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Following last season's Old Firm game at Ibrox, the Celtic Supporters
Association sought a meeting with the First Minister and others to
discuss measures against sectarianism in Scotland. We also
released a statement.
After the latest Old Firm Game 9th Nov the reports in the press say there were 50 arrests at the game, half for sectarian
abuse. I can confirm that there were only two arrests from the Celtic End and it is still to be confirmed if they are for
sectarian offences.
Celtic FC statement 13th January 2006
Newsroom Staff
RECENT reports concerning two of Celtics first-team players, John Hartson and Stephen Pearson and their attendance at
a function in Ireland last year, were brought to the attention of the Club.Celtic Football Club took the allegations made
against its players extremely seriously. As a result, Celtic instigated an immediate, thorough and wide-ranging investigation.
The investigation has included Club representatives travelling to Ireland and taking a number of witness statements, interviewing
those in attendance and also employing the use of expert independent forensic audio and video analysis.The Club feels it is
important that these findings are made public.The Celtic players featured in the film were attending an event in Ireland which
was not organised by Celtic Football Club.
Following a wide range of interviews, there is no evidence of either Celtic player shouting anything which promotes a
political/paramilitary organisation.The independent audio and video specialist engaged to analyse the footage has stated in
his report to the Club that the words Sinn Fein and & IRA feature during this clip. The specialist has determined, however,
that these words are shouted by person(s) near to and around the camera/mobile phone - and not from the stage area where the
Celtic players can be seen.These results come from analysis carried out by one of the UKs leading forensic experts in this
area.Celtics Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: "Serious allegations were made against Celtic players last week.
We are pleased that the investigation, including independent analysis, supports the strong denials which were previously issued
by our players."Clearly, the Club has learned lessons following recent events with regards to the position which Club
representatives are placed in at non-Club events. We will be carefully reviewing the attendance of our players at such external
events. "As a Club open to all since its formation in 1888, Celtic has no place for the promotion of any political agenda
or particular faith. With around 10 million fans worldwide, Celtic is a football club supported by people of all faiths and
all political persuasions, from all corners of the globe."For many years now we are proud to have carried out excellent
work in promoting social inclusion, tolerance and the benefits of cultural diversity & work which has rightly received
high praise.
"We will continue to promote the values set out within the Clubs Social Charter. We will not allow this work to be
undone by a small minority who seek to use the Club to promote their own agenda. Celtic will do all it can to ensure that
the Club and its representatives are not placed in such invidious positions."All Celtic staff, including players, will
once again be reminded of the need to uphold the highest standards of the Club and to ensure that their behaviour reflects
this at all times."Celtic Football Club stands firmly against bigotry in all its forms and will continue to be a Club
for all. People who indulge in sectarian behaviour, or in the promotion of paramilitary organisations, have no place within
the Celtic family."
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