Jimenez Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rs...43&Itemid=1 From it's inception, the RST has prided itself on taking a zero tolerance approach to sectarian language used to describe the the Rangers support. We have a particular problem with the word ‘h**’, a grossly offensive sectarian shorthand for ‘Protestant’ in common usage amongst Celtic fans and subsequently others. The organisation Nil By Mouth state on their website that “Sectarian language is commonly used in Scotland, with abusive terms such as "h**" and "Orange b*stard" being used against Protestants". Last week a member of the Dublin Loyal RSC contacted the RST, drawing an interview in an Irish magazine to the Trust’s attention. In ‘TV Now’, a Celtic supporting television presenter Martin King referred to ex-player and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey as a ‘h**’. To quote our member: "I had a quick chat with one of the staff in TVNOW and she was curious about the term "h**" and I told her that a lot of Celtic supporters (here at least) mistake it as slang for nazi and use it against Rangers supporters. Given many Rangers supporters' family history of service in the British army (including three generations in my own) this is not only inaccurate but grossly offensive, as many paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight fascism while Irish nationalists openly supported Germany. I think she got the point." The Trust intervened on request and two telephone calls and an email exchange later, both the 'TV Now' magazine’s Editor Deborah McGee and Martin King phoned the Trust Chairman, Stephen Smith, to apologise in person. Both were genuinely contrite and keen to assure the RST and the people who raised the complain that no offence was intended. Mr King himself wrote the apology for using the term and this appeared in the magazine on 17 February. Not only do Ms McGee and Mr King deserve credit for what they did, but by their swift restorative actions they expose the shameful shortcomings of the media and football authorities in Scotland. The Trust wishes to make it clear that the role assigned to the Rangers support - a convenient whipping boy whenever the sectarian card is played - is not and will never be acceptable to us. We restate our committment to opposing all forms of prejudice and sectarianism and our belief that this will only be possible when these problems are addressed comprehensively and in a way which does not seek to dishonestly blame one set of football fans for a complex and deep-rooted social ill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leiper Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Nice to see a bit of good news about the RST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mccoist355 Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Their ultimate aim regarding this particular word should be to ensure that, whilst we are having rules applied against our chants, other fans cannot chant h*&s at us at get away with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayboleLoyal_atb Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Good work by the RST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_ni Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 good to hear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin93 Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 good stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davie1689 Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 bit of good news for a change now lets see if strathclydes finest start lifting people at porkheid for shouting it lets see if uefa start fining porkheid when they sing it lets see if our football league threaten them with deduction of points if it is chanted at their games long way to go lads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Good, but an isolated occurence. Let's hope it sets an example to the Scottish media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralCartmanLee Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Good, but an isolated occurence. Let's hope it sets an example to the Scottish media. To be fair the word is also unacceptable in the Scottish media..... Strange that the same media are quiet on sellck fans use of the word though considering they find it unacceptable.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnyLoyal Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Good news, the bassa's shouldn't be able to call us this as they wish. WATP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperonthewing Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I think a poll on here in recent times showed that the majority on here did not find this term offensive. I was surprised by this as I find it hugely offensive. A small victory IMHO but still a long way to go, even with our own supporters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Manticore* Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Great work by the RST. And a genuine apology, that is rare. Real Irish people are, in the main, fine in my experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budswiser Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rs...43&Itemid=1 From it's inception, the RST has prided itself on taking a zero tolerance approach to sectarian language used to describe the the Rangers support. We have a particular problem with the word ‘h**’, a grossly offensive sectarian shorthand for ‘Protestant’ in common usage amongst Celtic fans and subsequently others. The organisation Nil By Mouth state on their website that “Sectarian language is commonly used in Scotland, with abusive terms such as "h**" and "Orange b*stard" being used against Protestants". Last week a member of the Dublin Loyal RSC contacted the RST, drawing an interview in an Irish magazine to the Trust’s attention. In ‘TV Now’, a Celtic supporting television presenter Martin King referred to ex-player and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey as a ‘h**’. To quote our member: "I had a quick chat with one of the staff in TVNOW and she was curious about the term "h**" and I told her that a lot of Celtic supporters (here at least) mistake it as slang for nazi and use it against Rangers supporters. Given many Rangers supporters' family history of service in the British army (including three generations in my own) this is not only inaccurate but grossly offensive, as many paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight fascism while Irish nationalists openly supported Germany. I think she got the point." The Trust intervened on request and two telephone calls and an email exchange later, both the 'TV Now' magazine’s Editor Deborah McGee and Martin King phoned the Trust Chairman, Stephen Smith, to apologise in person. Both were genuinely contrite and keen to assure the RST and the people who raised the complain that no offence was intended. Mr King himself wrote the apology for using the term and this appeared in the magazine on 17 February. Not only do Ms McGee and Mr King deserve credit for what they did, but by their swift restorative actions they expose the shameful shortcomings of the media and football authorities in Scotland. The Trust wishes to make it clear that the role assigned to the Rangers support - a convenient whipping boy whenever the sectarian card is played - is not and will never be acceptable to us. We restate our committment to opposing all forms of prejudice and sectarianism and our belief that this will only be possible when these problems are addressed comprehensively and in a way which does not seek to dishonestly blame one set of football fans for a complex and deep-rooted social ill. well played RST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Railcard Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I'd rather see the green community grow some f**king testicles rather than fighting what is a ridiculous double standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMWWBK Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Good, but an isolated occurence. Let's hope it sets an example to the Scottish media. To be fair the word is also unacceptable in the Scottish media..... That'll be why it's made print at least once in the last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
numansnewman Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 david edgar made 17 points ross blyth agreed with the vast majority of them why cant they compromise,and unite on issues like this ? only one body is coming forward..why ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thermopylae Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 The oirish certainly don't lack for cheek trying to associate us with the nazis Well done to the trust ... they put Murray to shame Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coopermania Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 A small but important step in the right direction. Here's hoping it continues. That tosser Alan Brazil used to say it all the time on talksport, but I think he's had his arse felt about it. I bet he liked it too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youllneverwinaway Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I think a poll on here in recent times showed that the majority on here did not find this term offensive. I was surprised by this as I find it hugely offensive. A small victory IMHO but still a long way to go, even with our own supporters. I am not offended by the word BUT i am offended at the double standard applied to our chants v their chants. The simple fact is our chants will continue to be scrutinised and therefore the only realistic solution is to fight fire with fire in order to achieve parity. It was a good fight by the RST and well done to them for getting the apology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazzapat Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 double post. To be fair, it was worth stating twice. Till we get consistency across all clubs, we should continue our fight against this obviously one sided attack on us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluepeter Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Excellent work by the RST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralCartmanLee Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Great work by the RST. And a genuine apology, that is rare. Real Irish people are, in the main, fine in my experience. Real Irish people are embarrassed and bemused by the filth……. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smitzer007 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Great work by the RST. And a genuine apology, that is rare. Real Irish people are, in the main, fine in my experience. As opposed to the 'plastic variety' ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outlaw69uk Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Great work by the RST. And a genuine apology, that is rare. Real Irish people are, in the main, fine in my experience. I agree, very good. I have been less than impressed with some of their actions of late, but, this is good. Lets hope they can kick on from this. Its action that benefits ALL Bears, not just Trust members, and, something we should all get behind. Good Stuff Guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkheadbear Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Good see some good work from the RST. Now lets see more of it lads. No Surrender Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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