mar2008


March 2008

Bhoycott the SCOTTISH Sun : Bhoycott the SCOTTISH Sun : Bhoycott the SCOTTISH Sun : Bhoycott the SCOTTISH Sun :

Following the diabolical story written by Bill Leckie and printed in yesterday’s SCOTTISH Sun dated Monday 24th March 2008.

Where are the ‘Greatest Fans in the World when they’re really needed?

We have been asked by several Celtic supporters clubs throughout the UK to stop purchasing this newspaper and bhoycott the SCOTTISH Sun from today onwards.

We have just over 12,000 supporters in 73 clubs throughout the UK, Eire, and the rest of the world registered with us and we have been running “THE AFFILIATION OF REGISTERED CSC'S” since 1986.

We will never take this sort of publication from any Media firm without taking some sort of action on behalf Celtic supporters clubs.

30th March 2008

CELTIC ESCAPE PUNISHMENT BY UEFA

CELTIC will not be punished by UEFA over alleged sectarian behaviour by their fans in Barcelona.

Record Sport understands a journalist sent videos to the Euro beaks of supporters allegedly singing sectarian songs in and around the Nou Camp during the Champions League clash between the sides on March 4.

But yesterday the governing body said the evidence was not sufficient enough to take any action.

The decision is good news for the club who along with Rangers have worked hard to drive sectarianism out of their grounds.

A spokesperson for Celtic said: "We have not been informed of any UEFA investigation concerning our visit to Barcelona and would be surprised if any was to take place.

"Indeed, Celtic supporters have already been praised highly by UEFA for their behaviour and were applauded by Barcelona, the Catalan police, the people of the city and the Catalan media.

"Celtic states quite clearly that as a club open to all, it stands firmly against all forms of bigotry and sectarianism.

"This can be seen from the great volume of work Celtic carries out in this area.

"The club condemns any small minority who choose to indulge in any form of negative or offensive behaviour.

"As a club open to all since 1888, Celtic again reiterates its commitment to combating any form of bigotry or unacceptable conduct."

A spokesman for UEFA said: "We have received footage showing Celtic supporters allegedly singing anti-Queen and pro-IRA songs - sectarian songs.

"Basically we take care of all manifestations of sectarian singing. The only condition is that it must be in the immediate surrounding area of the stadium."

Rangers were fined £8280 by UEFA for the behaviour of their fans during the clash with Osasuna last March.

They insisted there was "improper conduct" by both sets of fans in Pamplona and it is believed the fine imposed on Rangers was largely for sectarian singing by fans.

27th March 2008

John Cushley Funeral Arrangements

THE Funeral Mass of former Celt John Cushley will take place at 10am on Friday, March 28 at St Bride’s Church in Bothwell.

John, aged 65, was suffering from Motor Neurone Disease and passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2008.

The centre-half made 41 appearances with Celtic between 1963 and 1967 before moving to West Ham.

He also had spells with Dunfermline and Dumbarton and after hanging up his boots John enjoyed a successful career in teaching and in recent years returned to Celtic as the club’s Education Officer.

He retired last summer through ill health after having being diagnosed with the illness.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with John’s wife, Mary, his family and friends at this very sad time.

24th March 2008

Former Celtic player John Cushley RIP

Former Celtic player John Cushley has died aged 65.

Cushley made 41 appearances for Celtic before moving to England in 1967
to play for West Ham United. Two years later he returned to Scotland
with Dunfermline and moved to Dumbarton in 1972.

Cushley was born in Hamilton January 1943, and joined Celtic in July
1960 as a centre-half, making his debut against Kilmarnock in March
1963.

A modern languages graduate of the University of Glasgow, Cushley acted
as interpreter in 1964 when along with Jimmy McGrory he travelled to
Spain to try and talk Alfredo Di Stefano to sign for Celtic.

Cushley retired as deputy head teacher at St Ambrose, Coatbridge, in
2003. At the school he spotted the talent of one pupil, right-back Mark
Wilson, now a first team player after Cushley helped recruit him to the
club.

Cushley had recently returned to Celtic as education officer to the club
but retired last year through ill health after having being diagnosed
with Motor Neurone Disease.

Former team-mate Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone died in March 2006 after a
five-year battle with the illness.

11th March 2008

Celtic thank fans with Cup ticket offer

AS a thank you to supporters for the fantastic backing they’ve given the team throughout the season, Celtic are offering tickets for next week’s Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Aberdeen (Tuesday, March 18) at a considerably reduced price, with the chance to bring kids for free.

Tickets for the match at Celtic Park (kick-off 7.45pm) will go on sale from Tuesday, March 11 from the Celtic Ticket Office, online or by calling 0871 226 1888 from 10:30am.

The tickets are priced at £15 for adult season ticket holders, with the opportunity for all adults to take advantage of a FREE child ticket. The FREE ticket applies to Under 16s only.

All adult ticket purchasers will be able to get their first child ticket FREE, with all subsequent child tickets being priced at £5. This offer is available to adult season ticket holders until this Friday, March 14, with all remaining tickets going on general sale from Saturday, March 15 from 9am till 12noon.

Season Ticket holders wishing to take advantage of this offer should note that the FREE child place is not exclusive to child season ticket holders, so this is the perfect opportunity to introduce your son or daughter to Celtic.

To take advantage of this offer, visit the Celtic Ticket Office or call 0871 226 1888. Tickets can be booked online for adult purchases only.

General Sale tickets are priced at £17 for adults and there is a £2 reduction for all Restricted View seating.

Tickets will be sold on a best available basis, with the Lower Tiers being sold first along with Blocks 401 to 409 in the North Stand Upper Tier.

Supporters on the Auto Cup Scheme will have their tickets posted automatically, Direct Debits will be collected on Friday, March 14, so please ensure you have money in your account, with the Auto Credit Card Scheme being charged on Tuesday, March 11.

10th March 2008

BEST WISHES TO HEAD COACH TOMMY BURNS

Celtic coach Tommy Burns is to begin receiving treatment for skin cancer again, the club confirmed on Monday.

Burns, 51, was first diagnosed as suffering from a melanoma two years ago after a scan.

The former Parkhead player and manager received surgery to remove two lumps from his leg in May 2006, before returning to the Celtic dug-out.

Celtic have now confirmed Burns is to receive treatment for the disease again - but it will not keep him from his duties at the club.

Scottish football rallied around the coach during the first scare, which kept him out of football for part of a championship-winning season at Celtic.

At the time, Burns talked of the possibility of the cancer returning.

"If it comes back again then you will have to deal with that," he said. "My friends and family will help me with that."

He also expressed the hope that his case might make people take action against the growing problem of skin cancer.

"Men in general don't really examine their bodies, their moles and marks, especially in the west of Scotland - not that we get that much sun anyway."

A statement released on Monday on Celtic's official website read: "Celtic today confirmed that first-team coach Tommy Burns is to receive continued cancer treatment.

"Tommy intends to continue in his role as first-team coach and head of the Youth Academy during this period of treatment.

"Clearly, we request that the privacy of Tommy and his family is respected at this time."

Burns has been first-team coach at Celtic since 2005. He started his career at Maryhill Juniors, before joining Celtic in 1975.

06th March 2008

CELTIC Football Club were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Monsignor David Gemmell, who passed away today (Thursday, March 6) in Barcelona.

Monsignor Gemmell had been visiting the Catalan city along with his colleague, Fr Hugh Purcell, to attend Celtic’s UEFA Champions League game with Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

A statement from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh said: “The Cardinal and Priests of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh were stunned this morning to hear of the sudden death of Right Reverend Monsignor David Gemmell (54), Administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh.

“He was on a short break in Barcelona to attend a football match, accompanied by his colleague from the Cathedral, Fr Hugh Purcell.

”After a meal yesterday evening with Fr Purcell, he let it be known that he felt unwell but did not need medical help.

“This morning when he did not appear for breakfast Fr Purcell contacted the hotel authorities and Monsignor Gemmell was found dead in his room. Mgr Gemmell did have a pre-existing history of heart trouble. There are no further details at this time.”

A spokesperson for Celtic Football Club said: “Clearly, we are stunned by the sudden passing of Monsignor Gemmell, a man who was a great supporter of Celtic and someone well known to the club.

“The thoughts of everyone at Celtic are with Monsignor Gemmell's relatives, friends, colleagues and congregation at this very difficult time.”