(by TheHumanTorpedo)
Both of these influences were fundamental in shaping the ethos of the club but they were just part of mix which also included socialism and a humanitarian desire that all men should be regarded equal. These ingredients ensured that from its earliest days Celtic employed a philosophy which was perfectly summarised by Wille Maley when he said: ‘It is not his creed nor his nationality which counts -it’s the man himself.’
It is perhaps this more than anything which separates Celtic from Rangers.
For a club of Irish and Catholic roots, one which represented a community which faced hatred and discrimination on a daily basis, it would have been all so easy in those early days to opt to become a closed shop. To follow the sectarian policy of the early Hibernian. Indeed some in the club pressed for such a policy. But the founding fathers of Celtic resisted such temptations, viewing them as alien to the principles of the club. This, they insisted, would be a club open to all.
By the 1930s Willie Maley could proudly boast of how his club had not just been home to many protestant players but also to Jews, Muslims and those of no faith. Whatever your faith, or your nationality in the eyes of the Celtic support the equation was a simple one – a Celt is a Celt.
While the ‘No Catholics’ signs remained in place at Ibrox the largely Catholic-Irish Celtic support were turning up at Parkhead every Saturday to worship at the feet of men who shared neither their faith or links to Ireland. Off the pitch Celtic’s attacking and exciting football won many supporters who were neither Catholic or Irish. They simply enjoyed good football and recognised the inclusive nature of Celtic Football Club. Their passion and love for the club would be and is as whole-hearted, resilient and as genuine as anyone from an Irish or Catholic background.
In a feeble attempt to convince others that the their club has finally turned its back on sectarianism Rangers fans like to list the names of their Catholic players. To do so misses the point entirely. Ask most Celtic fans to produce a similar list of non-Catholics who have played for the Bhoys and they would struggle because most simply don’t know or care what faith their hero follows.
Willie Maley said that Celtic Park was a place where a man was judged on football alone. Long may it continue.