07/05/2022 : CELTIC V HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN (SPFL) SATURDAY, 7th MAY 2022
Not for the faint of heart...
CELTIC V HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN , SPFL, SATURDAY, 7th MAY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are at home today, where a win against 3rd placed Heart of Midlothian would see the Bhoys leading the league by 6 points with two games to go and a massively superior goal difference. After a weekend draw which left the top of the league in a status quo, Ange Postecoglou has virtually a full squad to deal with, Josip Juranovic the exception. Hearts are unbeaten in 10 games, but a weekend that could see the Bhoys clinch the title at home, although we won’t know today.
We can expect a tough opponent, but a strong home support and the relentless Ange-ball should hopefully prevail once more.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN , SPFL, SATURDAY, 7th MAY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are at home today, where a win against 3rd placed Heart of Midlothian would see the Bhoys leading the league by 6 points with two games to go and a massively superior goal difference. After a weekend draw which left the top of the league in a status quo, Ange Postecoglou has virtually a full squad to deal with, Josip Juranovic the exception. Hearts are unbeaten in 10 games, but a weekend that could see the Bhoys clinch the title at home, although we won’t know today.
We can expect a tough opponent, but a strong home support and the relentless Ange-ball should hopefully prevail once more.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
29/04/2022 : CELTIC V THE RANGERS (SPFL) SUNDAY, 1st MAY 2022
The six-pointer...
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SPFL, SUNDAY, 1st MAY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are the hosts on Sunday as we have the neighbours over. Fresh from a convincing, if nervy, ding dong in Dingwall, Manager of the Year contender Ange Postecoglou will take his squad of 6 SPFA team of the year contenders and 2 Player of the Year contenders back home to Celtic Park where he will hope to seal a 9 point lead in the league with an unassailable goal difference versus a team that will only have lost the league by ‘throwing it away’.
Although a draw would suit Ange’s purposes, it won’t suit his intent, and the injury slate is virtually completely clean, with three fit strikers, while the Rangers will still be without a fit or recognised number nine, while Morelos and Itten are also unavailable. Celtic captain Calum McGregor is looking to make amends for the league cup semi-final draw, and we’ll be there to watch it.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SPFL, SUNDAY, 1st MAY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are the hosts on Sunday as we have the neighbours over. Fresh from a convincing, if nervy, ding dong in Dingwall, Manager of the Year contender Ange Postecoglou will take his squad of 6 SPFA team of the year contenders and 2 Player of the Year contenders back home to Celtic Park where he will hope to seal a 9 point lead in the league with an unassailable goal difference versus a team that will only have lost the league by ‘throwing it away’.
Although a draw would suit Ange’s purposes, it won’t suit his intent, and the injury slate is virtually completely clean, with three fit strikers, while the Rangers will still be without a fit or recognised number nine, while Morelos and Itten are also unavailable. Celtic captain Calum McGregor is looking to make amends for the league cup semi-final draw, and we’ll be there to watch it.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
16/04/2022 : CELTIC V THE RANGERS (SCOTTISH CUP SEMI-FINAL) SUNDAY, 17th APRIL 2022
Three and easy?
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SCOTTISCH CUP SEMI-FINAL, SUNDAY, 17h APRIL - KICK-OFF @ 15:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys head to Hampden for the second of three matches against their Glasgow rivals on Sunday. Celtic were worthy winners in the last league encounter, but the league newcomers have shown they can pull off a surprise, although will have exerted themselves in Europe on Thursday.
The Bhoys are likely to be without Giakoumakis, but managed to score five times after his departure in the last match, and will be heartened that Kyogo returned and to also have Forrest available once more. A win will see them head to Hampden once more for a final against Hearts.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SCOTTISCH CUP SEMI-FINAL, SUNDAY, 17h APRIL - KICK-OFF @ 15:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys head to Hampden for the second of three matches against their Glasgow rivals on Sunday. Celtic were worthy winners in the last league encounter, but the league newcomers have shown they can pull off a surprise, although will have exerted themselves in Europe on Thursday.
The Bhoys are likely to be without Giakoumakis, but managed to score five times after his departure in the last match, and will be heartened that Kyogo returned and to also have Forrest available once more. A win will see them head to Hampden once more for a final against Hearts.
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
02/04/2022 : THE RANGERS V CELTIC (SPFL) SUNDAY, 3rd APRIL 2022
Six-pointer?
THE RANGERS V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 3rd MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys head across the city this Sunday, to play the team placed immediately below them in the league. Ange Postecoglou has claimed another Manager of the Month trophy, but will want a focused performance against the one-time league winners. James Forrest is now the only injury doubt after the international break, where Tom Rogic and Daezan Maeda were allowed to leave their squads, but are fit, and the other internationals including new Danish U21 cap Matt O’Riley returned fit. A boost for the Bhoys will be the return to fitness of Kyogo, who should at least make the bench, although Giakoumakis will be hard to leave out after back-to back hat-tricks.
