As expected, the Green Brigade have responded to the lengthy statement issue by Celtic yesterday afternoon which was emailed to every STH and also posted on the official Celtic FC website.
The Ultras Group have kept their response short and to the point, stating that they see no point in “continuing this online game of statement-tennis” with the Celtic Board. They note that they have been awaiting a meeting with Michael Nicholson since the summer, which in itself is positive as it shows that they are willing to engage with the club after all and again this: “We await satisfactory progress on both fronts and remain open to constructive dialogue moving forward.”
That’s excellent. The final point though is a sting in the tail where the Green Brigade announce that unless their situation is “satisfactorily resolved” before the game against Motherwell at Celtic Park in 25 November then they will organise a day of action for this match although no further details are provided.
The Green Brigade conclude by saying that they will liaise with all interested Celtic fans, fan groups and CSCs in the lead up to game on 25 November.
Here’s the statement in full…
Green Brigade Statement, 10/11/23
Following the latest reworked statement from the PLC board, we would like to address a few brief points:
– We see little value in continuing this online game of statement-tennis which was initiated by the PLC board, and which it continues to draw out by repeating the same disingenuous claims that we have already
addressed.– We note that the PLC board claims to be open to dialogue and engagement. We remind them that we have been waiting for a meeting with Chief Executive Officer Michael Nicholson since the summer. The planned summer meeting was originally postponed until September to allow focus on transfer activity – we await satisfactory progress on both fronts and remain open to constructive dialogue moving forward.
– Should our own situation not be satisfactorily resolved by Celtic v Motherwell, 25/11/23, we will organise a day of action at this match. We will liaise with all interested Celtic fans, fan groups and CSCs in
the lead up to this date.
Green Brigade statement pic.twitter.com/aFGEHKefyF
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) November 10, 2023
This statement reeks of self-righteousness and completely lacks self-awareness. To date, the Green Brigade has failed to answer the concerns raised by the board, including issues of considerable importance such as their use of pyrotechnics. Clearly, the directors feel there’s little point in meeting with the Green Brigade and that’s entirely understandable, given its repeated failures to honour its promises and its refusal to accept responsibility for its actings, which have lead to frequent sanctions from UEFA. The ban should stay in place – I hope it’s made permanent. And as an able lawyer, no doubt Mr Nicholson will consider interdicting the proposed demo. Given the Green Brigade’s past behaviour and recent events elsewhere (notably, at Dens Park) it can only be a matter of time before strict liability is introduced – I dread to think what damage the Green Brigade would do to Celtic under that scenario.
The solution is blatantly simple,abide by the rules laid down by the club.come back and support the team without your political agenda.all you are doing at the moment is damaging the club’s reputation.