Celtic boot out fanclub in Larsson 'IRA tribute' row

Sunday Mirror, Oct 7, 2001 by CRAIG McGILL

CELTIC have banned a supporters' club which duped player Henrik Larsson into meeting with the son of an IRA volunteer.

The Sunday Mirror revealed last month that in 1999 an Irish Celtic supporters club, the Sean McIlvenna CSC, conned the Swedish striker into meeting Sean Og McIlvenna, a son of an IRA volunteer who took part in planting bombs.

Sean Og's father, Sean McIlvenna, was shot dead after taking part in a bomb attack on December 17, 1984.

He was killed while trying to escape after detonating a land mine which blew up an RUC Land Rover.

He was intercepted and killed in an ensuing gun battle.

Neither the club nor Larsson were told how Sean died.

A picture of the meeting between the striker and the boy has been displayed on the supporter club's website which also has links to IRA and pro-republican sites.

After learning of this, the club asked for the picture to be removed, which has not happened, and was considering further action.

They have now suspended the supporters' club from using their 10 season books, which have a combined value of over pounds 4,000.

A Celtic spokeswoman said: "Celtic will not tolerate actions and language that seek to promote racism and sectarianism.

"While we respect an individual's right to freedom of speech, it is for this reason the Club can no longer permit any Celtic supporters club named after political parties or political figures to hold season tickets."

A spokesman for Sean McIlvenna CSC, who asked not to be named, said: "They've been happy to take our money until now and in effect they are still taking our money as they are not letting us use seats that we have paid for.

"One person has argued that our European rights to free political expression are being violated, but that may be taking things a bit far. We hope that we can sort something out with the club soon, though."