Crossing makes them cross

The Scotsman led today with the issue of Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc blessing himself before the second half of yesterday's Old Firm match in front of the Rangers support.

I know somebody who was sitting on that stand who confirmed this was the case, and given the controversy earlier this year, eagle eyes also say that he did not do this in front of the Celtic support at the start of the match.

Let's assume for a second that Boruc is out to provoke the Rangers support. He wants to anger them, but what in his actual action is there to get offended about? What is there to get all hot and bothered about with a Catholic performing a very common ritual? Me feels it just confirms a stereotype - which other fans in the world would care if a player did this?

Comments

[Usayd]

If people are offended by the sign of the cross, Muslims have a hell of a long way to go :-(

[Ted]

It's not so much the cross itself, it's the fact Boruc has a history of seeking to provoke supporters. It seems to be forgotten that he was questioned by Grampian Police last December for holding three fingers up at the Aberdeen support (Celtic were winning 3-1). Contrary to popular belief, he wasn't cautioned by police for blessing himself at Ibrox in February but for, in the Crown's view, 'antagonistic behaviour towards the crowd, not just one act' - in particular, he was indulging in 'come ahead' signs to the Copland Road Stand. He also wound up German supporters during the Germany-Poland World Cup match - interestingly, both he and Celtic's other Pole, Zurawski, have made strong anti-German statements to the press.

So, Boruc has a history of provocative and potentially inflammatory behaviour and whether he's blessing himself, over-celebrating a goal in front of opposition fans, taunting fans over the scoreline or whatever, he needs to grow up and sort himself out. Many RC's on both Rangers and Celtic teams seem capable of going 90 minutes without going up to the opposition support and blessing themselves. It's strange why Boruc feels 'the need for a prayer' at those times.

Supporters probably shouldn't react but football matches, and Old Firm matches especially, are very emotional occasions and players have to be aware that supporters enter the arena in a highly excited state and need not be excited much further.

In any case, surely you should be pleased that Brahim Hemdani's late goal gave Islam a small victory over Roman Catholicism. ;-)

[Osama]

LOL I like it Ted!

[ainelivia]

Ted wrote: - "be aware that supporters enter the arena in a highly excited state and need not be excited much further."

Now that is funny. It's only a football match...

[Ted]

I don't know whether the ellipsis is meant to indicate a tongue in cheek comment or not.

In fact, Boruc is lucky he has not been charged with breach of the peace. Nearly 20 years ago Terry Butcher, Chris Woods, Graeme Roberts and Frank McAvennie were charged with breach of the peace after an Old Firm game - with Butcher and Woods found guilty and fined. Boruc has already been cautioned by police, remember, yet seemingly carries on regardless.

[Abu Sinan]

It is all about sectarian hatred. They want nothing more to be wading knee deep through Fenian blood. Bet if he put his hands up as in giving Du'ah, as Muslims do, we would probably get the same response.

Wonder what would happen if he showed up with a hammer, four nails, and a piece of paper that looked like Martin Luthers 99 points of protest?

Ah, these eejits would respond in the same way. Most of these people dont know about their own religion, let alone someone elses.

It is just about hating "the other."

[Abu Sinan]

Its only a football match? Doesnt sound like someone from Ireland or the UK......it's only a football match?

lol

Then again, us Germans do it as well, look at St Pauli and Hamburg!