Mario Puzo's wonderful book The Godfather gave birth to perhaps the definitive gangster in literature. There followed the movie, with the screenplay written by Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola.
The film opens with Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, head of the New York crime family, hearing requests for favours on the day of his daughter's wedding. One of the favours sought is from his godson, singer Johnny Fontane, a character has long been rumoured to have been based on the career of Frank Sinatra. In the film, a "suggestion" is made to movie studio boss Jack Woltz to cast Fontane in a new big budget movie. Woltz refuses. The next morning, Woltz realises his error in crossing the Godfather when he awakes to find the severed head of his prize stallion in his bed.
Michel Platini, head of U.E.F.A. since 2007, is about to hear a suggestion too, I suspect. It won't be to do with a movie yet to be made. It will be about a television broadcast already made. On Tuesday evening, millions around the world sat open mouthed as Celtic's in-house "shoot ourselves in the foot" organisation, the Green Brigade unfurled the latest in a long line of banners which have no place in a civilised society, far less in a football ground.
Over the years, we have all been appalled as these clowns defy decency with banners against their own Chairman, John Reid (because he served in a British Government), against the Poppy logo being sewn on their shirts (because they detest the thought of honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country), their support of the I.R.A. by quoting republican phrases used by that illegal organisation (erm, because they are Scottish; and by definition British) as well as the succinct "Fuck U.E.F.A." (because they won't take a telling).
But, even with the sordid reputation they have, which has resulted in gentle taps on the knuckles from Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell rather than banning orders, how many of the viewing public were shocked as these idiots unfurled a banner displaying convicted IRA terrorist Bobby Sands?
The Green Brigade aren't taking a telling this time either. Despite Peter Lawwell's attempt at damage limitation by condemning the latest stunt, the Green Brigade hit straight back with a diatribe attacking the Scottish Government.
Now, as we know, Peter Lawwell is the 21st Century "Godfather" of Scottish football. He must be, because who else could hold two posts that seem to bear a conflict of interest but he says don't and thereby keeps the posts? Who else could ensure that no employees of his club would ever attract undue negative publicity? For that, over the years Alan Thomson, Neil Lennon or only days ago James Forrest would get off so lightly.
Who else would escape censure for making petty snipes at his greatest rivals on more than one occasion? Perhaps Regan, Smith and the rest were simply not willing to risk a visit from a couple of swarthy types in crombie coats and fedoras.
Like Vito Corleone, Lawwell is a man who makes problems "go away". Remember how he swore he would find and ban the eejit who threw a lighter at Fernando Ricksen? Remember how he announced he would find and tear up the season ticket of the lout who invaded the field of play and throw a slap at AC Milan keeper Dida? Remember how he promised to ban the culprits for the shameful 'bloodstained' poppy fiasco? They all went away. Not the culprits, obviously, because Celtic need the money. What went away was the public outcry at the antics of the Celtic support.
If Ajax were punished so swiftly for their fans displaying a "Fenian Bastards" banner, I can't see any reason why Celtic won't be hammered just as quickly for their support displaying a banner which glorified the memory of a man who was responsible by thought and deed for the murder of British men, women and children.
Strangely, I can find no condemnation from U.E.F.A. about the disgusting chants made to Ajax coach Frank de Boer, presumably because he briefly played for Rangers almost ten years ago.
Peter Lawwell has Michel Platini's phone number. He will be contacting Platini with a "suggestion". The Frenchman would do well to heed the words of the Godfather.
If Platini wakes up one night to find he is sharing his bed with a horse's head, we will know who to blame.