Does discrimination in employment against Irish people exist in Britain today?
The Irish in Britain of a certain age can recall in-your-face job discrimination. The West of Scotland of my boyhood was full of anecdotes about major employers from Shipyards to banks who didn’t employ anyone from the Irish community.
However the plural of “anecdote” is not “evidence”.
My new view on encountering the question that started this article would be an emphatic “no”.
Moreover the answer would have been “no” for at least several decades.
If someone claims that there is some structural discrimination going on in this day and age in a modern democracy within the EU then I need evidence.
I really do.
I need numbers.
I was recently challenged in my Pollyanna view of fair employment in Britain by looking at what is, perhaps, the last place where an Irish passport is a bar to employment.
I was contacted by through my website by a reader who stated, as an assertion, that Rangers football club had not in his living memory-ever signed a Republic of Ireland player.
I started out as a sceptic on this, which is always a healthy starting point for a journalist on any issue.
It was once said by, I think Walter Cronkite, the veteran American news reporter, that journalists must remain sceptical so that the public doesn’t become cynical.
So I decided, in as much as I was able, to look at the players who had represented the world famous Glasgow club in the last fifteen years.
This is an arbitrary timescale for sure, but it seemed appropriate.
It was post Maurice Johnstone (1989) and five years into the tenure of Sir David Murray, the current owner of Rangers.
What I found was that players from 46 countries (excluding Scotland) had been in the Rangers first team squad since 1994.
These 46 flags are of countries from every populated continent on the planet.
It would be a reasonable cross section of humanity as represented at the United Nations.
However there was one surprising omission. In the last 15 years Rangers football club have not had a single player, either full international, or Under 21 from the Republic of Ireland.
Since the year 2000 every other Scottish Premier League (SPL) has had an ROI international in their ranks.
Since the year 2000 every current English Premiership club has had a full Republic of Ireland international.
Every Championship club in England has had a full Republic of Ireland internationalist since the year 2000 apart from Bristol City and Doncaster.
However these two clubs have had Republic of Ireland under 21 internationalists since the turn of the millennium.
Also thirty-three clubs from the leagues below the top 2 divisions in England have had full Irish internationalists since the year 2000.
Therefore over 100 English clubs have either had a full Ireland or under 21 internationalist in the last 10 years, not just an Irish citizen, but a Republic of Ireland internationalist.
This doesn’t constitute evidence of anti-Irish discrimination.
There could be other explanations for the absence of ROI players from the Ibrox home dressing room.
Perhaps the managers at Rangers over these past 15 years just didn’t fancy any ROI players?
Such things are possible.
Since Alex McLeish became manager of Birmingham City just over a year ago he has signed two full Irish internationalists in Lee Carsley and today Stephen Carr and has also in January signed Keith Fahey who was playing the League of Ireland and who has represented Ireland up to under 21’s.
The delighted McLeish stated on signing Carsley that he had admired him for a long time.
The current Rangers manager had signed Carsley in 2002 when Walter Smith had been the manager of Everton.
Carsley had been available on a free transfer last summer when Smith was back at Rangers for a second stint.
Any structural discrimination it is very hard to prove until someone is a whistleblower.
I rather doubt that Scotland’s whistleblowers will be of any help with this issue.
Ex-Rangers manager Dick Advocaat now is in charge at Zenit St.Petersberg very frankly stated that he couldn’t sign a black player because the supporters of the Russian club would not tolerate such a signing.
It was a shocking revelation of the state of racism among the Zenit supporters.
However the Dutchman is, in my opinion, to be commended for his frankness.
When Advocaat was in charge of Rangers the “little general” had the light blues playing an expansive, classy game, which required the deployment of two wingers.
One of the best in the business at the time was Blackburn Rovers Damien Duff.
There is little doubt that Rangers could have paid the transfer fee and met Duff’s personal terms.
Duff went to Chelsea when Rangers paid the Stamford Bridge club ÂŁ12 million for Tore Andre Flo.
Perhaps Advocaat just didn’t think that Duff was a good enough player for his Rangers team.
However there is the behaviour of a section of the Rangers supporters towards Irish players.
The racist abuse of Aidan McGeady and James McCarthy are explained by the fact that they are Scots born who “turned their backs on Scotland” by declaring for the Republic of Ireland.
