There has been a lot of talk about democracy in the SPL recently, with the "Rebel 10" claiming to be "Arab Spring" of democracy. Looking at two different forms of democracy will show that to be a slightly perverse way of looking at it.
Rhode Island and California have 2 seats each in the US Senate. Rhode Island has 2 seats in the other house, the House of Representatives, whereas California has 53. The reason for this difference is that the two houses have different forms of democracy. The Senate uses federal democracy, and each state gets two seats regardless of size. The House of Representatives uses representational democracy, like the House of Commons, where the number of seats is linked to the number of people. Representational democracy, is closer to pure democracy, and is more democratic than federal democracy.
The SPL gives a vote to each club. This not linked to how many fans that club "represents" (it might be questionable whether clubs do represent their fans, but there should at least be an acknowledgement that they should). The SPL is therefore federal. Gretna got as many votes as Rangers.
In order to offset this a bit, the 11-1 voting systems allows any two clubs to veto a measure. This might be Rangers and Celtic, but it could be St Mirren and Dunfermline. This is really a nod to the fact that Rangers and Celtic have the most power because they have the most fans, but it's a cludge because no-one wants to recognise that power is vested in clubs by the people, when it comes to football.
A truly democratic system would give a vote per fan, rather than a vote per club. There are practical limitations to how that can be done, but here is an outline of how it could be introduced.
1. Block voting
Each club gets a number of votes based on its average home gate for the previous season. This is a practical way of working out the size of the club without fans having to register. It also gives clubs an insentive to attract more fans to the stadium. at the moment no club is filling their stadium every week so that won't limit their voting rights.
2. A basic majority wins
There would be no need for the 11-1 rule if voting was proportionate to fan base, so that rule can go.
3. Universal Suffrage
Every club registered with the SFA should get to vote on everything. Ross County will be in the SPL next season but have no say in how it will be structured till they get there. Equally, Dundee have a lot of fans but no say in league reconstruction. That is undemocratic. If Rangers end up in the SFL, they will still have a lot of fans, and should still have a say in how leagues are governed.
These measures would make Scottish Football more like the House of Representatives, and therefore more democratic, and would acknowledge that all clubs are not created equal. Power comes from the people who support those clubs (who are created equal).
In the US system, legislation has to be passed by both the House and the Senate (and President - I propose Victor Wanyama) before it can become law. A similar model where rules have to be backed by a majority of fans and a majority of clubs, could be considered, but might just lead to nothing ever being passed.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
unusual business opportunities
andy goram http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BOOZER+GORAM+HAS+TO+SCRAPE+BY+ON+pounds+1000+A+WEEK%3B+Court+claim+puts...-a061251268
graeme souness http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/payout-for-worker-sacked-because-she-was-pregnant-tribunal-awards-pounds-9539-against-home-1.66856
amo: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/pounds+1.3m+AMO+GETS+TO+PAY+FINE+AT+A+WEEK%3B+Court+stunned+by+JP%27s...-a079847071
graeme souness http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/payout-for-worker-sacked-because-she-was-pregnant-tribunal-awards-pounds-9539-against-home-1.66856
amo: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/pounds+1.3m+AMO+GETS+TO+PAY+FINE+AT+A+WEEK%3B+Court+stunned+by+JP%27s...-a079847071
Friday, 3 February 2012
Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway
Recently, a number of people of have been arguing that an SPL without a Rangers "newco" would benefit Celtic and the other teams. I don't think that's true, but that it should happen regardless
I think that while life might be more interesting for a resurgent New Firm (and the third division would have a field day), in general, without Rangers the SPL would be less interesting, especially for those in other countries. A less interesting league would mean less TV money, smaller crowds, and especially less chance of attracting decent foreign players. I can foresee teamsheets akin to those in the early 80s with the exception that the McStays, Millers and McLeishes would move to England at the earliest opportunity. While Scottish teams would get more participation in Europe at Rangers' expense, it's doubtful if they could compete at the same level as they do now.
I'm certain that Celtic could survive and if the other teams downsized there's no reason why they couldn't as well, but Scottish football could become a backwater.
