The internet and rapid growth in social media networks in
recent years has provided an ever increasing platform and audience for pretty
much anyone to publicly express their opinions. Strict actions have been taken
in the past 12 months or so to clamp down on offensive ‘tweets’ and Facebook
posts. In Scotland, the whole Old Firm, sectarian and religious imbroglio is
especially poignant of late. Social media has made the whole, previously
faceless issue, significantly more transparent and identifiable. As an avid
user of a Twitter, Facebook and Blogspot – in no particular order – it hasn’t
gone unnoticed that there is a growing trend for overtly bigoted, provocative
and biased posts – especially around Old Firm games, or whenever either half of
the old firm is subject to intense media scrutiny.
Of course, this rivalry has always been there. I do not
suggest that social media has strengthened the loathing each sets of fans have
for one and other, but it certainly has made it more observable. Through
history, Scotland, and Glasgow, has been embroiled in religious divide. It is
hardly clandestine that Celtic is a club steeped Irish and Catholic tradition
and Rangers, and the majority of their fans, are undeniably associated with
Protestantism. The rivalry, despite being especially fierce in a sporting
sense, is intensified by the infusion of religion, Northern Irish politics and
the Irish diaspora associated with Celtic FC. The issue that has struck me of late
is the juxtaposition of Catholics versus Protestants. Of course, this is a general
view but it is a theme I have witnessed on countless occasions in disputes
between either sets of fans.
The issue I have with this division, for the sake of this
article, is not concerned with moral issues or who’s right and who’s wrong, it
is with regards to the contemporary relevance that the religious divide has in
today’s society. I would argue that the rivalry has been confused over time. Scottish
society, in general, has seen a dramatic decrease in religious significance in
people’s lives. Far fewer people attend churches or strictly belong to a
religion than they have done previously, yet the emphasis for the rivalry
continues to be of religious derivation.
The terms used by either sets of fans to describe their
rivals in an abusive fashion are, more often than not, aimed at the religious
beliefs of the opposition. There are certain words that have been identified to
be the most offensive that are repeatedly heard in songs, stadiums and most
recently, seen on social media. The Scottish government is feverously
endeavouring to outlaw ‘sectarianism’ and bigotry, which such discourse is
labelled.
How relevant are these words, though? How many Rangers fans,
for example, who claim to be Protestant, fully comprehend the term? If a
questionnaire on the reformation to be handed round Ibrox, would the results
indicate an enlightened fan base? And history seems to have been misconstrued,
too. The majority of Rangers fans are aware of the existence of William, Prince
Of Orange, but would they be equally aware of John Calvin, Martin Luther or
John Knox; men to which their protestant beliefs are mostly owed. At the same
time, how many Celtic fans are in mass every weekend? Are the tricolour waving
supporters of Irish origin and is the crucifix around their necks a symbol of
their catholic faith or a deliberately selected symbol to given them
instantaneous association with Celtic FC.
Doubtless, a lot of the beliefs and hatred for their rivals
is ingrained in them from an early age. Beliefs are often passed down from father to son, strengthened by a social circle and then reaffirmed by
selecting to be an active member of either supporters club. I just feel the
whole thing has a 'Chinese Whispers' like effect. People know, roughly, what they
are meant to believe in and meant to be against but it’s been muddled through
time. How can you be offended by something you don’t understand? Or offend
someone you don’t fully comprehend?
Effectively, it’s all part of a need for belonging: to be
given a sense of identity. Subscribing to ‘sectarianism’ helps to strengthen
your belonging to a club. Fans of either club who support the team but not
necessarily the tradition that goes with it are often ostracized or
trivialised; their support is less significant.
The rivalry was, and continually will be, regarded as a
religious one. However, it is becoming more outdated and mythical with every
new generation that carries it on.
Darren Dalrymple
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