These claims that Celtic benefit from “establishment favouritism” ignores large parts of Scottish football history…
Celtic’s controversial Coronation Cup celebrations in 1953
One of the clearest examples is the flag controversy of the early 1950s. After Celtic won the Coronation Cup in 1953, players celebrated with both the Union Jack and the Irish Tricolour.
The backlash from football authorities and sections of the media was immediate and severe because any public expression of Irish identity was deeply unpopular within parts of the Scottish establishment at the time.
This came not long after serious trouble surrounding the New Year’s Day match against Rangers, when tensions around sectarianism and identity in Scottish football were already running high.
Celtic threatened with suspension and possible expulsion
The SFA threatened Celtic with suspension and possible expulsion from league football if the Irish flag continued to fly at Celtic Park. Ironically, figures within, particularly acting SFA president Harry Swan, supported strong sanctions against Celtic despite Hibs’ own Irish roots.
Far from being protected, Celtic were treated with suspicion because of their Irish Catholic origins. There were threats of sanctions, pressure placed on the club hierarchy, and sustained hostility directed toward the club over what today would seem a minor incident. That is not the behaviour of an establishment looking after its favourite club.
The real reason for Celtic’s sustained success explained
Celtic’s success over the decades has come from support, organisation, recruitment, and performance on the pitch — NOT establishment backing.
Article by Auld Heid in the Main Stand
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