The Celtic Star are proud supporters of the Celtic FC Women side and this afternoon we spoke to Celtic FC and made clear our position in that we would like ALL Celtic supporters, including The Green Brigade to be at the stadium to support Elena Sadiku and our Ghirls as they push forward towards a first ever SWPL title for the club.
In response to a fairly lengthy discussion on the matter Celtic issued The Celtic Star with the following statement that explains the club’s position:
“The group were made aware that the Jock Stein would not be made available due to certain safety concerns relating to this specific area, but arrangements have been made by the Club to allow the group to attend within the Rail Seating Section.
“This has been communicated to the group and the Club hopes that as many supporters and supporter groups as possible come along to support Celtic FC Women at the upcoming Celtic Park matches, as well as all other matches,” Celtic FC
So that’s the statement from both sides. The Celtic FC Women team should NOT be used as a political football. The Green Wall is mighty impressive and would look amazing as a STANDING SECTION within the stadium. This was showcased last season in the seated Jock Stein lower but Celtic had safety concerns after the two matches last season, with various falls, accidents and damage done to seats, due to over enthusiasm and not vandalism. So this decision by Celtic was probably inevitable.
The only way the Green Wall could ever happen at Celtic Park is if the club changed the relevant area of the stadium – sections or all of the lower Jock Stein stand – to a larger Rail Seating Section and were granted the relevant safety certificates. And for that to happen it is going to involve a much closer working relationship between the club and the ultras, which clearly a very long way from happening judging by today’s statement from The Green Brigade.
What the club is saying is that for safety reason this cannot happen in the Jock Stein stand in its current form as a seating area. Trying to change the ‘stale’ atmosphere inside Celtic Park is admirable but it is not going to be achieved by name calling and boycotts, the Celtic FC Women side has had no part in any disputes, rows or incidents in and around the men’s game and should not be affected as a result.
The Standing Section, which Celtic were pioneers in opening, is there to be used by the Green Brigade and the areas around it can also be used by other supporters who want to join in on their brilliant backing of the Ghirls.
The campaign to have the standing section increased in size and moved to the Celtic End is going to involve winning the hearts and minds of the Celtic supporters who are already in situ in their own seats in the Jock Stein lower. Seats that they pay for every year with their season tickets money.
It would also need a close working relationship between the Celtic Board and the Green Brigade and the thousands of fans that would like this idea to get off the ground. It’s a great idea, it would help the atmosphere significantly but each and every obstacle would have to be negotiated and agreements reached. Toys out the pram is never going to see it happen.
It’s a big ask and The Green Brigade did exactly that when they distributed flyers promoting their Celtic End idea across the Jock Stein lower. Did they get feedback from that from supporters seated in the Jock Stein lower? Do you sit there and if so what do you think of turning this into a Green Wall in The Celtic End?
Meanwhile as many Celtic supporters as possible should get along and help roar the Ghirls onto an historic first title win for Celtic FC Women. Tickets are available now for the game against Hearts on Sunday 21 April.
NB – This, nor the one at the top of this article, are NOT a paid for advertisements from Celtic FC – The Celtic Star promotes the Celtic FC Women team and are proud to do so. Our motivation is as simple as this, we want to win the league and there’s a very good chance that this will happen this season. So get along to Celtic Park and do your bit.
I tried to like women football but it’s rotten, even us unfortunately!
Would rather watch the young lads any day of the week!
I’d be interested to see the viewing stats you guys get for reports on the female games or articles you post as most people I speak to feel the same as me!
That’s fine mate but don’t call yourself a Celtic Supporter , because your not one .
Sometimes if you have nothing positive to say it’s better to say nothing.
Your comment reads like “Me and my mates support Celtic but not women who represent our club”
Something you seem so proud of you’d like to let everyone know.
Sounds like you think your opinion means more than others, but hunnish in that regards I’d say!
If you like it and think it’s equivalent to the real game fine, that’s great to hear, I don’t.
Problem with the world today is too many think of someone has a different opinion to themselves then that person should be silenced, mentally weak and infantile attitude, I don’t and love to discuss other opinions. I’d suggest that’s why message boards etc exist but could be wrong!
Looking forward to the real thing being back this weekend lads!
HH
Once again the board manage to fuck things up. Please dont print shit like comments regarding Celtic womens FC.