dougiedanger

If none of this has anything to do with society, bigotry or religion why were other prominent Catholics and/or Celtic fans also sent bombs? And if this is all Neil Lennon's fault, why were bullets also sent to his players McCourt and McGinn, two self-effacing, inoffensive individuals? And if you think it was only one Hearts fan that was full of anti-Lennon hatred last night, you are sadly mistaken. And on the other point raised about Celtic fans' pitch incursions, these were unacceptable, one-off incidents, not the latest chapter in a 10-year campaign against an individual whose partner and child are forced to live in a safe house when he is doing his job. People can deny all they like or plead ignorance, but the facts are there. Sadly, going from the evidence on this thread and others, the reasonable people of ICT are at least matched in numbers by the petty bigots. It is your choice what kind of club and what kind of country you want, just don't try to take the moral high ground over the OF when your own prejudices are but mirrors of theirs.

Contrary to what some on here seem to believe, Neil lennon did not invent sectarianism, and if he were to leave this country sectarianism would not disappear. It is a measure of the extent to which the "petty bigotry" that Dewsburydude talks of has permeated the society that there are a good number on this very site who have a blind, irrational hatred for Neil Lennon. It shows us that this is far from being a solely OF problem. The hate campaign against him started when he was issued death threats by Northern Ireland fans, and was first taken up in Scotland by fans of Rangers FC. It has since spread to virtually every club in the country. Anyone who says this is down to his "combative style" is deluded. It is because he has refused to apaologize for being who he is and has refused (so far) to back down or be intimidated by cowards and bigots. Neil Lennon has done this country a favour in bringing to the surface the bigotry that apparently lies within fans of virtually any Scottish club. Whether he leaves or not, the treatment handed out to him as a visitor to this country is an absolute disgrace, and reflects badly on the whole nation. It is good to read some of the reasoned posts on this thread, but distressing to see so many wrapped up in petty bigotry and downright ignorance. This is a sorry episode in the history of our game and our country, and those who support the irrational vilification of this man should take a long hard look at themselves.

The Rangers for me, for several reasons. Walter and Ally and their impeccable dignity, the onfield panache of the lads in light blue, and finally, the quintessential good humour and harmless banter of the proud and lusty denizens of Ibrox Stadium.

Maybe the real issue is less about numbers than the kind of supporter the typical refusenik is/was. As Mantis says, these were generally younger, fanatical, working class types and not at all like the sweetie rustling, tartan rug brigade that ICT seem to attract for whatever reason.

Wont really matter because hes very likely to have more bans on the way, he will be in the stand for the CIS cup final will probably miss the next old firm clash from a new ban due to his loutish behavior. The worst thing he has to endure of all though is being pelted with Werther's Original sweetie wrappers at our match. Didn't he get some bullets sent in the mail? Does he deserve that? Your going to have to help me out on this one a wee bit, Ive read the above a few times and cant really see the link between commenting on a touchline ban handed out to a manager for loutish behavior and trying to justify someone sending Lennon a bullet. It's not that difficult. Your comment that the worst he had to endure was having a sweetie thrown at him. I was just wondering if having bullets sent to you through the post would be considered worse than that.

Wont really matter because hes very likely to have more bans on the way, he will be in the stand for the CIS cup final will probably miss the next old firm clash from a new ban due to his loutish behavior. The worst thing he has to endure of all though is being pelted with Werther's Original sweetie wrappers at our match. Didn't he get some bullets sent in the mail? Does he deserve that?

I've unfortunately used my greens already today, but good point. Literally thousands. Aye, literally thousands, more than 30 years of service. Was more than good to me, and is a natural coach.

JB's a legend, should have the MBE or something like that. Must be thousands of us who have benefited from his coaching, mentorship and good humour over the years. Should mention Jackie Sutherland too. All the best JB, thanks for your dedication.

Any other revolutionary ideas dougal? Keep 'em coming.

Heard that too, St Johnstone it was, the club made some statement about investigating it.

Heard some Dons fans on Wednesday were calling us Highland Huns. Is that a new thing? What on earth have we done to deserve such a label?

No one seems to be interested mate.

I mind Lemon from when they were on TV in the 70s. How did they get on playing on a big pitch, and on grass?

Like the 1938 England team? That's a terrible slur. Surely everyone knows the teams were lining up for a trial of a new underarm deoderant. Sure - AXEis ...maybe even Right Guard. bol or aerosol?

Good for the Hammers no doubt, but O'Neill is not exactly scaling the heights, considering he was tipped for great things.

I think they actually won the game that sparked all this, the Dundee United game.

Sad day indeed if that was the case. You'd think the younger generation would get their act together. Not as if there is a shortage of headers in the town. Was speaking to a few older headers ( ex ICI ) yesterday who were disgusted at the way Elgin had the run of the town on Saturday , was talk of an ICI reunion if it had gone to a replay . You think they would have seen that coming. Elgin must be p!shing themelves at what Inverness football fans have become.

Sad day indeed if that was the case. You'd think the younger generation would get their act together. Not as if there is a shortage of headers in the town.

The Howden End was a real mix with plenty hibees and jambos, as many tims as huns, and more than its fair share of sheep too, the latter mostly from Dalneigh.

Take it your camera was broken this day? http://www.caledonia...eason/merge.jpg dougal Which one are you in that photo Dougal?

I recollect being at a big meeting in the Caley Hotel ballroom, chaired by Norman where the speaker was Nat Lofthouse. Lofthouse had considerable experience in club fundraising and the meeting led to the formation of the Centenary Club. I would suggest that for Caley's 8 remaining years and ICT's 17 to date, the Centenary Club has had a massive impact on the way football has unfolded in this city. Certainly by far the most profound spin off from Caley's centenary in 1986. Thanks Charles, I don't suppose there will be any official or unofficial commemoration of the 125th anniversary. Maybe the rumoured Caley animals reunion will take care of that.

Where did i say that? My point is simply that aggressive policing can exacerbate the situation. It was a response to your suggestion of water canons and "a good kicking" as potential solutions to the problem. The article that i linked gives an idea of how angry aggressive policing can make peaceful protesters. Surely you accept that society benefits from having trained doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers? I would take it further and say that we all benefit from having artists, historians, theologians and sociologists - educated people in general. Grudgingly, i even accept the need for lawyers, economists and accountants. If these people end up earning significantly more than you then they will subsidise the roads you drive on under our system of progressive taxation. No man is an island and we have to pool money together in order to improve the lot of the population at large. I don't benefit from some stranger undergoing heart surgery on the NHS and i may never need to use that service myself but i certainly don't object to my taxes being used for that purpose. I applaud them for their efforts and lament that they didn't go far enough! The fact that the royal couple were out in central London in the middle of a large student protest is a testament to the stupidity of that pointless, inbred family. I was at the Laphroaig distillery recently and was informed that the Duke of Rothesay has a standing order for 6 bottles of 18 year-old every month at a cost of ?300 to the British taxpayer. If you want to get your knickers in a twist about wasting money than i suggest that he is a more suitable target for your ire than the students. spot feckin on.

125 years in 2011 since the formation of Caley. Made me think of the centenary season, not that I have any outstanding memories of it. The only memento I have is an official centenary tie. Anyone mind what the official celebrations were?