ian1964

HA!HA!,That probably would be considered sectarian...............................but you've just used that term so I should be ok:D

Cheeky barsteward

Home Affairs Correspondent POLICE are building up cases against 50 people accused of spreading sectarian hatred on the internet in a crackdown on religious bigotry and violence. They include people who have written abusive comments on Facebook, Twitter and football forums, inciting violence against key figures in the game. Lawyers are warning internet users who considered themselves immune to prosecution are now coming under huge scrutiny and court cases are "inevitable". It comes as new Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland prepares to announce plans to make inciting violence online an indictable offence which would carry a maximum penalty of five years. Police have become adept at tackling internet crime following child pornography investigations and can easily trace comments and internet profiles to their source. Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police have also cracked down on incidents at football games, with more people arrested at two Old Firm fixtures in February and March, than in matches between the two from the previous three years combined. And Chief Constable Stephen House has warned people who send threatening letters, explosives and weapons through the post that the crime is "very detectable" and they run a high risk of being caught. This season has been blighted by sectarianism, fuelled partly by incendiary messages on football forums. Parcel bombs were sent to Paul McBride QC, former MSP Trish Godman, and Neil Lennon, who has also received bullets through the post on two occasions. Lennon was also attacked by a fan who jumped out of the crowd at Tynecastle Stadium, and earlier this week a knife was sent to Donald Findlay QC. Mr House said: "Sectarianism on the internet is certainly a new area for us and we are putting more focus and more resources into it. There's a lot of good things on the internet, but there's also a lot of bad things too, and we need to police that. We're happy to work with the government on that." � Big rise in numbers held for sectarian offences � Pete Wishart calls for Royal Commission He added: "It's the chatroom effect. It's the legitimate fans' website, whether it's the official one for the club or not, and someone comes on and posts comments that are sectarian - that's what we need to deal with, and we need to publicise people being dealt with as a deterrent." He also had a warning for people over mail bombs. "It's very detectable," he said. "We are taking it very, very seriously. There are ways of catching people - I'm not going to get into tactics - but there's a high risk they're going to court." Mr Mulholland's plans are supported by the Scottish Government, which welcomed Strathclyde Police's investigations. A spokesman said: "We back the police in their efforts to crack down on these people. "They should be left in no doubt that they face the full force of the law." Peter Kearney, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, who says he has received 3,000 offensive sectarian e-mails, voicemails and mail in the last six months, also welcomed the crackdown. "Tackling sectarianism online is a crucial part of any effort to end bigotry since the anonymity which the internet affords can cause many to become viciously intemperate," he said. A spokesman for Celtic added: "The treatment of Neil Lennon through a variety of internet sources is well known and, re- assuringly, this is something which First Minister Alex Salmond has raised as a very important issue which must be tackled." David Craig, 23, from Paisley, and Stephen Birrell, 27, from Glasgow, have appeared in court both charged with breach of the peace in relation to comments posted online. Clyde under-19 player Max McKee was sacked after posting on Twitter last month: "Somebody needs to hurry up and shoot Neil Lennon." It came the day after Berwick Rangers youth player Kieran Bowell was sacked for posting on Twitter that he wished the Celtic manager had been killed. Stirling University student, Lee Dunlop, 22, has been charged with a sectarian breach of the peace for posting a picture of him dressed up as Postman Pat, holding a cardboard box labelled with Lennon's name and his club's Parkhead address. Lawyers are predicting a rush of cyber crime cases to come through the courts. Peter Lockhart, a criminal defence solicitor and member of the criminal law committee of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "There will be more prosecutions, that's inevitable. "The problem has been in the past that people have felt they were immune or unlikely to be detected. Now I suspect they will find the long arm of the law will be coming at them through the internet sooner rather than later." The Criminal Justice and Licensing Act, passed last year, included powers to tackle web hate. Under the act, people can be prosecuted if their behaviour is "threatening or abusive" or "likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm". Crucially, it does not require intent and says people who are "reckless as to whether the behaviour would cause fear or alarm" can be prosecuted. That means ignorance of the possible effects of internet hate cannot be used as an excuse. Mr Lockhart said the challenge for police and prosecutors will be drawing the line between football banter and something more serious. http://www.scotsman.com/rangersfc/Dozens-facing-arrest-over-online.6771237.jp?articlepage=1

