Hello from Indiana

[Mike1]

I belong to a Celtic supporters club here in the US and that term is used all the time as simply "fans of Celtic."

And Goodness knows there would be no sectarianism at Ibrox, now would there? <banging my head on the desk>

Seumas, this is what I meant about a overall lack of awareness and understanding about some of Alba's issues, such as bigotry and sectarianism, here in the States. It is not unusual to attend a Scottish event here in the States and see folks wearing their Celtic and Rangers kit, for no absolutely other reason than to harmlessly support their favorite team. The Old Firm likely means nothing to them, 9 times out of 10. It's just a different place, here, ken?

<digging around, looking for my copy of John McCloskey's The Green And The Blue>

So I'm sorry if I offended, but it was innocent. It apparently has a different connotation over here (for those few who have ever heard it).

Jamie, I am quite confident that you did not mean to offend anyone. Those colors and those words just have a lot of very deep-rooted emotions attached to them in Scotland. How could you have known?

Also, I kick with both feet. Right foot for distance, left foot for accuracy, but either foot when I'm in front of the goal.

Seumas, this is a perfect example of my hypothesis, eh? Perhaps I should have not mentioned kicking a ball, but used "with what foot do you dig a peat". Now THAT really is an auld yin!

Matt, get back in here and tell me what part of Indiana you hail from. We've got to do something to get this train back on the tracks. ;)

[jfellrath]

And Goodness knows there would be no sectarianism at Ibrox, now would there? <banging my head on the desk>

Seumas, this is what I meant about a overall lack of awareness and understanding about some of Alba's issues, such as bigotry and sectarianism, here in the States. It is not unusual to attend a Scottish event here in the States and see folks wearing their Celtic and Rangers kit, for no absolutely other reason than to harmlessly support their favorite team. The Old Firm likely means nothing to them, 9 times out of 10. It's just a different place, here, ken?

I most certainly know the history, even if I don't truly understand all the emotions, of the nature of the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. Believe me, when you're in a supporters' club with ex-pats, you just can't help but hear about it. And when I was in Glasgow last year to see a Celtic game my wife and I were stunned by all the bars with the signs "no football colors" on the doors. We were amazed when we looked at the program and saw the different routing of fans around and in the stadium for a non-Rangers game and an Old Firm match.

I think the majority of Americans KNOW about the issues between Catholics and Protestants in the British Isles, but don't truly understand all the "whys" of it. Many probably don't realize that it extends out of Northern Ireland. I am probably a little further along than most as I have a degree in history, but I don't necessarily know all the little details.

Jamie, I am quite confident that you did not mean to offend anyone. Those colors and those words just have a lot of very deep-rooted emotions attached to them in Scotland. How could you have known?

Like I said, I know the history, but please pardon me if I don't know all the details - like "bhoys" being a loaded word. To me (until now), it's not any different than being a Notre Dame fan (which I also am) and calling ourselves "Domers." I'll watch it from now on.

You most certainly did not offend in the least, but in some parts of Scotland (not to mention Ireland) the bitter rivalry and intolerace is rife and extremely nasty. My post was purely intended as a little reminder of this...

And I'm aware of this, just not all the forms in which it takes. And my only intent was to call attention to soccer teams I like and possibly invite some friendly smack (which is an art form we love over here in the States). I won't bring up the Old Firm any more if it offends.

That won't, however, stop me from saying such things as "Piss on the Fire" as a Columbus Crew fan...

[macwilkin]

I belong to a Celtic supporters club...

As a Hearts fan, I'll forgive you for that! :mrgreen:

Seriously, one of my good friends in Edinburgh is a Hibs supporter, and another one of my "Auld Reekie" friends who now resides in St. Louis supports Hearts, whilst his son supports the Hibs -- we have a lot of fun wi' that! :mrgreen:

Apologies for OT post, couldn't resist!

Up the Jambos!

Cheers,

Todd

[highlander_Daz]

"In Scotland & Ireland the term BHOYS is particulary linked with Roman Catholisism, football (esp Celtic) and general religious sectarianism. It is not a term normally used in 'polite' society generally, due to it's nasty connotations."

Nonsense!! Bhoys is in general use all the time, the Daily record uses it to on a regular basis Im a Massive Celtic fan and Ive never been offended by it.

Sectarianism is "Scotlands shame" but lets not get too worked up about it, there are terrible Sectartian songs sang at Old firm matches but hey sticks and stones

recently the government, with an appaling lack of insight suggested that offenders on community service wear Orange overalls!!

As a Celtic fan Id be more offended by the phrase "you lost the league!!!"

[jfellrath]

As a Celtic fan Id be more offended by the phrase "you lost the league!!!"

Sigh... I AM more offended by that phrase....