The Green Brigade: Football Hooligans or Gateway Politicos?

Celtic’s Ultras division, The Green Brigade, have been criticised by the mainstream press for some of their activities. But they’ve also been praised by many for their staged political actions and food bank drives. Jonathan Rimmer investigates which narrative is more accurate…

 

Football in Scotland remains massively popular, even in spite of rising ticket prices and a “genetically” incapable national team. While the picture is less rosy at a grassroots level, crowds at Premiership games almost doubled last year. Nowhere was this rise more pronounced than at Celtic – the Glasgow club saw a 49% rise in attendances. In a deindustrialised city where trade union power has been greatly diminished, football is one of the few unifying forces left for the working class.

This is ironic when you consider that modern football is regularly cited as an example of hypercapitalism in action, but also because of Glasgow’s great divides. These are best illustrated through the Old Firm: Republicanism v Loyalism, Catholicism v Protestantism and even Socialism v Conservatism. Although these conflicts are second nature to many city residents, the political dimension is easily the most underexplored.

Bill Shankly, the great Scottish Liverpool manager of the 1960s and 1970s, famously said:

“The socialism I believe in, is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. That’s how I see football, that’s how I see life.”

Similar sentiments have been expressed over the years by the likes of Alex Ferguson, Jock Stein and Brian Clough.

And yet, the vicious rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is often used as evidence that football and politics shouldn’t mix. Nowhere are the two sets of fans’ professed political ideologies more pronounced than in their Ultras groups.

Ultras have long been regarded as a continental phenomenon – unlike hooligan firms, the groups are generally intended to be non-violent in nature (although there are examples where the two groups overlap) and are renowned for “creating atmosphere” at stadiums through song, the use of flares and the display of elaborate banners.

The Union Bears are generally recognised as Rangers’ Ultras group, but, despite having producing banners against Scottish independence, have described themselves as “usually non-political”. Celtic’s Green Brigade group are far more resolute in their political leanings, calling themselves as a “broad front of anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sectarian Celtic supporters”.

Over the years, they’ve supported local foodbanks, raised money for Palestinian charities and campaigned against the controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act (many fans argue the legislation was put in place to target them specifically). However, the group have also come under fire for setting off flares and allegedly causing damage on away trips.

Unsurprisingly, authorities have taken a dim view of their actions. In March 2013, members of the group claimed they were harassed by around 200 police officers at a peaceful march along the Gallowgate in Glasgow’s east end. Despite the heated confrontation, only two marchers were convicted, one for minor drug possession and one for abusive behaviour.

This perceived hostility, compounded by scathing media reaction, perhaps explains the group’s reticence to identify themselves or speak to journalists. The Green Brigade were contacted through official channels for this article, but did not respond by the time of publication.

Members and supporters of the group are similarly hesitant. One young member, who did not wish to be identified, said: “My politics are real, and I think the Green Brigade do great work on stuff like Palestine, but we receive a lot of unfair press and things, so I don’t want to say more than that.”

Despite the divisive reaction the group receives, what’s abundantly clear is their genuine commitment to political causes. Celtic’s left wing history is hardly disputed – the club was founded in 1887 with the purpose of alleviating poverty in the Irish immigrant population of Glasgow’s east end.

This is central to the Green Brigade ethos. In a 2010 interview, Tony and Berti, two of the founders of the group, said:

“For us at Celtic we believed there had to be some sort of political edge because of the way we were formed and the history of our club.”

In the 11 years the group have existed, they have held political education classes, marched with anti-fascist groups and organised football tournaments for refugee groups in Glasgow.

Some socialists may balk at the concept of young activists receiving their political education from Ultras, but supporters of the group say it’s a positive platform for working class Celtic supporters. One long-term supporter, who also didn’t wish to be named, said: “The foundations of this club were born out of Calton in the east end, which is still one of the most deprived areas of the UK.

“On the point about young people getting their ‘political education’ from the group and learning about foodbanks and things, I don’t think that’s entirely true. I think they come from communities where use of foodbanks is widespread. These are very real scenarios. They’ve been doing food collections for years, but it doesn’t suit the wider storyline.

