Are Hibs political?

[lucky]

I noticed an advertising board facing inwards in the west stand stating ''Its time for Change Vote Conservative''.

This is the first time i have noticed any political party have an advert at ER. I was wondering is this the Hibs board making a political statement or just taking cash from anyone. If so will nasty nick griffin be advertising at a ground near us soon.

[Pretty Boy]

I noticed an advertising board facing inwards in the west stand stating ''Its time for Change Vote Conservative''.

This is the first time i have noticed any political party have an advert at ER. I was wondering is this the Hibs board making a political statement or just taking cash from anyone. If so will nasty nick griffin be advertising at a ground near us soon.

Maybe Toryhibby or Corrie Greens from on here sneaked the sign in?

[CropleyWasGod]

I would say we are apolitical.

However, does that mean we rise above all politics, and take anybody's money? Or does it mean we refuse all their money?

In some ways, a silly question, since Rod's in charge :greengrin

However, given the recent thread about the BA strike, I would be interested in McIntosh's views.

[hibsdaft]

i am amazed at that i have to say. totally inappropriate from both the political party and the club for that to happen imo.

[Betty Boop]

Did Sir Tom Farmer not back the Tories at some point? :greengrin

[ancienthibby]

Did Sir Tom Farmer not back the Tories at some point? :greengrin

Think his political leanings are quite nationalistic:agree:

[Betty Boop]

Think his political leanings are quite nationalistic:agree:

I know he backs the SNP, however I am sure I read that he had donated to the Tory Party in the past.

[CropleyWasGod]

i am amazed at that i have to say. totally inappropriate from both the political party and the club for that to happen imo.

Interested in why you say that. Think I can understand from the club's point of view, but why the party?

[ancienthibby]

I know he backs the SNP, however I am sure I read that he had donated to the Tory Party in the past.

Ah, Betty,don't you just love a converted sinner!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: (cue TwoCarpets:devil:)

[Betty Boop]

Ah, Betty,don't you just love a converted sinner!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: (cue TwoCarpets:devil:)

:faf:

[lucky]

Got say I'm disappointed in the fact that Hibs have allowed this. I am no lover of the Tories and can not forget or forgive the misery they caused last time they were in power. As such I may be a little blinkered on this.

But I don't think Hibs can then say that the ugly sisters can't come to ER with their brand of politics that they spout and then tell the crowd whats acceptable.

I believe this is a dangerous precedent being set here. If the BNP turn up and want to advertise would RP take their money? if he refused would he leave Hibs in a position where we could be sued for discrimination?

[steakbake]

Motherwell usually have a board sponsored by the SNP. We seem to have got one recently for the Tories. The difference is Motherwell have theirs all the time, while ours, presumably, is part of the General Election campaign. Can't say I like the sponsoring of boards of political parties too much, but then if they pays their money they can have one. I doubt this thread would have been started if it was a Labour, SNP or (if they could make a decision then muster the pennies together to buy one), the Lib Dems.

I don't particularly like Italian food - its totally overrated, it's tomato based and requires as much skill to cook it as opening a tin of beans, yet there are signs advertising italian restaurants all over ER. There's also flight companies, car companies, taxi companies and holiday companies: carbon footprints, anyone? They even give over space to bookies which encourages/facilitates gambling and pie stands which encourage/facilitate unhealthy eating. So, on the scale of things, a poster for the Tories is fairly meaningless. All you have to do is ignore the message (if that is what you want to do) or snort like a pavlovian gnu at the outrage of it all.

[Leicester Fan]

We have a (Leicester based) Welsh Nationalist on our board who apart from us supports Celtic and Roma for their supposedly left wing stances, Personally I think it's pathetic. There are lots of reasons to support a team, politics shouldn't be one of them.

[hibsdaft]

I doubt this thread would have been started if it was a Labour, SNP or (if they could make a decision then muster the pennies together to buy one), the Lib Dems.

probably not, but that doesn't mean that you can't criticise the breaking of an important principle - the separation of sport and politics (which is actually impossible, but should at least be attempted). i am self aware enough to know that it being the Tories winds me up more than it would with other parties, but that shouldn't mean i can't criticise it.

[steakbake]

probably not, but that doesn't mean that you can't criticise the breaking of an important principle - the separation of sport and politics (which is actually impossible, but should at least be attempted). i am self aware enough to know that it being the Tories winds me up more than it would with other parties, but that shouldn't mean i can't criticise it.

church and state should be separate. cooked meats and raw meats should be separate. i have never heard or read of the principle that sport and politics should be separate.