Our opponents will be looking to try to catch us, but have injury worries, and will be without Morelos, which will be a disappointment for him as he would have looked to go beyond Kris Boyd’s scoring record against Celtic. Ange will be looking for Celtic to play our normal football: “If someone said to me there's a system out there that would guarantee you 150 percent that you would get a draw, I wouldn't take it,” Postecoglou said. “I reckon others would, but if I took it I'd be thinking: 'maybe we could have won'. "I just don't believe in that approach. We always have to fall back on why we are in the position we are at the moment. The reason for that is that we believe in something beyond just trying to win a game of football. And that is playing our way. We have to win it too.”
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
THE RANGERS V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 3rd MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys head across the city this Sunday, to play the team placed immediately below them in the league. Ange Postecoglou has claimed another Manager of the Month trophy, but will want a focused performance against the one-time league winners. James Forrest is now the only injury doubt after the international break, where Tom Rogic and Daezan Maeda were allowed to leave their squads, but are fit, and the other internationals including new Danish U21 cap Matt O’Riley returned fit. A boost for the Bhoys will be the return to fitness of Kyogo, who should at least make the bench, although Giakoumakis will be hard to leave out after back-to back hat-tricks.
Our opponents will be looking to try to catch us, but have injury worries, and will be without Morelos, which will be a disappointment for him as he would have looked to go beyond Kris Boyd’s scoring record against Celtic. Ange will be looking for Celtic to play our normal football: “If someone said to me there's a system out there that would guarantee you 150 percent that you would get a draw, I wouldn't take it,” Postecoglou said. “I reckon others would, but if I took it I'd be thinking: 'maybe we could have won'. "I just don't believe in that approach. We always have to fall back on why we are in the position we are at the moment. The reason for that is that we believe in something beyond just trying to win a game of football. And that is playing our way. We have to win it too.”
Please RSVP to let me know if you'll attend, as usual.
Hail! Hail!
David
14/03/2022 : DUNDEE UNITED V CELTIC (SCOTTISH CUP) MONDAY, 14th MARCH 2022
Arab Spring?
DUNDEE UNITED V CELTIC , SCOTTISH CUP, MONDAY, 14h MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Celtic head to Tannadice Park this evening, with hopefully Spring in the air and in their footwork as we look to take on Tam Courts side once again having played two wins and a draw, the most comfortable of which our last visit to the city of jute, jam and journalism, with a 3-0 win recorded. The Bhoys were near top form on plastic last Sunday, and will look to take that into this match with Jullien, Johnston and the Bull all nearing first team returns.
The Bhoys decided not to rest and to keep pushing on with 8 days break between matches, so let’s hope we march on to a place in the semis.
We’ll be on the terrace tonight on this balmy March evening. Please RSVP if you're heading along.
We’re also moving towards WhatsApp as our main communication on games, so please pass on your details if you prefer to join the chat there for matches.
Hail! Hail!
David
DUNDEE UNITED V CELTIC , SCOTTISH CUP, MONDAY, 14h MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Celtic head to Tannadice Park this evening, with hopefully Spring in the air and in their footwork as we look to take on Tam Courts side once again having played two wins and a draw, the most comfortable of which our last visit to the city of jute, jam and journalism, with a 3-0 win recorded. The Bhoys were near top form on plastic last Sunday, and will look to take that into this match with Jullien, Johnston and the Bull all nearing first team returns.
The Bhoys decided not to rest and to keep pushing on with 8 days break between matches, so let’s hope we march on to a place in the semis.
We’ll be on the terrace tonight on this balmy March evening. Please RSVP if you're heading along.
We’re also moving towards WhatsApp as our main communication on games, so please pass on your details if you prefer to join the chat there for matches.
Hail! Hail!
David
05/03/2022 : LIVINGSTON V CELTIC (SPFL) SUNDAY, 6th MARCH 2022
From the town of Deadrock ...
LIVINGSTON V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 6th MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
So after the disappointment of our last road trip last Sunday, and a relatively underwhelming win against St Mirren in midweek, the Bhoys are on their travels again, to a place where the opposition is as unyielding as the plastic pitch, the Tony Macaroni Stadium in Livingston. Ange Postecoglou will once more be looking for more imagination and urgency in the final third but looks to have the focal point of Giannis Giakoumakis once more available.
Dev’s will show the game. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail! David
LIVINGSTON V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 6th MARCH - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
So after the disappointment of our last road trip last Sunday, and a relatively underwhelming win against St Mirren in midweek, the Bhoys are on their travels again, to a place where the opposition is as unyielding as the plastic pitch, the Tony Macaroni Stadium in Livingston. Ange Postecoglou will once more be looking for more imagination and urgency in the final third but looks to have the focal point of Giannis Giakoumakis once more available.
