Bigots Bar The Way If You Want A Drink On Derby Day

Sep 7 2008 Andy Walker

AFTER the sickening attack on Celtic coach Neil Lennon last week it seems a bit daft to say I love the Old Firm rivalry. But I do.

I've never experienced a sporting contest where you're so determined to get the right result. When you win there's no better feeling but it's also a huge downer when you lose.

However, as everyone knows the Glasgow derby is not just a sporting contest - it has plenty of side issues.

Bigotry and sectarianism continue to blight the fixture and former Hoops skipper Lennon has found that out to his cost plenty of times.

Five years ago two studentswere found guilty of an unprovoked attack on Lennon in Glasgow and disturbing graffiti was daubed outside his home just months later.

On top of all that he had to give up playing for Northern Ireland because of a reported death threat from Loyalist paramilitaries.

Lennon is no stranger to sectarian abuse and people have asked if it was wise for him to go out in Glasgow just hours after Celtic's defeat in last Sunday's match.

That in itself is an embarrassment to a civilised city but it's something every Old Firm player has to consider.

I played under Billy McNeill and Tommy Burns in Old Firm games and their advice to the guys in the dressing-room was always the same.

They reminded us to keep our composure on the park but - having done daft things themselves as players - they understood it was hard for everyone keep their cool. Billy and Tommy also told the players Glasgow wasn't the best place to socialise after the two tribes had squared up.

Someone, somewhere will always be angry at the result and if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time things can get ugly.

Billy had enough experience to know what was required in a winning dressing-room.

If you had a group of angels you had a problem - so he accepted the club was full of different characters.

But his advice on what to do after a derby clash was always spot on - err on the side of caution and stay away from pubs and clubs in the city centre.

I wish I'd listened to him after making my Old Firm debut.

I was on a high after Billy Stark's goal sealed a 1-0 win at Parkhead and went out to celebrate.

My simple intention was to go out for a meal with a small group of friends then on to a nightclub in Glasgow.

When it was my turn to get a round in I ordered everyone's drinks then asked for a pint of lager tops.

The barman poured the pint and asked if it was for me.

"Yeah, that's mine," I said as I reached for my wallet.

But I was completely bewildered when the barman picked the glass up, coughed up a thick spittle then spat in my pint before asking me for the cash.

What do you do? You can't reason with a man like that and I was left speechless.

I stared at him for a few seconds before walking straight out and into a taxi home. That's how I handled it but if it happened to someone else could you really blame them for having a go?

It won't be the barman whose name is put on the front pages. It's the daft footballer for losing control and getting into a fight when he should know better.

Weeks later I was having a drink with Pat Bonner in Glasgow when I was nudged by the guy next to me who whispered: "You're in the wrang pub."

I ignored him but when he nudged me again I turned round to see him dropping his full pint in front of me, smashing it on the tiles below.

This time he was more aggressive in his tone and raged: "I said, you're in the wrang pub. "We got the message and were glad to leave unscathed.

Another story involving my old pal Derek Whyte makes us laugh now but at the time it was anything but funny.

After a midweek game we went for a drink on the Tuxedo Princess - a boat that docked in Glasgow and doubled up as a smashing nightclub.

Derek was ordering a couple of drinks at the bar when a well-dressed gentleman approached him.

He couldn't have been less threatening as he casually asked: "Are you Derek Whyte?"

Derek hardly had the word yes out of his mouth before the guy decked him with a single punch then left a footprint on his brand new shirt by stamping on him.

It was all over in a few seconds and we have a real hoot about it now but, again, what can you do?

Every Old Firm player gets hassle and how you live your life will determine how much trouble you attract.

The best way forward is for both clubs to do what they can to defuse the hatred.

Keeping the anti-bigotry drive strong is important and I still believe a show of unity from the players before an Old Firm clash would help.

It wouldn't be hard to make them carry a banner together after coming out of the tunnel at Ibrox or Parkhead on derby day.

A simple message stating they are against bigotry and sectarianism could have an impact on the fans.

The most powerful recent image I can think of is the sight of Walter Smith and Ally McCoist carrying the coffin of Celtic legend Tommy Burns.

They were rivals on the pitch and in the dugout but also became good pals and that gesture showed the power of friendship.

All three loved winning Old Firm games but deep down there was a healthy respect for one another. That's enough to build on.