Sir, - Martin O'Connor (April 20th) raises the question of bigotry in support of a football team.
In the first instance, it is unsporting behaviour to "boo" an opponent simply because he is playing for the opposition. Likewise it is unacceptable to "boo" a player because of the club he previously played for.
In the recent match against Denmark, the booing of the Danish player was rightly condemned on the night by the TV commentary team, and throughout the media. Contrast this with the situation in the North where Neil Lennon was jeered by his own team's supporters because he plays for Celtic, and his own manager could not find it in him to condemn this show of bigotry. Previously, Anton Rogan had endured the same abuse for the same reason. Yes, the most bigoted fans in the world are in Ireland but they support the team North of the border.
I can only assume that Mr O'Connor is one of those naïve folk who think that supporting Rangers is a way of having a bit of crack with all the Celtic fans in Ireland. Perhaps if he examined the history of naked sectarianism and bigotry attached to this club, together with the sectarian bile which is portrayed as "support" and the linkage of some of its supporters with fascist organisations, he might well ask if there is a place in civilised society for such a club. - Yours, etc.,
SEÁN CASSIDY,
Chartwell Park,
Belfast.