JAMIE NESS made great strides for Rangers last season. That's literally the long and short of it. Exciting midfield prospect Ness really shone for Walter Smith's champions without knowing one leg was longer than the other. It's now why he believes his breakthrough campaign was dogged by injury frustration. Ness stamped his ability over a debut season, which included two stunning displays against Celtic. Agonisingly, though, his season ended on April 16 - and since then he's visited German specialist Hans Muller Wohlfahrt. What Ness was told shocked him, but also filled him with HOPE. The 20-year-old fans' favourite - whose efforts earned him a bumper new deal until 2015 - said: "I'm just back from seeing Dr Wohlfahrt in Munich. "I've got some things to do and things to work on. Hopefully that will be me over the problems. "They think I've got one leg longer than the other but I've got an insole now and hopefully that will take care of the problem. "I've also got exercises to do. It's created general muscle problems for me, including my back and hamstring. Everything's been a bit out of balance. I think that's why I was getting so many muscle injuries. "It's taken quite a while to be detected, also because I've still been growing. I'm just happy that it's hopefully been resolved and I'll be able to push on and not worry about the injuries. "It was more kind of injection treatment that Dr Wohlfahrt did with my back. I also saw a chiropractor there. "Inter Milan centre-back Lucio was there at the same time as me while I think Michael Owen has also visited him in the past. "The fact I've been able to see him has been great, I've appreciated Rangers being able to arrange that." Ness confessed it was torture having to sit out Gers' phenomenal title run-in when they clinched three-in-a-row. He said: "I think when you're not playing you just turn into a fan. It was great to be at the games when we had that run going and kept the momentum up to win the title." Ness has no fears about his ability to break into the side next term - even if new boss Ally McCoist has �£10million to spend. He also reckons that fellow Ibrox babes Kyle Hutton and Gregg Wylde can remain involved. Ness said: "Danny Wilson was able to come in when we still had a big squad, John Fleck too. "It shows the young boys that if they're good enough they are going to get their chance, no matter how big the squad is or however much money there is to spend. "Hopefully that's the case. That will be up to Ally McCoist to decide but I think I've shown enough when I came into the team that it wasn't too much for me and I handled it well." Meanwhile, Gers youth chief Jimmy Sinclair reckons Ness would've been in the Scotland squad for the upcoming Carling Nations Cup if he'd been fit. He said: "The manager said to me in the course of the season that he fully expected Jamie Ness to be playing for Scotland before the end of the year. I honestly believe if Jamie had been free of injury that would have been the case. His performances were very mature." Sinclair's thrilled with the success of the Murray Park production line. He added: "I'm very hopeful that the seasons ahead will be a combination of acquisitions by the manager and support from the youth department. "I think we are past the point where Murray Park is being dubbed a red herring which is not functioning properly." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3590781/Happiness.html#ixzz1MqVJJaan

POLICE have been accused of wasting time after they turned up in force to monitor a friendly football match between Old Firm fans. The bounce game had been set up between friends in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, to mark the end of the football season. Celtic and Rangers fans had been lined up to take part in the 11-a-side challenge which was a repeat of a game played successfully weeks earlier. The previous match was at a different sports centre but after police intervened the venue was switched to playing fields in the town due to the "nature of the game". But stunned players and about 50 spectators watched as a heavy police presence arrived at the start of the game. Witnesses have told how the match was monitored by two officers in a patrol car, two on the beat and a police transit van full of uniformed police. A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: "Police were initially informed that there would be over 100 people involved in the match. "On the day police went to see what was happening. They realised that the game was what is known as a 'bounce' game. They found no cause for concern and left.":grin: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Police-under-fire-after-officers.6771234.jp

I honestly don't think what he says will influence any big money move,if he performs to the required standard then big teams will come in for him

I posted this video in the Rangers downloads & videos earlier,one you never tire of watching.

