SECRETS!

The letter below was written by one of our readers to Chris Robinson (apparently) because one of the Rock Steady Supervisors said there were confidential reasons why Celtic (sorry, Irish) flags could not be removed from the stadium, while it was perfectly ok for a Union jack to be removed.

Naturally, you wouldn't expect such a controversial point to be attacked headon, but it is always nice to know the official standpoint. Having read both the letter to Hearts and the Chris Robinson reply, I'm still no further forward! - ed.

12th February 1998

Dear Sir

This letter is regarding my conversation to a Rock Steady supervisor and the Police Officer in Charge of the League game against Celtic on Sunday 5th February 1998.

The reason I approached them both was because of the Celtic fans draping two Irish National flags in the Roseburn Stand. My main complaint to them was that I felt there is a rule for some and rules for others at Tynecastle Park. I made the point that a Hearts fan was allegedly ejected from the Stadium at the Dundee United game because he was the owner of the Union flag draped in the enclosure. I was also told that it was because of this flag and his alliance with the National Front that led to his ejection.

I was told by the Supervisor that it was the Clubs policy to allow the Irish flag to be flown because Celtic have adopted it as their own and feel it is non-provocative to other fans i.e. Hearts fans. I was then told by the Officer in charge that there are confidential reasons as to why the flags were not to be removed and if I had a complaint then I was to write to a Mr Chris Robinson. So here is my letter of complaint to you.

Why are we not allowed to fly the Union flag at Tynecastle? Why are we labelled as National Front supporters/members because of this policy? Please bare in mind that it is not wrong to be proud of the Nation you are born under and its Kingdom it serves. Afterall, I've stood present at the Haymarket clock (that was draped in the Union flag when unveiled) alongside members of your board and players to remember players who gave their lives for our country.

I look forward to receiving a reply from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN plc


Our Ref CPR/IM

18th February 1998

MR.




Dear Mr.

Thank you for your recent letter. Club policy is quite simply that Hearts are a Club for all people and we are represented through our badge by the St. Andrews Cross. We are a Scottish Club playing in Scotland For supporters to have any need to display a Union flag would seem to us to be inappropriate and have other connotations which Hearts have no wish to be associated with.

As far as the Celtic fans bringing Irish flags is concermed, I personally consider it inappropriate for them to have such flags inside our stadium. The decision whether or not to remove these is a Police and stewarding one. It is certainly not the Club's policy to have flags in the stadium at all.

Thank you for your letter.

Yours sincerely,

CHRIS ROBINSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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