Artur Boruc
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225735043
2008-07-15T03:49:34Z
Chanheigeorge
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{{Expand|date=September 2007}}
{{Infobox Football biography
| playername = Artur Boruc
| image = [[Image:Artur Boruc.jpg|center]]
| fullname = Artur Boruc
| dateofbirth = {{birth date and age|1980|2|20}}
| cityofbirth = [[Siedlce]]
| countryofbirth = [[Poland]]
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}
| currentclub = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| clubnumber = 1
| position = [[Goalkeeper (football)|Goalkeeper]]
| years = 1998–99<br>1999–2005<br>2000<br>2005<br />2005–
| clubs = Pogoń Siedlce<br>[[Legia Warsaw|Legia Warszawa]]<br>→ [[Dolcan Ząbki]] ''(loan)''<br>→ [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (loan)<br> [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| caps(goals) = {{0}}12 (0)<br>69 (1)<br>{{0}}? (?)<br>{{0}}9 (0)<br>91 (0)
| nationalyears = 2004–
| nationalteam = [[Poland national football team|Poland]]
| nationalcaps(goals) = 37 (0)
| pcupdate = 14:00 [[June 25]] [[2008]]
| ntupdate = 14:00, [[June 25]], [[2008]]
}}
'''Artur Boruc''' ([[Wikibooks:Polish/Polish pronunciation|pron.]] {{IPA2|ˈartur ˈbɔruts}}; born [[February 20]], [[1980]] in [[Siedlce]]) is a [[Poland|Polish]] [[football (soccer)]] player. He is a [[goalkeeper (football)|goalkeeper]] for [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] and also represents the [[Poland national football team]].
== Club career ==
=== In Poland ===
Boruc began his career in 1998 at Pogoń Siedlce, in his hometown. The next season he joined [[Legia Warsaw|Legia Warszawa]], initially playing for the reserve team, as well as being loaned out for half a season to [[Dolcan Ząbki]].
In March 2002, Boruc played his first league match for Legia. In the second half of the 2002/03 season he established himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper.
In June 2004, Boruc scored his only goal for the club, converting a penalty kick in a home game against [[Widzew Łódź]] (final score: 6–0) and then celebrated by waving the corner flag.<ref>{{pl icon}} [http://www.90minut.pl/mecz.php?id_mecz=87978 Legia Warszawa 6–0 Widzew Łódź], ''90minut.pl''</ref>
=== In Scotland ===
On [[July 20]] [[2005]], he signed with Celtic from the Polish club [[Legia Warsaw|Legia Warszawa]]. The deal was initially a year's loan, with an option to make it permanent. It has since been made permanent, with Boruc penning a 3½-year deal with Celtic until 2009. On [[January 5]] [[2008]], it was reported that Boruc had signed a new contract with Celtic keeping him at the club until 2011.<ref>{{pl icon}} [http://arturboruc.com/news.php?id=1253 Boruc podpisał nowy kontrakt!], ''ArturBoruc.com'', [[5 January]] [[2008]]</ref>
On [[November 21]], [[2006]], in a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] match against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] at [[Celtic Park]], Boruc helped Celtic through to the knockout stage of the competition by saving [[Louis Saha]]'s 89th-minute penalty. He was named player of the month for December 2006 in the [[Scottish Premier League]], a very uncommon event for a goalkeeper. His form was also recognised with a nomination for the [[Scottish PFA Players' Player of the Year|Scottish PFA's player of the year]] award for 2007.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/6548113.stm Celtic dominate awards shortlist], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[12 April]] [[2007]]; retrieved [[14 April]] [[2007]]</ref> Celtic were drawn against [[Russia]]n champions [[FC Spartak Moscow]] in the third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League 2007–08. The tie ended in a [[penalty shootout]], with Artur Boruc saving twice to ensure Celtic's passage to the next round.
== International career ==
Boruc' debut for [[Poland national football team|Poland]] came on [[April 28]], [[2004]] in a friendly against [[Ireland national football team|Ireland]], the match ending in a goalless draw. To date Boruc has made a total of 37 appearances for his country.
=== World Cup 2006 ===
He was selected to the 23-men national squad for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] finals held in [[Germany]]. He had been battling with [[Tomasz Kuszczak]] and also [[Lukasz Fabianski]] for the starting slot, but was first-choice goalkeeper during the World Cup.
=== Euro 2008 ===
Boruc was named in Poland's [[Euro 2008]] squad, starting their first game against Germany, holding his place through to the important second game against co-hosts Austria in which the Poles conceded a penalty in the 92nd minute to draw the game. In the same match he saved all three shots by the Austrians leading to a one to one final score.
