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.
Photo by Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock 13781651ek Green Brigade Celtic fans set off pyrotechnics. Rangers v Celtic, Viaplay Cup, Final, Football, Hampden Park, – 26 Feb 2023
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?
Section of the stand normally given to The Green Brigade is empty due to the Ban given to the Green Brigade during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Third Round,First Leg match between Celtic and Rosenborg at Celtic Park Stadium on July 26, 2017. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
“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.”
Glasgow, Scotland, 8th April 2023. A member of the Green Brigade during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park. Photo Neil Hanna / Sportimage
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.
Photo by Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock Green Brigade Celtic fans set off pyrotechnics. Rangers v Celtic, Viaplay Cup, Final, Football, Hampden Park, – 26 Feb 2023
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.
Pyros in Rotterdam incurred the latest fine from UEFA of around £22k. Photo: Bart Stoutjesdijk/Shutterstock