11 Comments

Loved this piece Ophira, it’s a nice change to read something positive about cultures coming together to enjoy a sport while respecting each other too.

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Thanks Ophira - it put a smile on my face! Shame about the pies.

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I enjoyed the piece but how ironic and sad that you talk about multi cultural and people of all nations mixing together and then you highlight the hatred for Rangers and against Protestants as though it’s ok! Coming from N. Ireland, I’m left disappointed by it!

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On the contrary, I'm very critical towards the sectarianism in Scotland, and I tried to express this in the opening paragraphs!

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I respect that you disapprove of any form of prejudice in football or elsewhere, but I'm sorry that in re-reading your article, I don't see what you are see and believe. But let's let it drop. For me this is a particularly sensitivity having experienced the vile and aggressive behaviour of football supporters during visits to Ibrox for football from the age of 10. But that's a long time ago now. Sadly I don't think it has improved much, but I am willing to be convinced.

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A nice positive piece Ophira.

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I went to these matches more out of an inexplicable dislike for Rangers!!

How was this expressing your criticism of the sectarianism in Scotland? Sounds to me as though you were condoning the behaviour of Celtic fans and by inference against Protestants!

Sorry if that’s not what you meant but having lived a good part of my life in N Ireland with the same sectarianism I just found your comments were unnecessary and frustrating.

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I hear what you’re saying. I can’t in good faith condone the sectarianism evident in Scottish football culture without first admitting to my own misguided participation in it (inexplicably, and as a teenager, as the article clarifies). Rather than pointing out to you line by line my condemnations of the behaviour in Old Firm matches, I’d ask you to reread the first few paragraphs in good faith that I disapprove of any form of prejudice in football or elsewhere. I’ve reread it myself, and I really believe that I make this disapproval clear.

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Really enjoyed this piece. Great local news

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This sounds fun - I’d love to go and see it. How often does it happen? Every year? And when does it all start?

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Hi Barbara - It's a yearly event yes, every May/June, and the final is tomorrow! Libya vs England, should be a good one.

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