Dev’s will show the game. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail! David
27/02/2022 : HIBERNIAN V CELTIC (SPFL) SUNDAY, 27th FEBRUARY 2022
Hitting the High Bs ...
HIBERNIAN V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 27th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
We’re back into league business at Sunday lunchtime, where a little sunshine on Leith might be preferable to the weekend conditions. The Bhoys have the same personnel for the game, still missing Kyogo, Mikey and ‘The Bull’ and expecting to see some players whose knees as less susceptible to plastic returning to the team. The Hibees have a few problems for Maloney and Caldwell, with Paul Hanlon, Joe Newell, Demetri Mitchell, Paul McGinn all missing through injury and Elias Melkersen and James Scott ill. Hopefully, time to go 6 points clear, however briefly.
We’re expecting a visiting group at Dev’s, and some regulars. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail!
David
HIBERNIAN V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 27th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
We’re back into league business at Sunday lunchtime, where a little sunshine on Leith might be preferable to the weekend conditions. The Bhoys have the same personnel for the game, still missing Kyogo, Mikey and ‘The Bull’ and expecting to see some players whose knees as less susceptible to plastic returning to the team. The Hibees have a few problems for Maloney and Caldwell, with Paul Hanlon, Joe Newell, Demetri Mitchell, Paul McGinn all missing through injury and Elias Melkersen and James Scott ill. Hopefully, time to go 6 points clear, however briefly.
We’re expecting a visiting group at Dev’s, and some regulars. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail!
David
23/02/2022 : BODO/GLIMT V CELTIC (EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE) THURSDAY, 24th FEBRUARY 2022
A small hill to climb…
BODO/GLIMT V CELTIC, EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE, THURSDAY, 24th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 18:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
With the match having a serious advantage to the visitors from the 3-1 loss at home last week, we’re north of the wall for the return trip in Norway, where the conditions are likely to be sub-zero and played on plastic, ending any hopes at all of players returning from injury such as Turnbull or Kyogo making an appearance.
Bodø/Glimt lived up to their ‘slashie’ nickname by slashing through the Bhoys defence at times, and slashing the playing time and Celtic’s flowing style with spoiling tactics, and showed how they managed to beat Roma so heavily. They will certainly fancy themselves to see out the tie, but we may be back to the energetic, exciting and downright scary approach we’ve shown to try to take the game to European opponents. We’ll have the same personnel, but perhaps some tweaks to combat some areas where we could have been stronger.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers. For some forward info, Dev’s will also show the Hibs game on Sunday 27th.
Hail! Hail!
David
BODO/GLIMT V CELTIC, EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE, THURSDAY, 24th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 18:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
With the match having a serious advantage to the visitors from the 3-1 loss at home last week, we’re north of the wall for the return trip in Norway, where the conditions are likely to be sub-zero and played on plastic, ending any hopes at all of players returning from injury such as Turnbull or Kyogo making an appearance.
Bodø/Glimt lived up to their ‘slashie’ nickname by slashing through the Bhoys defence at times, and slashing the playing time and Celtic’s flowing style with spoiling tactics, and showed how they managed to beat Roma so heavily. They will certainly fancy themselves to see out the tie, but we may be back to the energetic, exciting and downright scary approach we’ve shown to try to take the game to European opponents. We’ll have the same personnel, but perhaps some tweaks to combat some areas where we could have been stronger.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers. For some forward info, Dev’s will also show the Hibs game on Sunday 27th.
Hail! Hail!
David
16/02/2022 : CELTIC V BODO/GLIMT (EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE) THURSDAY, 17th FEBRUARY 2022
We’re in a different league…
CELTIC V BODO/GLIMT, EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE, THURSDAY, 17th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Our European adventure continues tomorrow night, with the home leg against Bodø/Glimt, ranked very highly in European teams with a slash in their name. In an interesting twist to most new European campaigns, the slashies are the team coming out of pre-season rather than the Bhoys, and reeling from a few transfers of their own. Not one to take lightly, all the same, and Ange Postecoglou will be wanting to continue the successful run of late. Mikey Johnston will be out following his desperately unlucky run of injuries, joining Kyogo and Turnbull on the sidelines, but we have four competent centre halves for about the first time in 20 years, and midfielders vying for places.
Dev’s will be happy to have the same 25 that attended the last match. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V BODO/GLIMT, EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE, THURSDAY, 17th FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Our European adventure continues tomorrow night, with the home leg against Bodø/Glimt, ranked very highly in European teams with a slash in their name. In an interesting twist to most new European campaigns, the slashies are the team coming out of pre-season rather than the Bhoys, and reeling from a few transfers of their own. Not one to take lightly, all the same, and Ange Postecoglou will be wanting to continue the successful run of late. Mikey Johnston will be out following his desperately unlucky run of injuries, joining Kyogo and Turnbull on the sidelines, but we have four competent centre halves for about the first time in 20 years, and midfielders vying for places.