In recent years several other ROI players have played at Ibrox Stadium, some of them in friendly matches.
Ian Harte, Robbie Keane were continually booed by Rangers fans in recent years.
Both these players are Irish born.
Perhaps the Rangers fans didn’t like their playing style?
Then consider Alan Thompson, a Celtic player with a habit of scoring vital goals against Rangers. He was sent off three times against Rangers at Ibrox for violent conduct. Interestingly the English midfielder was never booed by Rangers fans despite the fact that they had several genuine on field reasons for disliking him.
When Ireland was partitioned there was-for a time-two teams claiming to be “Ireland” and at least one Rangers player Alex Stephenson did play for an Ireland team.
Galway born Alex Craig played for Rangers and Ireland in the first decade of the 20th century.
However since there has been a definitive Republic of Ireland team I have not been able to discover a Rangers player who played his international football for the Republic of Ireland in the last forty or fifty years.
Certainly during the stewardship of Sir David Murray and his four mangers there have been no ROI players at full or U21 level who have taken the field of play for Rangers in a competitive match.
Is this important?
Modern football players are hardly the huddled masses of the Victorian era in urgent need of the factory act to protect them.
These talented young men are paid sums of money that the average person seems difficult to comprehend.
The concern we should have over this apparent inability for Rangers FC to find a suitable player who turns out for the Republic of Ireland is what that message it sends to Rangers supporters.
The old  unwritten, unstated policy that barred Catholics from playing for the club is certainly gone.
The Ibrox club have had, during Sir David Murray’s ownership of the club, a Catholic captain and a Catholic manager.
However anti-Irish racism seems, perhaps, to be the core emotional contract between Rangers football club and their loyalist supporters.
I contacted Ex-Republic of Ireland footballer and anti-racist expert Kieron Brady and put this question to him:
Q: Rangers have fielded players from 45 countries other than Scotland in their first team squad in the last 15 years.
Since the year 2000 RoI (either full international or U21) have played for every SPL club and all 92 English League clubs from season 2008/2009. Do these facts indicate that there may be a signing bar operating at Rangers regarding players who represent the RoI?
A: “It is very difficult to definitvely and conclusively say that such a policy, whether official or de facto, exists but given the persistent anti-Irish racism that emanates from a section of the support I think there is a validity in raising such a question as it could be argued by some that the club are operating a policy of conformity to those with such profound anti-Irish attitudes. The notion of conformity to racism is not a new phenomenon as Verona FC and Zenit St Petersburg have had to contend with similar problems in recent times.
Migratory patterns within football illustrate that Britain is the natural working environment for players who play for the Republic of Ireland or those who represent the Republic of Ireland but have been born elsewhere and the fact that all the major clubs have had the aforementioned players over the period of a generation or more with the exception of Rangers does point to an anomaly. When this anomaly is set against a backdrop of the racism against those of Irish origin then it only exacerbates the theory of a proscription on those players.
The most suitable recourse would be for the club to outline their position and offer clarity on this matter. In the 21st century the idea of a football player being effectively prohibited from representing a club because of his skin colour or country of origin or citizenship is preposterous and aside from the discriminatory practice in itself impacting on players it indirectly discriminates against supporters who do not hold such archaic and racist attitudes.”
Piara Powar, Director for Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion
campaign, looked at the facts regarding Rangers lack of players from the Republic of Ireland and said:
“There is no doubt that Glasgow Rangers have worked hard to distance the
club from the less savoury parts of its history. The ‘Follow with
Pride’ campaign is a good example of this. But if the club wishes to counter any allegation of a bias against signing Republic of Ireland players, it should clarify that its policy is to sign players of any background, and better still, actively seek out young players from across Britain and Ireland in the future.”
Perhaps post Maurice Johnston Rangers are, indeed, “Bigger than bigotry”.
However will Rangers be finally able to rise above anti-Irish racism?
The somewhat ambivalent attitude of the club to the “Famine song” indicates, perhaps, an empathy with those who sing the anti-Irish song.
Until a player can proudly announce that his club and country are “Rangers and Republic of Ireland” then it is justified in remaining sceptical that the old Rangers hasn’t totally gone away.
