SPL speak out over anti-poppy banner

08 November 2010 19:32
The display of a giant anti-poppy banner by a group of Celtic fans at Parkhead has been called "regrettable" by SPL chief Neil Doncaster.[LNB] Fans among a section of supporters called the Green Brigade unfurled a banner during half-time of the 9-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead which read: "Your deeds would shame all the devils in Hell. Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan. No bloodstained poppy on our Hoops."[LNB]Doncaster said the SPL are investigating this incident, and crowd trouble at the Hibernian v Hearts derby where players were pelted with coins and flares thrown onto the pitch.[LNB]The SPL chief executive told Press Association Sport: "It's clearly regrettable that a weekend of so much excitement on the pitch has been dominated by reporting today of events off the pitch.[LNB]"We have invited comments from Celtic, Hibernian and Hearts on the back of the weekend's events and are awaiting the reports of the match delegates."[LNB]Celtic have already apologised for any offence caused and said they had launched an investigation into the incident, which would appear to breach stadium rules forbidding political demonstrations.[LNB]The charity Poppy Scotland has also described the banner as "disrespectful".[LNB]A section of Celtic fans have long campaigned against the wearing of poppies but Doncaster said it was now an established practice in the SPL for all clubs to wear poppies on their shirts on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday.[LNB]He added: "We would welcome the fact that Celtic have moved quickly to apologise for any offence that has been caused. I would also point out that all 12 of the SPL clubs will be wearing poppies on their shirts next weekend in support of Poppy Scotland for the third year in a row."[LNB]Doncaster would not be drawn over whether the banner did breach political rules but added: "There have been a number of instances of inappropriate behaviour at games, these incidents do need to be investigated and they are going to be."[LNB]Celtic responded to the controversy by issuing a statement on the club's website which said: "The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park.[LNB]"We are currently investigating the matter and, clearly, we apologise for any offence caused."[LNB]Some fans of the club, which has a strong Irish Catholic heritage, refuse to support the Poppy Appeal because of the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, while the Green Brigade are known for demonstrating support for Irish republicanism at games.[LNB]The club later released a second statement vowing to ban those responsible for the banners from Celtic Park.[LNB]A statement on the club's official website read: "The club is currently carrying out an investigation into this matter. When it is concluded, it is the club's intention to ban those identified as responsible from Celtic Park.[LNB]"Celtic fans have rightly earned a magnificent reputation for their positive behaviour and backing of the club. It is extremely disappointing that the actions of a small minority have embarrassed Celtic and tarnished the club in this way.[LNB]"These actions have no place at Celtic Park and, clearly, we apologise for any offence caused."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk