Celtic Submari - A new model of football relationships

by Sandy Jamieson

This is the story of how a group of Spaniards in the small town of Villarreal have developed a New Model of Football Relationships based on affection and respect rather than hatred and bitterness. They were inspired to do so by the magnificent example of the behaviour of the 10,000 Celtic supporters who invaded Vila-real in 2004. One Vila-real resident, Ernesto Boixader, an ex Villarreal CF player, was so impressed with the behaviour of the Celtic supporters, that he determined the example shown to Vila-real of how to behave, should be built upon. He formed the Villarreal Celtic Submari Penya (Supporters Club) to imitate the Celtic behaviour. Part of his motivation was related to the very recent death of his son Ernest from cancer. The Celtic Submari is Ernest’s memorial. The Celtic Submari is not a Celtic Supporters club. Rather it is a Villarreal CF Supporters club named in honour of Celtic and “dedicated to implementing the best Celtic virtues of friendship, respect, and practical help for those in need.” It has implemented a new model of football relationships based not on traditional lines of hate and bitterness but on more positive values of respect and affection. It has also raised a great deal of money for children’s charities, in Spain and Scotland. Celtic Submari implements its motto “Rivals for 90 minutes, Friends for Always”, offering food, drink, and companionship to visiting supporters before and after every game. This new model has been implemented not only in a sustained friendly relationship with Celtic, but with every club Villarreal encounter in Spain and in Europe. The two contrasting Old Firm visits to Vila-real are used to illustrate the undeniable reality that Celtic supporters have a much better record of behaviour abroad than Rangers supporters. The book explores the cultural and social reasons for this reality, and a theory is offered as explanation. “Celtic Submari” highlights the lessons for Scottish Football of this New Model. It explores how Celtic and Rangers supporters can be helped to move from the sectarian bitterness that too often mars modern Scottish football towards a more healthy model based on Celtic Submari principles. “Celtic Submari” is a book as much about people, goodness and the importance of helping other people, as it is about football. It examines how football can be a force for good in the world. It offers an alternative model of football relationships, and offers solutions to the sectarian bitterness and hate that has always bedevilled much of Scottish football. It is a unique book that is likely to take its place amongst modern football classics as an example of the power of football when in the hands of good people. In the words of one review “Celtic Submari is an uplifting example of how exceptional people have built on an example provided by Celtic supporters, to create a model of how football supporters can relate positively to each other to make the world a happier and better place.”

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2011