John Robotham Referee

[Leith Mo]

Just been asked to go along to a Masonic do where Mr Robotham is the guest speaker. Not being a freemason myself what does this mean or imply for footballing decisions he may have made? Or does this confirm generally held long standing suspicions re the Scottish game?

[Pretty Boy]

No idea about masonic conspiracies but Rowbotham is a fantastic after dinner speaker and well worth going to see.

[Glorious St Pat]

No idea about masonic conspiracies but Rowbotham is a fantastic after dinner speaker and well worth going to see.

Yes I have heard the same about Rowbotham and how he plays up to his Masonic tendancies, however, having been to the venue before for a similar dinner it was a bigoted Hunfest that I walked out off after an hour after being subjected to endless sectarian gags!

[Niffy]

Defo means any game we've not won with him refereeing should be replayed.

Fact.


sigh.

[blackpoolhibs]

Yes I have heard the same about Rowbotham and how he plays up to his Masonic tendancies, however, having been to the venue before for a similar dinner it was a bigoted Hunfest that I walked out off after an hour after being subjected to endless sectarian gags!

And there it is, just what i was talking about the other day.

[heretoday]

It means he had to swear an oath (with one trouser leg rolled up) to always give Rangers the benefit of any doubt in decisions.

If you hear him say things like "He's on the level" you'll know he's being a mason.

[Cabbage East]

I'll pass thanks.

[Lago]

Lives round the corner from me and is a nice bloke.

[Smartie]

I've also heard his "routine" and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm sure he probably plays up to whatever crowd he's performing for though, so if it's to a crowd of baying Huns in a masonic club I'm sure he'll tailor it accordingly and give them what they want. If you can cope with that then you'll be fine. If not.....

When I saw him it was at a sportsman's dinner in Dundee, there was no sectarian nonsense and plenty of self-deprecating stuff (I think!) about favouring the Rangers and it was brilliant. He was going on about giving contentious decisions against Hearts at Tynecastle and given that I was probably the only Hibby there I was more than happy to lap it up.

[Hibernia&Alba]

It means he had to swear an oath (with one trouser leg rolled up) to always give Rangers (and Hearts ;-) ) the benefit of any doubt in decisions.

If you hear him say things like "He's on the level" you'll know he's being a mason.

Aye, them too.

[Glorious St Pat]

And there it is, just what i was talking about the other day.

Blackpool... I don't know if you are referring to me but a previous thread about having. 'St' or tricolour in your avatar as being a bigot is something special! I will pass such comments onto my fellow St Pats members who I am sure will have something to say about your lack of ecumenical spirit! Having been to the venue where Rowbotham is speaking - a great speaker we are led to believe - it is another backward bigoted back water where I wad forbidden from speaking about Hibs. Over to you.

[cleanyman]

I used to referee up in Fife, always had time to chat away at the meetings and training.

Lovely man.

[Leith Mo]

Apart from the obvious sarcasm in some responses I get he is apparently a recognised "good" after dinner speaker. I think it's the possibility of bigotry and anti Catholic sentiment that dissuades me from going along especially given the venue? We oft times complain about the influence of persuasion on refs and officials (note the comments before our game at Ibrox re strong refs from the club and fans)?

[Pretty Boy]

Apart from the obvious sarcasm in some responses I get he is apparently a recognised "good" after dinner speaker. I think it's the possibility of bigotry and anti Catholic sentiment that dissuades me from going along especially given the venue? We oft times complain about the influence of persuasion on refs and officials (note the comments before our game at Ibrox re strong refs from the club and fans)?

I've no idea if he plays up to certain audiences such as a masonic club. I saw him at a Spartans sportsmens dinner at the Apex Hotel in the Grassmarket and there was not bigotry, sectarianism, racism etc.

As far as I'm aware the Masons are not an actively anti Catholic organisation, they merely require one to believe in a 'higher power'. Admittedly the 2 are far from easy bedfellows. I think some of the shared terminology (lodges for example) perhaps makes people think there is a strong link between Freemasonry and Orangeism.

[Glorious St Pat]

I've also heard his "routine" and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm sure he probably plays up to whatever crowd he's performing for though, so if it's to a crowd of baying Huns in a masonic club I'm sure he'll tailor it accordingly and give them what they want. If you can cope with that then you'll be fine. If not.....