Dev’s will be happy to have the same 25 that attended the last match. Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us for numbers.
Hail! Hail!
David
01/02/2022 : CELTIC V THE RANGERS (SPFL) WEDNESDAY, 2nd FEBRUARY 2022
Bring out your dead...
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SPFL, WEDNESDAY, 2nd FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
We’re back on nights tomorrow, and it’s a visit from our Glasgow neighbours. You know which ones. The gap at the top of the league as the prize for this game is tantalising, but the teams are seen as being much more even than their first league encounter.
The squads have changed a great deal, but there will be a few missing faces, although some are expecting to see the return of Maeda and maybe even Rogic, and Ange is revealing nothing on the fitness of Kyogo and McGregor.
The visitors have bolstered their squad by spending their money from the sale of Nathan Patterson on two loans and a backup right back, but probably won’t have loanee Aaron Ramsay fit in time for this game, or maybe even by his return to Juve. Morelos is also unlikely to threaten the Celtic goal, based on his record, but specifically tomorrow due to international duties.
First opportunity to get back to watching our team for a while, and Dev’s happy to welcome us back.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us.
We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s, in the outside tent, and already have a few members and visitors confirmed as attending.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V THE RANGERS , SPFL, WEDNESDAY, 2nd FEBRUARY - KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
We’re back on nights tomorrow, and it’s a visit from our Glasgow neighbours. You know which ones. The gap at the top of the league as the prize for this game is tantalising, but the teams are seen as being much more even than their first league encounter.
The squads have changed a great deal, but there will be a few missing faces, although some are expecting to see the return of Maeda and maybe even Rogic, and Ange is revealing nothing on the fitness of Kyogo and McGregor.
The visitors have bolstered their squad by spending their money from the sale of Nathan Patterson on two loans and a backup right back, but probably won’t have loanee Aaron Ramsay fit in time for this game, or maybe even by his return to Juve. Morelos is also unlikely to threaten the Celtic goal, based on his record, but specifically tomorrow due to international duties.
First opportunity to get back to watching our team for a while, and Dev’s happy to welcome us back.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us.
We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s, in the outside tent, and already have a few members and visitors confirmed as attending.
Hail! Hail!
David
09/12/2021 : CELTIC V REAL BETIS (EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G) THURSDAY, 9th DECEMBER 2021
This is no dead rubber…
CELTIC V REAL BETIS, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 9th DECEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are back at home to face the group G runners up, after the famous ding-dong away where the Bhoys managed to blow a 2 goal lead to eventually lose, and Ange will want to see better from the squad after the substitutes against Bayer Leverkeusen couldn’t hold on to the lead. One or two absences for both teams, with Jota the notable absentee, and the returning Starfelt and Taylor helped cover the absences of Welsh and Ralston, and Scales also made an impact. This will be a match for more squad players to impress, and Betis also likely to rest players, hopefully Juanmi included, as he scored 2 goals in Spain.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us. We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s, in the outside tent.
Many thanks also on your feedback to the petition. The response was unanimous on signing on behalf of the CSC.
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V REAL BETIS, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 9th DECEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
The Bhoys are back at home to face the group G runners up, after the famous ding-dong away where the Bhoys managed to blow a 2 goal lead to eventually lose, and Ange will want to see better from the squad after the substitutes against Bayer Leverkeusen couldn’t hold on to the lead. One or two absences for both teams, with Jota the notable absentee, and the returning Starfelt and Taylor helped cover the absences of Welsh and Ralston, and Scales also made an impact. This will be a match for more squad players to impress, and Betis also likely to rest players, hopefully Juanmi included, as he scored 2 goals in Spain.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can join us. We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s, in the outside tent.
Many thanks also on your feedback to the petition. The response was unanimous on signing on behalf of the CSC.
Hail! Hail!
David
25/11/2021 : BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN V CELTIC (EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G) THURSDAY, 25th NOVEMBER 2021
Time to measure ourselves…
BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN V CELTIC, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 25th NOVEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 18:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
To De Valera’s once more with the return trip to Germany. The Bhoys are on the road to face the group G leaders, who recorded a 4-0 win at Celtic Park despite having less of the ball. This time we’re at the BayArena and Leverkusen, where the 4th placed team in the German league will have a few injuries to deal with. Celtic stil have two central defenders and two attackers missing – Jullien, Starfelt, Rogic and Giakoumakis all missing, and possibly still too soon for Taylor, but otherwise arguably better equipped than the home leg. As Ange has said “a good occasion to measure ourselves”.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can. We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s.
Ciarán and I would also like to ask your views on a matter currently causing great concern among the Celtic support. The people currently in charge at Celtic intend to appoint senior policeman Bernard Higgins to a senior role within the club, something like Head of Security. Ian Bankier refused to comment on this when asked about it at last week's AGM so Celtic fans, led by Celtic Shared, the Celtic Trust and Fans Against Criminalisation (FAC), will send an open letter to the club opposing Higgins appointment.
