BrahimHemdani

"Ignore" might be better but the last part of the sentence "to examine their own mind sets" makes no sense whichever verb you use. Look to me like it was part of an earlier draft that has been left in by mistake. Perhaps "leave them to examine their own mind sets"?

The unrivalled atmosphere, passion and history of the old firm game is what makes it unique and sellable. The whole of Scottish football benefits from that.

I will follow the team wherever and whenever I can get a ticket from Peterhead to Parkhead to Poland, Portugal and all points in between. I appreciate that some folk do not want to put money in certain other Clubs' coffers but for me that is outweighed, FAR outweighed by supporting the team. I have read and heard it said many times that the players derive great heart from seeing the colours in difficult venues and whilst we have often faced great disappointment, moments such as Pedro Mendes rocket in the 4-2 win in 2008 and Ugo Ehiogu's overhead kick in 2007 will live long in the memory. I don't have any great difficulty with where we are seated at Parkhead; yes it's in the corner but the views are not restricted and the configuration of the stadium is such that it would not be possible to give us an equivalent position to that occupied by Celtic fans at Ibrox otherwise we would be surrounded on both sides. As it is it can be quite intimidating if you are seated near the columns of Celtic fans. I am surprised by Mr Gilligan's reported comments because I don't see how Celtic can be allocated anything other than the full Broomloan stand. Lastly, Rangers v Celtic without visiting fans would severely detract from the atmosphere and I for one would find that regrettable to say the least. Surely there is nothing better than seeing them leaving early in droves when heading for defeat.