Hope this means he will maybe be a bit more proactive against slurs from the mHedia than our previous chairman/board!!!!

New Rangers owner Craig Whyte is set to take a major hands-on role in the running of the Ibrox club ââ?¬â?? by succeeding Alastair Johnston as chairman. Johnston is set to stand down this week after successfully overseeing what has been a turbulent period in the Glasgow clubââ?¬â?¢s history. And, in a significant development for the Scottish champions, it appears Whyte is poised to assume his responsibilities. The multi-millionaire businessman kept a low profile during his take-over of his boyhood heroes and had been widely expected to take a back seat in the day-to-day running of Rangers. However, it seems that the Motherwell-born venture capitalist is keen to play an active part in ensuring the continued success of the club on and off the park. To be appointed chairman, he will have to show he is a ââ?¬Ë?fit and proper personââ?¬â?¢ and prove that in the last five years he has not been debarred as a director of a company. Johnston said: ââ?¬Å?As it stands, I am still chairman, but thatââ?¬â?¢s merely procedural and because of paperwork being worked upon with Craig Whyte. ââ?¬Å?My two-year stint is ending and Iââ?¬â?¢ll simply go back to being a fan. I was in the Far East on business last week, but managed to get back to the game at Kilmarnock before attending the SPL title party. ââ?¬Å?It was a great way for Walter to sign off as manager. He has very much been a cornerstone for the club over the past few years and has shown great leadership.ââ?¬Â Johnston, a senior executive with IMG, was delighted to leave the club after Smith, whom he persuaded to stay on for a final year, had led the club to the Co-operative Insurance Cup and Clydesdale Bank Premier League. And he expressed confidence that Ally McCoist, who has now taken over from his mentor as manager, will prove a success He said: ââ?¬Å?Martin Bain had been working hard on Walter during that period to try to keep him because we all knew how important that could be. ââ?¬Å?I then came into it with my own input and I would very much like to think I had some influence.ââ?¬Â Johnston added: ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t think Rangers can replace him as a figurehead and a leader, but I do think Ally McCoist can be successful as manager. ââ?¬Å?He is strong-minded, but will need to be. Heââ?¬â?¢s had an apprenticeship with one of the best and hopefully that will be prove significant.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/craig-whyte-set-for-role-as-rangers-chairman-1.1102414?90022

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/05/police-probe-celtic-fans-exclusive.html

Well done Foster,you did well when called upon.

I missed this,is there anywhere I can watch it on line?.

RANGERS have targetted �£2.5 million-rated Southampton winger Jason Puncheon for a summer move to Ibrox. With on loan Manchester City starlet Vladimir Weiss set to sign for Spanish side Espanyol next season, manager in waiting Ally McCoist has moved swiftly to identify the 24 year old as a possible replacement. The SPL champions have already touched base with Puncheon's representatives to see if he would consider a switch north of the border and received "positive" feed back from the former Wimbledon wide man who has spent the second half of this season on-loan at Premiership Blackpool. Pool' boss Ian Holloway has the option to sign Puncheon on a permanent basis for �£1.5 million but that clause has now expired and he is well aware that Southampton now value him far higher. Puncheon's agent Tony Finnegan said: "I have had a phone call from somebody involved in the new set-up at Rangers asking me about Jason Puncheon's situation. �¬ I have had a phone call from somebody involved in the new set-up at Rangers asking me about Jason Puncheon's situation �® Jason Puncheon's agent Tony Finnegan "The person I spoke to said he knew Jason is playing in the English Premier League but would he be interested in a possible move to Rangers? "I spoke to Jason and then went back to them and told them he would be interested. Who wouldn't be interested in a move to a club like Rangers? They regularly win honours, play in the Champions League and are one of the best supported clubs in Britain. "I think they also appreciate that Jason has done things the hard way coming through the ranks and has managed to force his way all the way to the top in England, "There is quite a bit of interest in Jason but he still has a big game left with Blackpool and we will wait and see what happens after that." Puncheon expects to move in the summer because he has been told he is surplus requirements at Southampton, having fallen foul of Saints boss Nigel Adkins. The Englishman kicked off his career with Wimbledon before dropping into the non-leagues with Fisher Athletic and Lewes. He made his professional return with Barnet and moved on to Plymouth and then Southampton for �£400,000 in 2010. Former Wigan defender Andreas Granqvist, who is currently with Dutch side Groningen is also amongst Ally McCoist's summer targets along with Hearts' Lee Wallace and Dundee's David Goodwillie. He is also trying to get Kyle Bartley back on loan from Arsenal. Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/247608/Rangers-eye-up-swoop-for-Jason-PuncheonRangers-eye-up-swoop-for-Jason-Puncheon#ixzz1MmnkfvWA