The text is available here: https://twitter.com/FACKilltheBill/status/1463123019619053576
We in the Brussels CSC don't often get involved in non-footballing issues surrounding Celtic but given the importance of this and the widespread anger across the Celtic support, we think this is something we need to address. We propose to add the Brussels CSC to the list of co-signatories (currently hundreds of CSCs) to this letter.
In his role as Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Higgins oversaw the aggressive implementation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act (OBFA), including intrusive surveillance, threatening communication, repeated use of kettling and an institutionalised view of football fans as criminals. Although OBFA has now been repealed, the criminalisation of football fans in Scotland continues unabated and Higgins has been at the centre of that.
For example, in this video produced by FAC, Higgins defends the recruitment of informants from among football fans on the grounds that this is normal police practice when dealing with organised crime and terrorism. In other words, Higgins places football fans in the same bracket as gangsters and terrorists.
Policing Of Football - (Un)fit For Purpose
In the same video, Celtic fans give their first-hand accounts of the dangerous crush - the near disaster, actually - outside the North Stand before the derby game in September 2018. You will note the repeated accounts of police incompetence, aggressive behaviour and refusal to communicate, which exacerbated the dangerous situation. You will also note that the police lied about the circumstances, claiming in the media that the crush developed ten minutes before kick-off when their own log stated it was thirty minutes. Moreover, for the thirty minutes the crush was taking place, the police log contains only details of the songs that fans were singing and not of the crush itself, making very clear where their priorities lie.
Higgins oversaw all of that and yet the people currently in charge of our club propose to appoint him to represent our fans and to ensure our safety. It is not acceptable and their refusal to engage on the matter is not acceptable either.
Therefore we propose that the Brussels CSC co-sign the letter opposing Higgins' appointment. If any member has any objections then please let us know before Thursday evening, in which case we'll be happy to discuss, but otherwise we will go ahead and sign the letter. We appreciate that is short notice but this is a fast moving situation.
Further information and discussion is available here:
Episode 175: 4Tims Against The Appointment of Bernard Higgins
Acting Up : Fans Against Criminalisation Podcast - Fan Testimonies by Acting Up - Fans Against Criminalisation Podcast
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-fans-across-globe-pen-25529426
Hail! Hail!
David & Ciarán
BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN V CELTIC, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 25th NOVEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 18:45
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
To De Valera’s once more with the return trip to Germany. The Bhoys are on the road to face the group G leaders, who recorded a 4-0 win at Celtic Park despite having less of the ball. This time we’re at the BayArena and Leverkusen, where the 4th placed team in the German league will have a few injuries to deal with. Celtic stil have two central defenders and two attackers missing – Jullien, Starfelt, Rogic and Giakoumakis all missing, and possibly still too soon for Taylor, but otherwise arguably better equipped than the home leg. As Ange has said “a good occasion to measure ourselves”.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can. We will be on the terrace at De Valera’s.
Ciarán and I would also like to ask your views on a matter currently causing great concern among the Celtic support. The people currently in charge at Celtic intend to appoint senior policeman Bernard Higgins to a senior role within the club, something like Head of Security. Ian Bankier refused to comment on this when asked about it at last week's AGM so Celtic fans, led by Celtic Shared, the Celtic Trust and Fans Against Criminalisation (FAC), will send an open letter to the club opposing Higgins appointment.
The text is available here: https://twitter.com/FACKilltheBill/status/1463123019619053576
We in the Brussels CSC don't often get involved in non-footballing issues surrounding Celtic but given the importance of this and the widespread anger across the Celtic support, we think this is something we need to address. We propose to add the Brussels CSC to the list of co-signatories (currently hundreds of CSCs) to this letter.
In his role as Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Higgins oversaw the aggressive implementation of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act (OBFA), including intrusive surveillance, threatening communication, repeated use of kettling and an institutionalised view of football fans as criminals. Although OBFA has now been repealed, the criminalisation of football fans in Scotland continues unabated and Higgins has been at the centre of that.
For example, in this video produced by FAC, Higgins defends the recruitment of informants from among football fans on the grounds that this is normal police practice when dealing with organised crime and terrorism. In other words, Higgins places football fans in the same bracket as gangsters and terrorists.
Policing Of Football - (Un)fit For Purpose
In the same video, Celtic fans give their first-hand accounts of the dangerous crush - the near disaster, actually - outside the North Stand before the derby game in September 2018. You will note the repeated accounts of police incompetence, aggressive behaviour and refusal to communicate, which exacerbated the dangerous situation. You will also note that the police lied about the circumstances, claiming in the media that the crush developed ten minutes before kick-off when their own log stated it was thirty minutes. Moreover, for the thirty minutes the crush was taking place, the police log contains only details of the songs that fans were singing and not of the crush itself, making very clear where their priorities lie.
