variety is the spice of life, these traditions should be respected, I can't believe the PC brigade want to be more more of a kill joy, on second thought, yes I can.
love life, love difference - football brings different cultures together, so that the differences can be celebrated. of course there are limits, but killing a sheep is what we do every minute of everyday day.
the sheep who was slaughtered in the first match has given more meaning to its life than most sheep in this world can ever imagine.
Champions League: Shakhter boss defends slaughter ritual
Comments (119)
CELTIC V SHAKHTER KARAGANDY (0-2) CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFF ROUND 2ND LEG
Shakhter Karagandy coach Viktor Kumykov is not ruling out sacrificing a sheep again before Wednesday's game against Celtic in Glasgow.
But the Scottish SPCA has warned that any slaughter held outside a licensed premises would be a criminal offence.
Shakhter carried out such a ceremony before the first leg in Kazakhstan.
Asked if his club planned a ceremony for the second leg, Kumykov said: "Possibly, yes. It shouldn't be too difficult finding a sheep in Scotland."
Animal rights group Peta wrote to football governing body Uefa urging president Michel Platini to punish Shakhter after they sacrificed a sheep at the Astana Arena ahead of their 2-0 victory.
And Scotland For Animals urged the public to complain to Celtic in an attempt to prevent a repeat ceremony in Scotland.
Speaking through an interpreter, Kumykov defended the ritual, saying: "All I can say is that every team and every club has its own pre-match traditions and rituals.
"Celtic must have their own. We will try to respect our traditions and those traditions have been in place even before we came to the club."
When quizzed on where he planned to find a sheep, Kumykov replied: "As far as we know, in Scotland the agriculture is very developed, so it shouldn't be an issue to find a sheep."
Shakhter are aiming to be the first club from their nation to reach the group stages of Europe's top competition for club sides.
Kumykov then played down the effects the pre-match ritual had had on the first leg in Kazakhstan.
"Of course this tradition may have certain psychological impact on players that can help them to relax before the game," he said.
"But, obviously, what really matters is on the football pitch, the game and the final score and you know we scored twice in the first-leg and Celtic failed to score - that's what really matters."
However, the Scottish SPCA has contacted Celtic expressing its concern.
"There are strict rules regulating the transport and slaughter of animals in Scotland and it is only permitted in licensed premises," said a spokeswoman.
"Killing a sheep in this way would be a criminal offence and anyone involved could face prosecution.
"We are currently seeking assurance from Celtic Park that no sheep will be allowed on the premises ahead of the match."
love life, love difference - football brings different cultures together, so that the differences can be celebrated. of course there are limits, but killing a sheep is what we do every minute of everyday day.
the sheep who was slaughtered in the first match has given more meaning to its life than most sheep in this world can ever imagine.
Champions League: Shakhter boss defends slaughter ritual
Comments (119)
CELTIC V SHAKHTER KARAGANDY (0-2) CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFF ROUND 2ND LEG
- Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow
- Date: Wednesday, 28 August
- Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Shakhter Karagandy coach Viktor Kumykov is not ruling out sacrificing a sheep again before Wednesday's game against Celtic in Glasgow.
But the Scottish SPCA has warned that any slaughter held outside a licensed premises would be a criminal offence.
Shakhter carried out such a ceremony before the first leg in Kazakhstan.
Asked if his club planned a ceremony for the second leg, Kumykov said: "Possibly, yes. It shouldn't be too difficult finding a sheep in Scotland."
Animal rights group Peta wrote to football governing body Uefa urging president Michel Platini to punish Shakhter after they sacrificed a sheep at the Astana Arena ahead of their 2-0 victory.
And Scotland For Animals urged the public to complain to Celtic in an attempt to prevent a repeat ceremony in Scotland.
“As far as we know, in Scotland the agriculture is very developed, so it shouldn't be an issue to find a sheep”
Viktor KumykovShakhter Karagandy coachSpeaking through an interpreter, Kumykov defended the ritual, saying: "All I can say is that every team and every club has its own pre-match traditions and rituals.
"Celtic must have their own. We will try to respect our traditions and those traditions have been in place even before we came to the club."
When quizzed on where he planned to find a sheep, Kumykov replied: "As far as we know, in Scotland the agriculture is very developed, so it shouldn't be an issue to find a sheep."
Shakhter are aiming to be the first club from their nation to reach the group stages of Europe's top competition for club sides.
Kumykov then played down the effects the pre-match ritual had had on the first leg in Kazakhstan.
"Of course this tradition may have certain psychological impact on players that can help them to relax before the game," he said.
"But, obviously, what really matters is on the football pitch, the game and the final score and you know we scored twice in the first-leg and Celtic failed to score - that's what really matters."
However, the Scottish SPCA has contacted Celtic expressing its concern.
"There are strict rules regulating the transport and slaughter of animals in Scotland and it is only permitted in licensed premises," said a spokeswoman.
"Killing a sheep in this way would be a criminal offence and anyone involved could face prosecution.
"We are currently seeking assurance from Celtic Park that no sheep will be allowed on the premises ahead of the match."
