Love it. "Celtic manager Martin O'Neill claimed midfielder Neil Lennon was subjected to verbal abuse of a "racial and sectarian manner" during Saturday's derby." - the BBC. Racial? Scotland, Ireland and Wales are Celtic, Mr O'Neill. And there was I thinking him to be a reasonably educated person. Doh!
Neil lennon is the kind of player who kicks everyone on the park, plus he's ginger, we don't need another reason to shout abuse at the guy. Unfortunately much of the abuse at Rangers is for different reasons but MoN is an idiot! BGM is right, it's just like Ricksen, it's just the kind of player you're gonna hate
The Scottish league would be far better off without them, and a top division of 16 playing each other twice.
I have noticed that many Celtic supporters are in fact of Irish decent. Never met any Rangers supporters, YET. But to be fair, I have met TONS of Celtic supporters. I was wondering why I never see any Kilmarnock or Motherwell or other SPL supporters on BS. They don't have to be from Scotland, but come on.....now you know why footie fans flock to Rangers and Celtic. Kind of lonely reading the matchtracker and chatting with no one about a club that is THOUSANDS of miles away from you!
By "of Irish decent [sic]" do you mean that they once had a pint of Guinness or listened to Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and Kirsty McColl? You're only about 25 miles away from Chicago. There is a Rangers Supporters Club there, get yerself along for a bit of enlightenment. http://www.glasgowrangers.us/default.aspx
Erm, I'm a Motherwell fan. I don't think the reason fans 'flock' to the old squirm is because they can have some one to discuss the games with. If that's the reason why those outwith Scotland support one or the other then it is particularly rubbish reason to support a team. Why not choose the team with the best kit (Motherwell) or the best stadium (Albion Rovers ) or the best pies (St. Johnstone) etc etc. As has already been questioned: what do you mean by 'of Irish decent'?
When I mean Irish decent, I mean Americans or people that have Irish ancestors. I am going to check out a Rangers match at the Chicago Gers Supporter Club, but they never return my information request emails. AND there are TONS of Celtic Supporters in Chicago! Chicago has a large Irish population. I have considered Motherwell, Kilmarnock, Hearts, or Hibs.
...or at least say they have Irish ancestry. I'm sure you don't need an invite, just pop along. I have some family who live out near Chicago, but they are British, not Irish.
Follow the directions and go to the match. Any decent site will have the fixtures listed, and it is very unusual for an SPL match not to be beamed over (for both Auld Firm teams). Rangers supporters here tend to enjoy the club and matches as a chance to get together with old friends or at least with a common bond. They're not rude to visitors, but as with any club it will probably take a little bit of time to get to know people, etc... If you are only there as a casual football fan, you might not want to expect much (beyond common courtesy I mean). I've been to matches now at clubs in DC, Philadelphia, Orlando, Detroit, LA (2 places) and Dallas, and I've never had an unpleasant experience (not counting any loss to Celtic I had the misfortune to watch).