“For me, sport and arts and things are about uniting people, and that’s not emphasised enough in this country. I come from a family of Irish republicans who faced a lot of persecution. For someone to pontificate that we shouldn’t celebrate our heritage is ridiculous. I can’t speak for the rest of the group, but I do agree with a lot of their politics.”

It’s hard to dispute that deep-seated political anger is a significant motivation for the group, but their exclusivity (founders say that joining isn’t an open door process) raises questions over how effective it is as a form of political campaigning. Members of the group have also pointed out they “have a laugh” and “don’t take themselves too seriously”.

Lecturer and journalist James McEnaney is a life-long Celtic fan who identifies with the group’s political views, but he believes such motivations are overshadowed by the group’s “often juvenile behaviour”.

He said: “They deserve credit for their OBFA protests and the foodbank collections and so on. But I do think a decent chunk of their activity is driven by a juvenile kind of mindset. I’m not sure if that’s bad, but it’s really not my kind of thing.

“My main issue is the setting off flares in a crowded area. If you do that, the best place for you is a prison cell because you can’t be trusted around other human beings. The response is always that ‘it creates atmosphere’ or that removing them is ‘an attack on working class culture’. It’s not, it’s just immature.

“Does the group get working class people into politics? I’m sure there are members for which that is the case. But it’s an argument I usually tend to hear from deeply political people, which makes me think it’s a constructed argument that’s used as a defence for indefensible stuff.”

Are the Green Brigade’s actions indefensible?

Members might argue that the even their most controversial acts, such as their anti-poppy protests, are motivated by genuine beliefs. Their arguments are also increasingly represented (albeit indirectly) in a parliamentary context: last week, the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee considered a private member’s bill from Labour MSP James Kelly that proposed repealing the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.

Whether the bill is repealed or not, it’s likely that the Green Brigade’s actions will continue to divide even their own supporters. The aforementioned long-term supporter of the group argues that coming down on “political protests” will do nothing to tackle sectarianism in Scottish football or society.

“They say ‘keep politics out of football”, he said. “But those that espouse that really mean ‘keep your politics out of football’. We’ll wear ‘say no to racism’ badges and have minutes’ silence for Nelson Mandela, but we get fined for protesting about Palestine.

“You can either say there’s no politics in football – and there are clearly efforts from some authorities to make that the case – or embrace that we all have disagreements. Sectarianism exists in churches, golf clubs and bowling clubs, but it’s working class football fans who are treated as a bogeyman. Of course, we have our idiots, like anybody else, but our problems aren’t as severe as they’re portrayed.”

Comments (16)

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  1. Charles Kelly says:

    I have followed Celtic for 62 yes and my beliefs and politics run very closely with the green brigade.i was brought up to treat everyone with the same respect i don’t hate rangers but dislike why as a RC i was not in there eyes good enough to play for them.i believe most Celtic fans think the same and is not true about catholic v protestant as a club Celtic will play any man irospective of colour or creed. also I’m from a Irish republican family and was born in dublin.and very proud of that and what Celtic achieved throughout there history helping all people now the GB have never received any praise or credit for all the many good deeds done by them and have received very bad press reports from SMSM,even our own club has been very critical of them and allegedly passed names of members to police,but hopefully GB will remain strong and honest to there beliefs and continue to have the support of the majority of Celtic fans keep up the good work on all fronts GB and you will never Walk Alone.

    1. Oni Hayes says:

      I stopped reading after the catholic v protestant crap Typical Scottish/lazy journalism FACTS

  2. Oliver says:

    Me thinks Celtic has adopted the wrong moniker. For years now, ultra fascism combined with fanatical support has been clearly evident amongst many ‘ultra’ football groups in Europe. Even those that fight them i.e. ACAB have often been described as ‘rent a mobs’ motivated as much by promises of a violent mix up as by politics.

