Paul Quigley- a giant emerges from the Celtic Fans Collective

Outside of a few small circles few Celtic fans had heard of Paul Quigley.

That state of play changed dramatically on Wednesday. The Celtic Fans Collective published minutes of a meeting held between Celtic and Police Scotland to discuss the Fairhurst Review.

The Fairhurst Report was the deflection exercise ordered by Celtic following the kettling of fans trying to attend the Glasgow Derby on March 16.

In what was clearly a well planned move Police Scotland detained around 500 fans on London Road.

Denying them access to the match. A cross section of fans had to go without water or toilet facilities as Police Scotland enacted a Section 60 Order.

London Road was closed off, thousands of Celtic fans were inconvenienced, forced to take alternative routes, parking away from their usual slots for a match kicking off at 12 noon.

QUIGLEY AND THE COLLECTIVE STEPS IN

Celtic appear to have paid lip service to the incident. Similar to their reaction to the crushing under the North Stand in September 2017.

The Fairhurst Review seemed to have been kicked into the long grass by Celtic, somewhere behind the summer 2024 Fans Survey.

At the start of September 100 Celtic fan groups got together. Seven questions were asked of Celtic in an open letter, one of them was about the Fairhurst Review.

Soon afterwards Celtic decided to invite their favoured fan groups to see the Fairhurst Review. They declined and suggested that it was an issue for the Collective. Tea and biscuits are no longer enough.

On December 2 Quigley was given one days notice of a meeting between Celtic and Police Scotland to discuss the Fairhurst Review.

Celtic had Michael Nicholson, Mark Hargreaves and George Campbell present. Quigley was on his own, the Collective was denied a second representative. Quigley had to contribute and take notes at the same time. He did a remarkable job.

Celtic and Police Scotland seemed to expect a rubber stamping job.

THE UNDERWHELMING MICHAEL NICHOLSON

Fans and in particular the Green Brigade were the root of all problems. Further sanctions applied with a token admission that lessons could be learned, things could have been handled better.

Much like the standard excuses dished out after the transfer window failings.

Quigley wasn’t going to be part of that.

He challenged every assumption.

When Police Scotland made a claim he asked for evidence or precedents. There was virtually nothing to justify the actions taken.

The December scenes in Glasgow city centre before a match at Hampden were used to justify actions taken for a fixture at Celtic Park where 85% of the fans attending were Season Ticket holders.

QUIGLEY CHALLENGES

Two completely different scenarios. Quigley challenged every answer given by Police Scotland. He was the best briefed person in the room. There seemed to be little enthusiasm from anyone else present.

The minutes didn’t present Nicholson in a positive light. Fan reactions ranged from describing the Celtic CEO as an empty suit to a wet wipe.

Four years in the job his leadership skills are still a closely guarded secret.

There are reasons why he is kept away from cameras and questions.

Last week’s Lennoxtown walk-around with Wilfried Nancy confirmed how underwhelming the ‘leading sports lawyer’ really is. Anyone in doubt should check out Friday’s four minute interview with Gerry McCulloch.

On January 3 Celtic Park hosts another Glasgow Derby. It is unlikely that the Green Brigade ban will be lifted.

Celtic fans are watching the inactivity of the club closely. In a few months time a charm offensive will be launched for Season Ticket renewals. It is likely to be more offensive than charm.

Supporters renewing for the 26/27 season know exactly what to expect under Nicholson’s leadership.