When I saw him it was at a sportsman's dinner in Dundee, there was no sectarian nonsense and plenty of self-deprecating stuff (I think!) about favouring the Rangers and it was brilliant. He was going on about giving contentious decisions against Hearts at Tynecastle and given that I was probably the only Hibby there I was more than happy to lap it up.

Thanks for this. I would like to keep an open mind on this but I'll advise my friend to stay a away based on previous where I had to sit on my hands all night being subjected to 'Scotland's shame'. To protest against them and on here! Is to be tagged with same sectarian brush! I am a traditional Hibs fan and nothing will change that. Get the Harp on the stand and never forget our proud roots.

[Hibernia&Alba]

I don't doubt that back in the day there was blatant bias in favour of Rangers, but I don't buy into modern day conspiracy theories in the game. It's just as difficult for visiting teams to get decisions at Parkhead as at Ibrox. Craig Thomson cheats us because he's an avid maroon balloon, not for any other reasons.

[Glorious St Pat]

I've no idea if he plays up to certain audiences such as a masonic club. I saw him at a Spartans sportsmens dinner at the Apex Hotel in the Grassmarket and there was not bigotry, sectarianism, racism etc.

As far as I'm aware the Masons are not an actively anti Catholic organisation, they merely require one to believe in a 'higher power'. Admittedly the 2 are far from easy bedfellows. I think some of the shared terminology (lodges for example) perhaps makes people think there is a strong link between Freemasonry and Orangeism.

Exactly, there is a connection in my opinion. Walked into the said venue and the Queen was on the wall followed by three hours of of pro Hun, anti Catholic rhetoric... How did I feel?

[Pretty Boy]

I don't doubt that back in the day there was blatant bias in favour of Rangers, but I don't buy into modern day conspiracy theories in the game. It's just as difficult for visiting teams to get decisions at Parkhead as at Ibrox. Craig Thomson cheats us because he's an avid maroon balloon, not for any other reasons.

If anything Celtic are the real establishment club these days.

An ex government minister has served as Chairman, a PLC board, expected to win the league every year, decisions at every level geared around them......

[Smartie]

Thanks for this. I would like to keep an open mind on this but I'll advise my friend to stay a away based on previous where I had to sit on my hands all night being subjected to 'Scotland's shame'. To protest against them and on here! Is to be tagged with same sectarian brush! I am a traditional Hibs fan and nothing will change that. Get the Harp on the stand and never forget our proud roots.

FWIW I'm a very loosely secular protestant/atheist in origin and have many friends and family members who are fans of The Rangers. I've been a Hibs fan and season ticket holder for many years and consider it to be one of the main aspects of my own identity. There is absolutely no way I would have been any less uncomfortable than you at the event you describe. I can't stand that nonsense, there's absolutely no need for it in this day and age and couldn't spend a night being made feel like that. I have no reason to doubt you that that was what it was like, I fully believe you, it's just that my experience in an altogether different venue and atmosphere was very different.

[Yuillsy]

My brother has seen him speaking before. He said Rowbotham was class and admitted to being a Motherwell supporter?

[Bostonhibby]

Just been asked to go along to a Masonic do where Mr Robotham is the guest speaker. Not being a freemason myself what does this mean or imply for footballing decisions he may have made? Or does this confirm generally held long standing suspicions re the Scottish game?

13662

I cant see that this form of bias could possibly be around in modern Scotland, but then I was thinking that in the 70's :wink:

Is Mr Robotham filling in for Brian McGinlay? Scotlands previous number 1 referee who used to be well received at Lodges around the country even when he was still the SFA's top ref, allegedly.

[blackpoolhibs]

Blackpool... I don't know if you are referring to me but a previous thread about having. 'St' or tricolour in your avatar as being a bigot is something special! I will pass such comments onto my fellow St Pats members who I am sure will have something to say about your lack of ecumenical spirit! Having been to the venue where Rowbotham is speaking - a great speaker we are led to believe - it is another backward bigoted back water where I wad forbidden from speaking about Hibs. Over to you.

Cannie be bothered with all this.

Edited.

[Cabbage East]

I've been at a similar event and it was just pure right-wing, sectarian, anti-catholic/Irish pish. Never again. And it makes you wonder that the conspiracy theories about refs in the 80s and 90s weren't paranoid pish. Ironically, Celtic didn't suffer too much, but we did. And still do. And Aberdeen definitely did, from a different angle.

