Quote:
Originally Posted by alexmac  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:
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... |
Alex i agree with you that religion isn't a big factor in the rivalry nowadays, Celtic is not an exclusive club and never has been with a lot of Protestant fans.
However, I think it would be wrong to say that Catholic schools are to blame for any sectarian problems in society, I went to a Catholic school and never at any point was there anything said or taught against another religion, tolerance for other faiths was always preached. Its an easy way to blame narrow minded individuals on schools which as I said promoted nothing but tolerance to others beliefs.