SPL clubs could be playing in a glamour sunshine cup during a winter break next season. League supremo Neil Doncaster and fellow beaks are looking to revolutionise the top flight. And SunSport can reveal the idea is on the agenda as part of bold plans for reconstruction. The SPL knockout tourney would be held in a Gulf State like Dubai - or the USA. The ambitious plans would see a sponsor brought on board and games played between SPL sides during the period of inactivity in Scotland. Matches would also be scheduled at a time when they could be beamed back to the UK on live TV in a bid to maximise audiences. The SPL last had a winter break in 2003 but it was scrapped as clubs complained they missed out on vital cash through a lack of home gates during January. Now at a time when money is tighter than ever it is hoped funds generated by the proposed tournament would prevent those kind of cashflow problems during a period when so many games have got called off in recent years. It would also mean teams would return match-sharp. St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown reckons it would be a step in the right direction - but wonders if Rangers and Celtic would see it the same way. Brown said: "I'm pleased to hear something like that could be on the cards. "With the money the Old Firm can make going halfway around the world it might be a job making it attractive to them." Several obstacles must be removed for the plans to have any chance. With the SPL season due for an earlier start on July 23, the time constraints involved could be too tight to make it viable for next term. A winter break itself has still to be officially rubber-stamped. Other proposals for change will also be discussed in the coming weeks. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/3588739/Lets-play-in-Dubai.html#ixzz1MkmFc0Ay

Aye,you guys have convinced me,cheers Diouf but no thanks

Tony Livesey : 17/05/2011 Lively late-night chat on stories you're talking about. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0113lg0/Tony_Livesey_17_05_2011/ from 38 minutes 40 seconds Great interview, well worth a listen. SDoW is an absolute legend.

I'm the same mate. He is very strong on the ball,can pass the ball,but he lacks pace and how much would he be getting paid?.

