BBC Scotland broadcaster and lifelong Hearts supporter condemns embarrassing songs at Celtic Park as Scottish football’s sectarian problem faces fresh scrutiny.

Celtic’s magnificent 7-1 demolition of Hearts should have been the only humiliation facing the Edinburgh club on Sunday. Unfortunately, according to one of their own most recognisable supporters, something far uglier was unfolding in the away end at Celtic Park.

BBC Scotland broadcaster and lifelong Hearts supporter Martin Geissler took to X following the match to condemn what he had heard from sections of his own club’s support.

And his words were absolutely damning.

Geissler’s Devastating Verdict

Geissler wrote:

“Some grim songs coming out of the Hearts support today. I was there, it was excruciating and humiliating. A small, small section of our support as a whole but vocal and well represented today. Proud to support the club I’ve always loved but get that stuff out. It’s awful.”

That is not a Celtic supporter settling scores. It is a Hearts fan publicly expressing his embarrassment at the behaviour of fellow supporters.

He was there. He heard it. And he was disgusted.

Geissler did not identify the specific songs, but his condemnation raises a question Scottish football cannot keep avoiding: why should supporters have to endure offensive chanting simply because some people regard it as football tradition?

The Ugly Connection With Rangers

There is a wider issue here, and Rangers cannot escape scrutiny.

For decades, sectarian singing has stained sections of the Rangers support. The Billy Boys, with its notorious anti-Catholic language, has become one of the most recognisable examples of that disgraceful culture.

The Famine Song, associated with the words “Why Don’t You Go Home”, has also caused serious controversy because of its anti-Irish message.

These are not harmless football songs. They are reminders of a poisonous sectarian mentality that has no legitimate place in a modern sporting environment.

Sections of the Hearts support have also faced criticism over sectarian chanting historically. That does not mean every Hearts or Rangers supporter shares those attitudes. It means those who indulge in such behaviour deserve to be challenged, without excuses.

Where Is the Consistent Condemnation?

Scottish football’s authorities and broadcasters should be prepared to confront offensive chanting with the same determination they show when condemning other forms of supporter misconduct.

Why should broadcasters hear sectarian language and simply continue as though nothing has happened?

Why should clubs be allowed to hide behind vague statements about unacceptable behaviour without demonstrating what action follows?

And why should decent supporters, including people like Geissler, have to feel ashamed of the company they keep in a football stadium?

This is not about defending Celtic supporters regardless of their conduct. Any Celtic fan engaging in discriminatory abuse should face precisely the same scrutiny.

The standard must be consistent.

Geissler Has Shown the Way

Credit where it is due: Martin Geissler refused to look the other way.

His willingness to challenge his own support carries considerably more weight than the usual tribal finger-pointing.

Hearts were comprehensively beaten on the pitch. But the embarrassment Geissler described goes beyond a football result.

Rangers, Hearts and every other Scottish club should be clear about one thing: sectarian abuse is not heritage, passion or tradition.

It is a disgrace.

And Scottish football has tolerated excuses for far too long.