Poor Neglected Sectarianism

[andy steel 0]

In the fall out from the SFA's independent tribunal report on Rangers financial shenanigans, one wee point has been nagging away at me. That of the tribunal's horrified, scandalised shrieks about how only match fixing could be worse than non-payment to the taxman.

 

This, coupled with the drip drip of daily piousness from those who feel sporting integrity is beyond price, raises a conflict. What about other offences? And one in particular we're quite used to be accused of? Our old friend, that scourge of Scotland, sectarianism.

 

In recent years, people in Scotland have become used to public figures highlighting this issue on a regular basis. 'The stench of sectarianism' has become a cliche in political life, with aspiring politicos jostling to be seen as tough on this most vital of subjects. That it regularly appears around 12th on a list of things voters feel strongly about is dismissed; a BBC Scotland 'Big Debate' show, in which a show of hands revealed the issue to be of minor interest to the audience, was fascinating for the discomfort it induced in the panel and, indeed, the host.

 

As a Gers man, I would confidently state that the issue barely exists. No professions are barred anyone on grounds of faith outwith those bodies which discriminate in order to maintain a concept of purity; few Rabbis would be non-Jews, for instance. The actions of the two lunatics who sent bombs to Celtic fans has enforced a re-assessment of that view; plainly there's an issue there, but outwith the community of the mentally ill, I see no sign of it in my daily life.

 

For that reason, I find the constant stream of criticism of Rangers FC as being the epicentre around which this miasma of bigotry revolves a little baffling. But not as baffling as sectarianism's sudden plummeting down the leagues of importance in a manner little seen since Gretna imploded some years ago. And even more perplexing is the outbreak of capitalism in that bastion of socialist rebelliousness, celtc fc.

 

Previously noted for combining a self-righteous, puddle deep commitment to the left wing cause with the ability to ignore the presence on their board of bank executives and hideously corrupted politicians, celtc's fans have been curiously silent about the SFA tribunal's decision to label Rangers tax shenanigans as 'second only to match fixing'.

 

What about the sectarianism of over a century? What about the discrimination we've heard so much about? In the blink of an eye, match fixing and tax evasion/avoidance have displaced the traditional No.1 criticism to be leveled at the Govan club. Should the investigation into so called double contracts claim to find proof of further Rangers guilt, that may demote our old chum down to No.5 in the hit parade.

 

It has been relegated, a bit like we might, to another league. Suddenly it seems sectarianism isn't that bad, not as bad as non payment of bills, anyway, to a UK state most celtc fans spend their time berating. If this were otherwise, they would certainly have told us so. I did wait for their usual outrage at having the keystone of their identity insulted in this way, but in vain; it seems that they, too, find financial wrong doings worse still.

 

This sudden outbreak of capitalism amongst the non-Rangers world is worth bearing in mind. The world of Scots football is littered with desperate attempts by people who find themselves in the middle class to remain 'in touch' with their proletarian roots. The embarrassing (and, to those of us who have done real work, insulting) reference to 'putting in a good shift' - at a 90 minute game of fitba, at most twice a week - is an example of this, as is the increasingly desperate use of demotic Glaswegian or regional Scots in radio coverage to indicate horny handed, sons of the soil origin. At least Richard Gough has the good grace not to pretend he is what he is not. The panto like contortions people put themselves through in order to be though 'real' is absolutely toe curling.

 

The challenge put forward just now is that our tax business have affected schools, hospitals and the like. Alas, tax does not work that way; one does not get to pick and choose where one's tax contribution goes. Ibrox tax money may just as well go to the next tranche of nuclear power stations to be built, or the next inflation busting license fee increase to fund cringe inducing local product, or to equip the next squad of troops stationed in Afghanistan or Northern Ireland. The sound of the celtc minded clamouring for monies to go the British state to fund these activities - things they have whined about for decades -

is both bewildering and more than a little nauseating.

 

We may choose to remember our critics' sudden concern for the capitalist state. We may choose to remind them of their hypocrisy; and that integrity, to be taken seriously, needs to be applied across the board and not just when it suits you.

Edited May 29, 2012 by andy steel
rewritten

[GovanAllan 0]

Simple, it's a bigger stick to beat us with at the moment, when all this gets sorted they will pick up the sectarian stick again and start banging on about that.

[Jim1955 12]

The opening post is quite simply a marvellous breath of fresh air, it explains the synthetic sense of injustice espoused by those of low self esteem. The range of their manufactured outrage knows no bounds and will latch onto whatsoever is currently "all the rage". Note them for future reference.

[calscot 0]

Now what self employed person on the brink of bankruptcy wouldn't delay paying their taxes in the hope something would come up to save them? How is it that bad? It's not even criminal.

 

As to match fixing to me that's more akin to burning down your office and claiming on the insurance. What person WOULD do that?

 

Can I also ask, is there anyone in this country who hasn't at some point paid less tax than they should have? I know people who complain about benefit cheats and then do a wee cash in hand job to help a friend out - without declaring it to HMRC. Anyone who fills in their own tax return is going to at least do a wee bit of fiddling but then justify it to themselves. There are people who sell a house for £299,999 and then have a side charge of 20 grand for fittings - to avoid the higher stamp duty rate (although that tax is incredibly stupid and unfair). People sell things on ebay for a profit but don't pay the tax etc, etc.

[biggordy 0]

Our current situation has managed to keep the low level rhags afloat.

Not long ago several of them were on the verge and now their demise has been postponed.

I've always believed our media has done it's best to stoke up anti-religious feelings.

Now, as the last few months have clearly shown, sectarianism is hardly worth a mention by the "funny papers".

 

It would be interesting to examine the crime figures from the last 3 months and compare them with those from 1 year ago.

I would expect they will show up the myth by displaying similar results.

Should this be the case, then hopefully such frivolous but dangerous reporting would die a quick death.

[Juancornetto 1]

Don't forget that Celtic have won the league, it's only in lean periods of success that anti-Catholic offences are committed.

[Max Rebo's Big Blue Nose 0]

What is worse in terms of "sporting" integrity? A player diving to try and attain a penalty (as Ki did during the SC semi) or being "creative" with loopholes that were set up by HMRC in the first place?

 

Sporting integrity in football? Give me a break. In a month that has seen a club that is backed by a man with repugnant and unearned wealth win the EPL and one of the biggest cheats in European football have a major role in a CL victory, integrity is way down the list I'm afraid

[Zappa 0]

Another cracker Andy.

 

Do want me to publish this one to the main site?

[andy steel 0]

Sure, if you want to. It's a bit samey to last week's though, maybe?

[Zappa 0]

I haven't compared them, but it's up to you anyway. We can publish it if you like.