Ex-Hibs hero Kenny back in class to tackle sectarianism

Published on Thursday 4 June 2009 09:35

AS ONE of the few footballers to play for both Rangers and Celtic, Kenny Miller has a unique insight into Scotland's sectarian divide. Now the former Musselburgh Grammar pupil has returned to his old school to congratulate teenagers on their work to overcome prejudice.

Miller presented prizes to eight pupils who had designed posters and written poems on the theme of sectarianism.

He also met former teachers for the first time since he left school in 1996.

The 29-year-old striker, who started his playing career at Hibs, said: "Sectarianism is always an issue that's going to be there. It's one the SFA and players are working hard to tackle.

"Luckily I haven't really come across it as a player – I think it's nothing like as bad as it was 15 or 20 years ago. Obviously people are passionate about football, but a small minority take it too far."

He said he was impressed by the pupils' work. Forty of them had visited Ibrox and Parkhead to see at first hand what the clubs were doing to combat sectarianism.

He said: "I think it's great to learn about this at a young age. Hopefully they will remember this when they are older."

He chatted to pupils and presented prizes to the eight winners, before a reception.

Miller also recalled how his former headteacher Terry Christie – also once manager of Stenhousemuir – had encouraged him.

"It's a bit weird coming back – it's all changed since I was here. It's a lot better now. But I was always more interested in playing football than anything else!"

Hayley Johnston, 14, who designed the winning poster and poem, said the issue is one close to her heart, as her mother is Catholic and her father Protestant.

She said: "I've had an insight into both religions, and my parents gave me a lot of ideas. They decided not to christen me, because they wanted me to make up my own mind.

"I didn't realise what a big issue it was until I went to Glasgow. It was really interesting to visit Celtic and Rangers, and see what they were doing to stop it."

The school was given Scottish Government funding for the project, which involved the religious education, art and English departments. The other winning pupils were Jay Harkness, William Benn, Amanda Price, Sam Elliot, Lewis Marshall and Emma Rafferty.

Brian Richardson, the principal teacher of modern studies, who co-ordinated the project, said: "Sectarianism is an issue that affects them mainly through football. A lot of pupils support either Celtic or Rangers.

"They've been learning about the similarities between the religions. We're trying to dispel the ignorance, and hopefully the message will spread."