Consider this when you look at the countries that Rangers football club have found players in over the past fifteen years.
Non Scottish Players to have played for Rangers Football Club in the last 15 years.
Algeria
Madjid Bougherra
Brahim Hemdani
Argentina
Claudio Caniggia
Australia
Dave Mitchell
Craig Moore
Kevin Muscat
Tony Vidmar
Belgium
Thomas Buffel
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Saša Papac
Brazil
Emerson
Canada
Colin Miller
Roberto Giacomo
Chile
Sebastian Rozental
Croatia
Dado Pršo
Cyprus
Georgos Efrem
Czech Republic
Libor Sionko
Denmark
Jan Bartram
Erik Bo Andersen
Brian Laudrup
Peter Løvenkrands
Jesper Christiansen
England
Terry Butcher
Paul Gascoigne
Mark Hateley
Trevor Steven
Gary Stevens
Mark Walters
Chris Woods
Michael Ball
Finland
Jonatan Johansson
Antti Niemi
France
Jean-Alain Boumsong
StĂ©phane Guivarc’h
Lionel Charbonnier
Lionel Leitzi
Gabon
Daniel Cousin
Georgia
Shota Arveladze
Zurab Khizanishvili
Germany
Jörg Albertz
Christian Nerlinger
Greece
Sotirios Kyrgiakos
Iceland
Arnar Grétarsson
Israel
Avi Cohen
Bonni G inzburg
Italy
Genarro Gatusso
Sergio Porrini
Lorenzo Amoruso
Paolo Vanoli
Jamaica
Marcus Gayle
Latvia
Arturs Vaiclus
Lithuania
Andrius VeliÄŤka
Martinique
Jose Karl Pierre Fanfan
Netherlands
Frank de Boer
Ronald de Boer
Pieter Huistra
Bert Konterman
Michael Mols
Arthur Numan
Fernando Ricksen
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Peter van Vossen
Nigeria
Moses Ashikodi
Northern Ireland
Steven Davis
John McClelland
Jimmy Nicholl
Billy Simpson
Kyle Lafferty
Norway
Henning Berg
Tore André Flo
Stale Stensaas
Poland
Dariuz Adamczuk
Portugal
Nuno Capucho
Pedro Mendez
Romania
Daniel Prodan
Russia
Andrei Kanchelskis
Oleg Salenko
Serbia
Dragen Mladenovic
Slovakia
Filip Ĺ ebo
Spain
Nacho Novo
Aaron Niguez
South Africa
Johnny Hubbard
Don Kitchenbrand
Dean Furman
Sweden
Joachim Bjorklund
Ă–rjan Persson
Robert Prytz
Karl Svensson
Jonas Thern
Trinidad & Tobago
Marvin Andrews
Russell Latapy
Tunisia
Hamed Namouchi
Turkey
Tugay KerimoÄźlu
Ukraine
Oleg Kuznetsov
Alexei Mikhailichenko
United States
DaMarcus Beasley
Maurice Edu
Claudio Reyna
Wales
Andy Dibble
Yugoslavia
Gordan Petrić
ivan
Phil, you re only perpetuating hatred, who was the young Irish player last year (or 2007) quoted as saying “my family would never forgive me” after Rangers had approached him?
July 8, 2009 at 12:07 pm
kenny
Sorry Andy, you have a point and i will correct my statement.
In 121 years of Old Firm rivalry, Celtic have had 2 Protestant Northern Irishman, which is one less than the total Rangers players who were BORN in the ROI.
June 30, 2009 at 11:56 pm
kenny
Hi Phil, any chance you can put my reply on and delete this one please. Thanks in advance.
June 28, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Andy McManus
Kenny my friend your last comment is factually incorrect. Maybe just clutching at staws now with butter fingers (Allen Mcknight style
.
June 25, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Kenny
In reply to Andy McManus, if you read very carefully you will see i state last 20 years which is longer than the period referred to in Phils journalistic piece. I am aware Celtic have had 2 Protestant Northern Irishmen in their 120 year history which is 1 less than the total ROI players who have played for Rangers.