The drizzle and light that seems to never stop wanting to accompany you, dense clouds on the horizon, a distinctive stadium atmosphere so dense a british and goings of people of color blue and dressed up ... that is how to our eyes the town of Kilmarnock just two hours before the appointment with the glorious history of the Rangers, who play the last day of the championship. A season packed with joys and disappointments, the twists and provocation comes to an end ... and after many battles ahead of us but only a precious stock of rivals: the Celtic. Just 90 minutes separate us from the Holy Grail, by that title which would be the confirmation of the quality of Walter Smith, our magician on the bench, and the victory on the difficulties the company and the arrogance of the opponents. Is there anyone who has come all the way from Italy here for the occasion: we, italiangers Leo and Francis, ready to replicate the joy of a year ago when we witnessed the last moments together at the Old Firm win at Ibrox. We can not imagine that this time the excitement will be even bigger. As soon as we put foot inside the stadium we are overwhelmed by the choirs of gers fans, now it's like playing at home. The system of Kilmarnock, the friendly Rugby Park was literally invaded by teddy bears that are proving once again among the most passionate in the world. The tension is skyrocketing As we approach the kick-off ... the imposing blue wall of our industry anxiously as one man ... the mind is crowded with thoughts and hopes, time seems to get slower and slower ... and then suddenly here is that the meeting starts. Galvanized by the atmosphere of our warriors in the field literally overwhelm the hapless opponents ... we do not have time to realize that we are already ahead of the beginning: Lafferty pulls out a magnificent lob to 1-0 after just 40 seconds. The explosion of the stadium is incredible, the choirs and the deafening screams of joy. But we have yet to embrace that we are already finished on 3-0: Naismith in the fifth and seventh Laff still have violated the goal. The mission was accomplished even before you start, somewhere in Glasgow have not even had time to sit in the stadium that their hopes have melted like snow in the sun. From now on we are no longer at the football match, but a veritable feast for the chorus ... do not stop even for a second, from classics such as "the blue sea of ​​Ibrox" to the teasing to the unfortunate Lennon, up to this beautiful song in honor of Mc Gregor ("he dives to the left, he dives to the right, he Shags ten birds at night During the break the Italian banner with the words "italiangers RSC" great success ... many curious people ask us about our passion, we shake hands and take photos with us! For us it is like ... impiacentito add excitement to an already perfect day ... that's football, that's Glasgow Rangers my gentleman friend. In the second half we complete massacre of the laughter, scarves, banners and songs of the crowd cheering, and just get the final whistle of liberation and joy can be seen by the incredible roar. The Rangers were hoisted for the 54th time on the throne of Scotland, how come no one knew how the history of this sport. : Logo1: After a few minutes to reach the SPL trophy ... to raise the captain Davie Weir, who at 41 has yet another show of strength and greatness. The lap of honor of the players is spectacular, enhanced by delicious imitation of Lennon and Brown by Diouf, hired more for his comic talents that sport. : D Obviously not all ... the party goes on at Ibrox, where more than 40,000 people come to witness the presentation of the trophy in our den, and squeeze in one embrace. Even the return to the hotel is priceless, between the wings of Rangers fans who from inside the underground launch choirs and dance to the beat of victory (and alcohol: lol:). A great day comes to an end, managed to strike the best, celebrating together with our friends, who unfortunately could not be with us at the stadium. We make a detailed account of the events today in her colorful exclamations of approval as the mythical "fvcking fantasy that takes off joining the great English and Italian. : Lol: After much talk and rivers of beer we head to the hotel, promising to meet again soon ... at Ibrox! : Rfc: The last picture together with the banner italiangers and then have to go (because air at 6 am!). "We do not choose, We Are Chosen" reminds us of the solemnity of greeting before the last ... that's football, that's Glasgow Rangers my gentleman friend.

Borrowed this from FF,seems we have an Italian supporters club:smile: http://italiangers.forumfree.it/?t=55712246

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/05/celtic-make-belated-start.html

Aye exactly. I'm sure I heard/read somewhere that Hearts are wanting to cut their ticket allocation for next season,not sure if they can,can they?

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has urged supporters to stop unacceptable chanting after noting a re-emergence in recent matches. IRA chants were heard at Tynecastle last week when some Celtic fans clashed with stewards following an incident on the touchline which saw a fan charged with assaulting Lennon. The manager again praised the supporters for their "magnificent" response to him and the team on Sunday as Celtic lost out to Rangers in the title race despite victory over Motherwell. But he urged a minority of fans not to tarnish the club's reputation. In a statement on the club's official website, Lennon said: "Celtic is rightly proud of its unique history and also of its open, inclusive and welcoming spirit. It is this which we hold dear. "While we are delighted with the support we have received throughout the season, it is very important that we ensure that Celtic is always a positive club for all. "We all know it has been a very difficult season for Celtic and we all know what has gone on. "However, we must ensure that we do all we can to uphold the club's reputation. "In recent times, unfortunately there has been a re-emergence, from a small minority, of some of the singing and chanting which is simply not acceptable around our club. "This has no place at Celtic Park or at any of our matches and it must be tackled. "All this does is tarnish the great name of Celtic and embarrasses the club. "As we move towards next season it is vitally important that we ensure we do so positively. "However small the minority of people involved, this behaviour has no place at Celtic and I am sure as we move towards a new season and new beginning, everyone associated with the club will recognise this." Lennon, whose team face Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, added: "We move to next season with confidence, we will try again to bring fast, attacking, entertaining and positive football - and ultimately, football that brings you the supporters the success which your backing deserves." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/05/17/neil-lennon-urges-celtic-fans-to-stop-unacceptable-singing-and-chanting-86908-23137502/

