The usual suspects have been having a whinge at Slugger (and I'm sure on plenty of Celtic supporters websites too) about how "sectarian" Northern Ireland fans are after yesterday's match with Wales. Perhaps they prefer to focus on Northern Ireland's match because the Republic's victory over Cyprus was (apparently) so unconvincing - anyway: I can't help but wonder about something.

What evidence have they for accusations that Northern Ireland fans are anti-catholic? Well.. erm... some of them booed the Welsh anthem (legitimately IMHO) in retaliation for Welsh booing over God Save the Queen in Cardiff. Oh and they booed John Hartson, a man who has been described as "A thug masquerading as a footballer," and who gets booed in many more grounds than just Windsor Park for just that reason.

Follow up:

On one hand I'm pissed off that these detractors are so determined to justify their hatred for Northern Ireland that they make up reasons, but at the same time I suppose I should be glad they have to make them up.

5 years ago, the same people would have been (rightly) complaining about repeated singing of The Sash and the Billy Boys. Now all they have to complain about regarding the Norn Iron faithful is one rendition of Rule Britannia. I wonder where it will end...