Higgins oversaw all of that and yet the people currently in charge of our club propose to appoint him to represent our fans and to ensure our safety. It is not acceptable and their refusal to engage on the matter is not acceptable either.
Therefore we propose that the Brussels CSC co-sign the letter opposing Higgins' appointment. If any member has any objections then please let us know before Thursday evening, in which case we'll be happy to discuss, but otherwise we will go ahead and sign the letter. We appreciate that is short notice but this is a fast moving situation.
Further information and discussion is available here:
Episode 175: 4Tims Against The Appointment of Bernard Higgins
Acting Up : Fans Against Criminalisation Podcast - Fan Testimonies by Acting Up - Fans Against Criminalisation Podcast
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-fans-across-globe-pen-25529426
Hail! Hail!
David & Ciarán
03/11/2021 : FERENCVAROS V CELTIC (EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G) THURSDAY, 4th NOVEMBER 2021
Hungary for the win…
FERENCVAROS V CELTIC, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 4th NOVEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
To De Valera’s once more who have been our welcoming hosts. The Bhoys have a few injury issues, but the return of Forrest and Johnston recently lends some inventiveness, although Rogic’s talismanic presence was missed at the weekend. Starfelt is added to an injury list that still includes Julien and Taylor, but the Bhoys will have most of the team who convincingly dominated Ferencvaros at home, and 3 points on the road would be a well needed tonic to revitalize our chances of success in the group. Possible additions will be Welsh or Bitton, and Anthony Ralston will start after celebrating signing a new 4 year contract, after surprising many people with his performances, not least a certain N. Lennon, one imagines.
No fans will be allowed in Hungary, but they will be allowed to watch a Ferencvaros team who have limited opposition chances and who will have a vocal home crowd baying for their first group win.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can.
Hail! Hail!
David
FERENCVAROS V CELTIC, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 4th NOVEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
To De Valera’s once more who have been our welcoming hosts. The Bhoys have a few injury issues, but the return of Forrest and Johnston recently lends some inventiveness, although Rogic’s talismanic presence was missed at the weekend. Starfelt is added to an injury list that still includes Julien and Taylor, but the Bhoys will have most of the team who convincingly dominated Ferencvaros at home, and 3 points on the road would be a well needed tonic to revitalize our chances of success in the group. Possible additions will be Welsh or Bitton, and Anthony Ralston will start after celebrating signing a new 4 year contract, after surprising many people with his performances, not least a certain N. Lennon, one imagines.
No fans will be allowed in Hungary, but they will be allowed to watch a Ferencvaros team who have limited opposition chances and who will have a vocal home crowd baying for their first group win.
Hope you can make it, and please let me know if you can.
Hail! Hail!
David
18/10/2021 : CELTIC V FERENCVAROS (EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G) TUESDAY, 19th OCTOBER 2021
Special service for the Brussels Bhoys (and Ghirls)…
CELTIC V FERENCVAROS, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, TUESDAY, 19th OCTOBER - KICK-OFF @ 16:30
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
As De Valera’s will open up half an hour earlier than usual specifically for us, please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
Having now won two matches away from home, and seeing some returnees available for selection after the international break, Celtic will feel more confident going into the home fixture, but aware that this is a team that put Celtic out of the Champions League last season, and which has improved since. The first XI is returning from injury and looking more stable, with hopes that the likes of Giakoumakis, Johnston and others can make an impact even as substitutes. To be seen if others like Montgomery and McCarthy are fit again, but still likely too soon for Jullien, Forrest and Taylor.
Early kick off for this one, but not so early in CET!
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V FERENCVAROS, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, TUESDAY, 19th OCTOBER - KICK-OFF @ 16:30
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
As De Valera’s will open up half an hour earlier than usual specifically for us, please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
Having now won two matches away from home, and seeing some returnees available for selection after the international break, Celtic will feel more confident going into the home fixture, but aware that this is a team that put Celtic out of the Champions League last season, and which has improved since. The first XI is returning from injury and looking more stable, with hopes that the likes of Giakoumakis, Johnston and others can make an impact even as substitutes. To be seen if others like Montgomery and McCarthy are fit again, but still likely too soon for Jullien, Forrest and Taylor.
Early kick off for this one, but not so early in CET!
Hail! Hail!
David
29/09/2021 : CELTIC V BAYER LEVERKUSEN (EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G) THURSDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER 2021
There’s no place like home...
CELTIC V BAYER LEVERKUSEN, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Back to De Valera’s, now confirmed as our home for televised games, for the Europa League group stage. Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers. Dev’s have been consistent in showing the matches, but this will always be dependent on an audience, and we’re doing our best to make sure at least some of the CSC are there.
To the match, and Ange Postecoglou hasn’t had his problems to seek with a spate of injuries meaning that some pundits are writing him off after he overhauled the squad in the summer. It’s still September. However, as he tries to put out a preferred first XI, some improving news, with Calum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Georgios Giakomakis ready to return. James McCarthy has also recovered from the physical assault suffered against Dundee United, but Josip Juranovic is still on the mend.