==Controversy==
On [[August 25]], [[2006]] he was cautioned by the [[Strathclyde Police]] for a [[breach of the peace]] for making gestures in front of [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] fans before a game earlier that year.<ref name="Herald20060827">
[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20060827/ai_n16697238 Anger grows over police caution for Boruc's blessing], ''[[Sunday Herald]]'', [[August 27]] [[2006]]</ref> According to the ''[[Sunday Herald]]'', "police reports highlighted three hand gestures made by 26-year-old Boruc … a [[V sign]] at the crowd, another obscene gesture at the crowd and a [[blessing]]". The gestures were not caught on video and the [[police caution|caution]] was issued on the basis of police reports and [[witness]] statements.<ref name="Herald20060827"/> This incident has led to him attaining the nickname "The Holy Goalie".<ref>[http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2087199.0.If_fans_give_it_they_must_be_able_to_take_it.php ‘If fans give it, they must be able to take it’], ''[[The Herald]]'', [[March 3]] [[2008]]</ref>
The [[Procurator Fiscal]] said Boruc "was seen by members of the public and police officers to bless himself. Witnesses describe him smiling or laughing at a Rangers section of the crowd and making 'come on' gestures. This action appeared to incense a section of the crowd to react in such a way that police officers and security personnel had to become involved to calm the situation. The police reported that it took 10 minutes to restore normality in the crowd."<ref>[http://www.copfs.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/08/28140026 Football and the Law], ''[[Crown Office]] and [[Procurator Fiscal]] Service'', August 2006</ref> According to a cross-party [[working group]] of the [[Scottish Parliament]], "the sign of the cross in itself is an expression of the Roman Catholic faith; however, using it to alarm, upset or provoke others might be a breach of the peace at [[common law]]."<ref>[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002/12/15892/14533 Report of cross-party working group on religious hatred], ''[[Scottish Government]]'', [[December 5]] [[2002]]</ref>
The [[Roman Catholic Church]] condemned the legal action, however, expressing regret that "[[Scotland]] seems to have made itself one of the few countries in the world where this simply religious gesture is considered an offence."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/27/religion.scotland Storm as goalkeeper pays Sign of the Cross penalty], ''[[The Observer]]'', [[August 27]] [[2006]]</ref> Following extensive press comment, the [[Crown Office]] issued a statement on [[28 August]] [[2006]] stressing that the "very limited" action had been taken against Boruc for gestures made toward Rangers supporters rather than for crossing himself, and that it would not take action against individuals for "acts of religious observance".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/5292656.stm Player caution 'not for blessing'], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[28 August]] [[2006]]</ref> According to [[BBC News Online]], the caution "brought the issue of [[sectarianism]] in Scotland back into sharp focus."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/5289202.stm A rivalry tied up in religion], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[26 August]] [[2006]]</ref> The Roman Catholic Church welcomed the Crown Office's clarification of the limited action taken against Boruc, particularly the statement that it "did not in any way refer to the act of blessing himself".<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070714081957/http://www.swiftstuff.com/archives/2006/08/statement_from.shtml Statement from Bishop Devine], ''Scottish Christian Monitor'' (via the [[Internet Archive]]), [[August 28]], [[2006]]</ref>
On [[December 17]], [[2006]] Boruc again crossed himself during his first Old Firm game since the caution, drawing "a roar" from the Rangers fans behind his goal.<ref name="scotsman20061218">[http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Celtic-keeper-makes-Rangers-fans.2835999.jp Celtic keeper makes Rangers fans cross], ''[[The Scotsman]]'', [[18 December]] [[2006]]</ref><ref>{{YouTube|f-zAFWGu-gc|Scotland's not-so-secret shame}}, [[December 17]], [[2006]]</ref> A spokesman for Celtic defended his gesture, stating "the police have said they have no problem with Artur Boruc in this regard and neither does Celtic Football Club."<ref name="scotsman20061218"/>
On [[May 5]], [[2007]], Boruc ran across the pitch at [[Ibrox Stadium]] waving a flag proclaiming Celtic as SPL Champions. [[Strathclyde Police]] said that "No criminal act has occurred, but we will be addressing the matter to Celtic and the Scottish Premier League."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/6631681.stm SFA probes Boruc's flag-waving], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[9 May]] [[2007]]</ref> This incident was the fifth time in 16 months that Boruc has been accused of provoking opposition fans.<ref>[http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_headline=boruc-flagged-down-by-police%26method=full%26objectid=19052391%26siteid=64736-name_page.html Boruc flagged down by police], ''[[Sunday Mail]]'', [[May 6]] [[2007]]</ref> Boruc was then caught on camera on [[September 23]], [[2007]] waving towards [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] fans. However, no action was taken against him.<ref>[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/scottish-football/spl-football/2007/09/25/artur-boruc-won-t-face-rap-over-gesture-86908-19842497/ Artur Boruc won't face rap over gesture], ''[[The Daily Record]]'', [[September 25]] [[2007]]</ref>
