Some Celtic fans have been fuming at the latest tweet that Tom English relayed on social media recently.
English shared a tweet that was originally put out by BBC Sport Scotland recently and it talked about how the SPFL has held a ‘positive initial discussion’ with James Anderson about the businessman potentially giving financial support to the 42 clubs in the Scottish football pyramid.
English quote-tweeted this information from BBC Scotland. He said that it is ‘nice’ to see the SPFL having ‘learned’ about how to use a phone. He said that Hearts owner Ann Budge had received criticism when she mentioned the possibility of receiving financial aid from a ‘philanthropist’ such as Anderson.
The journalist’s tweet attracted a lot of Celtic fans. They didn’t like his apparent anti-SPFL stance.
Whereas you attacked Neil Doncaster etc yesterday without knowing if there had been contact all ?
— gerry (@gerrybhoy007) June 1, 2020
Do you think Tom English has an anti-Celtic agenda?
Yes, absolutely!
I don't think so
Have you found the evidence yet that would have meant the instant suspension of two men from their jobs?
— Max Heder (@Mibbeesayes) June 2, 2020
Humiliating.
— Davie Hay 10 In A Row (@DavieHay10) June 1, 2020
Tom, you really are becoming a little tedious if not a touch embarrassing… remember you represent the BBC not Ann Budge or hearts. Balanced reporting would be good. ?
— John mulgrew (@JonnMulgrew) June 1, 2020
While talking to Radio Scotland’s Sportsound (via Edinburgh News), Budge had also criticised the SPFL for lacking leadership and for putting all the burden of the league reconstruction on her shoulders. She had called Anderson’s potential help for the Scottish clubs an ‘amazing philanthropic gesture’ but said that the running of the SPFL isn’t ‘decisive’ enough.
Many other Celtic fans flocked to English’s tweet too. They criticised English, while some also expressed their dislike for Budge.
If he wants to do why do they have to go through Anne Budge? What’s it got to do with her? Is it conditional to her agenda? Sounds like there is more to it! Call me a cynic!
— The BhoyW (@BigTfromHalfway) June 2, 2020
@TEnglishSport I like you as a journalist. I genuinely think you are good at your job and generally cover our game well. But it’s been hard not to conclude that you have taken the interview with ND where he rubbished your claims quite personally.
— Jon boy (@jonnyablett91) June 1, 2020
You’re desperate for a result Tom – as long as you can beat Doncaster over the head with it.
— JHB (@JH1949B) June 1, 2020
English’s anti-SPFL stance has been clear from his tweets in the past. He was also backing Rangers in their independent investigation against the SPFL and some of his tweets show that too.
This shows why Celtic fans don’t have a liking for the BBC journalist. His apparent anti-SPFL stance saw him go against Celtic before the Premiership was cancelled and that has given Celtic fans a reason to criticise him.