However, when it comes to deciding what should happen to a phoenix Rangers, none of this matters. How it affects any club or any group of clubs should have no bearing on how to dispense justice. Justice is blind, and the rules should be applied equally, ignorant of who is subject to them. The decision to re-admit to Rangers directly to the SPL would be saying "Rangers can never be allowed to leave the SPL". By implication, Rangers could never be relegated because it wouldn't be "good for Scottish football". I'm a football fan more than a Celtic fan. If Celtic start a basketball team, I won't watch it, but I'll happily watch Forfar playing football. The point at which Rangers (and by extension, Celtic!) are subject to different rules from Aberdeen, is the point Scottish football is no longer a sport. It would have no integrity or principle and would be little better than WWE
The implications of competing in an SPL with a new Rangers are unthinkable. Before it could start there would surely be legal challenges from the first division teams which would make Sion seem compliant. A decade of financial cheating would be condoned by the organisations that are meant to police it. There would be no reason for other clubs not to follow suit as long as they would be clear of relegation. The sixth team in the SPL could write off all their debts every year immediately after the split, having spent millions they didn't have, or just not bothered paying their taxes. Soon, no-one would lend to a football team unless at usurious rates.
If Rangers are found to have cheated financially for a decade, there is no happy ending for Scottish football; no solution which doesn't leave the game damaged. If Celtic's standing in the game has to be hurt in order to maintain the integrity of the game, that is what must happen.
Better the financial death of Scottish football than the moral death of Scottish football.
I think that while life might be more interesting for a resurgent New Firm (and the third division would have a field day), in general, without Rangers the SPL would be less interesting, especially for those in other countries. A less interesting league would mean less TV money, smaller crowds, and especially less chance of attracting decent foreign players. I can foresee teamsheets akin to those in the early 80s with the exception that the McStays, Millers and McLeishes would move to England at the earliest opportunity. While Scottish teams would get more participation in Europe at Rangers' expense, it's doubtful if they could compete at the same level as they do now.
I'm certain that Celtic could survive and if the other teams downsized there's no reason why they couldn't as well, but Scottish football could become a backwater.
However, when it comes to deciding what should happen to a phoenix Rangers, none of this matters. How it affects any club or any group of clubs should have no bearing on how to dispense justice. Justice is blind, and the rules should be applied equally, ignorant of who is subject to them. The decision to re-admit to Rangers directly to the SPL would be saying "Rangers can never be allowed to leave the SPL". By implication, Rangers could never be relegated because it wouldn't be "good for Scottish football". I'm a football fan more than a Celtic fan. If Celtic start a basketball team, I won't watch it, but I'll happily watch Forfar playing football. The point at which Rangers (and by extension, Celtic!) are subject to different rules from Aberdeen, is the point Scottish football is no longer a sport. It would have no integrity or principle and would be little better than WWE
The implications of competing in an SPL with a new Rangers are unthinkable. Before it could start there would surely be legal challenges from the first division teams which would make Sion seem compliant. A decade of financial cheating would be condoned by the organisations that are meant to police it. There would be no reason for other clubs not to follow suit as long as they would be clear of relegation. The sixth team in the SPL could write off all their debts every year immediately after the split, having spent millions they didn't have, or just not bothered paying their taxes. Soon, no-one would lend to a football team unless at usurious rates.
If Rangers are found to have cheated financially for a decade, there is no happy ending for Scottish football; no solution which doesn't leave the game damaged. If Celtic's standing in the game has to be hurt in order to maintain the integrity of the game, that is what must happen.
Better the financial death of Scottish football than the moral death of Scottish football.
Friday, 6 January 2012
a wee story of howwood startrails
I set out last night to take startrail pictures near Howwood. When I got to the train station I realised I had forgotten my phone, but to go back and get it would have meant waiting another hour for a train. My initial frustrations were that I wouldn't be able to tweet or listen to music while standing around a field for a hour. however, as I made my way to the field it became obvious that it was an even more horrendous plight. Without my phone, I didn't have a map. A bit inconvient, but i was confident i could find the place eventually. Without my phone, no-one knew where I was. If was to fall down a hole in the inky darkness, no-one would find my body for weeks. Without my phone, i didn't have a clock, so wouldn't know when to go back to the train station. Most of all though, without my phone I didn't have a torch. A useful implement when walking about the countryside in the dead of night.
I managed to walk down the pavementless country roads without getting killed, and reached the field. It was really very muddy. I had considered taking Molly, my sister's dog, but it was just as well i hadn't - she'd have been a mudball in seconds. I eked my way along trying to avoid the boggiest bits, and getting slightly freaked out by a wind turbine and a flock of noctural sheep. Now I was really glad i hadn't taken Molly. Can you imagine? The sheep would have chased her up hill and down dale. I eventually saw the tower I was heading for, and bravely shooed the sheep away, and started the startrail process. I tried to read my e-reader by the moonlight, but it just couldn't be done. So i started playing around with my spare camera. I was leaning on the window sill of the tower to take a photo in the other direction. The wall of the tower started ... flickering. Knowing there was no-one nearby I was confused. I looked up and between me and the moon was a large white bird, silently hovering over me. It was so dark I couldn't make it out clearly, but i think it was an owl. Either that or the archangel Gabriel, but probably a bird. It hovered a bit closer (a few feet) and I thought i would get a closer look and then realised it was probably coming to peck out my beautiful eyes to protect its young. So i made an agressive stance and it flew away. Carried away by a moonlight shadow.