[hibsdaft]

you'll need to read my manifesto then :greengrin

[CropleyWasGod]

church and state should be separate. cooked meats and raw meats should be separate. i have never heard or read of the principle that sport and politics should be separate.

It's a phrase often used to support one or other viewpoint... the apartheid boycott, for example... but it is a utopian and impractical ideal.

However, I do understand the principle of a sports club not being seen to be aligning itself with any particular dogma or party. Apart from the moral issues, it can alienate part of its core audience... the paying public that make it tick.

[hibsdaft]

It's a phrase often used to support one or other viewpoint... the apartheid boycott, for example... but it is a utopian and impractical ideal.

aye - the idea that they can be separate is a nonsense because sport cannot help but be political (e.g. its funding or the wider rules of a state in which sport is played as in the case apartheid etc) - its part of wider life and by nature subject to politics.

but as i say, we can aspire to separation, or at least stop the most overt political interventions such as this one.

[marinello59]

I don't see the harm myself. I wouldn't vote for them ever but plenty of Scots will. If they want to swell the clubs coffers then let them.

[weecounty hibby]

They are a mainstream political party, you don't have to vote for them or agree with them, but if they offered you a whole load of cash to put up a sign would you do it. Hibs are not in the position to say no to sponsorship money.

[Betty Boop]

They are a mainstream political party, you don't have to vote for them or agree with them, but if they offered you a whole load of cash to put up a sign would you do it. Hibs are not in the position to say no to sponsorship money.

Absolutely not, I would rather yank my eyes out with a red hot poker! :grr:

[McIntosh]

I would say we are apolitical.

However, does that mean we rise above all politics, and take anybody's money? Or does it mean we refuse all their money?

In some ways, a silly question, since Rod's in charge :greengrin

However, given the recent thread about the BA strike, I would be interested in McIntosh's views.

Hi CWG,

In my opinion, the club in itself is clearly political and always has been, this is most apparent within its historical context. In 1986 I interviewed a then director - Gregor Cowan who considered that Hearts were the establishment, Tory middle-class team whilst Hibs were the anti-establishment, Labour working class team within the city. However, I would acknowledge on another level this has no significance to most supporters, just like Real Madrid supporters do not intrisically link the club to its historical relationship with fascism.

I would acknowledge on a functional level most people who support this great club are apolitical. Nevertheless, they are not immune from consciously or subconsciously making highly political comments, i.e. Derek Riordan 'remarks' re asylum seekers. The condemnation of these remarks is a good example of the intriscic decency of Hibs supporters regardless of their political leanings. I would argue that universal moral values - respect, equality, tolerence and social provision have defined the Club's long association with progressive politics.

[weecounty hibby]

Absolutely not, I would rather yank my eyes out with a red hot poker! :grr:

You must be in a lucky situation where you don't need money. Unfortunately Hibs are not in that position.

[kano]

Absolutely not, I would rather yank my eyes out with a red hot poker! :grr:


Spot on mate:top marks

[Pete]

I noticed an advertising board facing inwards in the west stand stating ''Its time for Change Vote Conservative''.

This is the first time i have noticed any political party have an advert at ER. I was wondering is this the Hibs board making a political statement or just taking cash from anyone. If so will nasty nick griffin be advertising at a ground near us soon.

Whenever I go I sit in the west and therefore wouldn't notice this.

I'm surprised this hasn't been flagged up already because I would find this unacceptable if I saw this type of advertisement for a political party...especially the tories given the history of our club and nature of our support.

I'm surprised our board allowed this. Do they really understand what the boys on the terraces are all about? I don't mind messages about crisps or property developers but there are limits to what should be allowed.

[hibiedude]

I noticed an advertising board facing inwards in the west stand stating ''Its time for Change Vote Conservative''.

This is the first time i have noticed any political party have an advert at ER. I was wondering is this the Hibs board making a political statement or just taking cash from anyone. If so will nasty nick griffin be advertising at a ground near us soon.

I will be just another piece of advertising and well needed revenue for the club.

It's an election year and there will be money to be made regarding advertising

I can't see any club in the UK advertising the BMP because fans come in all religions and colours so why alienate sections of your own fans with this cr@p.

[ArabHibee]

Whenever I go I sit in the west and therefore wouldn't notice this.

I'm surprised this hasn't been flagged up already because I would find this unacceptable if I saw this type of advertisement for a political party...especially the tories given the history of our club and nature of our support.

I'm surprised our board allowed this. Do they really understand what the boys on the terraces are all about? I don't mind messages about crisps or property developers but there are limits to what should be allowed.

