Celtic’s Lennon Remains Under Attack Today
Now the media get to have their say
For starters, Neil Lennon does not bring this on himself.
Anyone who says or believes this line is an idiot and possibly with an agenda of their own that they need to examine.
The attacks by individuals, being beat up in the street, the nail bombs in the post and now even being attacked at his place of work are all sickening and all out of order. However, it is the continual attacks on Lennon in the media, on social media and network sites and in general chit chat between people that is really sickening.
Make no mistake, the media have a large role to play in this. They didn’t the start the hate campaign against Lennon, being Irish Catholic was enough to make Lennon evil in some people’s eyes from the moment he landed in Scotland but knowing it’s a ratings winner in this country, the media have went with it. No doubt many of the writers and reporters genuinely believe that Lennon brings it on himself but again, you maybe need to question their reasons for thinking this or asking what is it he does that brings it on himself.
This morning there has once again been a rush to, if not condemn Lennon, then to at least justify why someone would try to attack him…and then paint Lennon as the bad guy for not standing back and accepting a beating. Graham Speirs, Derek Johnstone and Ewen Murray, since the attack, have all peddled opinions about Lennon being as much to blame. Johnstone even reported the incident as though Lennon was the instigator.
It seems astounding that in a time when there are people trying to kill someone that this person is being given the majority of the blame for it. The culture of ‘blaming the victim’ is a bizarre one but it is very much alive in Scotland today. Not just the West Coast of Scotland, which is another lie that is commonly trotted out, all of Scotland.
Sadly, you would not blame Lennon for walking away and if this occurs, Scotland will be a darker place. No doubt there will be celebrations if this is the case but even on a purely footballing level, Scotland would have lost the services of one of the brightest up and coming managers in the business. However, if Lennon does walk away, the bigots win and what is to stop them from running out anyone else that follows?
In saying that, it is a decision for Neil Lennon to make on behalf of himself and his family and ultimately, it has nothing to do with football. Which coincidentally enough, the reason for many people’s hatred of Neil Lennon has nothing to do with football, it just gives them a convenient excuse to hide behind.
By the way, there was a game of football at Tynecastle last night, Celtic won 3-0 and were convincing from start to finish…not that it is the important issue.
Good article, shame u had to write it, I agree but would also add, if this man is forced to leave his job what does that say about Scotland, not just Scottish football but Scotland as a whole. What does the world think of a country where one man is assaulted, death threats and bombs sent. I’m disgusted right now to be Scottish.
Absolute disgrace… Celtic FC should resign from the SPL today… Sotland – the best wee country in the world?!? The country is an embarrassment.
I don’t read the papers anymore but listening between Radio Scotland and Five Live coverage last night there were no doubt where EVERYONE was laying blame and it was not at Neil Lennon. You sight 3 journalists who you suggest are trying to blame Lennon, that’s hardly a universal media agenda.
Five Live – Claridge couldnt stutter out quickly enough that Lennon brings it on himself.
As for Radio Scotland, cant comment on that – try to avoid the BBC’s reporting of Scottish football at the best of times – a few of the messageboards are unhappy with their representation but as said, havent listened to it…so wont remark about them.
TalkSport (yes yes, a right wing channel but one that many people take their agenda from) have also been spouting the “Lennon brings it on himself”.
how many seperate entities or bodies need to be saying it before it becomes an agenda?
And even if people are finally waking up and realising that Lennon needs protected as opposed to being vilified, it is far too late because over the course of the season, if not Lennon’s time in Scotland, the media have very obviously fanned the flames of hatred with regards to Lennon.
Hmmm, not sure anyone is going to be able to convince you of anything other than your view on this, I’m certainly not qualified to say one way or the other as I haven’t scoured the media to the same extent as you claim to have. Personally, I didn’t take that from what Claridge said but maybe I heard a different section. Throughout history, including recent history (Messers Blair and Bush and the Celtic FC chairman spring to mind) have all manipulated or picked sections of evidence to suit their own agenda I can’t help but think We Know SFA may be undertaking something similar here.
Anything I have heard or read last night and this morning has taken the polar opposite view of blaming Lennon for this. Saying that he is controversial figure in Scottish football who splits opinion is not the same as saying he has brought on these heinous actions himself.
You’re possibly narrowing in too much on last night’s incident – I have provided examples of people who even today are apportioning elements of the blame on Lennon himself, I hope there are outlets which are looking at the unprovoked attack and apportioning blame in the correct manner but the media is still very much a major part of the problem which Neil Lennon faces at this moment in time.
There has been an improvement in recent weeks on the reporting of Lennon but only because the initial level of reporting on Lennon has been so low and sadly, at times biased.
