Apr 30, 2008 / 23:08 pm
A Scottish soccer team could be censured after a player displayed a shirt that said “God Bless the Pope” in a post-game victory celebration, the BBC reports.
The Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc, whom fans call the “Holy Goalie,” wore the shirt on the field after his team won a 3-2 victory over the Rangers. The shirt displayed a picture of the late Pope John Paul II and the phrase “God Bless the Pope”.
Under FIFA’s international soccer rules, players must not reveal undershirts that contain slogans or advertising.
The Scottish Premier League is considering a report on the incident, but the BBC reports any action against Boruc is unlikely. If Boruc’s action is deemed to have caused fan problems, his team could be censured.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan did not think his player’s shirt was a cause for concern.
"If it was 'God bless Myra Hindley', I might have a problem," said Strachan, referring to an English child murderess.
In the past, Boruc has been disciplined for less pious actions on and off the field.
The goalie was also cautioned for disturbing the peace when he made gestures at Rangers fans in February 2006. Police insisted that the caution issued to Boruc was not for blessing himself, as some had claimed.
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