ELITE sport—especially on display at large-scale televised events—can provide a site for social, political and ideological messaging, including in the form of promotion, support, dissent or opposition.

CELTIC'S failure to complete the very achievable task of finding a way past Kairat Almaty leaves supporters with the prospect of an unappealing season in the Europa League and Sunday fixtures to contend with, but the most serious effects will come off the park.