Hardly call it an apology mate.........................1:16 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b0113l4p

SASA PAPAC insists there's NO chance of Nikica Jelavic quitting Rangers this summer. The Bosnian defender kicked off Ally McCoist's first week in charge of Gers by signing a new one-year deal yesterday. Then he revealed close pal Jelavic plans to be with him when the new season begins. Croat striker Jelavic has been the target of interest from top clubs down south. But Papac said: "Nikica is happy here. He said to me that this has been the best thing that's happened in his career. "He doesn't want to leave - he wants to stay for another couple of years. It's very important he stays because he's a special player for us." Papac signed under Paul le Guen in 2006 and had been chased by clubs across Europe but insists he never wanted to leave. The deal he's penned is the same as the one he was offered in January. But the Bosnian reckons the future of the club has changed dramatically after Craig Whyte's takeover. He said: "I always believed this would happen. I said all the time my priority was Rangers. "For me Rangers is the best club in the world. I have everything here. I will be a Rangers supporter for the rest of my life. "A new situation is here, a new owner is here and I'm so happy I will be staying for another year." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3586370/Im-staying-at-Gersand-so-will-Jela.html#ixzz1Meuh0y4L

RANGERS star Kirk Broadfoot last night told of his joy after being cleared of an assault charge. And the Ibrox ace, 26, thanked QC Paul McBride - who has represented Celtic and the club's boss Neil Lennon - for his help after a not proven verdict. The Scotland defender had been accused of attacking businessman Andrew Nicol, 31, at a flat in Ayr last May. After being cleared at the town's sheriff court delighted Broadfoot said: "I'm just glad the truth has come out. "I've had this hanging over me for over a year. I am obviously relieved it's all over. "I'd like to thank my legal team of Paul McBride and solicitor Liam O'Donnell." Nicol, who runs a steel components firm, claimed Broadfoot was one of a group of men who confronted him outside his girlfriend's flat at 3am. He claimed he was pushed and shoved, and added: "After that Kirk Broadfoot swung for me and hit me on the face." Mhairi Hepburn, 35, said she slapped the footballer in the face after watching him assault her boyfriend. Her friend Kerry McKenzie, 27, said she also saw the footballer punch Mr Nicol. And all three witnesses said they heard Broadfoot threaten to "get" Mr Nicol, his girlfriend, his car and his house. But when cross-examined by Mr McBride, they couldn't explain why they omitted to mention the threats in their initial police statements. Broadfoot told the court he'd been a victim rather than villain. He explained he and five pals had gone to the house because they thought there could be a party there. He said Mr Nicol ran out of the flat to confront a pal who had "chapped" the window. The player claimed Mr Nicol had been drinking and was being aggressive. Broadfoot told the court: "He said to me, 'You come back when you have one of them.' He was pointing to his Porsche. "I replied, 'I have got one of these, wee man. That's your daddy's car anyway.'" Broadfoot said it was during this "banter" that Ms Hepburn punched him on the nose "out of the blue". He then called Mr Nicol a "fat wee b******". Ms Hepburn received a warning letter from the fiscal after she was charged with assaulting the star. Returning a not proven verdict on Broadfoot's assault charge, Sheriff Norman McFadyen said he had found it "significant" all three Crown witnesses had failed to mention the specific threats to cops. He found Broadfoot not guilty of a breach of the peace charge. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3586097/Broadfoot-Im-so-glad-assault-rap-was-Kirked-out.html#ixzz1MetgXXoi