CELTIC FAN MEDIA: ALL VOICES MUST BE HEARD FOR THE CLUB TO IMPROVE
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 14
I’ve noticed a bit of an alarming trend emerging over the last few days in regards to Celtic fan media.
Now, we all have our views on the current impasse between fans and the board. We also have our views on whether or not we agree with the actions taken by fans in order to highlight these issues to the board.
Yesterday’s protest at Dundee has certainly sparked lively debate and quite a bit of disagreement, as did the previous “silent” protest.
Celtic Fan Media Outlets Must Not Become Echo Chambers
That’s not what bothers me though. What I am worried about is the emergence of “echo chambers” within Celtic fan media.
In other words, people, pages and groups on social media who seem to think the actions of the Celtic Fan Collective are a binary “you’re either with us or against us” issue. That is not the case, and anyone who tries to cast it as such is, at best, misguided and at worst, acting with malicious intent.
Now, I should declare my own interests and those of the people whom I represent here on the ACSOM Blog at this point before I go any further.
If you’ve watched the ACSOM Bulletin regularly over the past few weeks, then you’ll know that most, if not all, of our contributors are firmly behind the goals of this fan movement.
With that being said, we have had lively and at times robust debates amongst ourselves as to how best to accomplish this. I expect similar this week, as we look back at the fall out from both yesterday’s result and the protest that preceded it.
But you will also notice that, so long as the comments are made respectfully, and in good faith, we will engage with those who disagree with us. If you think the Celtic Board are fine where they are, if you believe that this fan movement will go nowhere and is a pointless exercise then that viewpoint is valid, and also welcome on ACSOM.
We probably won’t agree with you, but we will discuss and at least try to see your point of view.
Because ultimately the Celtic Fans Collective, of which ACSOM is a signatory, is no different from any other collective. No one voice or singular opinion is more important or more worthy than others.
That is why I am sure the Collective will listen to the feedback both good and bad from yesterday’s actions, as well as the recently announced merchandise boycott, and adjust their strategy accordingly as the movement evolves.
Unfortunately, though, not every Celtic Fan Media Outlet shares this view.
I won’t name names because I have no wish to pick any fights with those involved, and besides if you spend some time on Celtic social media, you’ll soon see what I’m on about anyway.
A couple of different Celtic groups on Facebook, and some other accounts elsewhere have seemingly reached the decision that ANY discussion of the current fan protests against the board is too toxic and divisive and should therefore be removed. So, they will be blocking and deleting any comments about these issues.
There are few things in the media landscape more toxic, in my opinion, than the stifling of debate. No, free speech doesn’t apply to private websites or private pages. Non one is obligated to listen to any point of view they don’t want to.
However, if you truly care about the future of Celtic then I think you need to keep your eyes and ears open to any and all commentary on this current situation, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
And to be brutally honest, “shut up and carry on” simply isn’t an option for most fans anymore. We’re angry. We see a team faltering on the park and a totally dysfunctional business operation off it.
Whether you agree with that assessment or not, by closing yourself off to any discussion of it whatsoever you leave yourself open to allegations of sycophancy, cowardice and disingenuity.
So, I hope the groups in question who have decided that fan protests are now a taboo subject on their pages will reconsider this step.
Ultimately, this is the biggest single issue affecting Celtic, our supporters and our club right now. It needs to be discussed and as many opinions as possible need to be exchanged, so we can find a way forward that is in everyone’s best interest.
Afterall, you cannot affect change if you refuse to even partake in discussion about it.