It’s not a case of trying to be convinced one way or another – it is all about opinions as they say but it doesnt get away from the fact that the abuse dished out to Lennon has come from all angles, with the media at the front of the queue on many occasions. That, I assure you, is something that no one will ever be able to convince me in changing my opinion. If the media changes from here on in, we can talk about that but up until this point, they’ve badly let Lennon down and they’ve let anyone down who held the opinion that journalism was a fine and noble art (although anyone who believed that probably deserves to be let down!)
Claridge initially spoke about Lennon bringing it on himself but was then eventually “put right” or perhaps persuaded by the deluge of texts and calls on the matter. Obviously that was probably spiked by one person mentioning his initial comment on a messageboard and then everyone else reacting to the post (which is bad as well)….but it was definitely Claridge’s opening stance.
Andy Walker has spoken intelligently on SSN this morning (but no doubt his stance as an ex Celtic player will cause many to disregard his statements) whereas the First Minister has once again made a fool of himself when it comes to football. Without going into politics because I know less about that than I do about football (lordy lordy is that possible??) – Salmond hasnt hit the mark once when it comes to football. He is a PT Barnum, which is what you from a leader from a political party but clearly hacing to please too many people with comments about football leaves him absolutely impotent.
Supposedly Radio Scotland are discussing the matter at 12:15, may listen in and see what they are saying.
And on a final issue, 3 points is all you need for triangulation – something all analysts will agree with
More power to you mate, the new media is the only place to get articles balancing out the guff in the mainstream media.
This article – while being completely written from the Celtic point of view – is worth a read – if you’re looking for balance, go read it alongside a copy of the sun.
http://rhebelrhebel.co.uk/838/hatred-of-lennon-not-just-a-west-of-scotland-problem/
I don’t really understand your last point but as your initial piece is based on the response to last nights events then I ‘narrowed’ my posts to that as well. The wider issue of the media and Scottish Football’s treatment of Neil Lennon is more complex than can be conviently wrapped in one or two eye catching statements. And, frankly, is not something I’m particularly interested in, so why am I posting you might ask. I’m asking myself the same question.
You questioned the fact that only 3 points of reference were intially highlighted – 3 points of reference (ie triangulation) is the minimum most analysts would consider of being of value. It was an inside joke….that probably only I got!
With a minimum of referencing there were three initial examples listed, more were then given, so there is still an attitude towards Lennon in the media – if not the whole media.
You are saying you’ve spotted articles which are potining the blame about last night where it should be – which is great.
Its also a step on from media reporting on Lennon in general. Last night, although it was the first time Lennon had been attacked in a stadium, was not a one-off and a large part of the animosity towards Lennon is because of the media in the past year.
You’re right, examining the Scottish media’s role in the villification of Lennon can’t be solved with a glub headline or short article but that doesnt mean it should be ignored. It would be better if professionals were taking a closer look at it, both historically and today but until that happens, it needs to be brought up anyway it can.
As for why you’re posting – well, who knows?
Glad you did though, its always good to have reason and balance and hopefully if some folk dont agree with the original article, they can agree with your stance and get something out of the site!
You’ve stretched that triangulation idea quite far out of context there WKSFA! Maybe go back to the journalism handbook and re-read that bit. I doubt anyone will agree with my point of view as this board, like most of Scottish football, is polluted with myopic Old Firm fans pedalling one agenda or the other. You still colour every statement with this sweeping generalision that The Media is one entity out to encourage these attacks against Neil which is patently not true.
There’s a journalism handbook now?…I’m off to the library!
I’d say there was a fairly myopic anti-Old Firm agenda being pedaled by fans outside the big two. Some people see one worse than the other but the most common line is “two sides of the same coin” or the more colourful “two cheeks aw the wan arse” (which does make me chuckle!) which is trotted out ad nauseum. And then the same people get uppity when referred to the “diddy teams” even though it is merely referencing them in the same manner as how they refer to some teams.
Okay, so 100% of the media hasnt spent most of the season villifying Lennon – Horse and Hound were fairly ambivalent about him as I recall…but with respect to the media that influences the thoughts of the average Scottish football fan, do you honestly think (and I will give you that since the situation has gotten very serious, many have reeled in their reporting) that there has not been a campaign against Lennon where he has been highlighted for comments or actions that others have gotten away with? That Lennon has been singled out on occasions? That at times he has been said to have brought it all upon himself.
We could continue to keep going round and round – I’m of the opinion that a large part of the hatred, animosity and attacks on Lennon have been encouraged by the articles and opinion pieces in many of the Scottish football newspapers, TV shows and radio stations. If you don’t agree, fair doos, or if you think that’s a massive climb-down from what you originally perceived to be the original points or thoughts, then sorry about that – Im perhaps not the most articulated of people!! but still sticking to the opinion that the hatred towards and attacks upon Neil Lennon have been seriously influenced by the media.