Leverkusen have had their own injury issues, but will have a strong team including Jeremie Frimpong. 18 year old Florian Wirtz is making a name for himself as the new Kai Havertz, apparently, and Patrik Schick might lead Joe Hart to stick a little closer to his goal line after embarrassing David Marshall while playing against Scotland.
Whatever the lineup, let’s get behind the Bhoys!
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V BAYER LEVERKUSEN, EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP G, THURSDAY, 30th SEPTEMBER - KICK-OFF @ 21:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Back to De Valera’s, now confirmed as our home for televised games, for the Europa League group stage. Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers. Dev’s have been consistent in showing the matches, but this will always be dependent on an audience, and we’re doing our best to make sure at least some of the CSC are there.
To the match, and Ange Postecoglou hasn’t had his problems to seek with a spate of injuries meaning that some pundits are writing him off after he overhauled the squad in the summer. It’s still September. However, as he tries to put out a preferred first XI, some improving news, with Calum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Georgios Giakomakis ready to return. James McCarthy has also recovered from the physical assault suffered against Dundee United, but Josip Juranovic is still on the mend.
Leverkusen have had their own injury issues, but will have a strong team including Jeremie Frimpong. 18 year old Florian Wirtz is making a name for himself as the new Kai Havertz, apparently, and Patrik Schick might lead Joe Hart to stick a little closer to his goal line after embarrassing David Marshall while playing against Scotland.
Whatever the lineup, let’s get behind the Bhoys!
Hail! Hail!
David
28/08/2021 : THE RANGERS V CELTIC (SPFL) SUNDAY, 29th AUGUST 2021
One does not simply walk into Mordor...
THE RANGERS V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 29th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Back to De Valera’s for The Sunday showdown in Glasgow with the first time SPFL winners hosting.
Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
After a difficult away trip, Celtic have bolstered their numbers, although the game will likely come too early for new left-sided defender Liam Scales or even the apparently inbound Georgios Giakoumakis. Josip Juranovic may be pushing for a debut or at least some game time, and Forrest and McCarthy should be fit, while Taylor and Kyogo should shake off knocks.
The Rangers have a few doubts after their manager and a few key players missed their midweek win over their European Sunday League opponents.
This is a big game for Ange Postecoglou, but the suggestions are that he is willing to take his style of play to any club, and it will be the subtleties of personnel that may define this encounter.
Hail! Hail!
David
THE RANGERS V CELTIC , SPFL, SUNDAY, 29th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 13:00
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
Back to De Valera’s for The Sunday showdown in Glasgow with the first time SPFL winners hosting.
Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
After a difficult away trip, Celtic have bolstered their numbers, although the game will likely come too early for new left-sided defender Liam Scales or even the apparently inbound Georgios Giakoumakis. Josip Juranovic may be pushing for a debut or at least some game time, and Forrest and McCarthy should be fit, while Taylor and Kyogo should shake off knocks.
The Rangers have a few doubts after their manager and a few key players missed their midweek win over their European Sunday League opponents.
This is a big game for Ange Postecoglou, but the suggestions are that he is willing to take his style of play to any club, and it will be the subtleties of personnel that may define this encounter.
Hail! Hail!
David
26/08/2021 : AZ ALKMAAR V CELTIC (EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF) THURSDAY, 25th AUGUST 2021
New (but old) venue!
AZ ALKMAAR V CELTIC , EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF, THURSDAY, 25th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 20:15
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
With the Wild Geese closed for a couple of weeks, we will be temporarily at least in the reopened De Valera’s who will show the match. Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
The 2-0 win last week was a great result from a tough game, and the approach seems unlikely to change for the away match, although away goals won’t count, but there’s a feeling (and coherent evidence) that this team has goals in them. The curiosity factor will be if Ange decides to be more conservative. Some suggestions that James’ McCarthy and Forrest are not fit for the tie, and new right back Josip Juranoivic ineligible to pull on the iconic 88 jersey for the first time, but otherwise a full squad to choose from.
Hope you can make it along, and De Valera’s will also be the venue for Sunday. If you already know you will attend, please let me know once more, but I’ll send a separate email.
Hail! Hail!
David
AZ ALKMAAR V CELTIC , EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF, THURSDAY, 25th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 20:15
LIVE IN DE VALERA'S (see WHERE-page)
With the Wild Geese closed for a couple of weeks, we will be temporarily at least in the reopened De Valera’s who will show the match. Please respond to let me know if you will attend so that they know numbers.
The 2-0 win last week was a great result from a tough game, and the approach seems unlikely to change for the away match, although away goals won’t count, but there’s a feeling (and coherent evidence) that this team has goals in them. The curiosity factor will be if Ange decides to be more conservative. Some suggestions that James’ McCarthy and Forrest are not fit for the tie, and new right back Josip Juranoivic ineligible to pull on the iconic 88 jersey for the first time, but otherwise a full squad to choose from.
Hope you can make it along, and De Valera’s will also be the venue for Sunday. If you already know you will attend, please let me know once more, but I’ll send a separate email.
Hail! Hail!
David
18/08/2021 : CELTIC V AZ ALKMAAR (EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF) WEDNESDAY, 18th AUGUST 2021
Back on nights (In the Europa League)
CELTIC V AZ ALKMAAR, EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF, WEDNESDAY, 18th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN THE WILD GEESE (see WHERE (THE WILD GEESE)-page)
While we still look for a permanent new home, the Wild Geese will be the venue once more for Brussels-based viewing tonight, as we look to progress to the group stages of the Europa League.
Ange Postecoglou has really turned performances around both domestically and in the last round, but AZ Alkmaar are a bigger fish, although €35m of departures and suspensions have robbed them of some big players. Celtic will be likely to start with the same core as the weekend victory over Hearts, with Liel Abada fit once more but Ryan Christie is highly unlikely to make it after a knock. Some more players to come in, but probably too early for them for now.
A big match with the crowd behind them bodes better in this part of Glasgow, so let’s cheer the Bhoys on!
Hail! Hail!
David
CELTIC V AZ ALKMAAR, EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFF, WEDNESDAY, 18th AUGUST- KICK-OFF @ 20:45
LIVE IN THE WILD GEESE (see WHERE (THE WILD GEESE)-page)
While we still look for a permanent new home, the Wild Geese will be the venue once more for Brussels-based viewing tonight, as we look to progress to the group stages of the Europa League.
Ange Postecoglou has really turned performances around both domestically and in the last round, but AZ Alkmaar are a bigger fish, although €35m of departures and suspensions have robbed them of some big players. Celtic will be likely to start with the same core as the weekend victory over Hearts, with Liel Abada fit once more but Ryan Christie is highly unlikely to make it after a knock. Some more players to come in, but probably too early for them for now.
A big match with the crowd behind them bodes better in this part of Glasgow, so let’s cheer the Bhoys on!
Hail! Hail!
David
27/07/2021 : MIDTJYLLAND V CELTIC (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING 2nd ROUND) WEDNESDAY, 28th JULY 2021
Guess who's back?
MIDTJYLLAND V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING 2nd ROUND, WEDNESDAY, 28th JULY - KICK-OFF @ 19:45
LIVE IN THE WILD GEESE (see WHERE (THE WILD GEESE)-page)
It’s certainly been a while, but thanks to sterling efforts from the Brussels CSC’s own John Kennedy, Ciarán (a comparison made a year ago and still apt – he’s still basically in charge), we’ve secured a new venue at least for tomorrow’s game in the Wild Geese, another friendly base for all things Celtic with big C or small. With the closure of the Michael Collins, we’ll find a new home, but we’re not the only ones to face major changes. Ange Postecoglou faces some big decisions and squad changes with Ajer the latest departure, and perhaps some others to follow. The game may come too soon for Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi as they are quarantining, but let’s see: Ange played a blinder last week with the surprise inclusion of Liel Abada who will surely start once more, and if he can add a few more laser accuracy deliveries, that will be very welcome.
It will have to be a young defence with Nir Bitton suspended, but the intensity shown last week when numbers were even gives hope we can navigate the traditional early hurdle and face some bigger challenges, where the cavalry will be required to get to a point where we are properly competing. As ever, please come along and get behind the Bhoys, as we make another attempt to return to some form of normality.
Hail! Hail!
David
MIDTJYLLAND V CELTIC, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING 2nd ROUND, WEDNESDAY, 28th JULY - KICK-OFF @ 19:45
LIVE IN THE WILD GEESE (see WHERE (THE WILD GEESE)-page)
It’s certainly been a while, but thanks to sterling efforts from the Brussels CSC’s own John Kennedy, Ciarán (a comparison made a year ago and still apt – he’s still basically in charge), we’ve secured a new venue at least for tomorrow’s game in the Wild Geese, another friendly base for all things Celtic with big C or small. With the closure of the Michael Collins, we’ll find a new home, but we’re not the only ones to face major changes. Ange Postecoglou faces some big decisions and squad changes with Ajer the latest departure, and perhaps some others to follow. The game may come too soon for Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi as they are quarantining, but let’s see: Ange played a blinder last week with the surprise inclusion of Liel Abada who will surely start once more, and if he can add a few more laser accuracy deliveries, that will be very welcome.
It will have to be a young defence with Nir Bitton suspended, but the intensity shown last week when numbers were even gives hope we can navigate the traditional early hurdle and face some bigger challenges, where the cavalry will be required to get to a point where we are properly competing. As ever, please come along and get behind the Bhoys, as we make another attempt to return to some form of normality.
Hail! Hail!
David