As I made my way back to my camera bag, something pierced the bottom of my boot and my foot. Looking down, i couldn't see what it was, so i can only imagine it was a nail from a bit of old fence or something. In the dark, it's hard to tell how much pain you are in. Was that sensation pain as my lifeblood oozed out my foot, or cold as the mud oozed in? Cold and mud, or pain and blood? (forensics later revealed it was cold and mud). Just in case, I thought I had better return to civilisation so I packed up my stuff and made for home. Somehow in the hour I had been in the field it had gotten much darker and much muddier. And there were big trenches that i hadn't noticed on the way in. The gate which had seemed so obvious on the way in was lost in the murky darkness. By the time i made it to the train station i looked like a survivor of The Somme.
I managed to walk down the pavementless country roads without getting killed, and reached the field. It was really very muddy. I had considered taking Molly, my sister's dog, but it was just as well i hadn't - she'd have been a mudball in seconds. I eked my way along trying to avoid the boggiest bits, and getting slightly freaked out by a wind turbine and a flock of noctural sheep. Now I was really glad i hadn't taken Molly. Can you imagine? The sheep would have chased her up hill and down dale. I eventually saw the tower I was heading for, and bravely shooed the sheep away, and started the startrail process. I tried to read my e-reader by the moonlight, but it just couldn't be done. So i started playing around with my spare camera. I was leaning on the window sill of the tower to take a photo in the other direction. The wall of the tower started ... flickering. Knowing there was no-one nearby I was confused. I looked up and between me and the moon was a large white bird, silently hovering over me. It was so dark I couldn't make it out clearly, but i think it was an owl. Either that or the archangel Gabriel, but probably a bird. It hovered a bit closer (a few feet) and I thought i would get a closer look and then realised it was probably coming to peck out my beautiful eyes to protect its young. So i made an agressive stance and it flew away. Carried away by a moonlight shadow.
As I made my way back to my camera bag, something pierced the bottom of my boot and my foot. Looking down, i couldn't see what it was, so i can only imagine it was a nail from a bit of old fence or something. In the dark, it's hard to tell how much pain you are in. Was that sensation pain as my lifeblood oozed out my foot, or cold as the mud oozed in? Cold and mud, or pain and blood? (forensics later revealed it was cold and mud). Just in case, I thought I had better return to civilisation so I packed up my stuff and made for home. Somehow in the hour I had been in the field it had gotten much darker and much muddier. And there were big trenches that i hadn't noticed on the way in. The gate which had seemed so obvious on the way in was lost in the murky darkness. By the time i made it to the train station i looked like a survivor of The Somme.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
italian reports on udine game
Embraced, beer in hand and Biancoverde scarf around his neck. They are many, over 400 in mid-afternoon, the fans of Glasgow Celtic in the marquee set up to welcome them to the streets May Day. You say enchanted by the city, its streets, squares. I am surprised at the reception, because - they say - "the premises and shops are all very kind." And then add in chorus: "We are a peaceful supporters, people appreciate us for it."
They have not had many problems to settle. The climate has helped them. A drizzle, at 17 o'clock, made them feel at home. Meanwhile, the party continues. There you climb on the tables and improvises a dance, there are those who listen to the music of Scottish and Irish notes shot up in the morning by the powerful speakers placed in the square. Grant interviews to local TV and newspapers. "I feel like a star," says William, who adds: "I am stunned by all this attention." Moreover, this year, is the first time that the city is invaded by such a large number of supporters. The Udine festival in the square and watch the smiles. Also rejoices to sport city councilor, Kristian Franzil, which states: "The decision to organize a meeting place for the fans has been a winner. You have fun, enjoy our specialties, and it seems to me that the bars and restaurants in the square have worked very hard. Out of many locals, I saw the tail and in addition we have helped the reception committee of the Celtic Club Udine, setting up the tent with the contribution of Arci Cas'Aupa. " And again: "In addition, some fans slept in this city since the previous evening, filling hotels and pubs also the day before the game. This time - Franzil concludes - we're satisfied. " Suddenly, under the tent, it materializes the Mayor Furio Honsell. And 'happy that a successful party, but to fans of Celtic confesses: "When I was in your beautiful city, my favorite team was the Rangers." Silence. But at least the Celtic fans have appreciated the courage and honesty of the first citizen.
In the square there is also Paul, president of the local association dedicated to Celtic, saying: "I am happy to have met all these people in my country. The Celtic is a big family. " Meanwhile, John Thompson, a supporter, says: "The frico is gorgeous and your city is very welcoming." Of the same opinion William McGrath, who bites into a sandwich with sausage, and confirms, "Udine I loved it, but are a little 'nervous about the game. It would have been better if they had passed both teams, I'd hate to do wrong to Udinese fans. " William and John hug, look at the clock and say, "He's about to strike the fateful hour, go to the stadium." They end up more than half a sip beer and singing, they move away, under the typically British rain.
http://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/cronaca/2011/12/16/news/scozzesi-in-festa-stregati-da-udine-1.2861161
Easier than learning to say 'please', even more immediate than saying "please" or translated "beer", so like the word "beer", and yet so different (especially if maybe you have also already a bit drunk '.. ..) So after only one night in cities all Scottish Celtic team followers knew yesterday already say "send". Maybe a little stretching 'the "i" at the end, but using the greeting from Friuli and above all always at the right time. And so the lady cross the bar mid-morning is greeted with a warm "mandiii!", Accompanied maybe even a hug. It also happens at lunchtime, in front of Udine entering and leaving the premises for a drink, them, the Scots, they smile, they mention a few and then greet the choir: "mandiii." And who had the kilt seemed to say it better, as demonstrated by the dozen Scots at lunchtime has "invaded" a bar-restaurant on Via Savorgnana. Frico highly popular and sausage, but it was above the square to collect the greatest number of consents.
Very Catholic in Protestant Scotland and Great Britain, including a choir and the other Celtic supporters were ready yesterday to make the sign of the cross when passing in front of one of the many churches in the center. Also ready to respond with a smile and a teasing, however, who greeted them reiterating "Fuarce Udin". Funny, open the hand, but most drinkers, more than one case they felt remember the name of Massimo Donati, a player from Friuli in Glasgow a few years ago he played two seasons in the ranks at Celtic. And down then back-slapping and big handshakes. Can last only mistake was to appoint Rino Gattuso (also football player for years in Glasgow, but the other team), or just confuse the Rangers with Celtic. Error almost "excommunication", as the first is the team linked to the Protestant community and the second is that of Catholics.
http://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/sport/2011/12/16/news/in-verde-e-in-kilt-imparano-subito-il-mandi-1.2860396
Udine. Udinese have been drawn with PAOK in sixteenths with the Europa League. This is the draw in Nyon. Round Feb. 16 at the Friuli, back on Feb. 23 in Greece. Upon successful completion of the round, Udinese would be the winner of the second round match between AZ Alkmaar and Anderlecht, went away with the second leg at home on March 8 and March 15.
Guidolin. It is clear in commenting Francesco Guidolin the draw in Nyon from the urn, which was released as an opponent for Udinese sixteenths-finals of the Champions League PAOK Thessaloniki. "Going to play in Greece is always tricky - said the coach of Castelfranco Veneto on the pages of the website Friuli club - because we know that we will find a warm, full and very difficult. But having "caught" the Arsenal in the preliminary round of Europe and Champions League-like calm and we can not complain because we have avoided having to face another big European football. Paok within our reach? I do not know. I'll tell you after you have faced in the field. "
Christmas. Comes the Christmas bomber's comment: "Seeing who could deal with, to be honest: after all, we were lucky - the captain says Juventus - the 'Udinese have already played once against the Greeks, and even if, at the time, I was not even part of the family black and white I know that our fans take a lot to this challenge. It will not be easy, because the Toumba Thessaloniki find a hellish environment, sportingly speaking, but we will do our best to go through and give all the Friulians a special night. "
The match with Celtic. Last night while Udinese drew 1-1 with Celtic and has reached the other Italian team Lazio, in sixteenths-finals of the Champions League. Gone in disadvantage with the goal of Hooper, the Friuli region have managed to balance the fate of the challenge at the end of the first half through captain Christmas.
What is at stake tonight was very important it was already understood the reading of formations: three games in six days, in fact, they did not desist from sending the coach Guidolin field the best 11, with Christmas - announced on the eve on the bench - his regular place among the owners.
The leaders of our league has shown good football, trying to overturn the glorious Celtic hierarchy who wanted to instill a certain fear to Juventus, but after a first failed attempt with a lob Christmas just came out, have risen in precisely the Scottish throne thanks to the speed of their forwards: Hooper has tried for the first time the 23 'right-angling a low shot too, but five minutes later did not fail when he used the rebound of a referral Handanovic Ekstrand and quick bagged a few inches from the door.
Be emphasized that at that time was ten Udinese's injury Badu Juventus where the staff had not yet solved by inserting David Beckham on the pitch, which occurred immediately after the Scottish advantage. To put things in place in full recovery, however, thought there was the usual Christmas, a short good at exploiting rejected by a defender and the goalkeeper Forster folded hands with a right-footed volley.
In the second 45 minutes of play Udinese upped the pace in an attempt to loot full, but has found its way on an excellent Forster on several occasions has said no to men Guidolin: between 18 'and 20 'English goalkeeper saved the first shot from distance on Christmas, then header of Isla, then stop suddenly Asamoah. At 27 ', then, striking the pole was struck by the same Asamoah who has failed to close the big target.
Flip and other wood in front, three minutes later Cha Du-Ri was to hit the left upright with a conclusion which is then rebound effect of Handanovic, but the Slovenian was quick to turn around and save a ball that was on the line slipping slowly into the goal. At 36 ', in the battle of the best in the field, was twice denied Forster for the second personal joy at Christmas: rejecting a conclusion first and then turning right header on an assist by Armero.
Breaking emotions of a challenge that has completed the party for Italian teams: AC Milan, Inter Milan and Naples in the Champions League, Udinese and Lazio in the Champions League. Nothing more could be asked.
Have already landed in Udine in the top 50 of the Celtic fans, the team will have to see if the evening with Udinese. Friuli stadium, in fact, the challenge will be held valid for the sixth day of the "Group I" of the group stage of the Europa League. At 21.05 there will be the kick-off, while the gates are already open from 19.30.
For all white-green supporters the Municipality of Udine, together with the two clubs and supporters in collaboration with the police, organized a special big garden which, therefore, will be closed to traffic. A welcome from fans about friendship: May Day in the square were set up a marquee and some kiosks that can distribute food and drinks, in dell'Infopoint. The City will support the event ensuring a reduction of 99% of the rent public land for employment, the use of the electrical property of the City, the location of chemical toilets, cleaning the area, the positioning of the marquee and bins for waste collection. The area in which the initiative will be cordoned off and closed to the transit stop and from 6 to 10 today, tomorrow.
Yesterday morning, in the offices of the police headquarters in Viale Venezia was held the meeting that traditionally precedes every match in the football program in the capital of Friuli. It was attended by the Vicar of quaestor Campagnolo Savior, the chief of staff John Belmonte, Vice quaestor added Augustine D'Antin who will be responsible for public order, the delegate Udinese football Andrea Poncho and representatives of police, municipal police , the financial police and Trenitalia (for arrivals at the station). As was already anticipated a few days ago, it's a match that from the point of view of safety, is not considered at risk, because there are no known rivalry between the fans and the Juventus Biancoverde. The deployment of forces, however, is significant: at the Friuli stadium, in fact, there are over 150 men of the police and about 260 stewards. And the spectators, in whole, should be about ten thousand.
The stakes are high, the two teams will play the move to sixteenths Europe league. "For us it will be an important game - said the Juventus captain Antonio Di Natale - a final. We will play at most to go through. The spectators there will be close to Udinese and support to go ahead of the competition. "
They have not had many problems to settle. The climate has helped them. A drizzle, at 17 o'clock, made them feel at home. Meanwhile, the party continues. There you climb on the tables and improvises a dance, there are those who listen to the music of Scottish and Irish notes shot up in the morning by the powerful speakers placed in the square. Grant interviews to local TV and newspapers. "I feel like a star," says William, who adds: "I am stunned by all this attention." Moreover, this year, is the first time that the city is invaded by such a large number of supporters. The Udine festival in the square and watch the smiles. Also rejoices to sport city councilor, Kristian Franzil, which states: "The decision to organize a meeting place for the fans has been a winner. You have fun, enjoy our specialties, and it seems to me that the bars and restaurants in the square have worked very hard. Out of many locals, I saw the tail and in addition we have helped the reception committee of the Celtic Club Udine, setting up the tent with the contribution of Arci Cas'Aupa. " And again: "In addition, some fans slept in this city since the previous evening, filling hotels and pubs also the day before the game. This time - Franzil concludes - we're satisfied. " Suddenly, under the tent, it materializes the Mayor Furio Honsell. And 'happy that a successful party, but to fans of Celtic confesses: "When I was in your beautiful city, my favorite team was the Rangers." Silence. But at least the Celtic fans have appreciated the courage and honesty of the first citizen.
In the square there is also Paul, president of the local association dedicated to Celtic, saying: "I am happy to have met all these people in my country. The Celtic is a big family. " Meanwhile, John Thompson, a supporter, says: "The frico is gorgeous and your city is very welcoming." Of the same opinion William McGrath, who bites into a sandwich with sausage, and confirms, "Udine I loved it, but are a little 'nervous about the game. It would have been better if they had passed both teams, I'd hate to do wrong to Udinese fans. " William and John hug, look at the clock and say, "He's about to strike the fateful hour, go to the stadium." They end up more than half a sip beer and singing, they move away, under the typically British rain.
http://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/cronaca/2011/12/16/news/scozzesi-in-festa-stregati-da-udine-1.2861161
Easier than learning to say 'please', even more immediate than saying "please" or translated "beer", so like the word "beer", and yet so different (especially if maybe you have also already a bit drunk '.. ..) So after only one night in cities all Scottish Celtic team followers knew yesterday already say "send". Maybe a little stretching 'the "i" at the end, but using the greeting from Friuli and above all always at the right time. And so the lady cross the bar mid-morning is greeted with a warm "mandiii!", Accompanied maybe even a hug. It also happens at lunchtime, in front of Udine entering and leaving the premises for a drink, them, the Scots, they smile, they mention a few and then greet the choir: "mandiii." And who had the kilt seemed to say it better, as demonstrated by the dozen Scots at lunchtime has "invaded" a bar-restaurant on Via Savorgnana. Frico highly popular and sausage, but it was above the square to collect the greatest number of consents.
Very Catholic in Protestant Scotland and Great Britain, including a choir and the other Celtic supporters were ready yesterday to make the sign of the cross when passing in front of one of the many churches in the center. Also ready to respond with a smile and a teasing, however, who greeted them reiterating "Fuarce Udin". Funny, open the hand, but most drinkers, more than one case they felt remember the name of Massimo Donati, a player from Friuli in Glasgow a few years ago he played two seasons in the ranks at Celtic. And down then back-slapping and big handshakes. Can last only mistake was to appoint Rino Gattuso (also football player for years in Glasgow, but the other team), or just confuse the Rangers with Celtic. Error almost "excommunication", as the first is the team linked to the Protestant community and the second is that of Catholics.
http://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/sport/2011/12/16/news/in-verde-e-in-kilt-imparano-subito-il-mandi-1.2860396
Udine. Udinese have been drawn with PAOK in sixteenths with the Europa League. This is the draw in Nyon. Round Feb. 16 at the Friuli, back on Feb. 23 in Greece. Upon successful completion of the round, Udinese would be the winner of the second round match between AZ Alkmaar and Anderlecht, went away with the second leg at home on March 8 and March 15.
Guidolin. It is clear in commenting Francesco Guidolin the draw in Nyon from the urn, which was released as an opponent for Udinese sixteenths-finals of the Champions League PAOK Thessaloniki. "Going to play in Greece is always tricky - said the coach of Castelfranco Veneto on the pages of the website Friuli club - because we know that we will find a warm, full and very difficult. But having "caught" the Arsenal in the preliminary round of Europe and Champions League-like calm and we can not complain because we have avoided having to face another big European football. Paok within our reach? I do not know. I'll tell you after you have faced in the field. "
Christmas. Comes the Christmas bomber's comment: "Seeing who could deal with, to be honest: after all, we were lucky - the captain says Juventus - the 'Udinese have already played once against the Greeks, and even if, at the time, I was not even part of the family black and white I know that our fans take a lot to this challenge. It will not be easy, because the Toumba Thessaloniki find a hellish environment, sportingly speaking, but we will do our best to go through and give all the Friulians a special night. "
The match with Celtic. Last night while Udinese drew 1-1 with Celtic and has reached the other Italian team Lazio, in sixteenths-finals of the Champions League. Gone in disadvantage with the goal of Hooper, the Friuli region have managed to balance the fate of the challenge at the end of the first half through captain Christmas.
What is at stake tonight was very important it was already understood the reading of formations: three games in six days, in fact, they did not desist from sending the coach Guidolin field the best 11, with Christmas - announced on the eve on the bench - his regular place among the owners.
The leaders of our league has shown good football, trying to overturn the glorious Celtic hierarchy who wanted to instill a certain fear to Juventus, but after a first failed attempt with a lob Christmas just came out, have risen in precisely the Scottish throne thanks to the speed of their forwards: Hooper has tried for the first time the 23 'right-angling a low shot too, but five minutes later did not fail when he used the rebound of a referral Handanovic Ekstrand and quick bagged a few inches from the door.
Be emphasized that at that time was ten Udinese's injury Badu Juventus where the staff had not yet solved by inserting David Beckham on the pitch, which occurred immediately after the Scottish advantage. To put things in place in full recovery, however, thought there was the usual Christmas, a short good at exploiting rejected by a defender and the goalkeeper Forster folded hands with a right-footed volley.
In the second 45 minutes of play Udinese upped the pace in an attempt to loot full, but has found its way on an excellent Forster on several occasions has said no to men Guidolin: between 18 'and 20 'English goalkeeper saved the first shot from distance on Christmas, then header of Isla, then stop suddenly Asamoah. At 27 ', then, striking the pole was struck by the same Asamoah who has failed to close the big target.
Flip and other wood in front, three minutes later Cha Du-Ri was to hit the left upright with a conclusion which is then rebound effect of Handanovic, but the Slovenian was quick to turn around and save a ball that was on the line slipping slowly into the goal. At 36 ', in the battle of the best in the field, was twice denied Forster for the second personal joy at Christmas: rejecting a conclusion first and then turning right header on an assist by Armero.
Breaking emotions of a challenge that has completed the party for Italian teams: AC Milan, Inter Milan and Naples in the Champions League, Udinese and Lazio in the Champions League. Nothing more could be asked.
Have already landed in Udine in the top 50 of the Celtic fans, the team will have to see if the evening with Udinese. Friuli stadium, in fact, the challenge will be held valid for the sixth day of the "Group I" of the group stage of the Europa League. At 21.05 there will be the kick-off, while the gates are already open from 19.30.
For all white-green supporters the Municipality of Udine, together with the two clubs and supporters in collaboration with the police, organized a special big garden which, therefore, will be closed to traffic. A welcome from fans about friendship: May Day in the square were set up a marquee and some kiosks that can distribute food and drinks, in dell'Infopoint. The City will support the event ensuring a reduction of 99% of the rent public land for employment, the use of the electrical property of the City, the location of chemical toilets, cleaning the area, the positioning of the marquee and bins for waste collection. The area in which the initiative will be cordoned off and closed to the transit stop and from 6 to 10 today, tomorrow.
Yesterday morning, in the offices of the police headquarters in Viale Venezia was held the meeting that traditionally precedes every match in the football program in the capital of Friuli. It was attended by the Vicar of quaestor Campagnolo Savior, the chief of staff John Belmonte, Vice quaestor added Augustine D'Antin who will be responsible for public order, the delegate Udinese football Andrea Poncho and representatives of police, municipal police , the financial police and Trenitalia (for arrivals at the station). As was already anticipated a few days ago, it's a match that from the point of view of safety, is not considered at risk, because there are no known rivalry between the fans and the Juventus Biancoverde. The deployment of forces, however, is significant: at the Friuli stadium, in fact, there are over 150 men of the police and about 260 stewards. And the spectators, in whole, should be about ten thousand.
The stakes are high, the two teams will play the move to sixteenths Europe league. "For us it will be an important game - said the Juventus captain Antonio Di Natale - a final. We will play at most to go through. The spectators there will be close to Udinese and support to go ahead of the competition. "
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Offensive Songs - a wee survey
Paul McBride QC and others in favour of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill have said that any reasonable person would know whether they were breaking the law. I believe that reasonable people hold widely varying opinions on what will (and should) be illegal under the law when this is brought in. So I conducted some facebook polls about a number of songs. The surveys had a very small samples and a disproportionate number of Celtic fans voting, but in some ways I think that makes the results more interesting.
The results suggest that reasonable people do have significantly different expectations of what will be illegal. Indeed, people with law and journalism degrees think that the Irish national anthem will be illegal. I'll explain what I think the correct answers to be in a moment.
According to the draft guidelines, national anthems are okay. So, although it is about the violent struggle for Irish freedom (technically it predates the IRA), this song should be in the clear ("in the absence of any other aggravating, threatening or offensive behaviour"). Otherwise it could be banned under several of the other guidelines, notably:
The results suggest that reasonable people do have significantly different expectations of what will be illegal. Indeed, people with law and journalism degrees think that the Irish national anthem will be illegal. I'll explain what I think the correct answers to be in a moment.
| Song | Will and Should | Will and Shouldn't | Won't and Should | Won't and Shouldn't |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Soldier's Song | 2 | 1 | 21 | |
| The Billy Boys | 6 | 2 | ||
| In Your Glasgow Slums | 1 | 6 | ||
| The Boys of the Old Brigade | 2 | 4 | 1 | |
| The Sash | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| There'll Be No Huns In Europe | 1 | 4 |
There is only consensus on whether two of the songs (In Your Glasgow Slums and The Billy Boys) listed will be banned. In every other case reasonable people differ on what will be illegal, nevermind what should be illegal.
I will try to say which ones I think will be illegal based on the draft guidelines provided by the government. The police, government clubs and football authorities have all refused to name individual songs that will, or won't, be illegal or banned or unwelcome. The one exception to this is the following atypical reassurance reported to The Herald, so I have used that too.
