Sectarian chanting is a Scotland problem, says Hugh MacDonald
After sectarian songs at Celtic vs Hearts, Hugh MacDonald, Peter Martin and Gordon Parks discussed a problem they say reaches well beyond the Old Firm.
By Peter Martin,
Sectarian songs at Celtic vs Hearts have put the issue back in the Scottish football headlines. On The Journos, Hugh MacDonald was clear about the scale of it: "It's a Scotland problem."
The discussion opened with a tweet from Martin Geissler and the chanting heard at the match. MacDonald, joined by Peter Martin and Gordon Parks, said "it happens every week" and that it is not just a Celtic and Rangers problem. He also discussed why Celtic players name Tynecastle, and argued that the only answer is to police it.
Education and experience
Peter Martin drew on his 12 years in Edinburgh and spoke about Hearts. He made the case for "a greater education" on sectarianism.
Gordon Parks spoke from personal experience. He described taking his son out of two grounds while touring every ground for the Daily Record.
A changing picture
The panel considered whether sectarianism has got worse. The conversation took in algorithms and the "Saturday afternoon" bigot, and why "everything is binary now". Threats to journalists were also raised.
The good in the game
There was room for positives too. The good being done in the lower leagues was highlighted, with Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Armadale cited as examples.
Peter Martin, though, offered a bleak verdict on the prospects for change: "I don't think it will ever change."