June 25, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Andy McManus
In reply to Kenny (number 29) in which he mistakenly claims that no protestant NI international footballer has ever played for Celtic. Kenny read ALLEN MCKNIGHT, ex Celtic and NI goalie! That blows your theory out the water eh, and that was just off the top of my head! Check this link:http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4145906,00.html
June 25, 2009 at 5:48 pm
charlie
Mise eire,
Domination, rape, sectarianism, racism and murder are more akin to the free state than the UK. To quote DeValera \” A catholic state for catholic people\” Lets not also forget the disgraceful treatment of the Jews in Ireland which carried on long after Hitler was dead, In case you are blissfully unaware The Union Flag contains the crosses of St Andrew, St George and St Patrick, Your post reeks of racism and is the product of romantic brain washing
June 20, 2009 at 12:33 pm
mise eire
its a simple equation for me, any scottish person or club who waves a union jack is obviously a slave or a believer in imperial domination. Imperialists and colonisers need excuses to plunder and pillage in past or present so they use racism. They stir up the belief that they are enlightening the \’natives\’, bringin higher religion , culture, ideas to them. Those that hate Irish people or Celtic, hate freedom and independence. They hate the bond that those of a common descent have, a real proud defiant history. Not one of domination, rape, sectarianism, racism and murder like britain
June 18, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Kenny
In the past 20 years, a Protestant Northern Irish FULL OR B internationalist has played for 80 of the 92 clubs in the top flight English divisions. motherwell
rangers dundee united aberdeen st johnston hearts
hibs and hamilton have also had one since 1989. I cant be bothered taking it to the level that Phil has by looking at under 21 level but suffice to say, ONE CLUB wont feature. Now please dont take this as me believing Celtic have a signing policy i dont. I also in the same breath and by the same conclusion do not believe Rangers FC operate that way any longer.
June 18, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Martin
I read this article with interest and found it to be interesting & thought provoking. My parents were irish who settled in Scotland, and brought up the family. I am proud to be Scottish, but I also have a pride in my Irish roots. Rangers FC & Celtic DFC have made tremendous strides over the last few years to wipe out a lot of the secterian issues connected to the clubs. However ther remains a section of both their support who will never change and continue to spout vile sectarian abuse. Some od the comments in response to this article are laughable and show a limited mental bigoted attitude still pervades in Scotland. This makes me sad, but, unfortunately, it does not surprise me. As long as orange walks and republican marches pollute our streets, the sectarianism will continue. We are in 2009, not 1690 or 1916. it\’s time for the majority of Scots to come together and ridicule the minority and drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
June 18, 2009 at 3:08 am
mick
Fightracism……Wow is your head up your arse. Maybury stated” not worth the hassle”, directed at people from his background and religion. And what Kernaghan are you on about ? If its Alan who played with St.Johnstone then your head is indeed where I said ..This guy was not good enough, not even for the Perth Saints. Like pointed out previous, there have been more ROI players with Rangers than Greek, Turkish, Yugoslavian, German, Welsh .etc etc.Stop clutching at straws. We could go on and on about what our fans do or say, or what your fans do or say. Why did Celtic fans refuse to wear Poppies when every one else did? Why have a minutes applause when a minutes silence was the done thing throughout the whole of BRITISH soccer except Parkhead ? Oh and since when was ROI a neighbouring country to the UK ? FFS they bombed our mainland so they are no neighbours of mine.
Yes I may sound racist towards them………………………..that is because I AM. Go home you are not wanted.
+
June 15, 2009 at 7:59 pm
colin
Well done Phil. Once again you are ahead of the curve and willing to confront issues that are uncomfortable and unpalatable to those in denial. More strength to your pen and keep up the good work.
June 15, 2009 at 2:33 pm
fightracism
The sheer depths of denial around this issue are incomprehensible.Few points that are crucial around Equality – It is possible to pursue a discriminatory agenda even if you have employees from the group,the South African police force during Apartheid had black officers,it is called tokenism.The other issue is that people seem incapable of differentiating between an ‘Anti’ and a ‘No’ policy.Even if Maybury for example was pursued it does not mean that there is a policy of equality.
The fact that the club has had no players in this day and age from a neighbouring nation with no language barriers and players is not staggering in itself but when you consider the supporters of this club persistently barrack Irish players and engage in racism against the Irish community in Scotland reveals more.