The legislation required the Government to carry out an evaluation of the Act after 2 years and this was published last June. Offensive Behaviour Act evaluation published 12/06/2015 09:30 Scotland Law, Order and Public Safety YouGov survey also shows 80 per cent of Scots support the legislation. An independent evaluation of new laws brought in two years ago to tackle offensive behaviour at football matches has been published today. Since June 2013, researchers at the University of Stirling and ScotCen Social Research have been carrying out an extensive evaluation of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications Act, hearing evidence from a wide range of stakeholders including fans, match commanders, police, prosecutors and football club representatives. The evaluation found evidence from a range of sources that offensive behaviour at football matches has decreased since the legislation was introduced, and strong support from police and prosecutors who said the laws had brought a new ‘simplicity and clarity’ to dealing with incidents. A YouGov poll also published today reveals that 83 per cent of Scots support legislation to tackle offensive behaviour at football and 80 per cent of those polled directly support the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act. In a survey of football fans as part of the evaluation of the Act by ScotCen research, 90 per cent of fans found songs which glorify or celebrate the loss of life or serious injury offensive, 82 per cent found songs in support of terrorist organisations offensive, 85 per cent found songs, chants and shouting about people’s religious background or beliefs offensive. The publication comes on the day a series of hate crime statistics for Scotland are also published, including the latest breakdown for 2014-15 of charges in relation to football related incidents. They show: •In 2014-15, there were 193 charges of ‘offensive behaviour at regulated football matches. This is a 6 per cent decrease on last year, representing a 28 per cent reduction in the first year of operation of the Act. •Broken down, 61 per cent of these charges related to ‘threatening behaviour’ (including engaging in fighting or challenging others to fight) – an increase from 49 per cent in the previous year. 30 per cent of these charges related to ‘hateful behaviour’ – a decrease from 36% last year. 13 per cent of these charges related to ‘otherwise offensive behaviour’ (celebrating the loss of life or action in support of terrorist organisations) – a decrease from 28 per cent in the previous year. Note: These add to more than 100 because charges can fit into more than one category. •Fewer charges occurred in football stadiums in 2014-15 than in 2013-14 and 2012-13. There were 89 charges in stadiums in 2014-15, compared to 109 charges in 2013-14 and 165 in 2012-13. •In 71 per cent of charges in 2014-15, the general community were the target of abuse, an increase from 58 per cent last year. Specific members of the public were targeted in 26 per cent of charges, a decrease from 36 per cent on the previous year. Workers were targeted in 12 per cent of charges, an increase from 7 per cent last year. •42 charges included behaviour that was derogatory towards Roman Catholicism, a decrease from 46 charges last year and 88 charges in 2012-13. Six charges included behaviour derogatory towards Protestantism, a decrease from 11 last year and 16 charges in 2012-13. One charge included behaviour derogatory towards Judaism and one charge was in relation to behaviour derogatory to Islam. •The number of charges in relation to hate crimes overall fell by 7 per cent in 2014-15 compared to last year. There were falls in all categories of hate crime, except disability. •There was a 3 per cent decrease in charges in relation to religious hatred (including those now reported under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act), now at the lowest level since 2007-08. There was a 9 per cent decrease in charges in relation to race, now at their lowest level since 2003-04. There was a 5 per cent decrease in charges in relation to sexual orientation, the first time there has been such a decrease since legislation was introduced in 2010. There were 177 charges reported in relation to disability in 2014-15, a 20 per cent increase. Minister for Community Safety Paul Wheelhouse welcomed the range of reports out today and pledged to act on the recommendations of the evaluation of the Act. During a visit to leading reducing reoffending organisation Sacro, the Minister announced his first action, providing £66,883 of funding to roll out a national ‘Diversion from Prosecution’ education programme to be aimed at less serious and first time offenders who may fall foul of the Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications Act. Mr Wheelhouse said: “We have seen a raft of encouraging statistics and evidence published today showing that hate crimes in Scotland are on the decrease, both on the streets of Scotland and in our football grounds and this is to be welcomed. “Religious crimes are down, race crimes are down, crimes in relation to sexuality are down and we’ve seen a decrease in crimes of offensive behaviour at regulated football matches in Scotland. Whilst the legislation we brought in two years ago has had its critics, the latest statistics show a steady decline in offences at stadiums and a YouGov poll shows 80 per cent of Scots support the Offensive Behaviour Act. “We will not be complacent and will continue to monitor how the Act is working very closely going forward. However, I believe the legislation is working. The evaluations, backed by the latest statistics out today, demonstrate that the Act has had a positive impact and our approach has delivered real improvements in behaviour at football and online. “There is clearly still much work to do and we will act upon the recommendations from the independent evaluation, starting today. “There was concern within the evaluation around how we can help fans to understand the impact of their behaviour and to divert them from activity that could lead to criminal charges. “Today, I’m acting on that recommendation by providing additional funding for Sacro to develop their ‘Diversion from Prosecution’ programme on a Scotland-wide programme and, where appropriate, make available an alternative disposal that will allow less serious or first time offenders committing an offence under the Act to avoid being caught up in the criminal justice system while providing a suitable and proportionate response to the offence committed. “Football is widely recognised as Scotland’s national game and it’s rightly loved by millions of fans across the globe. The vast majority of football supporters are well-behaved and simply wish to support their team and enjoy the game. Healthy rivalry is the life blood of the sport and a Scotland without passionate football rivalry would be a much poorer country. “However, when supporters allow their passion and rivalry to descend into abusive behaviour, bigotry and, in extreme cases, violence those supporters bring shame on our country, our clubs and all fair-minded people across Scotland. Independent analysis out today shows that Scotland’s football fans agree, with an overwhelming majority finding songs that glorify loss of life, songs in support of terrorism and songs and chants about peoples religion offensive. “The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act was designed to send out a clear message to those who let their passion and pride become violent or offensive. It tells the world that Scotland is a country which will not tolerate any form of prejudice, discrimination or hate crime, and it gives police and prosecutors an additional tool to tackle this behaviour. “Of course the Scottish Government recognises that social issues like racism, sectarianism and homophobia go beyond just football. That is why we are making a substantial investment into grass roots community projects which are working to stamp out such behaviour. “When it comes to football, it is time for all football supporters who are truly dedicated to the sport, to stand up and be counted and lead the way in ensuring that passion is not allowed to become stained with prejudice, and rivalry stained with bigotry. The prize will be a more positive environment for all which will attract ever more families and other new supporters and help to ensure the future of this fantastic sport in Scotland.” Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland said: “I welcome the extension of the Sacro Diversion scheme to cover the whole of Scotland. It is important that all actions taken to tackle offending linked to sectarianism at football matches and elsewhere in our communities are proportionate and effective. Today’s announcement extends the range of measures available for prosecutors dealing with these cases. The Football Liaison Prosecutors within COPFS will continue to consider cases carefully and where appropriate will pursue prosecutions in Court with custodial sentences and football banning orders being available on conviction. “Where the circumstances of the offence and the offender are such that it would be appropriate to divert them from prosecution then the SACRO diversion scheme will play an important role in the education and rehabilitation of offenders within the community.” Sandra Lindsay, Service Manager for Sacro said: “Thanks to this additional funding, Sacro will be able to develop its Diversion from Prosecution Service as a National Service for people who are charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communication (Scotland) Act 2012. “Sectarianism has no place in modern day Scotland. By engaging directly with people, we help them to identify their behaviours and understand these behaviours and attitudes are not acceptable. Sacro’s structured programme encourages positive behaviour change to bring about a reduction in offending.” http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Offensive-Behaviour-Act-evaluation-published-19ec.aspx Based on the foregoing it seems unlikely that the SG will repeal the legislation any time soon.

Safe travels and enjoy the match.

