End Racism and Sectarianism in Paradise

We, the undersigned, are proud Celts who have been supporting Celtic and what it represents ever since we can remember. We have tasted the lows and savoured the highs and feel deeply privileged to be Celtic supporters at present with both the performances and recognition that our teams and our fhans are receiving. What Martin O'Neill has done for our club in such a short time is bordering on miraculous. What the fhans have done for our club is much the same.

However, after the behaviour of Rangers fans at Celtic Park on May 8th, we, the fhans, have come to the conclusion that we should no longer be the subject of the racist and sectarian abuse that we suffered that day. Enough is way too much.

We are fed up of listening to their racist chant of being "up to our knees in fenian blood, surrender or you'll die".

We are disgusted with the racist act of throwing potatoes onto our pitch, a naked reference to the death of over 1 million people in Ireland during "The Great Hunger", people who were considered British subjects at the time. (Can we even comprehend what the death of one million people is like?) It was because of the survivors of "The Great Hunger", people fleeing poverty and starvation, that Celtic was formed and to see it mocked in such fashion is deeply disturbing.

We are outraged at the continued racist and sectarian abuse directed at certain players in the Hoops. This racism and sectarianism must stop now! We are deeply concerned at the deafening silence emanating from within Celtic Park at these sickening racist and sectarian gestures and would like to know if anything is being done at senior level to counter this? Have we really to accept this vile and foetid behaviour in the 21st century? Are we really no further along the road to seeing our club accepted in Scotland?

It's time to act; Celtic's Social Charter clearly states that "Celtic will act against racism or sectarianism in any form". We call on you, the Board, to keep your promise and ACT!

We question the Board's decisions to negotiate TV rights, sponsorship, shirt deals etc... with Rangers FC. This perpetuates the myth that we are two sides of the one coin, when clearly we are not. We request that the club stops these joint negotiations even if it means that we lose revenue in the short term because being linked to Rangers costs us revenue in the long term.

This proud club was formed in the face of blatant racism and sectarianism, fostered on an immigrant population that had lost everything. It was a beacon of hope to that community then as it still is today. It has also given great hope and joy to many indigenous Scots - and others further afield - with no connection to Ireland but who epitomise the ideals of those visionaries who founded the club to be inclusive and tolerant of all religions, colours and creeds.

To that end we, the undersigned, would like to make known to the present board of directors our disgust at the silence. We are NOT second class citizens. We are NOT going to accept racism in ANY FORM at our ground and we will no longer accept silence from Celtic on these very important issues.

In the Social Charter you ask us, the fhans, to "live up to the best that Celtic stands for", we now ask the same of you.

ACT NOW - END SECTARIANISM AND RACIST ABUSE IN PARADISE!

We eagerly await your reply.