Rangers fan and Celtic fan put rivalry aside to tackle sectarian violence in Glasgow together

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What a pile of utter shite that whole article is. In over 40 years of following my team I have never personally witnessed sectarian violence. I'm not saying it never happens but the media love the portrayal that its widespread when it definitely is not. Most fans just want to watch their team and enjoy a few beers before and after.
 
Is it just fashionable these days to be a victim? Is there even one mentally challenged out there who thinks the world isn't against them?

The paranoia is ripping out of every last one of them!
 
dunn1872 said:
I stopped reading when they said they met at a Celtic boozer. You just knew it was going to be them being the victims.
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Business must be bad!free advertising under the “banner “,of sectarianism,well if it works for the politicians!!
 
Anti Rangers propaganda is nothing remotely new to us.
The fact that they now try to dress it up as some sort of mutual anti sectarian crusade is pathetic.
 
if politicians were ever serious about stopping religious bigotry, then the first thing they would do ,is reform the Scottish school system,,,for me schools are for teaching,,churches are for religion
 
govwalker said:
The Crash Barrier is definitely a product of Apartheid Sectarian Roman Church Schooling with the statement in the first couple of lines.

Once we END the shameful segregation of innocent kids at 4/5 years of age then we can start taking this lot half seriously.
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totally correct, but i this does not follow into the snp agenda, of capturing the ex-labour catholic vote
 
Its a shame for them really isn't it poor souls having to go through all that ............................ :rolleyes:
 
As if Stephen (with a ph) McBride was ever going to offer a reasonable perspective.

Methinks Mr SInclair is being played here.
 
"Stevie Sinclair and Stephen McBride forget their allegiances during a meet-up at a Hoops boozer to discuss an issue which plagues the city."


Therein lies the problem. It'll never be neutral. I'd like to see which boozer in particular, especially the flags that they'll have draped all over the joint. That'll paint an interesting picture for sure.
 
Never in my lifetime did I think I'd witness a Rangers and a Celtic fan put their rivalry aside to tackle sectarian violence.

About time too, can't walk through the city centre without being held at knifepoint being asked which religion you follow. Thank the lord we have some wonderful organisations willing to call it out in the current year.
 
Maybe they should have discussed why a non catholic cannot be a head of department or head teacher at their schools
 
Mustang mad said:
as soon as they described him as a devout catholic, you knew where this article was going.
Utter tripe
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He actually attends church and understands the theology he adheres to.

In January an old FF stalwart, the Downhill Hack, suffered a min-stroke. Stephen McBride has been very kind and attentive helping the Hack through his recovery.

Stevie Sinclair is well-known through the support for his activism on many fronts. He's an argumentative bastard. :p
 
Nonesense. I am getting so, hold my tongue, fed up that minority lot. Hatred is boiling because of them. I think tides will turn
 
mdingwall said:
He actually attends church and understands the theology he adheres to.

In January an old FF stalwart, the Downhill Hack, suffered a min-stroke. Stephen McBride has been very kind and attentive helping the Hack through his recovery.

Stevie Sinclair is well-known through the support for his activism on many fronts. He's an argumentative bastard. :p
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Church or chapel? And what theology are they teaching him, or he is following in his 'church', mising 95 Thesis?
 
Waste of time

There is nothing to discuss or negotiate this country is ruined and can only see 1 side of the argument

Apartheid schooling of separating at 4 or 5 years old will not be up for discussion

In all aspects of public life the 15% of those who claim to be Catholic have a disproportionate amount of the top and important jobs.

I R A and rebel songs are just political and cultural and part of a proud history nothing to see here just move on
Nearly any song by Rangers is sectarian including people getting 6 months in the jail for singing the Billy Boys

Hun not sectarian
19th Century Terrorist sectarian anti Catholic anyone using it, excluding the Celtic fans who call themselves it, is a bigot

A compliant print,radio and television media have been allowed to repeat the mantra
Celtic GOOD
Rangers BAD

These people cant be debated they cant be reasoned with they are not normal.

They have won 9 out of 9 domestic competitions in Scotland but just look or listen to them in real life and online they still think they are being cheated and it is all a masonic conspiracy.
 
BlueMeanie said:
Stevie Sinclair and Stephen McBride forget their allegiances during a meet-up at a Hoops boozer to discuss an issue which plagues the city.


They may sit on either side of Glasgow's fiercest rivalry, but Stevie Sinclair and Stephen McBride look like two old friends catching up together.
Although when it comes to football, the pair couldn't be more different.
Celtic loyal Stephen, 67, is a devout Catholic who runs a Hoops-friendly boozer in the West End.
However staunch 58-year-old Rangers man Stevie is a die-hard supporter from Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
But the rivals are putting their allegiances to one side to condemn the scourge of sectarian violence and abuse which plagues the city.
They agreed to step into each other’s lives as part of Britain Talks – a UK-wide initiative designed by our sister title The Daily Mirror to bring people together to discuss their differences and celebrate what unites them over a cuppa.

