Source: FOOTYMAD
Boston Globe Eats Humble Pie
Sometimes journalists just do not think before they write The Old Firm have received an apology from the Boston Globe newspaper over an article which suggested fans were to blame for the Ibrox Disaster back in 1971. The paper ran an opinion piece yesterday in which fears were expressed over the proposed staging of a derby match in the US city this summer. The article was critical of the behaviour of Rangers fans during a number of European away games, including the 2008 UEFA Cup final in Manchester. But it was the claim supporter behaviour played a part in the tragic deaths of 66 people after a derby 39 years ago that has angered the Govan club. The author of the piece issued a statement retracting the claim and apologising to both Rangers and Celtic. The statement read: "In reference to the article entitled 'Celtic-Rangers game should be held at Gillette, not Fenway' of April 28, I wish to convey my most sincere apologies for any distress caused to fans of Glasgow Rangers or Glasgow Celtic, or others, many of whom have written to comment. In reference to the Ibrox disaster of 1971, it is my belief that no one was responsible for this awful tragedy. It was, and remains, a terrible tragedy and its victims will be in my thoughts and prayers henceforth. It was my intention through this article to convey to the people of Boston the passions of the respective fans, and for balanced reporting purposes, I had intended taking comments from Rangers fans in a subsequent article. I remain hopeful that the Old Firm will play in the Boston area this summer so the citizens of Boston can experience the atmosphere which is unique to this fixture." Describing the dangers of hosting the proposed Old Firm derby at Boston's Fenway Park instead of the Gillette Stadium, the original article read: "Disaster struck at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium in 1971 following a crush-barrier failure. It is widely accepted that the tensions between Celtic and Rangers fans played a major part in the 66 deaths." Rangers had said they would make a formal complaint to the Boston Globe. Chief executive Martin Bain said: "Rangers fans can be assured that the reference in this article to the Ibrox Disaster in particular, which is both inaccurate and offensive, will be taken up with the newspaper in question." Bain confirmed the club had been in discussions over playing a derby in Boston and that they were close to agreeing a friendly with DC United in Washington as well as exploring the possibility of a game in Dallas. Rangers fans echoed Bain's sentiments on the claim made by the Boston Globe, with Rangers Supporters Trust chairman Stephen Smith calling for the club to withdraw from discussions about a proposed derby in the city. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
