Sir, – Whatever views people might hold on Bobby Sands, a section of the Celtic support have a very valid point ("Celtic chief calls for an end to Parkhead political banners", Sport, November 27th).
UEFA's ban on "messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature" might sound good in theory. However, as pointed out by the Celtic supporters, UEFA has no objection to the Scottish national anthem, which glorifies William Wallace's armed struggle against English colonialism. Indeed, Amhrán na bhFiann is played before Republic of Ireland matches – even at Windsor Park or Wembley! – yet apparently it is a problem when Celtic fans sing the same song, or songs with similar themes.
Meanwhile, British football authorities have required clubs to display the poppy on their shirts in early November in recent years. This is clearly a political and ideological message, which is deemed highly provocative by many Celtic fans.
I can only assume that UEFA is intent only on suppressing certain political messages in certain circumstances, as opposed to keeping politics out of football altogether. Consequently, UEFA itself is open to accusations of endorsing certain political views. Perhaps it might be more sensible to simply allow football supporters to have freedom of expression? – Yours, etc,
PAT DIGNAM,
Mahogany Drive,
Marcus Beach,
Queensland, Australia.