Celtic will be interested in Barcelona and Atletico Madrid plans to play league match in Miami

Barcelona playing in the US was only a matter of time, more will now follow suit. Celtic will no doubt have an eye on it, but for me it’s a big no…

Celtic CEO Michael Nicolson
Michael Nicolson is seen during the Premier Sports Cup match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on August 18, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Barcelona could play Atletico Madrid in Miami 

Speculation has been rife that Barcelona will take on fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid in the USA this season.

LaLiga is apparently looking to move the Matchday 18 clash between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, scheduled for December 21 or 22, to Miami, according to ‘El País.’

If Fifa, UEFA, and the Spanish FA give the go ahead The fixture will take place just before Christmas, with Miami playing host to the big La Liga clash.

There’s been talk of such games taking place in the past, but nothing as concrete as this. If it gets the go ahead plenty of other clubs will most likely try to follow suit. Our own club is likely to be one of them and Michael Nicholson and the Celtic Board will be watching this closely. We all know how they like to make a quick buck and the idea of taking one of our games to the US will no doubt be a potential money spinner.

Friendlies are one thing…

That’s all well and good, but this seems a step too far. Friendlies are one thing, but playing a competitive league match in another continent is a ludicrous suggestion.

Celtic v Man City in USA
Celtic at the pre-season friendly with Manchester City in the USA, July 2024

What about the ordinary supporter who purchases a season ticket? Do they have a say? I know I’m not in a position to hop on a plane and jet to the USA just to see a football game, and the overwhelming majority will be the same.

What about season ticket holders?

Or the non-season ticket holders who spend all season trying to get a match day ticket which sometimes are like gold dust, is it fair that there chance of a ticket could go to some curious supporter from the States? Sure there will be genuine Celtic supporters, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.

There’s also the choice of game. The TV companies and the promoters over the pond or wherever it may be, will no doubt demand that it’s a Glasgow Derby that is held in their venue. That would be like winning the lottery to our rivals, and we would be complicit in helping them make some cash. That’s another reason as to why it’s a big no from me.

Their own supporters would be up in arms too, as if they are not angry enough. It might appeal more to for instance the St Johnstone owner who is American and understands the sports business on the other side of the pond. He knows that he can’t (or won’t) fill McDiarmid Park with St Johnstone fans in the two main stands so could benefit from this kind of deal.

We all saw what happened when a promoter tried to play a Celtic v theRangers match in Sydney.  It’s never going to be easy although stranger things have happened so we can’t rule this out.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

The Celtic Rising - 1965
The Celtic Rising – 1965, Celtic beat Rangers 2-1 in the League Cup Final on 23 October 1965. Photo The Celtic Wiki

READ THIS…Celtic on this Day in 1965 – John Hughes goals beat Rangers in League Cup Final

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Glasgow Derby Special – Images The Celtic Star

READ THIS…The Glasgow Derby – Early Years of a New Rivalry, 2015-19

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment

  1. I agree Celtic have to play more lower grade teams cause winning like losing you get into a habit Dortmand result hurt and effected the players yes everything Dortmund done turned into a goal deflection from outrages angle gave centre defensive midfield to much space yes Dortmund were in a Groove in first half second goal was a bad deflection that changed the game Celtic player hid our establish players that have been with us for a season or two where not taking responsibility show the new players what is needed it was Celtic folded after second and third goals were scored so quick after there equaliser a perfect storm I’d be happy to play dortmand again those twenty minutes what was bad for Celtic was great for Dortmand yes very worrying we seem to lose concentration or go into easy mode it haspen against ross county Falkirk and again against Aberdeen yes I can’t believe we drew that game after Aberdeen disallowed goal we woke up and dominated Aberdeen had that many players that shots were getting in blocked I’ve yet to see the the photo that var ruled out the appeal for duc block on the line yes if not conclusive can’t give it but if ref gave it was there a reason for changing it that’s what bothers me about var the human element should be like tennis cricket to few questions un answered not proven is a terrible law uts been proved that Celtic don’t get the fifty fifty calls is scotland and still have to prove it every goal Celtic score is scrutinised by var the press sportscene seems to highlight more on Celtic for than what we didn’t get McGregor got booked for his second foul yet Aberdeen players were allowed there midfield blocked runs yes booking a player deep into the second have for what he done in the first allows them to carry on doing it if he us booked in first half itmakes a big difference riss who last season was our top ref seems to relax the rules for the under dog can’t understand McGregors booking i know player go down easy but not to get touched he was right there poor by ross who has to start to referee by rules not by what if