it. Craig Moore and Charlie Miller also play for the Roar, and are obviously ex-Gers, so it’s quite a Rangers v Celtic clash, although supporters groups have been doing a fair bit to stop people turning up to the game in Gers kits or promote anything secterian about the friendly, which is good.
I have seen Malcolm turn out to a couple of pre-season friendlies, and boy, apart from being as fit as Sepp Blatter, he is also apparently a part time tree-chopper, given the way he loves to hack at knee height.
Posted from
Australia -
Sectarianism will always be in the game in Scotland unfortunately but it has got a bit better over recent years.
Posted from
United States -
Rory, I completely missed what day it was on. Wow, that could make things interesting. I know there’s a big contingent of Celtic and Rangers fans in Australia, and I knew Moore and Miller were there as well. Hopefully everything turns out ok for you and your club and it’s a good day out. Your description of Malcolm’s play sounds about right from his time in Scotland, as well.
Posted from
United States -
one of the reasons celtic and rangers are linked to sectarianism is because much of their support is from fans in Northern Ireland who are on either side of the sectarian divide.
Posted from
United States -
Saint Patrick their are still snakes in the north
Posted from
United States -
thebhoy-Yep, and those sides are drawn because of the historical roots of Celtic. Most don’t know that Rangers wasn’t really a “Protestant Club” a la the Celtic Charity fund in the beginning.
Posted from
United States -
i am a life long support of valencia and rangers are my 2nd club and i hate that sectarianism involved between to of the best clubs scotland has the rivalry is takin a little to far…
Posted from
United States
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