Boruc was again in the media spotlight following the Rangers–Celtic clash on [[October 20]], [[2007]] for refusing to shake hands with opposing players after the match. Boruc told the Polish newspaper ''[[Gazeta Wyborcza]]'' that they had "provoked" and "offended" him during the game.<ref>[http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_2819236,00.html No love lost for Boruc], ''[[Sky Sports News]]'', [[23 October]] [[2007]]</ref>
On [[March 2]] [[2008]], Boruc was again the centre of controversy when he received a booking shortly after the final whistle in the 2–0 win against Hibernian. Boruc was punished for alleged incitement by "waving and smiling cheekily at the Hibs supporters".<ref>[http://sport.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Arturs-antics-put-Strachan-on.3834382.jp Artur's antics put Strachan on the defensive], ''[[Scotland on Sunday]]'', [[2 March]] [[2008]]</ref>
On [[April 27]] [[2008]], after Celtic's win over [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] at Celtic Park, Boruc took off his top revealing t-shirt with a picture of [[Pope John Paul II]] and the slogan "God bless The Pope". <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7370125.stm SPL receives Boruc t-shirt report], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[April 30]] [[2008]]</ref> However, match referee Craig Thomson dismissed claims that Boruc' intention had been to antagonise Rangers fans, highlighting the fact that the keeper did not approach them so that they could see the shirt.<ref>[http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2323269.0.Scotlands_man_in_Zurich_knows_all_about_Artur.php Scotland’s man in Zurich knows all about Artur], ''The Herald'', [[6 June]] [[2008]]</ref>
== Club Honours ==
*[[Scottish Premier League]]: [[Scottish Premier League 2005-06|2006]], [[Scottish Premier League 2006-07|2007]], [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2008]]
*[[Scottish League Cup]]: [[2006]]
*[[Scottish Cup]]: [[2007]]
== Personal life ==
Boruc is a [[Legia Warsaw|Legia Warszawa]] fan. He attends matches whenever he is in Poland.<ref>[http://icscotland.icnetwork.co.uk/sport/spl/celticfc/tm_headline=boruc-s-war-cry-for-his-heroes&method=full&objectid=18927724&siteid=50141-name_page.html Boruc's war cry for his heroes], ''icScotland'', [[April 19]] [[2007]]</ref> He makes the L sign using his thumb and index finger to show his love for the Polish side. He is also a member of Legia Warsaw Supporters Association ({{lang-pl|Stowarzyszenie Kibiców Legii Warszawa}}) and helps supporters in their conflict with the club's authorities.
On [[April 21]], [[2007]] he saved a 27-year-old pregnant [[Poles|Polish]] woman, her sister and brother-in-law when they were attacked in Glasgow <ref>[http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_headline=exclusive%2D-celtic-star%2Ds-thug-fury%26method=full%26objectid=18942870%26siteid=64736-name_page.html Exclusive: Celtic star's thug fury], ''[[Sunday Mail]]'', [[April 22]] [[2007]]</ref>
On [[June 11]], [[2008]] Boruc's wife Katarzyna (also known as [[Diminutive#Polish|Kasia]]) gave birth to their son, Aleks, in [[Warsaw]].<ref>[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/06/12/baby-joy-for-celtic-goalkeeper-artur-boruc-86908-20603899/ Baby joy for Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc], ''Daily Record'', [[June 12]] [[2008]]</ref> <ref>[http://arturboruc.com/oarturze.php O Arturze], ''Artur Boruc' official website''</ref>
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
* [http://www.arturboruc.com Official website]
* {{soccerbase|id=28660|name=Artur Boruc}}
* [http://pzpn.pl/a_kadra.php?oid=57985 Artur Boruc' national team stats] on the website of the [[Polish Football Association]] {{pl icon}}
* [http://www.90minut.pl/kariera.php?id=2624 Polish league stats] {{pl icon}}
* [http://www.sundayherald.com/57581 Anger grows over police caution for Boruc’s blessing], ''[[Sunday Herald]]'', [[27 August]] [[2006]]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/6631681.stm Police report Boruc flag-waving], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[7 May]] [[2007]]
{{Poland Squad 2006 World Cup}}
{{Poland Squad 2008 Euro Cup}}
{{Celtic F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boruc, Artur}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Polish Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Poland international footballers]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League players]]
[[Category:Legia Warszawa players]]
[[Category:Celtic F.C. players]]
[[Category:Football (soccer) goalkeepers]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Polish expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2008 players]]
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