Balancing act

IT lacked the visual imagery of a Hearts press release but there was still sufficient intrigue and ambiguity in the statement released by Celtic yesterday to warrant deeper interpretation.
A section of the Celtic supporters protested during the game against St Johnstone
A section of the Celtic supporters protested during the game against St Johnstone

It was like trying to peer through the thickest of fogs. Here was comment on the situation at Rangers, their difficulties and the prospect of a newco being admitted directly into the Clydesdale Bank Premier League – possibly without sanction – that didn't directly mention any of those issues.

It was also a response to a threat from a section of the Celtic support to not renew their season tickets if the above came to pass but without acknowledging as much. And it was a plea not to sully Sunday's championship trophy presentation with protest, without explicitly saying so. In its deliberate vagueness, Celtic got their points across without leaving themselves open to recriminations further down the line. Nothing has been explicitly promised or laid down but reading between the lines, the message, in the name of Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, was there for all to see.

"We are fully aware of our supporters' concerns regarding the current situation across Scottish football and the breadth of opinion within our supporter base."

It has taken Rangers' downfall and the prospect of a newco being given a free pass back into the Premier League to unite the 11 other clubs, including Celtic. The Green Brigade – a hardcore, heavily politicised, section of their support – have threatened not to renew their season tickets should that happen and have urged other fans to do the same. This was Lawwell acknowledging those concerns, although the comment about "breadth of opinion" could also be seen as the club pointing out that the Green Brigade does not speak for all Celtic supporters.

"The issues are complex and there is much uncertainty. Indeed, the situation repeatedly changes, even on a daily basis. I am sure our supporters understand these developments are receiving our full focus and attention."

Celtic, like almost everyone else, remain effectively powerless the longer the Rangers saga rumbles on but will continue to monitor the daily developments at Ibrox. If a newco eventually emerges from the ashes of the current Rangers, then Celtic will act accordingly.

"Our guiding principle is that we will do what is in the best interests of Celtic Football Club and our supporters, consistent with upholding the interests and reputation of Scottish football."

This is the crux of the matter. Ever since the first signs emerged that all was not well at Ibrox, Celtic have insisted that they will continue along their own path, unaffected by whatever happens elsewhere. Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, recently revealed he expects his rebuilding job over the summer to carry on regardless – even if their strongest competitors are removed from the league – while Lawwell and Ian Bankier, the Celtic chairman, have also intimated that they will shed no tears if the Old Firm brand were to fold. Commercially, Celtic and Rangers have always been a good fit – hence the various joint sponsorship deals over the years – but Celtic have made it clear they believe they can thrive without their oldest rivals.

Whether that determination to go it alone stretches to on the field as well, however, remains to be seen. Several other chairmen have given recent strong hints that, while there is a moral argument for a newco starting life in the third division, the state of their finances dictate that they need Rangers to remain in the top division in whatever guise. Celtic are not as reliant on TV income and the money brought in by Rangers' travelling support as the other clubs so will be less inclined to be swayed by the commercial argument, but would surely miss the four Old Firm games and the competitive element Rangers would bring to the division. A league in which Celtic stroll to the title each year would surely soon become a turn-off for supporters too, and it would not make sound business sense to retain an expensive squad if players of a lesser calibre would still likely finish each seasons as champions.

"I can also give an assurance that we will communicate further and directly with our supporters at the appropriate time."

Celtic have yet to reveal publicly where they stand on the thorny issue of a newco's admittance to the league, although their fans would demand they oppose it. That decision will likely be taken by the SPL clubs with Celtic not needing to be in favour for it to go through. So they could keep their fans onside by voting against it – regardless of their actual preference – in the knowledge that there will be others willing to allow the newco in. If Celtic were truly opposed to that move but end up being outvoted, they may consider direct action of their own in protest.

"Celtic Football Club is an institution which is about to celebrate its 125th season and we will be proud to mark this season as champions of Scotland. Your magnificent support has played a vital role in bringing the Scottish Premier League title back home to Celtic Park. As Neil [Lennon] said recently, we have never been more united and I know this unity will be vital as we move forward. We look forward to Sunday's match when we will celebrate all that is great about our club and I am sure we will celebrate as only a packed Celtic Park knows how."

A reminder to the Celtic fans to celebrate the good times and leave protest for another day. Oh, and keep buying those tickets.

Taken from the Herald