http://talkingbaws.com/2014/07/17/c...into-israel-palestine-issue-on-social-media/? This is wholly indicative of what is wrong with a section of our support. The guy is allowed to express his opinion without being abused by fans of the team he plays for. We're riddled with spastics more interested in their own agenda than the football.
Do you extend this freedom to the likes of Stokes when he parties on down in a republican stylee? Or is it OK to call a player out for his actions if you think they're wrong?
Yes I extend the same freedom to Stokes as I do to Biton. You're allowed a fricken opinion - and surely that's actually the minimum you are allowed in a democracy. I don't go for this official orthodoxy ****e where Celtic are supposed to have some sort of party whip to get the players singing to the political tune of the majority.
There's a difference between acting like a spastic in a pub and expressing an opinion on social media. I've never heard of Nir Biton starting fights in city centres so until he does that he'll get far more leeway than a daft fanny like Stokes will.
I agree that we shouldn't be trying to enforce one set of political opinions on our players but equally I don't think they should be exempt from being challenged when they comment on politics. Especially something as emotive as the Israel/Palestine debate. I'm not much bothered myself, certainly not to the extent of tweeting him abuse, but I can see why others would find support for the Israeli actions in Gaza difficult to stomach. Well it's about opinions; you think singing IRA songs in a pub is "acting like a spastic" (I agree with the sentiment if not the phrasing ), others think that tweeting what appears to be support for the current actions of Israel in Palestine is deeply offensive (and I sympathise).
If you think what Stokes did is comparable to Biton then you're a complete ****wit. Biton completed National Service, so he served in the Israeli army, and therefore has been involved in the conflict at least on some level. Stokes is a fud who got steaming and acted like a daft wean in a pub. Engaging in those types of comparisons is whataboutery for those who are dim.
Is that your level of debate? "dim" "****wit"? Biton could be a former Field Marshall in the Israeli army for all I care. That wouldn't make his apparent support for the current Israeli military action in Gaza any more appealing. Less in fact My point was simply that people are entitled to criticise both Stokes AND Biton (within reason). You appear to think only one of the two can legitimately be held to scrutiny. That said, I don't think I'll be boycotting Celtic because of the actions of either to be perfectly honest.
You're making excuses, trying to justify freedom of speech in one case but deny it should be extended to another similar case. I don't agree with either of them, but I'd argue they have the right to their own opinions.
Some people can't face being challenged on their beliefs and what they've always held to be true so resort and anger and insults
What Biton has posted is a prayer,so it seems some people have a problem with prayers now, especially the knee jerk reactionists who look for offense where none is meant. This is not a call to crush Palestinians but a Hebrew prayer to protect members of the IDF. I'm forgetting though, all Israelis - especially their armed forces - are pure undiluted evil.
A prayer containing the line "May God cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down..." Posted a day after 4 kids playing on a beach were blown up by the IDF. At best, poor judgement. And given that he very quickly removed it (before the hullaballoo started) I think he knows it
I don't understand what this has to do with football. The man is entitled to his beliefs and is defending his country. Politics has no place in football, surely as Celtic fans we should realise this more than anyone!!