WHY I DID IT!

(Celtic View 1972)
Jock Stein explains that foray into the crowd at the Stirling game

‘The Wreckers are chanting about things that have nothing to do with football’

I don’t like criticising Celtic fans. But I have to take odds with at least a section of them. What I did on Saturday was something I’ve felt like doing for quite a while.

It’s my sincere wish that it will have a lasting effect, as I’m sure that the vast majority of our fans do. Celtic supporters have enjoyed a lot of good times during the past few years and all of it was due to hard work – by the players, the backroom boys and the directors.

The fans too have played a major role and we don’t want to see it all ruined now by the bad element who have recently emerged. Nor do we want to see the fans of long standing who followed us through the lean years discouraged from watching us play.

This bad element – or the wreckers as the View called them last week – are singing and chanting about things which have nothing to do with football.

Surely there are enough Celtic songs without introducing religion or politics or anything else.

OFFERS
These offensive songs and chants could damage Celtic’s hard-won reputation built up by good football and sportsmanship.

Offers to play all over the world keep arriving at Celtic Park.

Last year we took part in the Bobby Moore testimonial. Next month we play in Bobby Charlton’s benefit match.

This is an indication of our high standing in world football.

The club don’t want to lose all this. Neither, I’m sure do any of our real supporters.