Celtic boss condemns Gers’ song

CELTIC chairman John Reid used yesterday’s annual general meeting to once again condemn the singing of the Famine Song by Rangers fans and said it was up to the police to take action.

Addressing shareholders at Parkhead, Reid branded the song “vile, vicious and racist”, while urging the authorities to take the necessary action against those who continue to indulge in offensive chanting at football matches.

The Famine Song — sung to the tune of the Beach Boys’ hit Sloop John B — is aimed at Celtic fans who claim Irish heritage and includes the line “The famine’s over why don’t you go home?” in reference to the famine in Ireland during the 1840s.

But Reid also appealed to Celtic fans to practice what they preach by using self-policing to eradicate what he described as “the tiny minority” who still bring shame upon their own club.

“The police have a very difficult task in all respects, not just footballing,” Reid told a media conference.

“And I don’t think anybody should be giving operational directions to the police about the judgments they make. There is offensive chanting and singing going on and our position on that is quite plain.

“We believe that some of that is very offensive and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t read the song, however distasteful it is, to read it and see that we are not over-reacting to it.

“It’s up to others now. If this transgresses the law, it’s up to others to take the necessary action whenever they can. It’s not for us to carry that forward.”

Meanwhile Celtic have revealed plans to stage a charity game in memory of Tommy Burns, who lost his battle with cancer five months ago.

The memorial match is set to take place next May and will raise cash for charities nominated by Burns’ family.