These two Steves are keen to speak to people outside their community about sectarianism and ways to stop it.
They are joining thousands of people who have volunteered to do the same, attending Britain Talks meet-ups this weekend on the third anniversary of the Brexit vote.
What better way to remember the moment the UK divided than by coming back together?


But the UK country is not just divided by Brexit – the Old Firm is among the world’s fiercest rivalries.
Celtic and Rangers have long been a focus for bigotry and hatred, dividing fans on religious and political lines.
Earlier this year, Police Scotland reported a new rise in sectarianism, with one senior officer saying the bigotry was the worst in 30 years.
Stephen, who lives with wife Rita in Castlemilk, says: “There has always been a divide, people who want to be bigoted.
“Historically, football has been used to promote anti-Catholic bigotry and a lot of guys use Old Firm games to cause problems. It does seem to be on the rise.”
Stevie, 58, who shares his home with Michelle, 58, adds: “In the West of Scotland you’re either a Rangers fan or a Celtic fan.
“You’re born a Rangers fan – you don’t get to choose. They have their pubs we have our pubs, that’s the way it is.”
Stevie – who uses a wheelchair because he is a victim of the thalidomide scandal, in which drugs given to pregnant women led to birth defects – laughs as he adds: “There’s about as much chance of me following Celtic as I’ve got of my leg growing again.
“There is a great rivalry – and that’s fine. It’s individuals who then make that something else, when it becomes a problem.”
Both men hate bigotry but as a publican, Stephen has seen it first-hand, running pubs including Celtic watering hole The Dolphin Bar in Partick.

Stevie Sinclair (R) says it's more likely his legs will start growing again than becoming a Celtic fan like Stephen McBride (Image: Stuart Nicol Photography)
Today, he’s invited Steve to visit the pub – once owned by a Celtic director.
With its portraits of Jock Stein and Henrik Larsson displayed above the bar, this is unfamiliar territory for Steve.
Sporting a royal blue Rangers top, he looks nervous as he wheels himself in but the conversation soon flows.
Both feel their side gets a raw deal in the media and that a minority of fans, some singing sectarian songs, get too much attention.
As Stevie says: “If there’s an incident with both sides, it will be the one involving the Rangers fan that gets singled out.
"There are more arrests at music festivals than Old Firm games. Someone gets offended by a song? Man up! It gets blown out of all proportion.
“You hear it, you ignore it, it’s part and parcel of Old Firm games.
"Bigotry’s wrong, there’s no two ways about it – but as Jock Stein said, ‘Let them sing their songs on a Saturday because there’ll be working together on a Monday’.”
Stephen seems to agree.
“I don’t like the songs but as long as they don’t take it out of the ground on to the streets… To see the way some guys carry on, grown men, is unbelievable.
"There’s probably the biggest gulf there’s ever been. The clubs have to sort it out.”
They agree on how much football means to them – and now good natured competition adds to the excitement.
“You don’t enjoy Old Firm games, you endure them,” Stevie says, grinning. “There’s nothing better than beating your oldest rival.”
Earlier, the pair met for the first time at Hampden Park.


In the museum, they pored over memorabilia, trading stories of favourite players before enjoying a game of table football – which Stevie won.
Both seem nostalgic about the Old Firm matches of old. For Stevie, his first final in 1973 was special.
“It was like a knife through butter,” he says, “you could see one side green, one side blue and now, now they’ve taken some of the spectacle away.”
Later, they tour Ibrox – Stevie showing off the box where he sits to watch home games before haggis and fish and chips in the restaurant.
At the Dolphin, the colas and banter are flowing. Both agree more has to be done to tackle sectarianism – and talking to rival fans can play a part.
As proud Glaswegians, they want their city to be known for its amazing community spirit and humour, not football-fuelled hatred.
“Glasgow people are unique. If you come to Glasgow as a stranger you’ll be welcomed, that’s what Glasgow really is,” Stephen says. “Not this rubbish.”
Stevie adds: “Glaswegians have a heart of gold. The banter at matches is part of that but it shouldn’t become hatred.”
Raising a glass, Stephen says: “If you’re going meet a Rangers fan like Stevie, you’re meeting a guy who supports his club and that’s it. He’s got respect for Celtic and that’s the same with me.
“You’re always going be a Rangers fan but you’re not a bigot, you’re happy to discuss the games without getting upset. We share a love of football, of Glasgow.
"I’ve enjoyed it, it’s nice to hear somebody else’s viewpoint without anyone trying to get upset or score points. It’s like football. After 90 minutes its finished, we’re pals again. It’s the power of chat.”
For Stevie, it’s been just as rewarding. “We wouldn’t have ever met, say at an Old Firm game, so I’m glad we have here,” he says.
“I didn’t know how he’d be but he was great, he wasn’t a ranting idiot. There’s a mutual respect. At the end of the day we’re fellow Glaswegians and supporters.”
Before they head off, both give each other a present – team scarves.
Tellingly, they won’t wear them or take them home, swapping bags again after the interview.
“That’s going a step too far,” says Stephen, putting his scarf away. Stevie feels the same. Pointing to the Celtic scarf, he says: “If I wore that at Ibrox I’d be slung out.”
As they shake hands, still laughing, they promise to meet again, Stephen saying: “You’re welcome to come into this pub any time.”
Waving goodbye, Stevie says he definitely will, adding: “What a nice fella.”
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Stopped reading at "sat in a hoops bar"
 
George_Costanza said:
Waste of time

There is nothing to discuss or negotiate this country is ruined and can only see 1 side of the argument

Apartheid schooling of separating at 4 or 5 years old will not be up for discussion

In all aspects of public life the 15% of those who claim to be Catholic have a disproportionate amount of the top and important jobs.

