Taylor backs social media boycott idea
GREG TAYLOR last night welcomed Celtic’s decision to join Scottish football’s social media boycott and admitted he had been stunned by the “untold” abuse that has been directed at the Parkhead club’s players.
The Glasgow giants announced on Wednesday night that they would switch off all of their social media platforms from 3pm yesterday until midnight on Monday.
The move follows a rise in online attacks on footballers and is intended to put pressure on companies like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to address the growing problem.
Former Kilmarnock left back Taylor, who was signed from Rugby Park back in 2019, has been taken aback at the level of bile that is aimed at anyone involved with Celtic and feels it is a necessary step.
“The club’s statement was really strong and well worded,” he said. “It has to happen. There have been untold amounts of abuse throughout, to players, staff, fans, whatever.
“This was important to hopefully try and put a stop to that. Everyone within the club is on board with it.”
Taylor added: “I am only on Instagram. It isn’t quite as toxic as some of the other platforms. I try and stay off as much as I can. I keep it to a minimum.”
“When you are at a massive club there are going to be more opinions, whether it is media, social media, whatever. There is more scrutiny. But there is also more praise when things are going well.
“You can’t get too high with the highs and too low with the lows. If you keep social media to a bar minimum and focus on yourself and your close circle then you won’t go too far wrong.”
Taylor is focusing fully on helping Celtic beat Rangers in tomorrow’s Premiership match at Ibrox – and getting called up by Scotland manager Steve Clarke for the Euro 2020 finals.
The defender is confident that if he and his team mate
It has to happen. There have been untold amounts of abuse, to players, staff, fans, whatever
James Forrest can do well this weekend and then against St Johnstone and Hibernian they can get the nod after it emerged competing nations will have 26 man squads.
“That is in the back of all of the Scottish boys’ minds,” he said. “It is a massive summer. We haven’t been involved in a tournament for so many years. It isn’t one you want to miss out on.
“So if there is a place there to try and be a part of that t would be a massive honour. Something you want to desperately try and give yourself the best chance for.
“James is a top player. He has been a massive player for Celtic for a number of years. If we can get a fit James Forrest it is a massive asset.”
“We have got nine more points to play for in the season and it is important to try and deliver nine, not to give up any of them. That starts with Sunday. The aim is of course to get three points.”