Celtic took pre-emptive action to close the standing section in the North Curve at Celtic Park for the weekend’s Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers, following safety concerns raised by Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland, after the Green Brigade’s fireworks and flare show prior to the start of the Glasgow Derby.
That section will now re-open for Thursday night’s crucial Europa Conference League play-off tie for a place in the last 16 against Bodo Glimt, as Celtic look to shake an 18-year-old record of having not won a European knockout tie after Christmas.
The support from the North Curve is something the Celtic players and management seem to value, and in a game of such importance the return of the colour and noise from the Green Brigade will be more than welcomed – indeed Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the closure of that part of the ground may even have played a part in a weekend Celtic performance that started of flatly against Raith on Sunday, however he was also keen for it not to be used as an excuse for the slow start to the game as reported by The Scotsman.
“It might be a factor but if you start making those kinds of allowances for the players then it means they’ll only play when the atmosphere is super. That’s not the case. Some of it was making seven changes and it was never going to be as fluent as we have been.
“We needed that game time though. But within that we lacked the urgency we have had recently and I don’t want that to become part of what we do.”
Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn also noted the North Curve give “an energy” to the Celtic team and as such it’s interesting to note an opposition manager was also happy to see the standing section closed off.
Celtic supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor may also have hinted in his recent tweet confirming the standing section will be re-opened, that overcrowding in the area by fans with tickets for other areas of the ground, as much as any flares and fireworks, may also have played a part in Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council’s raising of concerns, when the SLO took to social media to advise.
“Since 2016 our Rail Seat Section has been the envy of fans across the country. We all have a responsibility (Club/Fans) to maintain this and protect the long-term future of the section. On Thursday please do not attend the Rail Seat Section unless you have a valid ticket.”
Since 2016 our Rail Seat Section has been the envy of fans across the country
We all have a responsibility (Club/Fans) to maintain this and protect the long term future of the section
On Thursday please do not attend the Rail Seat Section unless you have a valid ticket🎫🍀 pic.twitter.com/UXF9bqJgMr
— Celtic FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) February 14, 2022
Asked by a supporter if the club was coming under pressure from the Police, John Paul Taylor answered:
“Just need to get the message out that fans without tickets who are getting in aren’t helping with some of the recent safety concerns. Need to ensure that only those with valid tickets use the section to avoid those concerns being escalated.”
Since 2016 our Rail Seat Section has been the envy of fans across the country
We all have a responsibility (Club/Fans) to maintain this and protect the long term future of the section
On Thursday please do not attend the Rail Seat Section unless you have a valid ticket🎫🍀 pic.twitter.com/UXF9bqJgMr
— Celtic FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) February 14, 2022
“Clear demand for expanding the standing section surely? It’s been a resounding success with some minor issues. I drive three hours to Celtic park. Personally the Last thing I want to do is sit for another 90 minutes before getting back in the car again. I’d snap up a standing ticket,” a supporter added.
Another said: “The main problem is that the front section is being overcrowded by those without tickets, the back of the area is not suffering the same problem. People are drawn to the front – for obvious reasons and especially at the bigger games.”
It is something that is being looked at, the pandemic has created an issue for most Clubs/Events, with a huge shortfall on the numbers that were previously available however it is something the Club are actively seeking to address
— Celtic FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) February 15, 2022
The return of a vibrant standing section will no doubt have a huge part to play on the matchday atmosphere for what is a massive European tie for Celtic, although it seems it’s not just the fireworks and flares that will be under scrutiny, the numbers locating in that section will also being looked at closely.
Niall J