[HNA2]

Guys can we cut out the personal stuff please

[SkintHibby]

I remember someone telling me years ago ref Bobby Tait was a guest speaker at a Rangers do once.

I replied that, did that make him a Rangers fan?

The guy at the time said yes of course he is, what's the problem? He seemed surprised at me being surprised!!!!!

I remember thinking......Scottish football is f **** d up! :rolleyes:

[marinello59]

Blackpool... I don't know if you are referring to me but a previous thread about having. 'St' or tricolour in your avatar as being a bigot is something special! I will pass such comments onto my fellow St Pats members who I am sure will have something to say about your lack of ecumenical spirit! Having been to the venue where Rowbotham is speaking - a great speaker we are led to believe - it is another backward bigoted back water where I wad forbidden from speaking about Hibs. Over to you.
What has your branch membership got to do with anything?:confused

[Bishop Hibee]

Regarding Robotham I thought he was one of the better refs I've seen. Regarding freemasonary, does anyone under the age of 40 belong to such an organisation these days? The masonic club on Leith Walk survives due to its function suites I believe and the Porty lodge calls itself the Beach Lane Social Club. On its way out hopefully.

[The Harp]

Regarding Robotham I thought he was one of the better refs I've seen. Regarding freemasonary, does anyone under the age of 40 belong to such an organisation these days? The masonic club on Leith Walk survives due to its function suites I believe and the Porty lodge calls itself the Beach Lane Social Club. On its way out hopefully.

Don't forget the Porty lodge is just around the corner from the cop shop -
maybe not as close to being on its way out as we would like.:hmmm:

[Smartie]

Regarding Robotham I thought he was one of the better refs I've seen. Regarding freemasonary, does anyone under the age of 40 belong to such an organisation these days? The masonic club on Leith Walk survives due to its function suites I believe and the Porty lodge calls itself the Beach Lane Social Club. On its way out hopefully.

I agree, generally speaking he was a decent ref but he made some catastrophically bad gaffes in games involving Rangers, and always in their favour (I think he failed to send Gazza off for an obvious headbutt amongst other things).

Willie Young was the best for me. Always let the game flow, none of this stop-start wanting to be the centre of attention crap we see all too often these days.

[GREEN WARLORD]

Watched him at a Dalkeith & District Hibs supporters club, Easter Sunday gig. He was one of the better speakers and very funny.

[snooky]

Saw him at a sportsman's dinner.
I kinda got the feeling he was a Hibby just by his general comments - but then again, I might be wrong.
He was very entertaining and a good speaker.

[Aaron]

**** him - I remember when he sent Yogi off at Tynecastle many moons ago when the away end was at Gorgie Road just for ruffling Stephan Pie's hair.

I was a young lad then but I still remember being furious at Robotham. :flag:

[Aldo]

He is now a delivery driver for a company called Allan's. (I think that's the name) Spoke to him quite a few times. Very down to earth and always happy to chat about his days as a ref!!

[hibbiedon]

I know when his grandchild was a Hibs mascot he was very proud and loved his day at easter road, this was after his career every time I have met him he has been really funny and a top bloke

[SunshineOnLeith]

Just been asked to go along to a Masonic do where Mr Robotham is the guest speaker. Not being a freemason myself what does this mean or imply for footballing decisions he may have made? Or does this confirm generally held long standing suspicions re the Scottish game?

Probably means that Mr Robotham now earns money as an after dinner speaker, and that a group of freemasons have hired him to provide services as an after dinner speaker.

[CRAZYHIBBY]

I always liked robotham... Thought he wasa very fair ref

[Lago]

He is now a delivery driver for a company called Allan's. (I think that's the name) Spoke to him quite a few times. Very down to earth and always happy to chat about his days as a ref!!
Totally agree, as I said earlier lives round the corner from me never passes without a hello or a chat. A gentleman.

[CMac1988]

Watched him at a Dalkeith & District Hibs supporters club, Easter Sunday gig. He was one of the better speakers and very funny.

Was there also and thoroughly enjoyed it. Whilst Paul Reid is a highly talented impersonator I must admit that Robothams stint made the night... Especially as I was disappointed with plastic forks and knives to eat haggis of a paper plate. ;)

[Glory Lurker]

He's a dyed-in-the-wool Raith man, is he no? Think I heard too that his family are Hibbies. Whatever, have definitely heard that he's an all-round sound guy.