Great minds think alike dB (#7)

If we score more goals than Dundee we have a chance of winning

I'm worried about Hemmings, he looks a completely different player from the one we had (albeit his career was beset by injury) and he has a phenomenal scoring record at Dundee. If Dundee go with 3 strikers they'll give our back line a testing afternooon.

A team prediction (not too difficult). Same back four. Ball will be in CMF as with the Kilmarnock game. Miller and McKay will come in up front. Clark is unlikely to start. Without Waghorn, O'Halloran and King, Forrester will start wide right or perhpas he and McKay will swap. So: Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson, Wallace; Holt, Ball & Halliday; Forrester, Miller and McKay. Slight chance Clark starts with Forrester in MF rather than Ball. Thinking out the box, why not a MF 4 (Ball & Halliday holding, with Holt and Forrester free) with McKay behind Miller up front.

I think you should stop there Zappa I'm happy with 4th place

Law was poor v St Mirren.

They are now selling them and various bars of chocolate (£1 ea.) on the half landing before the steps down to the MF whereas previously you had to walk upstairs, downstairs and back again if you wanted anything at all. They did run out of hot water for the bovril pre-match but quickly got replenished. A fairly minor improvement but shows "they" are thinking about it.

Thanks for that.

Thank you for the link and I stand corrected on Zelalem's injury but it does appear to have happened pre-match. Usually if a player is taken off during the warm up it would merit some comment somewhere. I am not sure I am guilty of "making continual erroneous posts" about Zelalem rather than stating my opinion, with which you obviously do not agree, backed up with my observations and statistics. I have received this in response to my enquiry today from my contact at Arsenal: So Craig is certainly correct on that one. I am sure that Warburton thought he had captured a top prospect but as you say his "contribution has been largely mediocre and inconsistent". It has been pointed out before that he did not feature in either of the important Dec games v Falkirk and Hibs (apologies if he was injured on any of those occasions) and in fact has only played 13 mins in the 3 games v Falkirk, and 32 mins in 2 games v Hibs and he didn't feature in the cup replay against Kilmarnock. He hasn't played 90 mins in the last 3 months. You can take that or leave it as you wish but no doubt all wil be revealed at the end of the season. My personal opinion is that he might be better suited to football in the US soccer leagues.

Thank you for your advice but I'm not sure that I would take lessons from you about putting an opinion across.

If Zelalem was injured in the warm up on Saturday then I stand corrected on that point. I just got in in time for KO but I asked my neighbours last night and they say they didn't see it and there is no mention of that happening in the Raners, BBC or Sky reports and Transfermarket now have him as "not in squad" v St Mirren and Raith Rovers and don't have any injury listed. However, the stats I have listed about games and minutes played and goals from Transfermarket are accurate and at least two others on here GS and Bearman share my opinion that he is not good enough for us never mind Arsenal. Are they trolling as well?

I'll enquire.

Forrester was easily MotM IMO up till unaccountably taken off. After some decidedly average performances on the wing, he has shown in the last two games that he can make a real difference in our midfield and dare I say like Holt offers a goalscoring threat that Zelalem does not. If he can maintain and improve this form then that MF will do for me for the rest of this season.

On the contrary, if he can't get a game here, Arsenal could put him back in their youth team. Interestingly Transfermarket shows him "No information available" tonight rather than "not in squad".

Obviously Warbs got the text

Nobody seems to want or need him.

Not on even on the bench yet again; doesn't this tell his fans on here something.

He hasn't kicked a ball in the last four matches since his poor second half 15 mins v Kilmarnock; if he can't get a game tonight then surely we should be asking Arsenal to take him back early and save £6,500 per week.

I am sure Miller will be "rested", possibly also McKay and I think, Clark, O'Halloran and King will be the front three with Forrester also maybe getting a start in the "Holt" role.

I will stand corrected on ID if you say so, although I found this just now on FF: Andy Kerr, MSP for East Kilbride (Labour) Gregory Campbell, MP for East Londonderry and member of Westminster RSC (DUP) Ian Davidson, Vice chair of Wesminster RSC and MP for Glasgow South West (Labour) John Robertson, Chair of Westminster RSC and MP for Glasgow North West. (Labour) Adam Ingram, Former MP for East Kilbride (Labour) Jim Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness and member of Westminster RSC (Lib Dem) Brian Donohoe, MP for Central Ayrshire and Member of Westminster RSC (Labour) Eleanor Laing, MP for Epping Forest and member of Westminster RSC (Con) http://forum.followfollow.com/archive/index.php/t-755325.html I was quoting the Herald about a "cross party" group. I said at the outset that I do not believe that the team Mr Yousaf supports is relevant to this issue. I certainly would not vote for or not vote for any person to be my MP , MSP or Councillor on the basis of their religion or the football team they support.