CammyF 6,891 Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 Barcelona Trip In the lead up to this trip, I was like a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t wait to visit Barcelona and visit the ‘famous’ Nou Camp stadium. Boy, was I left disappointed. I don’t know if it was because I went on the ‘day trip’ (26 hours solid!), but the trip and more importantly, the stadium didn’t live up to my expectations. I had done the stadium tour many years ago and seemed to remember a first class stadium that took your breath away. In reality, the only breathtaking aspect of the Nou Camp is the Everest-esque hike to the visitors section. We were escorted to the stadium close to 2 hours prior to kick-off and weren’t allowed to hang around outside, visit the club shop or go to any of the numerous near-by restaurants for food – we were forced into the ground and left with no alternative but to purchase over-priced and under-cooked ‘football food’. The stairs inside the ground were treacherous and I. along with a few others lost my footing and fell down the stairs on the way to the food outlet. Luckily, I managed to grab hold of a barrier before I did to much damage and was left with only a bruise on my knee as a reminder. The guy sitting along from me wasn’t so lucky – he went down with a thud and hurt himself quite badly. Thankfully the Police and Stewards were on hand – they shrugged their shoulders and didn’t even bother to ask the guy if he was OK. The time spent in Catalonia Square was the best part of the trip – to witness the supporters clubs banners from the length and breadth of the UK and further a-field is always worth it – it just cements the passion, pride and support that we have around the world. It was a first class display and the local TV and media outlets spent hours upon hours photographing every banner. The ‘original’ GersNet banner was proudly on display near the fountain (it is absolutely boggin – need to get it washed!!!). So, in summary, the trip didn’t live up to my expectations and I have vowed never to go on the day-trip again and NEVER to visit Spain again following Rangers – we simply just aren’t wanted – have heard various stories of people being pick-pocketed and one guy from our RSC caught someone in his hotel room going through his baggage – he is still awaiting the Police to respond to his 999 call. However, the reasons for this decision are for another thread at another time. Scotland & ‘Failure’ It is a pity that there isn’t another word to describe Scotland’s inability to qualify for the European Championships, as ‘failure’ isn’t a word I’d use to sum up the qualification campaign. Scotland have managed to amass 24 points and finish 3rd in a group where we were given little chance in. People know my thoughts on the national team and the SFA but I decided to watch the game on Saturday and there are 2 reasons why I was glad that I did – 1/ Barry Ferguson and 2/ Alan Hutton. Both these (Rangers!) players were outstanding against the world champions and neither would looked out of place in the Italian starting 11 – I can pay them no bigger compliment. The game itself was gripping to watch and IMO a draw would have been a fair result as Italy dominated the first half whilst Scotland dominated the 2nd. The game will be remembered for some very erratic decisions from the officials. Italy’s ‘2nd’ goal’ was wrongly chopped off for offside and Fergie was very close to being offside for the equaliser. However, how the officials managed to penalise Alan Hutton in the lead up to the winning goal defies explanation. Scotland can now look forward to the World Cup draw later in the week knowing that they are 2nd seeds and likely to have an easier group than they encountered this time. The only question is, can Scotland convince AMc to stay as manager? There is some hope that there will be some home international representation at Euro 2008 – England managed to get a ‘get out of jail free card’ and if they avoid defeat against Croatia (not a formality) then they will qualify. Northern Ireland also still have a slight hope of qualifying if results in their group go in their favour (a huge well done to David Healy for surpassing the record for goals scored in a qualifying campaign). Richie Binnie Now, this isn’t a name that you will instantly recognise, but the guy deserves credit for his recent achievements. Richie is a Bo’ness lad who represented Team GB Football Team at the Special Olympics in Shanghai and he helped GB to Gold Medal. Richie scored the goal that ensured GB got to the final (which they won 5-3 on penalties) was honoured by the local council. Richie was also honoured by our local ‘Rangers Pub’ – The Cross Keys Inn – where the patrons had a collection and presented Richie with a Rangers top and watch. So congratulations Richie – you done yourself, your family and your nation proud. David Weir Now, hopefully this is a name that is familiar with us all! However, even the ‘famous’ deserve praise and credit where and when it is due. The guy who runs our RSC recently approached David Weir as one of his workmates kids was very ill. They wanted a signed top to raffle for the lad and David was more than forthcoming. He presented a signed Scotland top along with 2 tickets for the Scotland v Italy game for the lad and his Dad. Unfortunately, the lad was to ill to attend the game so one of his friends was the lucky recipient of David’s generosity. Celtc Fans and Irony This story is a little late, but sums up the mentality of your average green and grey supporter. A few weeks back, I popped into my local after work to catch up with a friend who I haven’t seen for a while. When I arrived, my friend wasn’t there, so I approached the bar and ordered myself a pint. As the barmaid was pouring the pint, I noticed a box of poppies on the bar and a collection tin. As I popped in my Ã?£1 coin I noticed a Celtc fan at the other end of the bar watching me. Now, said Celtc fan had a ‘Celtc Against Fascism’ badge on. Never one to be shy to engage the tims in a debate, I asked him if he’d like me to pass him over a poppy. He replied that he didn’t wear a poppy as it was a sign of ‘British nationalism’. I had a little chuckle at that remark and the tim then asked my why I was chuckling. I replied that I found it ironic that someone who was openly ‘anti-fascist’ was so unwilling to wear a symbol of remembrance for those who defeated fascism. He muttered something about orange barstewards before leaving the pub. Cammy F – We Are The People…. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nokiss 0 Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 Great rant as usual cammy. That last piece about the tic fan in the pub is incredible. It shouldn't and probably doesn't surprise anybody that incidents of that nature occur. The uneducated tosser should be thanking these heroic men and women everyday for the cosy wee life he has to himself. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,183 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Great stuff mate... Now on main site http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=550&Itemid=1 Interesting to hear the Celtic Supporters Trust on Radio 5 this morning defending their right to sing about the IRA... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 6,891 Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 Great stuff mate... Now on main site http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=550&Itemid=1 Interesting to hear the Celtic Supporters Trust on Radio 5 this morning defending their right to sing about the IRA... You can hear her comments here - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5035175ed58a02/ The mask is slipping... wonder if John Reid will ban her from Parkheid? Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrideAndPassion 0 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 There is some hope that there will be some home international representation at Euro 2008 ââ?¬â?? England managed to get a ââ?¬Ë?get out of jail free cardââ?¬â?¢ and if they avoid defeat against Croatia (not a formality) then they will qualify. Hope? Another summer of listening to those cunts annoying the hell out of everyone? Ian Wright? Alan Hansen? No ta! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza_8 233 Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 The stairs inside the ground were treacherous and I. along with a few others lost my footing and fell down the stairs on the way to the food outlet. Luckily, I managed to grab hold of a barrier before I did to much damage and was left with only a bruise on my knee as a reminder. The guy sitting along from me wasnââ?¬â?¢t so lucky ââ?¬â?? he went down with a thud and hurt himself quite badly. Thankfully the Police and Stewards were on hand ââ?¬â?? they shrugged their shoulders and didnââ?¬â?¢t even bother to ask the guy if he was OK. Are you sure you hadn't drank one to many alcoholic beverages Cammy? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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