The Sash
This (along with Build My Gallows) is explicitly okay with the police according to the Herald as of the 28th of July this year, and half of respondents got this wrong. I didn't ask about the latter song as it is less well known, but it includes the lines "they say this day that I must hang cause I fought the IRA". These are the only songs with absolute clarity (unless the police have changed their mind).
According to the draft guidelines, national anthems are okay. So, although it is about the violent struggle for Irish freedom (technically it predates the IRA), this song should be in the clear ("in the absence of any other aggravating, threatening or offensive behaviour"). Otherwise it could be banned under several of the other guidelines, notably:
- Songs/lyrics in support of terrorist organisations
- Songs/lyrics which glorifies or celebrates events involving the loss of life or serious injury.
Notably, Flower Of Scotland would certainly fall foul of the second of those (I daresay Edward II would say it fell foul of the first too), and it isn't officially a national anthem.
The Boys Of The Old Brigade
Almost everyone thought this would be banned, and I agree that it probably will, although in sentiment it seems identical to the The Soldier's Song or, on the other side, Build My Gallows, or indeed Flower of Scotland. That Flower of Scotland is not equally frowned upon is either because there has been a greater passage of time, or because it is more "Scottish".
The Billy Boys
Everyone thought this would be banned, and I agree; indeed it already is.
No Huns In Europe
This one really depends on whether you believe the word "hun" to be offensive. Almost all the respondents didn't, but Paul McBride has said that it is, so I see there being significant confusion over this one too. I'd be surprised if there many arrests over this, but it is really down to the discretion of the police officer, and their views will probably differ just as much as football fans. It is the amount of subjectivity involved in this bill that poses the greatest threat to freedom of speech, I think.
In Your Glasgow Slums
No-one thought this would be banned. In many ways I find this the most interesting one. If I had asked about "Nakamura ate my dog" I imagine I would have gotten a very different answer. Saying Nakamura eats dogs based on (inaccurate) racial stereotypes, is, of course, racist and offensive. It strikes me as odd that saying Glaswegians eat rats because of poverty is not considered offensive. There is no clause in the bill about socio-economic status. However, I think the real reason this isn't considered subject to the law is because it's not associated with a "foreign" culture. Celtic are seen as being "Irish" and Rangers "British" whereas the fans singing this fit comfortably into a cuddly "Scottish" vision to many.
In case it's not clear, I'm not advocating singing any of these songs. I'm advocating the freedom of speech, and any laws that are introduced being clear and predictable in their application, and that the law should apply to everyone, not just football fans. It should be about protecting people from violence, or the threat of violence, and not about "offence". If taken strictly, this law would outlaw a host of Beatles songs, "Free Nelson Mandela", and "Waterloo" by Abba (I'm not clear on Waterloo Sunset). Obviously, it won't applied in that way, but individual police officers will be able to apply well or badly according to their own prejudices.
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Although the police have arrested a few people for online hate crimes related to football, these represent a tiny percentage of the incidents on the web. This has led to fans forming posses (or crowd-sourcing justice) to expose the culprits in other ways. This could increase the number of prosecutions, but has downsides.
Although this is often done in a responsible way, I think that when carried out more widely, any method that doesn’t involve the police will be dangerous. There is always the danger of vigilantes publishing addresses, which is wrong if the person is guilty and the address is correct, and even more wrong if mistakes are made. Similarly there has been the naming and shaming of people who turn out to be children, which is perhaps not desirable. It also likely that this approach would soon lead to a slew of tit-for-tat vexatious allegations which the police would ignore.
So the question is, how could the zeal of the masses be harnessed to allow the police to make much larger inroads into this problem?
I think there there should be a web interface where people can register, and be background-checked by the police. The police can then work out how many allegations they can handle in a week and set a capacity for how many allegations can be made by each user. Initially these would be spread equally over all the registered users, but the police can rate the quality of allegation so that those who do well (in terms of seriousness of allegation and evidence provided) are allowed to make more allegations, and others fewer allegations.
The police would have to provide clear guidelines on what they wanted to be told about, and the kind of evidence that should, and shouldn’t, be gathered. the total capacity for allegations would also be a measurement of how seriously the police are taking the problem.
Ideally, the web interface would all people to enter URLs and then the police application would screenscrape a copy of the pages immediately as evidence so it’s easy for the user, and the user can’t photoshop a screencapture. however, the need to log-in may make this difficult in practice.
It would be important to have some kind of feedback loop to “users” so that they know their allegations are being acted on, and ideally leading to convictions. If it takes 6 months for anything beyond a nominal notification to make it back to the user, they will think they are wasting their time.