Rangers fans are in cloud cuckoo land if they think that there is no racism policy against Irish players.So we come to Kernaghan,what this proves there is not a ‘No Irish employees’ but even with that Kernaghan’s own personal background is not akin to guys from Given to Duff to Keane and neither to my understanding is Maybury’s and this in many ways lies at the heart of the problem.
To employ Kernaghan or to have signed Maybury as a child is an engagement in subterfuge that fools nobody,except those in deep denial.
The racist policy that exists is not even something that is probably discussed frequently,it is something that is just known and it stems from the fact that the club knows that if Rangers were to try to sign Damien Duff or an unknown player from East Stirling the question of ‘How would the fans react’ would be about the former and that in this day and age is staggering.
June 13, 2009 at 10:47 am
Iain
Out of that list of players, how many were ROI internationalists when they signed for Celtic, or had international caps? (I will concede Keane, but it was hardly a star signing)
And the dip in attendance at Ibrox 88/90. Do you mean the time the main stand was being rebuilt…?
June 11, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Bobby Russell
Martin @ 6.01
Take your history book back to Waterstones Govan branch, it is factually incorrect. Celtic have indeed had protestants on the board, Iain McLeod is one who springs to mind, but there have been others. Doesn`t quite fit in with the agenda on here though, does it? When I started reading the posts I wondered how long it would be before someone commented on the Celtic sex abuse scandal, besmirching a man (a protestant)who is unable to defend himself because he`s dead. Sad people.
June 11, 2009 at 9:33 am
Kenny
Ryan, accordiing to Alan Maybury, Rangers have no such policy that excludes ROI players.
“I went over on trial with Rangers and met the then manager Walter Smith a couple of times and I could have signed. But it just wasn’t worth the hassle,” Maybury later said.
“It can be hard enough to leave home at that age without any extra pressure. I was just 14 or 15 at the time and I didn’t need all the problems that would have gone with a Dublin boy signing for the ‘wrong’ team in Glasgow. It would have been hyped up a lot. From being over on trial I had Rangers training gear and I used to wear it up to St Kevin’s or Home Farm, wherever I was playing, but I got a lot of stick.
“I felt I wasn’t ready to deal with it. There was going to be a lot of scrutiny if I played for Ireland and Rangers and I didn’t want that. Maybe now that I am more mature, I could, but I was too young then,” added Maybury.
June 11, 2009 at 4:56 am
Ryan
Colin,
Celtic have had several players from the six Counties over the years, too numerous to mention. How many are Protestant? I neither know nor care, but you should check out the story of the Celtic legend Bertie Peacock. It’s rather enlightening and the ultimate example of the open policy Celtic have always prevailed with.
Corky,
As the article states Rangers have NEVER signed a player from the ROI since independence was achieved 60 years ago. The other countries you mention don’t have songs sung against them that the ROI or Irish in general have. Whether Rangers have an unofficial policy of not signing players from this part of the world (highly doubtful, I’m sure Walter Smith and Ally McCoist, both decent men would have no qualms about doing so) or whether there is a fear that it could provoke action from the most extremist elements of the Rangers support, there is no doubt that it is not merely coincidence. Look at the dip in Rangers average home attendance for season 1989-1990 when Maurice Johnston signed.
Martin,
I’m glad you are privy to the religious leanings of Gordon Strachan. Do you seriously think Celtic fans honestly give a shit about the religious persuasion or otherwise of their manager. What religion was Wim Jansen, Dr Jo or John Barnes? What happens on the park is the most important thing. The performances of the last couple of seasons (and 4 years in general) have been abysmal. That is why the man is no longer boss of Celtic, nothing else.
As for the Jock Stein disgrace, I don’t think you will ever find a solitary Celtic who would disagree that the treatment of an utter legend and the greatest Celt of all time was treated atrociously by the old custodians. To insinuate that he was not offered a seat on the board on the basis of his religion is ridiculous to say the least. Celtic, for nigh on 110 years, was run under the dynasty of the Grants, Whites & Kellys (and very close lackey associates) and NO-ONE else, regardless of religious leanings, was ever allowed to infringe on this cosy wee cabal which almost brought about the end of Celtic’s actual existence! A headstrong, opinionated, intelligent and visionary gentleman such as Jock Stein would most certainly not have fitted in with that regime very well would he?
