This statement comes just hours after Celtic FC manager, Neil Lennon, gave his backing to the Celtic FC board whilst recognised that their contentious decision was a ‘sensitive issue’.
In an interview with a regional newspaper Lennon said:
'I support the club's stance on it. It's a sensitive issue with a lot of supporters, for and against. I go with the club's statement on Monday and I want to draw a line under that today.'
In stark contrast, the AICSC statement reflects that they are not in such a reconciliatory mood. The opening paragraph reiterates what they expressed to the Celtic FC Board in a related communication last month:
We outlined the divisive nature of the poppy in Ireland – the country of Celtic’s heritage and from where a significant proportion of its support comes - and its negative connotations of support for the British army, whose operations in Ireland (and in other parts of the world) have caused division, loss and rancour on a large scale.
They then launch a stinging attack on the Celtic FC Board decision to comply with the SPL ruling and outlined how it is causing much division among loyal supporters:
However, Celtic were wrong to choose once again to use the club jersey – which we all respect and identify with no matter our personal views - as a medium for such a divisive symbol and one which does not recognise the memory of victims of the British military. Indeed, the club’s actions are all the more regrettable after engagements with supporters - either through official bodies such as the AICSC and “Meet the Supporters” events through the year – would have left its officials in no doubt as to the significant level of concern felt by supporters.
Then AICSC statement continues to refute the claim by a Celtic FC spokesperson that the Green Brigade represented a minority of Celtic supporters:
A recent display of banners at Celtic Park spoke for many of us and not, as some would have it, a minority. We believe this was an overdue and welcome message to the club and reflects a large degree of concern at the failure to listen to the views of supporters.Regarding Celtic FC’s decision to ban those supporters who were actively involved in the unfurling of the banner the AICSC had this message for the Celtic FC Board:
In addition, we deplore any threat to ban those who participated in this display from Celtic Park and call on it to be retracted immediately. We believe that those behind the display have added greatly to the atmosphere at the stadium in recent times and such an attempt to stifle their freedom of expression should be condemned.The AICSC statement concludes by re-iterating the fact that sport and politics should remain to separate entities and calls on the club to empathise more with the sentiments of their supporters:
We are frequently told that politics has no place in football or within Celtic F.C. Yet, this claim rings hollow against the background of the club agreeing – with full knowledge of the concerns of dedicated and honourable supporters – to use the jersey to identify it with the contentious poppy symbol. We would call on the club to engage once more and on a meaningful basis with its supporters and their representatives on this and other issues.The full AICSC statement can be read in full here
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