Thinker

At least 2 types, actually. There are various BLM websites that have contradictory stances on politics.

Probably a good rule, but clearly, it's a broader problem than the simple examples I gave. Some people are desperate to project meanings onto other people's comments or gestures, when it's obvious (or ought to be) that it wasn't their intention. Goldson takes a knee as a show of support for a campaign against racism. He clearly states what his intentions are. And yet he's still given a hard time for supporting anti-white racism or anti-capitalist revolutionaries. The meaning of his gesture is the meaning he attached to it.

There's such extreme polarization around this issue it's becoming nearly impossible to discuss it. (Is it this particular subject, or is it just the world we live in these days?). It seems that you can only see how symmetrical it all is if you're looking at it from the middle ground. If you criticize a single aspect of the BLM campaign someone from the left will call you a far-right fascist. If you show support for a single aspect of the BLM campaign someone from the right will call you a far-left Marxist.

I'm pretty sure you can be okay with diversity and inclusivity without being a Marxist...

Or, as I posted in another thread, maybe this: https://blacklivesmatteruk.com/about/

I don't believe that's true. The "message" can be brought back into focus just as easily as it can be obscured. I understand fully that if you're a conservative you're almost certainly sick to high-heaven of being demonized by liberals in the media - especially in Scotland. And it's probably become second nature to oppose any movement that you see leftie, anarchist activists tacking their agenda onto. But you can't afford to let racial equality become seen as a left-wing opinion. Rather than tarring everyone who voices support for BLM as a supporter of all the divisive add-ons, it's essential that you stamp a big non-political mark on this. If you aim a broadside at "Black Lives Matter" in general you're attacking the sensible parts as well as the extremists. And I would have thought a young, succesful black man is the ideal person to champion a right-of-centre take on BLM, if that's what you wanted to do. A man who through determination and hard work has successfully marketed his skills to make money and achieve his aspirations. It can be done, but it ought to be achievable outside the sporting or musical arena.

We should be holding Connor Goldson up as an example of how BLM should be represented. He's stated his intentions quite clearly - he wants to convey a simple message against racism; That there should be equality of opportunity for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity. I support Connor in this, just as I support Alfredo in his charitable work in Columbia. I'm glad the club does too. Yes, there are those trying to hijack BLM, and piggy-back their own agenda onto the demonstrations (anti-capitalist, anti-Zionist, and revisionist villification of historical figures using modern social mores). We can not allow these people to dictate what "Black Lives Matters" means. We can't allow them to detract from what ought to be a clear and unconvtroversial statement about how we want our society to be: One where everyone gets a fair go, and success is down to individual merit. That's the British way, if you ask me.

That's how I saw it. The Lyon player had his hand on Kent's face, and Kent's reaction was a retaliation in kind, "See how you like it", sort of thing. Strictly speaking it's raising his hand, but he had a hand raised to him as he was doing it, and he used next-to-no force. It would have been overly-officious to send a player off for that in a competitive match, imho, never mind a friendly!

I thought the deal was that they'll just take whatever compensation they have to pay out of the prize pot (perhaps over a few years). I'm more interested in the exposure of skullduggery that this court case may bring about.

Yeah, it's a quirk that I think is most prevalent amongst Scottish RCs. A weak attempt to feminise a masculine name, normally in order to call a girl after a male relative. Plenty of Davidina's knocking about in the older generation, for another example. Normally shortened to "Ina".

It'll be instead of the wee Utilita ad.

Hearts Statement: https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/club-statement-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8

Hearts statement Following today’s decision to end the 2019/20 Premiership season and expel Heart of Midlothian Football Club from the top flight, the club would like to provide a brief update to both its fans and the wider Scottish football audience. We have stated from the outset that we don’t believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was previously indicated that league reconstruction would not generate enough support to pass a vote between member clubs. In recent days a number of positive talks have been held with both the SPFL and member clubs and this topic is currently being revisited. Hearts will shortly submit a member’s resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind. It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging - financially and otherwise - any club. This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Players from across all leagues have shown a desire for reconstruction and having already received support from some clubs we are hopeful that this resolution can positively progress Scottish football. As previously intimated the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so. We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive. However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations. To our supporters, we thank you for showing patience and continuing to back the club. We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome. In summary: "Give us reconstruction or we're going to court."

Every club would be adversely affected by social distancing - all would have to reduce maximum physical attendance by >75%. Conversely, every club would benefit from being able to sell online live stream access to their home games. For instance, when Ross County play Rangers they'd be able to sell a ton of tickets to Rangers fans. The only difference is the money from the away support would be from online access.

If social distancing limits physical attendance you'd think the ban on live tv coverage of 3pm kick-offs will also be relaxed. It seems reasonable (likely to me) that clubs will be allowed to charge for live coverage via Rangers TV and equivalents - that should mitigate the loss from attendances to an extent, and may even be an opportunity to make money.

Yup, it's the same for the west juniors. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_of_Scotland_Football_League

I know it's a pipe-dream, but it would actually solve the SPFL's relegation conundrum if we departed and took up Bury's place in League 1 (1 promotion, no relegation in all divisions.) In reality my guess is that we'll get a shoddy compromise of 14-10-10-10 for one season with 3 down, 1 up at the end to restore the wonderful satus quo. The dhims will of course selfelssly lend their support for the good of Scottish football and be proclaimed heroes (when in actual fact what they'll really be doing is cheaply paying off the whelps who have signed over a league title). I expect we'll oppose it and be lambasted for doing so.

To me that suggests 14-10-10-10 is in the pipeline. 2 promotions to every division, no relegations.

Not the best footage, but for those who haven't seen the goal... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34CM1kBRQc

It's awkward, but given we're already struggling to find a date for the St Johnstone game-in-hand, it may be the best of a bad selection of options.

In the past my Mrs has asked for their stuff for her Christmas. I thought it sounded like a poetic description of diareekie.

In its current form, VAR is slow and frustrating and receives a lot of criticism for prolonging the period of doubt after any hairline decision. But if that's what it takes to keep Scottish referees honest, I'd put up with it. It would be a lot more difficult for refs to go with their "unconscious bias" against us if they have to view the evidence on loop a few times before confirming the call.

Istanbul would be a pain in the ass travelwise, but other than that, bring it on.