You will see it though Peter. OP says it faces into the West, therefore will only be seen by supporters in the West. Although if you sit at the far right of the stand and its at the far left you may not be able to see it.

[jodjam]

there was a Glasgow based company couple months back trying to sell the last few hoardings at ER and the PBS for a knock down price for rest of season. I've seen the Tory one and the company were wanting 1k til end of season.

The lass selling them was meant to be a wee cutie so i guess someone at Tory HQ stumped up the readies.

[hibsdaft]

from the sounds of it then, Hibs have not taken the money directly from the Tories, but the Tories have paid previous sponsors for the spot. maybe the club could not have refused the change but i would be surprised, surely they would have a clause in the contract to give them that power.

[Antifa Hibs]

This is what pisses me of about football clubs.

If I was to take a Palestine flag and a Scottish Socialists banner to the next Hibs game i'd be hounded (probably), being telt to leave politics at home etc, and quite rightly so IMO. But how can football clubs tell supporters to leave thir politics at the turnstiles, then accept money from tge SNP and *** worse the tories and advertise their political groups?

[CropleyWasGod]

I'm surprised our board allowed this. Do they really understand what the boys on the terraces are all about? I don't mind messages about crisps or property developers but there are limits to what should be allowed.

... but who defines or sets these limits?

Clearly, you think that politics are beyond the pale. Others who have less interest in politics might say "crisps? Advertising unhealthy food... not on at my club".

In other words, you could probablly find objections to every single ad there is at ER from someone.

As for the Board understanding what "we" are all about... I don't think they should make assumptions about the support's politics. Just because football is or was the "working-man's game" doesn't automatically mean that we are all socialists. To make such an assumption is, in itself, a political act. Maybe :confused:

[Rory89]

I always had the majority of West Standers down as Tories. :wink:

[IWasThere2016]

This is what pisses me of about football clubs.

If I was to take a Palestine flag and a Scottish Socialists banner to the next Hibs game i'd be hounded (probably), being telt to leave politics at home etc, and quite rightly so IMO. But how can football clubs tell supporters to leave thir politics at the turnstiles, then accept money from tge SNP and *** worse the tories and advertise their political groups?

Would you pay extra to do so? This is about income ... nowt else IMHO

[LiverpoolHibs]

Everything's political. Despite asking people on the thread about the STUC protest at Celtic Park, I've still had no convincing answer of why people think it's either possible or preferable to, seemingly arbitrarily, draw the line at football.

As I said on that thread, it seems to be peculiar to football supporters in the British Isles.

[Dashing Bob S]

No.

[Betty Boop]

You must be in a lucky situation where you don't need money. Unfortunately Hibs are not in that position.

Aye, I'm minted! :faf:

[steakbake]

Everything's political. Despite asking people on the thread about the STUC protest at Celtic Park, I've still had no convincing answer of why people think it's either possible or preferable to, seemingly arbitrarily, draw the line at football.

As I said on that thread, it seems to be peculiar to football supporters in the British Isles.

Everything is political. .

I don't think that Hibs as a club should or could be reasonably defined as being supportive of a particular party and I don't think that would ever happen.

I can't see any problem in us taking a grand off the Tories on the very unlikely assumption that a poster in the west is going to get them some votes.

[Pete]

... but who defines or sets these limits?

Clearly, you think that politics are beyond the pale. Others who have less interest in politics might say "crisps? Advertising unhealthy food... not on at my club".

In other words, you could probablly find objections to every single ad there is at ER from someone.

As for the Board understanding what "we" are all about... I don't think they should make assumptions about the support's politics. Just because football is or was the "working-man's game" doesn't automatically mean that we are all socialists. To make such an assumption is, in itself, a political act. Maybe :confused:

I just think football clubs should be apolitical when it comes to advertising...and especially ours. Maybe because it's because I hold hibs in higher esteem than all the others. I'd be equally irked if it was the SSP.

You're final point has got me thinking but surely you have to admit that every football club has to keep it's base support on side. I'll bet you if you polled every season ticket holder on their political beliefs there would be an overwhelming slide to the left. Why take the quick buck over the risk of upsetting the majority of the supporters? The answer I come to is that the board maybe don't understand what hibs and their fans are all about...or simply have lost touch look at pound signs first.

[Pete]

You will see it though Peter. OP says it faces into the West, therefore will only be seen by supporters in the West. Although if you sit at the far right of the stand and its at the far left you may not be able to see it.