Yeah, I don’t think we’re ever going to agree on this. Everyone blames the media for everything now and yet people watch less news and buy fewer papers and magazines than ever before. A certain section of society use the internet to gather news. Some of those online outlets, dare I say it unregulated forums and blogs, can be the most influential to an audience that want to be influenced. I seriously doubt that a column ‘written’ by Derek Johnstone or any other useless ex-professional is taken that seriously by anyone other than the most simple minded and, as they are simple minded, the chances are they would do stupid things anyway whether Derek Johnstone told them to or not. As for Graham Speirs, how many of The Times readership are likely to be behind these attacks? and how many people actually read that rag in Scotland anyway?
The crux is this, you cannot seperate the idea that ‘The Media’ have, rightly in my opinion presented the idea that Lennon has attracted abuse from fans across the country as a player and a manager due, mainly to his agressive playing style and now managerial manner much the same way that say the dearly departed Robbie Savage has. There’s nothing wrong with this, having those types of characters in the game is an essential part of it if you ask me. But, that is different from suggesting that the Media are saying he has encouraged or deserved the threats and attacks on him. They are 2 entirely different things.
Of course, Lennon absolutely did not bring this on himself — nobody deserves the sort of crap he’s having to put up with these days. That said, you do have to question some of the things he (and others in the game and in the media, but Lennon is the guy we happen to be talking about today) have said and done in public, when he’s had an opportunity to just to show himself to be the bigger man and walk away.
Nah, not really buying this TBA – newspaper sales may be dwindling but that and football radio still provides a hell of a lot of people – and the noisy vociferous folk at that – their grounding in the game.
Take Real Radio – its a radio channel by idiots for idiots, lowest common denominator stuff however, its a big market appeal across Central Scotland and many people, probably subconsciously, take their agenda from it. Their commentary of the game on Wednesday night had Derek Johnstone stating that Neil Lennon was kicking the guy…this was how it was broken to listeners. Not that the guy had run a distance, jumped at Lennon and had been huckled down – as far as Real Radio listeners heard, the first incident was Lennon kicking a guy. That’ll stick in their minds and without even seeing the incident, yet again Lennon is a monster.
Spiers – nothing to do with Times readership – his Twitter following and then the postings his comments will have received on “they messageboards” up and down the land will have carried his thoughts across more and even though most people seem to say they dismiss Speirs, they still seem to hang on his every word. When questioned yesterday, even Speirs admitted that his words and tone in the reporting of the Lennon incident were wrong – it probably says a lot about people’s instant reactions taking over – its a problem with live commentary or Twitter postings – you have much less time to compose yourself and think it through rationally, you seep into your default setting. Speirs’ default setting was to say Lennon was in a fight. That then puts it further out there that Lennon is aggressive and as much to blame as the other party – this will then put in people’s minds that he is fair game. I also think it’s unfair to say that just because you read the Times doesnt mean you could be behind attacks – a lot of unhinged people read The Times as well you know
I think one thing is – you probably have a higher level of trust in certain sections of media than I do – dont trust them at all, it was a key factor in setting up this site – to provide a counter-point to a lot of what they print and say and to be fair, we’ve never hidden from that stance. If this leads to people saying that we have an agenda, then its not something that is going to be argued too strongly cos it is one of our MO’s, as it were.
Aah the aggressive playing style – we’re so far apart on our opinions on that there is no point in even discussing that point!!!!!!
EDIT: To add, we’ll let TBA’s new post conclude our talk on this one – still don’t agree with what much of what he says but thats not to say that anyone is wrong…and it’s polite to let the guests have the last word!
Sadly, I don’t have much time today, I should probably do some work.!
You may not be buying it but it is true. Circulation of newspapers is at an all time low and will continue to dwindle therefore their relevance becomes diminished as fewer people read them. You can’t just make a glib statement like they ‘provide a hell of a lot of people…’ when the facts completley and utterly contradict that point.
2. Real Radio a channel for idiots by idoits you say, so why do you care what they broadcast then? If they are idiots then ignore them. Again, they have a tiny audience even compared to Radio Scotland’s football audience so again their influence can only be reflected by the size of the audience.
3. Speirs Twitter. Twitter is a scurge in my view. I’ve no idea how many people ‘follow’ or should that be ‘follow follow’ Speirs but it seems like some are ‘following’ him purely to be upset by him. He’s one journalist with one viewpoint which, like many before him, is cultivated to court controversy and divide opinon in order to advance his own reputation and career. But, the truth is, in Scotland, his decision to write for an iconicly English newspaper has marginalised him in Scotland. If you don’t care for what he tweets don’t follow him.
On the trust thing well maybe you should spend some time working in one of the them to get a more balanced outlook. Sure, there are people in the media with stupid, dangerous and ill thought out agendas but then I think you’d be hard pushed to find any industry where there aren’t horrid people who have tarnished their industry. Something like banking is a prime example. The actions of the few have meant that wee Jeanie who works in the Whitburn branch of RBS is perceived differently too.
I think it’s fine and admirable for you guys to have an agenda but if you’re going to portray yourselves as some kind of truthbusters then you have to maybe be a bit more circumspect.
The aggressive playing style, I can’t really see how you can disagree with this! It’s actually a compliment. There’s a huge list of players world wide who have attracted similar treatment (I don’t mean the bombs and stuff) for years and years from opposing fans of all hues. Off the top of my head I’ve got Roy Keane, Robbie Savage, Paul Hartley (at Hearts) Steven Pressley (everywhere and still now as a manager), Roy Aitken, Terry Hurlock, Graeme Souness, Terry Hurlock (again), El Haj Diouf, Simon Mensing (that might just be me), Anyone that played for Leeds, Walter Kidd jeez I think I’ll stop. It’s part of the pantomime of football and it would be a lesser sport without it. Whether you like it or not, the fact is Neil Lennon was and is one of those characters in the game, it’s a fact and for most fans it has nothing to do with his religion. You maybe have to exist outwith the Old Firm to appreciate this. BUT, THIS IS SEPERATE FROM WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO HIM AT CELTIC. But, it doesn’t alter the fact that a journalist can point out that he is that type of divisive character. Whether you agree with the reasons why they come to that conclusion the fact is he does divide people and generate feelings in fans that others don’t, without suggesting that this is the reason for these attacks. Anyway, I think I’ve said that before.
Any truth in the rumour that Craig Whyte has secured a lucritive stadium sponsorship deal with Stannah stairlifts which will earn us 10m a year?
Gonnae be grate next seeson when Ally gets aw that muney to spend own gid players an that.
WATP!
First of all, welcome back I haven’t seen many articles for a while and thought that the site was defunct.
Anyway, let me state right here and now that Lennon doesn’t deserve ANY of the horrific things that have happened to him in recent times. Bomb threats, death threats and attempted assault has no place in our society. These empty heads that think it’s alright to carry on in such a way don’t deserve a place in our society, never mind a football stadium.
What shouldn’t be overlooked though is Lennons conduct and behaviour this season. The snarling and venom displayed on the touchline is not befitting of the role of Celtic Football Clubs manager, it’s brings discredit to a great club. The campaign earlier in the season against the referee’s should also not be overlooked, he has every right to question the decisions but not the integrity of the men themselves. He has tried to play the media mind games recently as well, unfortunately questioning the integrity of fellow SPL managers and clubs is not the brightest of things to do. I’m sure Lennon will learn a huge amount from this season and will reflect and come back stronger. He seems to be an intelligent man and those that know him away from football, all say that he is a very nice and funny guy.
Perhaps if he opened up a wee bit more and we see the real Lennon, fans across the country will warm a bit more to him. Let’s not kid ourselves though, there are those that will never like him and indeed some who will hate him.
Let me once again state for the record, Lennon doesn’t deserve any of these things that have happened and none are his fault, what he does need to do though is realise the magnitude of his position and start treating the job as Celtic Football Clubs manager with a bit more considered thought and respect.
Hi Quags, just had plenty of other stuff to contend with of late so the site has slipped down of late – apologies to all for this but cant be helped.
Don’t worry, we will be having articles on site later today congratulating the champions – just not had the opportunity to do so yet – so may as well make the first one here – congratulations to Rangers, 93 points is an outstanding total and any team that gets to that level of points deserves to win the title.
More to follow.
As for Lennon – we’ve obviously debated it many times over the season and still dont think Lennon has done too much wrong in comparison with other managers. There has been a lot of spin applied to Lennon in his actions, whereas many other bosses have their tantrums and anger pared down.
As for Lennon’s comments about teams not properly challenging – absolutely no different from the tactics applied by Ferguson, Mourinho or even Walter Smith (Aberdeen anyone?) and none of these managers get criticized for it, so the fact that Lennon gets hassle for this merely proves the point that Lennon does not get treated in the same manner as other bosses – which isnt right.
I appreciate you’re saying that he doesnt deserve the extreme abuse and we think that is something that the majority of people will agree with. There will always be some who no matter what Lennon does will always find problems with…it’ll be interesting to see if he stays around next year, his comments yesterday on the pitch suggest he is looking to stay.