Celtic supporters will have received two text messages and an email from Celtic in the last hour or so with important information for Celtic supporters attending this evening’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park.
Front and centre is this message about pyrotechnics and other such devices which clearly illustrates the point that supporters have been reminded that these items are absolutely prohibited with Celtic stressing again the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics which are a serious risk to spectator safety.
Is this where we are heading?
“Celtic encourages our supporters to support the team positively. The possession and use of fireworks, smoke bombs, firecrackers and all pyrotechnics are absolutely prohibited. Again, we stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics, which are a serious risk to spectator safety.
“The club and its supporters are rightly proud of our reputation and we encourage all supporters to help foster this reputation at this fixture.”
Ahead of the match against Lazio we had good reason to warn the support against using pyros as our information was clear, and that the matter was going to be brought to a head either by Celtic themselves or because it was taken out of their hands by UEFA with a partial closure of a stand, presumably the North Curve but maybe a wider area.
That would penalise supporters who have NOT used these devices and that is a very real concern. Indeed Celtic’s third home match against Feyenoord in December could be vital to keep the club involved in European football after Christmas and to give the team the best possible chance we need to have to be at our 60,000 capacity inside Paradise.
Pyros were used at the Lazio game and another fine (at best) is coming Celtic’s way. If there are fireworks, smoke bombs, firecrackers or pyrotechnics used inside Celtic Park this evening then it seems certain that Celtic will act and UEFA might too.
By their purely selfish acts these ”supporters” calling themselves The Green Brigade are in danger of having sections of the ground closed by Uefa . It is immaterial if THEY think this is unfair – Uefa have the power and WILL use it , as has been demonstrated at other stadiums .
Too much of The Green Brigade’s actions smack of ignorant , juvenile thinking . Their fascination with pyros is clearly that of the immature mind , attracted by shiny bright things !
They have a similar fascination with issuing ”statements” – as if THEY spoke for all or even a majority of the support . Sheer arrogance !
They display a complete disregard for the wider Celtic support who are there to support their team . What they don’t want or need is the continuing distraction of an immature group who when they don’t get everything their own way , stamp their collective little feet in tantrums .
Time to grow up and accept that Football Stadia are first and foremost places of entertainment . Political statements can be made in many other areas of society – and be welcomed , but there are few occasions when these should be broadcast in the stadium .
I include the insidious growth of the Poppy ”celebrations” which have emerged , mostly since Bliar’s invasion of Iraq as a means of promoting the Armed Services and appeasing the natural revulsion many felt over that catastrophic invasion .
If The Green Brigade wish to promote a ”cause” then do so – but not by endangering the well-being the club . Fundraise around the ground on match days , get petitions signed to help Gaza or Israel or the Rohingyas or the Uighurs or whatever people are in the firing line ( there are plenty ! ).