Iain,
Paul Byrne, Jim Goodwin, Mick Doyle, Liam Miller, David Van Zanten, Jim O’Brien, Roy Keane, Darren O’Dea, Willo Flood, Cillian Sheridan & Shay Given (who that eejit Luigi Macari let go on a free for being too wee!) to name but a few. Your point being?
Ask any Celtic fan for their opinion on Lou Macari’s brief reign as manager. Wonder what his background and religion were?
Niall, Mick & Alex,
Irish players are too scared to sign for Rangers because of fear of reprisals from IRA nutters? That explains everything. Please give me details of all the poor souls who have had their footballing dreams shattered due to this menace. I’m sure Rangers would have had a fair bit to say on the matter of them not being able to compete fairly with other clubs in the signing of players and promising youngsters from the ROI due to a lunatic fringe.
This unfounded nonsense is on a par with the reason that apologists have come up with to excuse Rangers sectarian signing policy for 70-80 years. Apparently, Rangers didn’t have an extreme sectarianism issue within (and still don’t), and that Catholics in Glasgow were too scared too sign for Rangers due to the threat of violence from their own ‘community’!
I would say you couldn’t make it up but someone obviously did.
June 10, 2009 at 8:45 am
Niall
Phil, in your response to my previous comment (no.11) you state that Joseph Lapira had a trial with Rangers in April 2007 prior to his international debut the following month.
This is incorrect
Lapira trialled with Rangers in July 2007, 2 months after his international debut with Republic of Ireland. The link below highlights this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6912435.stm
I’m willing to accept this may have been a genuine error on your part but the cynic in me tells me you wanted to deny he trialled with Rangers following his Irish International Cap as it doesnt fit with your agenda and proves your theory incorrect
June 8, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Alex
Irish players wont sign for Rangers for fear of a backlash from Celtic fans and those of a Pro-IRA mindset
June 8, 2009 at 7:21 am
fightracism
It is common knowledge within anti-racism that this exists at Rangers but alas cannot be definitively proved.I do not think it is the wish of certain figures at the club,more the conformity to the lunatic and racist fringe
June 8, 2009 at 4:49 am
Julie Stevenson
“Alexander Ernest Stevenson (August 9, 1912 Dublin, Ireland – 1985) was an Irish footballer who played for both Rangers and Everton. As an international, Stevenson also played for both Ireland teams – the FAI XI and the IFA XI. Stevenson is the only footballer to have played for both the FAI XI and Rangers and is one of only three players born in what is now the Republic of Ireland to play for the club. The other two were Alex Craig and James Lowry McAuley (Reuben Evans was another Rangers player from the Republic of Ireland but he did not play for the first team).”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Stevenson
June 7, 2009 at 8:06 pm
mick
Never read such rubbish in my life……The idea of getting death threats within the community they come from is the problem with ROI players not joining Rangers….Also , you mention Damian Duff, glad he never signed for Rangers, he`s not very good. I`d have Given as a keeper, but then he is a greedy bugger with the money he demands. So are we now going to discuss why ALL clubs dont sign players from other countries? How many players have Celtic signed from Canada, Jamaica, Iceland, Russia….etc Answers on a postage stamp please.
Climb down from your perch Phil, this is a blatant attack at a Scottish/British club who wish to remain, along with their fans, part of this…You on the other hand are Scottish, who wishes he were Irish and hates where he lives.
The ferry is waiting
June 7, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Gary
Rangers current top youth scout is an ex ROI international.
Well written article .Looking forward to reading your follow up story regarding sexual abuse of celtic youth players and the cover up that happened
June 7, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Derek
Wow.
What a non-story!!
Next Week: NAZI RANGERS ANTI-PAKISTANI POLICY.
June 7, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Jamieson
I demand to know how many players from East Timor have played for East Fife. I think those fifers are anti-East Timorian. God Bless you Phil for highlighting this.
June 7, 2009 at 7:02 pm
admin
Niall
Lapira had a trial for RFC in April 2007.
He received his one and only international cap for the RoI in May 2007.
Subsequently he was not an RoI international at the time of his trial.
RFC did not follow up their interest in the lad after his international debut.
Phil
June 7, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Niall
Are you forgetting that Rangers had an R.O.I international, Joseph Lapira, on trial a couple of years ago?
