The Celtic Star this evening can confirm that Celtic have informed the Green Brigade that their access to away tickets has been suspended after what the club describes as “extremely serious unsafe and unacceptable behaviour at recent away matches”.
Having spoken to the club this afternoon we can confirm that the away allocation of tickets has been under review for a considerable period as the club has become increasingly concerned with the behaviour at games including at the recent game at Fir Park with Celtic aware that turnstiles were rushed and fire doors opened in order to allow additional ticketless supporters to enter the ground.
The club also point to the recent fine from UEFA relating to the pyro display in Rotterdam for the Champions League opener against Feyenoord and when we reported on that ahead of the Lazio game we reported that we had from our conversations with Celtic picked up a strong hint that there was action pending regarding the use of pyrotechnics, with the club aware of some near misses in terms of serious injury being caused.
Celtic take these matters very seriously indeed and point out this suspension applies to around 200 supporters out of 53,000 supporters while noting that the demand for away tickets greatly outstrips the supply, with for example just over 500 tickets being available for the game on Sunday at Tynecastle.
A senior Celtic source told The Celtic Star this afternoon:
“As the group in question has been informed in writing, this decision to suspend access to away tickets relates to very clear and extremely serious unsafe and unacceptable behaviour at recent away matches, including those against Feyenoord and Motherwell.
“As an example, at Feyenoord, widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics resulted in another fine for the Club from UEFA. Investigations are ongoing in relation to unsafe behaviour at Motherwell, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets.”
Earlier this week The Celtic Star exclusively revealed that the rumour that the Green Brigade had been banned from Celtic Park ahead of their proposed Palestine flag protest at the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid next Wednesday night was NOT true and today we checked for an update on that report and can confirm as per our previous story that Celtic have NOT banned the Green Brigade from the game in midweek, while being well aware of the planned protest, and there is no ban for the Green Brigade attending matches at Celtic Park where their season tickets remain active.
Brendan Rodgers spoke at his media conference today about the benefits of Scottish football introducing defined rules on away supporter allocations being put in place by the SPFL in January, in time for next season.
Celtic recognise that in order for this to happen, our away support needs to stay within the rules at grounds that are in place for a reason and opening fire exits and other unacceptable behaviour weakens the argument of clubs – like Celtic – who are pushing for a larger away allocation.
Motherwell are reportedly looking at REDUCING the Celtic allocation for our next visit rather than increasing it and as The Celtic Star has pointed out, the far section of their Main Stand, that used to be populated by Celtic supporters, is largely empty on match days. Presumably that is where additional Celtic fans could be located if new rules apply and the clubs get their collective heads around set rules for admitting more away fans.
We also checked what is happening to the away tickets that would normally have been allocated to The Green Brigade and can confirm that these are back with the Celtic ticket office for them to allocate as per their existing rules.
Brave call by Celtic board which most Celtic fans will agree with i font think its becayse of the motherwell game whose stewards ship consisited of female and over 50is been so ckose to motherwell young support motherwell is looking for trouble in that corner police should be telling motherwell to up there security the real reason for green brigade is there political we hace players worldwide and allow the press to write negative stuff about our club us not on and Celtic park might have to do with these supporters who most are been ill adviced stabd outside scottish parliament if they want to protest political matters they either follow those wannabe spoke people or football its in your in hands gaving to wear scarfs ti hide your identity proves you know your doing wrong
This is a step in the right direction. The Green Brigade’s conduct at away matches has regularly been disgraceful, and I have been concerned when at Tynecastle and elsewhere at the use of flares. However, precedent suggests that the board will relent sooner or later. The measures taken are insufficient: what’s needed is a ban from ALL fixtures, home and away, in perpetuity. These people represent only themselves: their interests are not those of the club, nor the vast majority of the fans.
I rest my case. The Tories in our support have finally found their cowardly voice.
Can’t believe the glee that some so called supporters are displaying over this ban. Are they really Celtic fans? The bile tells me otherwise. I have always been aware that a large percentage of Celtic fans are really Tories at heart with all of their Conservative values being represented by the Tories on the board. They just have been waiting for this opportunity to vent their bile against folk who fight for the values the club was founded on.
I have followed Celtic for over 60 years and this decision leaves me so sad and bitter. I don’t think I can ever set foot in Celtic Park again knowing that its roots are being discarded by Tories both on the board and in the stands.
Return your season tickets now ! Plenty people waiting 🍀💚🍀