The west stand, upper tier is the place to be...as far to the right as you can so you can't even see the away fans. That's where my ST was a few seasons back and where I sit whenever I can. Force of habit.:thumbsup:

[ancient hibee]

I just think football clubs should be apolitical when it comes to advertising...and especially ours. Maybe because it's because I hold hibs in higher esteem than all the others. I'd be equally irked if it was the SSP.

You're final point has got me thinking but surely you have to admit that every football club has to keep it's base support on side. I'll bet you if you polled every season ticket holder on their political beliefs there would be an overwhelming slide to the left. Why take the quick buck over the risk of upsetting the majority of the supporters? The answer I come to is that the board maybe don't understand what hibs and their fans are all about...or simply have lost touch look at pound signs first.
To the left?Which party would that be then?

[hibsbollah]

Everything is political.
:devil:

[tony higgins]

Also seen adverts in match programmes over the years plugging the local MP and councillors.
A very distant relative of mine had a hoarding at Firhill for years and adverts in the Partick Thistle programme.
Claimed to be Thistle supporter in that loose weegie way that really means you don,t give a hoot or your not telling which of the ugly sisters you really support.
Don,t know if the next chancer took it over.
Suppose its all money for the clubs at the end of the day.

[steakbake]

Also seen adverts in match programmes over the years plugging the local MP and councillors.
A very distant relative of mine had a hoarding at Firhill for years and adverts in the Partick Thistle programme.
Claimed to be Thistle supporter in that loose weegie way that really means you don,t give a hoot or your not telling which of the ugly sisters you really support.
Don,t know if the next chancer took it over.
Suppose its all money for the clubs at the end of the day.

In the same way Chick Young is a St Mirren fan?

[tony higgins]

In the same way Chick Young is a St Mirren fan?

:wink:

[Dashing Bob S]

Everything is political.
:devil:

...or nothing is?

[hibsbollah]

...or nothing is?

I used to be a nihilist as well. But then I couldnt be bothered with it anymore:yawn:

[Phil D. Rolls]

Hibs have adverts for undertakers and pizzerias round the ground. Have we developed a nice little earner, buryng coffins in the car park, or do these businesses pay us money to advertise their services?

I think we should be told.

[Part/Time Supporter]

Motherwell usually have a board sponsored by the SNP. We seem to have got one recently for the Tories. The difference is Motherwell have theirs all the time, while ours, presumably, is part of the General Election campaign. Can't say I like the sponsoring of boards of political parties too much, but then if they pays their money they can have one. I doubt this thread would have been started if it was a Labour, SNP or (if they could make a decision then muster the pennies together to buy one), the Lib Dems.

I don't particularly like Italian food - its totally overrated, it's tomato based and requires as much skill to cook it as opening a tin of beans, yet there are signs advertising italian restaurants all over ER. There's also flight companies, car companies, taxi companies and holiday companies: carbon footprints, anyone? They even give over space to bookies which encourages/facilitates gambling and pie stands which encourage/facilitate unhealthy eating. So, on the scale of things, a poster for the Tories is fairly meaningless. All you have to do is ignore the message (if that is what you want to do) or snort like a pavlovian gnu at the outrage of it all.

:agree:

Labour (Jim Sheridan to be precise) has a board at the new St. Mirren ground.

[Part/Time Supporter]

Hi CWG,

In my opinion, the club in itself is clearly political and always has been, this is most apparent within its historical context. In 1986 I interviewed a then director - Gregor Cowan who considered that Hearts were the establishment, Tory middle-class team whilst Hibs were the anti-establishment, Labour working class team within the city. However, I would acknowledge on another level this has no significance to most supporters, just like Real Madrid supporters do not intrisically link the club to its historical relationship with fascism.

I would acknowledge on a functional level most people who support this great club are apolitical. Nevertheless, they are not immune from consciously or subconsciously making highly political comments, i.e. Derek Riordan 'remarks' re asylum seekers. The condemnation of these remarks is a good example of the intriscic decency of Hibs supporters regardless of their political leanings. I would argue that universal moral values - respect, equality, tolerence and social provision have defined the Club's long association with progressive politics.

In fairness that was during the period when the avowed "fat tory barsteward" was the top man over there. If Hibs have any true political roots they are Irish nationalist (eg inviting Parnell to speak) and actually predate Labour.

Anyhow, if you come into ER from Meadowbank, you will have the visage of call me Dave's puss and his promise / pledge / aspiration / hope / desire (delete as applicable) to cut the deficit, not the NHS (whatever that means). Bit strange to have it there, as I can't see Edinburgh east being a Tory target. Unless they think Hibbies are a potential growth area.

Let's be honest, in most parts of Scotland, the Tories would be better off paying for SNP advertising.

:devil: