The caution given to Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who crossed himself during a match against Rangers, has brought the issue of sectarianism in Scotland back into sharp focus.
The rivalry between Glasgow clubs Rangers and Celtic - known collectively as the Old Firm - is historically tied up in religion.
Celtic were formed in 1888 by Irish Catholic immigrants who began emigrating to the West of Scotland in the 1840s and their descendants.
I recently heard a more comprehensive explanation of Boruc's actions.
It was not just because he crossed himself that he was cautioned by the Procurator Fiscal. There was a few other "naughty" gestures which he aimed at the opposing crowd, at the same time. One had to do with the use of two of his fingers, which you may be acquainted with.
So it was not simply a reaction against catholic symbolism.
_________________ ((ps: For you guys across the pond Procurator fiscal - is your "D.A.")) _____________________
((pps: As for my allegiances in soccer - I can't stand the game. When I was young my sport was long distance and cross country running. That of course was many centuries ago when I was young))
Jim: I am a Protestant, but I do not believe that the sympathies that the IRA and other radical Republican groups have with the Palestinians is due to religious similarities with Islam - and what's more - I don't think you do either! You are too intelligent and too much of a practical historian. I believe that you were just trying to tweak our Catholic friends' noses. The IRA sees Ulster as occupied territory, just as the Palestinians see the West Bank & Gaza as occupied territory. Thus the empathy. By the way, if I may tweak your nose a bit-I do believe that you are a bit over fascinated with Israel to the point where you can't see any of their warts. Too much dispensationalism leads to a weak Christology - be careful!
Now of course even Muslims as well as Protestants know that celibacy is unnatural, especially for people who are not Christians, this non-Christian group includes the Catholic hierarchy.
I didn't know that kind of rivalry existed in soccer. Thank goodness such a rivalry hasn't shown up in international Male versus Female, Rugby matches that I participate in.:
Arthur may want to comment on this one, I would suppose there is a lot I could comment about it also, but I think I'll focus on one part of the article,
"The mutual animosity was outlined four years ago when some Celtic fans began flying Palestinian flags and some Rangers supporters responded by fluttering Israeli flags."
Now I know Ian Paisley has supported Israel, but there has been reports that members of the IRA have even been aiding the Palestinian "Liberation" Organization!
COMMENTS | 
mike from new york: "
lurker
an interesting tidbit on dennis kastens who wrote..."
