Taylored Sports Blog - Mindless Attacks

[ian1964 10,447]

I want to start this article with the condemnation of the recent letter bombs sent to Neil Lennon, Paul McBride and Trish Godman. These attempted attacks are cowardly and pathetic, and not fit for any civilised society. Lennon must be commended with the way he has conducted himself. Amongst the media hysteria and the threats, the Celtic manager has kept his composure and focused on the task in hand. On Wednesday night, his side produced an excellent performance as they hammered Kilmarnock 4-0. Lennon has managed to keep focus on football, and every point, and indeed goal, will prove vital as they compete with Rangers for the coveted SPL title.

 

The media outlets across Scotland, the UK and the world have been quick to show their support for Lennon and have condemned the attackers. However, the constant referral to Rangers Football Club on this matter has been inappropriate. Tensions between the two sets of supporters have been high given how close the title race is this year in comparison to the previous season and the feisty nature of the recent games on the field. Journalists constant referral to Rangers with regards to these horrible attacks on Lennon and other high-profile people associated with Celtic has caused more anger among both sets of supporters and could make policing Sunday�s Old Firm clash at Ibrox even more challenging.

 

Firstly, it is not yet proven that it was a Rangers supporter, or supporters, who conducted these malicious attacks. I accept that logic would dictate that would be the case, but until that is proven, it should not be reported in that way. Secondly, if these people are so-called Rangers ââ?¬Å?fansââ?¬Â, these attacks are still nothing to do with Rangers FC as an institution. On some level, it is like saying the actions of al-Qaeda are representative of the Muslim faith, which would be scandalous. These views are highly unfair and provocative. Reporting it in this way causes anger among Celtic fans who see this as Rangers supporters attacking their manager, whilst Rangers supporters are angry that their clubââ?¬â?¢s reputation is being damaged further by these attacks, conducted by mindless morons, who the vast majority of the faithful do not want to be associated with. Tensions between supporters will high come Easter Sunday.

 

The sectarian debate has once again continued after these incidents. There is no proof that these attacks are based on any religious or political reasoning. Lennon is a Catholic and had to retire from international duty from Northern Ireland due to death threats from Loyalists in his home country who were uncomfortable with his presence in their national side. But there is yet no evidence that this is the case this time around, and again, until proven, it should not be reported as if it is the case. There have been players on both divides of the Old Firm divide, such as DaMarcus Beasley, Paddy McCourt and Nacho Novo who have had death threats, attacks and in the case of Beasley, a car bomb.

 

Lennon has had a lot more issues than most, but it is perhaps a reflection of an extreme football tribalism that exists in Scotland, rather than necessarily a sectarian issue. That said, these tribal attacks are more common in developing nations in South America. Apparently Scotland is a civilised and tolerant society�.

 

The reputation of Rangers Football Club is extremely poor right now. These events have severly damaged the club�s image, as well as the supporters. Personally, I feel this is unfair. The horrible acts that were conducted by mindless morons should not be a reflection of an estimated 5 million worldwide fanbase. I feel that reporters should stop their speculation and let the police continue their investigations. Hopefully these people will be brought to justice and Lennon and others can feel more safe for the security of themselves and their families.

 

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