More so, what about the \’Drogheda Independent\’ reporting that a local youngster had to reject a trial offer from Rangers FC in 2006 because of threats against his family.
Perhaps this example shows that it is the fear of reprisals from those within their own community, rather than any \’policy\’ within Rangers FC which prevents Irish footballers from joining the Champions.
June 7, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Iain
How many ROI players have Celtic signed over the same period?
None by my reckoning (Mcweedy \’home\’ grown}
June 7, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Martin
This is rubbish, whats going to happen then, do Rangers have to start signing players from every country in the world so that they can’t be accused of discrimination. When Rangers played with two wingers in Advocaats team, they had established players in Albertz and McCann who played there and a young Lovenkrands coming through. You cannot possibly say because you think a player would fit into a team that there is a descrimination policy.
You praise Advocaat for coming out highlighting the racism at Zenit, if there was anything in place to stop the Rangers manager from signing players from ROI he would have said do you not think?
Also why don’t you write an article about how Gordon Strachan (Celtics most successful manager since Jock Stein) was rounded on by the fans because he was not ‘Celtic-minded’ could it be becaause he is a protestant?
What about the fact Celtic have never had a protestant director in their history? Why did they insult the great Jock Stein by offering him the job of running the pools office? Is this a case of anti protestant attitudes at Celtic?
Try putting some balance into your articles, you clearly have talent as a writer, a hatred campaign against Rangers Football Club is not great for anyone to read.
Regards,
Martin
June 7, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Corky
It may be well written but when its content is rubbish, it just becomes another piece of internet conspiracy. Rangers have had more ROI players than they have had Welsh, Bosnian, Indian, Pakistani, Israeli, Slovakian and Polish. Surely they dont operate a non signing policy for all these different countries, do they ?
June 7, 2009 at 3:27 pm
jim
well written piece once again phil,but i feel until they address anti irish bias at ibrox no roi players would be willing to put themselves under the extreme hatred that bilges out of rangers fans up and down the country at all football stadias
June 7, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Colin
Only 3 players from the Republic have played for Rangers. James McAuley, Alex Craig and Alex Stevenson. Can anyone tell me how many Protestant Northern Ireland born players have played for Celtic ?
June 7, 2009 at 3:59 am
Ian
Although the evidence about this ‘anomaly’ is very strong, it would be good to find out if Rangers have actually approached any Irish players to join them ! Given the history of the club, which I would assume any prospective player would be well aware of, Surely they would have to be ‘aff their heid’ to join them in the first place?
June 6, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Eoin O'hAodha
I remember 60’s Hamilton & No Catholics need apply signs,Glass Fruiterers,& Lightbody’s Bakers.also 80’s London no Irish signs in many pubs:( .They’ve changed but can’t see Dignity FC changing? Keep it going Phil.
June 6, 2009 at 4:06 pm
WILLIAM MCBAIN
Glasgow born Phil, what is your fascination on all things ROI and RFC ? As usual your agenda is all things catholic and pure hatred for all things protestant. Phil get a life and stop pandering to Glasgow,s poor in the east end. And like the song say\’s \” it\’s over \”, you know the rest.
June 5, 2009 at 10:52 pm
scott t
brilliant artical phil, everybody has been thinking it, but you have the nerve to say it out loud & proud,
from all in our family phil, thank you & god bless X
June 5, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Peter
Last 15 years you say then you mention.
Kutznetsov, Mikhailichenko, Thern, Prytz, Persson, Hubbard, Kitchebrand, Simpson, Nicholl, McLelland, Huistra, Woods, Walters, Stevens, Steven, Butcher, Mitchell, Miller.
LOL
Also
Giacemo, Prodan, Vaiculs, Ashikodi, Efrem, Gretarsson (played in first team ? Are you sure Phil ?)
Can you also name the ROI internationalists in the last 8 years who played for.
Aberdeen
St Mirren
Gretna
Inverness
Hearts
Hibs
Kimarnock
Motherwell
Livingston
Dundee
Partick
St Johnstone
Im sure you have your stats right before writing a piece like this but i cant think of internationals in some of the above teams since 2000. A good quiz question.
June 5, 2009 at 7:14 pm