I R A and rebel songs are just political and cultural and part of a proud history nothing to see here just move on
Nearly any song by Rangers is sectarian including people getting 6 months in the jail for singing the Billy Boys

Hun not sectarian
19th Century Terrorist sectarian anti Catholic anyone using it, excluding the Celtic fans who call themselves it, is a bigot

A compliant print,radio and television media have been allowed to repeat the mantra
Celtic GOOD
Rangers BAD

These people cant be debated they cant be reasoned with they are not normal.

They have won 9 out of 9 domestic competitions in Scotland but just look or listen to them in real life and online they still think they are being cheated and it is all a masonic conspiracy.
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So true.
But also they have a "catholic" following, which seems "cool". They can be pardoned easily and have a wide following base because of this.
We have a "protestant" following, but it is actually uncool to be a protestant - (a protestant catholic)- and go to church.
How many here actually read the Bible? I hardly but carry one with me. We have ourselves to blame for letting them take over - it was an empty goal for them.
 
Here’s how it goes with this type of thing generally , if the Rangers fan wants to avoid the conversation going downhill and turning nasty you either need to walk away or bite your tongue because most bears will have experienced conversations with them and there’s THREE things which are a given...the Rangers fan will have to accept we are the bad guys/ worse of the 2 sets of fans, the soapdodger will also cite numerous anecdotal shite as proof of the fact Rangers are the villains and they will always try to dominate the conversation and ESPECIALLY if there is a third party/neutral to be convinced by the bullshit they are spouting . I find it’s best to not engage with them full stop, its a total waste of time trying to reason with these people.
 
George_Costanza said:
Waste of time

There is nothing to discuss or negotiate this country is ruined and can only see 1 side of the argument

Apartheid schooling of separating at 4 or 5 years old will not be up for discussion

In all aspects of public life the 15% of those who claim to be Catholic have a disproportionate amount of the top and important jobs.

I R A and rebel songs are just political and cultural and part of a proud history nothing to see here just move on
Nearly any song by Rangers is sectarian including people getting 6 months in the jail for singing the Billy Boys

Hun not sectarian
19th Century Terrorist sectarian anti Catholic anyone using it, excluding the Celtic fans who call themselves it, is a bigot

A compliant print,radio and television media have been allowed to repeat the mantra
Celtic GOOD
Rangers BAD

These people cant be debated they cant be reasoned with they are not normal.

They have won 9 out of 9 domestic competitions in Scotland but just look or listen to them in real life and online they still think they are being cheated and it is all a masonic conspiracy.
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A wonderful, on the point post.
 
Mustang mad said:
as soon as they described him as a devout catholic, you knew where this article was going.
Utter tripe
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As soon as I clocked the devout catholic I stopped reading it. Having read some of the comments here it seems to be the usual "it's no us its they hun bassas that's bigots so they are "
 
mdingwall said:
He actually attends church and understands the theology he adheres to.

In January an old FF stalwart, the Downhill Hack, suffered a min-stroke. Stephen McBride has been very kind and attentive helping the Hack through his recovery.

Stevie Sinclair is well-known through the support for his activism on many fronts. He's an argumentative bastard. :p
Click to expand...
Maybe so, but it seems again that they just link celtic to catholicism- thats ok. Then the next day celtic are a club open to all etc etc.
having their cake and eating it.
 
EH47 said:
Stephen wants to end bigotry but couldn't wait to specifically mention the "anti catholic" variety on match days.
They just cant help themselves.
No sign whatsover that the reporter then asked him about the anti Protestant variety.
We've seen all this shite before.
Felt it pointless to read on...

I've said it before : If they only want to blame one side then they themselves are a massive part of any problem.
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This, this and this. Myopic views and reporting of sectarianism does nothing but provide a fertile breeding ground for the real bigots as we have seen with the abhorrant attacks on the 2 wee Rangers fans, the hanging of effigies from the stands at the san giro and the recent stabbing of a poster on here after a game. 21st century Scotland is definitely a whole heap different from when I left in the late 80's, devolution for me was the answer to a question no rational person would have asked.
 
mdingwall said:
He actually attends church and understands the theology he adheres to.

In January an old FF stalwart, the Downhill Hack, suffered a min-stroke. Stephen McBride has been very kind and attentive helping the Hack through his recovery.

Stevie Sinclair is well-known through the support for his activism on many fronts. He's an argumentative bastard. :p
Click to expand...

Mr Sinclair used to go on our bus and fell out with most people. Could cause a Rammy in an empty house springs to mind.
 
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