[Lucius Apuleius]

Exactly, there is a connection in my opinion. Walked into the said venue and the Queen was on the wall followed by three hours of of pro Hun, anti Catholic rhetoric... How did I feel?

There is absolutely no connection between orange and Masonic lodges. Freemasonry is not anti Catholic in any way. However, the further west you go the more Huns you will find in the Masonic. I know nothing of the Orange lodge apart from the dregs if society on their walks and would for obvious reasons actively avoid anywhere one was happening. I have been to a few sportsmans dinners in various venues and have so far failed to witness a hunfest. All monies raised at these events usually going to charity, I consider, based on my own experiences, that they are fine.

[Weststandwanab]

Probably means that Mr Robotham now earns money as an after dinner speaker, and that a group of freemasons have hired him to provide services as an after dinner speaker.

They have


There is absolutely no connection between orange and Masonic lodges. Freemasonry is not anti Catholic in any way. However, the further west you go the more Huns you will find in the Masonic. I know nothing of the Orange lodge apart from the dregs if society on their walks and would for obvious reasons actively avoid anywhere one was happening. I have been to a few sportsmans dinners in various venues and have so far failed to witness a hunfest. All monies raised at these events usually going to charity, I consider, based on my own experiences, that they are fine.

Correct !

[mutley]

I always find it amusing, all the references to masonic this masonic that. Of you look on the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian website, and look at the hobbies and interests of some of the "senior" mason on there, several are season ticket holders at ER

[Lucius Apuleius]

I always find it amusing, all the references to masonic this masonic that. Of you look on the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian website, and look at the hobbies and interests of some of the "senior" mason on there, several are season ticket holders at ER

As have been many of our most famous players.

[ancient hibee]

As have been many of our most famous players.

And owners.

[MrSmith]

There is absolutely no connection between orange and Masonic lodges. Freemasonry is not anti Catholic in any way. However, the further west you go the more Huns you will find in the Masonic. I know nothing of the Orange lodge apart from the dregs if society on their walks and would for obvious reasons actively avoid anywhere one was happening. I have been to a few sportsmans dinners in various venues and have so far failed to witness a hunfest. All monies raised at these events usually going to charity, I consider, based on my own experiences, that they are fine.


spot on! it's a humanist organisation with absolutely no ties to the Orange order.

[mutley]

And owners.

...... And I'm sure there are probably quite a few on here too !

[Septimus]

...... And I'm sure there are probably quite a few on here too !

And why not ?

[Phil D. Rolls]

Apart from the obvious sarcasm in some responses I get he is apparently a recognised "good" after dinner speaker. I think it's the possibility of bigotry and anti Catholic sentiment that dissuades me from going along especially given the venue? We oft times complain about the influence of persuasion on refs and officials (note the comments before our game at Ibrox re strong refs from the club and fans)?


If you think you're going to be offended you probably will be. In fact, I suspect you will be very disappointed if the evening goes off without a hitch.


Exactly, there is a connection in my opinion. Walked into the said venue and the Queen was on the wall followed by three hours of of pro Hun, anti Catholic rhetoric... How did I feel?


Vindicated? Righteously Indignant?

And they kept you prisoner for a full three hours before your torment was over? Any chance you could tell us what they said that was so offensive?

I've never quite understood how a picture of the Queen is offensive to Catholics.


Thanks for this. I would like to keep an open mind on this but I'll advise my friend to stay a away based on previous where I had to sit on my hands all night being subjected to 'Scotland's shame'. To protest against them and on here! Is to be tagged with same sectarian brush! I am a traditional Hibs fan and nothing will change that. Get the Harp on the stand and never forget our proud roots.

:faf:

You could have fooled me.


I always find it amusing, all the references to masonic this masonic that. Of you look on the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian website, and look at the hobbies and interests of some of the "senior" mason on there, several are season ticket holders at ER

I have a friend who is a devout Catholic and friend of STF. He is also a senior Mason. I've never been sure whether to be insulted about his jokes about Protestants, or to be appalled by his jokes about Catholics.

Thats because I don't have a chip on my shoulder about who I am. I don't fall back on my class and religion as being a barrier to what I achieve in life.

[SHODAN]

As have been many of our most famous players.

Gordon Smith being one.