In response to the Daily Record article featuring Graham Dorrans’ comments on the Green Brigade and Celtic, it’s crucial to address the inaccuracies and clarify the situation. Dorrans, a former Rangers player, speculates that Celtic could face a points deduction due to the actions of the Green Brigade. This assertion, however, seems to be based on a misunderstanding of the rules governing Scottish football.
Dorrans said: “I think in general any club, if there is rules and guidelines to follow and a club feels that a section of supporters are not following them then they are going to take action if there is evidence there. Any club whether it is Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen or whoever it is if they are not abiding by the rule and causing trouble when getting into away games, fighting stewards or whatever is it is that they are accused of then there is going to be action taken.
Dorrans said: “I think in general any club, if there is rules and guidelines to follow and a club feels that a section of supporters are not following them then they are going to take action if there is evidence there. Any club whether it is Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen or whoever it is if they are not abiding by the rule and causing trouble when getting into away games, fighting stewards or whatever is it is that they are accused of then there is going to be action taken.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have distinct roles and powers. While the SFA deals with broader governance and disciplinary matters, the SPFL is responsible for the organisation of the competitions, including the Scottish Premiership. As pointed out by former Celtic star and pundit Andy Walker, any potential action related to league matters, including points deduction, would fall under the SPFL’s jurisdiction, not the SFA’s.
Moreover, there is no precedent or clear mechanism within the SPFL rules that would justify a points deduction for crowd-related issues of the nature attributed to the Green Brigade. If such a mechanism were in place, we would likely have seen it invoked in past incidents involving other clubs, such as when a pitch invader accosted Scott Brown at Ibrox or when a Celtic physio was struck by a bottle at the same ground. These incidents, while serious, did not result in points deductions for the clubs involved.
It’s also essential to consider the context of Dorrans’ comments. As a former Rangers player, his perspective might be viewed as biased by Celtic supporters. This bias could be seen as influencing his understanding or interpretation of the rules. While it’s natural for former players to have allegiances, it’s crucial for media outlets like the Daily Record to provide balanced and accurate information, especially on contentious issues.
While the Daily Record may have been seeking to generate reader interest with provocative statements from a former rival player, their responsibility should be towards factual reporting and clarity.
Dorrans’ comments, lacking a basis in the actual regulations of Scottish football, appear to be more about stirring controversy than providing insightful analysis. It’s disappointing.
The issue between the club and the ultras is something that will be dealt with at Celtic and nowhere else. While UEFA have jurisdiction and powers to fine clubs for fan troubles, the SPFL do not.
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