    An example of what – and who – real ‘Ultras’ are: They are the neo-Nazi football thugs hired by local fascist Svoboda party (supported by US and EU during the coup aka ‘The Maidan Revolution’ and championed by the likes of Senator John McCain) to help murder ‘at least 48’ innocent people at the House of Trade Unions in Odessa on 2 May 2014. Many ‘ultras’ joined the neo-Nazi Azov battalion of the Ukraine Army; ‘punishers’ who have been trained and armed by the USA and Nato to murder, rape and pillage in Donbass.

    Whilst over on the Celtic Ultra FB page, supporters are asked to look out for homeless people in need of help – not a head kicking as might be the case in the new improved Ukraine.

    The New Propaganda is Liberal – John Pilger

  3. Nobby says:

    As a north belfast nationalist. I suppose the Green brigade. Tiocfaidh ar la.

  4. Martin Chambers says:

    Long live the Green Brigade And all the good Work they do and support.

  5. Juan P says:

    Supporting the homeless and food banks is admirable and I’m sure brother Walfrid would be proud. The problem is the sectarian element and supporting the IRA.

    1. Pat L says:

      Supporting the Irish republican movement is political and is not sectarian.

    2. Mick L says:

      What sectarian element?

    3. Duncan McNee says:

      Indeed, you may be delivering food parcels to a food bank on Friday and then chanting sectarian songs on Saturday aimed at some of the people who needed to use that food bank.

      Sectarianism is a curse we should seek eliminate in Scotland, the Green Brigade appear to be nothing other than chancers feeding off prejudice whislt trying to mitigate bad press with good deeds.

      Celtic fans had an enviable reputation in Europe, this has been trashed in recent years.

      Unless Celtic deal with this, it will drag them backwards!

      Do you wish to take your child to a match to sit next to group chanting sectarian bile?

      1. Jo says:

        Well said!

        These people are simply a tribal mob and nothing else. Furthermore quotes from them like, “We at Celtic…..” are misleading to say the least. The GB, quite simply, are NOT Celtic and the pity is that the Club hasn’t scattered the lot of them. They are bigots. They follow a football club based and registered in SCOTLAND yet their entire lives are steeped in Ireland and Irish politics. Celtic was indeed founded by and Irishman. It is not an Irish club! I’m sure Brother Walfrid would want nothing to do with this shower. I also know a significant number of Celtic supporters who find their view of themselves as superior to ordinary supporters insulting.

        And a note to the article writer – no-one can organise a march in Glasgow without permission which is why the unauthorised GB march was stopped. It’s called maintaining public order so that normal folk not looking to get caught up in a stooshie can go about their business.

        These people are not folk heroes nor are they interested in football. Like their bigoted brothers amongst the Ibrox support their raison d’être is to ensure that football in Scotland continues to exist in a cesspool of sectarianism. They are an embarrassment.

      2. Patrick Flannery says:

        Wrong wrong wrong,you are getting your stadiums mixed up,if its real sectarian bile your looking for then look no further than ibrox.

        1. Jo says:

          No Patrick, YOU are wrong. There are bigots in both places and there’s no difference between them. They are a stain on Scottish football and on Scotland, all of them. Their issues aren’t even about religion! They wouldn’t recognise a God if he walked up and shook hands with them. They’re just tribal morons determined to play out their hatred within a football setting along with their paramilitary banners and associated rubbish – all nothing to do with football or any sort of faith.

          1. Stella says:

            What ‘sectarian’ songs do they sing?

          2. Colin Grant says:

            The old firm are the reason I never watched football as a kid. Ibrox and Parkhead are filled weekly by moronic and bigoted “football” fans.
            Every single old firm fan I have ever met is a bigot. Without exception! They all use terms like Tims and Huns. They don’t even realise that they’re doing it. Some are obviously more entrenched in their bigoted views than others, but they really do bring shame on Scotland and Glasgow.
            Both teams are supposedly Scottish. What Irish politics has to with Scottish football always baffled me. UVF and IRA. Please!
            If you’re that interested in Ireland, piss off and live there. Take your tiny brainwashed minds and settle yourself in Belfast.
            The old firm are only of any relevance, to both sets of sad individuals who follow them. Neither team could win a raffle in Europe.
            Oh and a recent chat I had with friends in Dublin, made it quite clear that many in the republic don’t want a united Ireland.
            Why? Because they think Northern Ireland will drag then down financially. Money means more to them than “history”. All the pseudo Irish who follow these two embarrassing teams should think about that.

