Oh dear. Looks like we are heading for down the religious route.
I'll throw in my tuppence worth...
I think steveadam hits the nail pretty much on the head with this statement:
Quote:
|
There is no 'hatred' between the clubs, only between some very niave fans. Both Rangers and Celtic are working towards ridding the game of these idiots, and those who constantly sing sectarian songs (some of whom have managed to find their way to these forums).
|
The problem is NOWHERE near as bad as it was, even when I was at school in Glasgow 8 years ago. In the last year, I have myself witnessed individuals being ejected and subsequently banned from Ibrox for sectarianism. This was unheard of even 5 years ago, when songs like The Sash, No 1 Platoon etc were regularly heard. I can only talk for Rangers, but I know for a fact that they are addressing the problem. They, however, will NEVER be able to eradicate it - simple as that.
Why? Well, the entire reason that there is a sectarianism problem in the West of Scotland is because of the school system. At 4 years of age, a Catholic child will be enrolled in a Catholic primary school - and vice versa. These children will not properly 'mix' with people of their own age, of different religions until they have left school. Deny it if you wish, but that is a fact.
Personally, I am obviously a Rangers fan, and a protestant. However, if anyone even suggested to me that I was a bigot I would knock them out. I will not go into the reasons why this would happen, but lets just say I have directly seen the hurt that sectarian thugs can cause...
Please, and I will keep repeating myself till I am blue in the face (no pun intended), lets not open up the religion debate here...