  6. Set Two says:

    I grew up in the Carlton as a Rangers fan. Had my first pint in Bairds. I won’t go into my friends from childhood however they are almost all RCs and Republicans.

    No issue for me nor them.

    Moving onto to the Ultras in Glasgow. To me the groups are miles apart.

    As I see it the Rangers group are generally kids 12-20. Obviously they have a Unionist leaning in their mindset however it isn’t particularly aggressive. The UB lads don’t seem particularly political other than waving the UJ and passively promoting the union.

    I’m totally indifferent to them.

    The GB however seem way more sinister in my view. On average they are a lot older. They hold “classes”. The GB seem to put their politics on a par with their team. It’s no secret who the UBs are. Where they drink etc. Nobody knows the GB. Why?

    Ashamed?
    Scared?
    Up to something?

    The facade of welcoming all is an interesting one. There are many unionists supporting Protestants who support Celtic. I wonder if the GB would welcome such individuals into their ranks?

    Would the GB welcome a union flag?

    The GB allegedly made up a proportion of the BLM group in Glasgow.

    They claim the Loyalist/ Fascists opposed them and as anti Facist wanted these people silenced…

    Now attempting to silence anyone who disagrees with you is pretty fascist GB.

    Anyway supporting BLM is a choice.

    I’m not sure that choice should be made simply due to the team you follow.

    It wasn’t too long ago Celtic fans launched bananas at a black player and made monkey noises at the same guy whilst calling Rangers fans racist.

    So a BLMatters as long as he’s not a Rangers player?

    Hmmm

    Calling Rangers fans “Huns” whilst identifying with Ireland is also a bit weird…

    Rangers fans as Celtic fans seem to see it are pro British. Britain stood alone against nazi Germany (the hun) for a time.

    Ireland as a nation however decided that fascism wasn’t actually worth fighting and remained neutral. Truth is Ireland helped Nazi ships and soldiers where they could.

    Hopefully some of the more enlightened out there will be able to start connecting dots …

    Personally I have no problem Celtic not wearing a poppy. I have no problem the GB openly supporting terrorists. I have no problem either the GB revel in a Rangers players brothers suicide. Nor calling people whatever silly name they want

    I have no problem there is an extremely sinister , secretive way to how the GB conduct themselves.

    I do have a problem they constantly portray themselves as victims.

    I can’t ever recall Rangers fans ever trying to silence anybody.

    I can’t ever recall Rangers fans as a group being openly racist to a player

    I can’t ever recall Rangers fans adopting the misery of far flung places and claiming it as their own.

    I can’t recall Rangers fans hiding in the shadows “outing” people with an opinion.

    I haven’t done the madness of the GB justice.

    The oxymorons are simply insane. To summarise.

    A fan base with an openly racist history supporting BLM because it’s anti British

    Showing empathy for Neil Lennon in a statement for what he had to “endure” whilst publicly brandishing a banner calling for him to be sacked immediately.

    Claiming to be open to all and anti fascist yet wouldn’t tolerate anybody suggesting a banner supporting anything other than the groups will.

    The GB aren’t the victims of sectarianism. Nor are the oppressed in any way.

    Fact is the GB are an extremely fascist group who try to silence anybody who disagrees with them by extremely sinister and cowardly means whilst trying to secure the moral high ground.

    Come out to play

    1. Mikey says:

      You say you don’t recall ” ever ” rangers fans bring racist or bigoted or sectarian ?
      So you’ve never heard the bulk of the ibrox stands in their renditions of ” up to our knees in Fenian blood ” or ” the Famines over..its time to go home “…??? Etc etc

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