Details
Date: Oct 2023 – 22 Dec 2023
Ref: Another Green Brigade suspension
Overview
In October 2023, there was an uprising in Israel/Palestine between Israel & Hamas (all details discussions are for outwith this site). The Green Brigade paraded banners in sympathy to the Palestinians. Celtic then made some excuses suspending away tickets to the Green Brigade claiming fears of UEFA fines following flares at recent away match., In fairness it was also in part due to some trouble at a recent away match v Motherwell. After what was a relativley long suspension and repeated meetings, the suspension was finally lifted in December 2023, after some agreements between the parties.
A noteable point was the downturn in the results for Celtic during this time, which depending on who you were debating the point with, was attributable or not to the downturn in the atmosphere at games due to the loss of the Green Brigade (alongside their fellow Bhoys Ultra group who boycotted in solidarity). Reduced atmosphere, intimidation for opponents, reduced morale as well as a divided off-field support didn’t help matters. Many seemd to begin to wish for their return, whilst other cynics claimed that it was playing into their hands (on this site remain neutral).
Notably, there were countless forum threads, social media debates and podcasts over the issue, with many arguing that this was the (umpteenth) end for the Green Brigade group at Celtic and possibly beyond. BUT clearly not yet. Code of Conduct agreed printed below, but on what points the Green Brigade have had to acquiesce to were not clearly made public.
Quotes
“Celtic PLC’s statement summary:
•Police block fire exits illegally at Fir Park = blame the Celtic fans
•Fans stand in solidarity with an oppressed state who are being subjected to a genocide = we’re flying terrorist flags
•Police/stewards cause near crushes and injuries at Easter Road = blame the Celtic fans again
Only a passionate, politically aware and socially active fan base like Celtic who live by the values this club was formed on could be so vilified, misrepresented and never defended by their own board. ”
Kieran @Kieran_Sellick (twitter Celtic)
“Quite a charge sheet that Celtic have compiled against this group of fans. Hard to see how the club had any other choice but to act. Green Brigade will now portray themselves as political martyrs.”
Tom English @TEnglishSport · 7h (Journalist, Oct 2023 via twitter)
“Following consultation with the group, the club has now implemented an updated Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct which has been accepted by the group, allowing for a return to a situation where rules and regulations around operating safely are respected and complied with”.
Celtic spokesperson (Dec 2023)
Articles
Celtic have suspended all season tickets that are associated with the Green Brigade until further notice.: 31 Oct 2023 (Halloween!)
Nov 2023
Celtic suspends Green Brigade over ‘unacceptable conduct’ at games
https://news.stv.tv/sport/celtic-suspends-green-brigade-fans-over-unacceptable-conduct-at-matches
The club has taken action after a series of incidents involving the ‘ultras’ group.
Celtic suspends Green Brigade fans over ‘unacceptable conduct’ at matches SNS Group
Banned: Tickets in the ‘Green Brigade’ section have been suspended indefinitely.
Andy Coyle
1 hour ago
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Celtic support defy club with Palestine flags at Champions League game
Celtic have banned the Green Brigade supporters group from matches after what the clubs says are “serious issues” with the behaviour of fans at recent games.
The “ultras” supporters group has been suspended until further notice, with season tickets for the rail seating section in their corner of the ground where the group stands being revoked, beginning with Wednesday’s Premiership match against St Mirren.
Tension between the fans’ group and the club has been frequent in recent years but flared up again recently when a request from Celtic for fans to refrain from flying banners or flags relating to the conflict in the Middle East was ignored by supporters.
The club has now taken action over recent events and has also detailed a number of incidents that has led to them banning the group.
Green Brigade hold up Palestine flags during a UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Atletico de Madrid at Celtic Park, on October 25.SNS Group
Green Brigade hold up Palestine flags during a UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Atletico de Madrid at Celtic Park, on October 25.
An email to Green Brigade members, titled “Rail Seating Section Update”, read: “You may be already be aware of the recent actions the club has taken in respect of the Green Brigade, relating to access at home matches and access to away tickets and the club’s review of unacceptable conduct concerning the group.
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“Following that review, and further serious issues with the behaviour of Green Brigade members at the last two matches, the club deems it necessary to take further action in respect of the group.”
Citing “non-compliance” with the club’s ground regulations and rail seating safety code of conduct, Celtic said they had to give affected supporters “honest and transparent detail” on the reasoning.
After stating that group representatives had been given specific examples of behaviours that had led to the ban, the e-mail listed some of the incidents that had prompted action.
Celtic highlighted the use of pyrotechnics at the Champions League match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, which led to the club being fined.
It also noted “unsafe behaviour” at Fir Park for a match against Motherwell, when they said that supporters rushed turnstiles and forced open fire exits to allow ticketless fans into the stadium.
Incidents during the home Champions League against Lazio were listed, with the club saying fans illegally gained access to the stand in advance of the game to bring in an unauthorised banned, as well as intimidating and threatening staff. A further “unauthorised display” in a match against Kilmarnock was also included.
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The most recent example referenced the displays in the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid, which included the display of flags and banners relating to the conflict in the Middle East, and away at Hibernian last weekend where there was “violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards”.
Celtic said that the increase in the number of incidents and an escalation in how serious the flashpoints were, had led to the action being taken.
It also said that it was aware of banners and flags in the Green Brigade section that were connected to terrorist organisations involved in the conflict in the Middle East and that this was “completely unacceptable”.
No date was given for an end to the suspension but the club asked that remaining supporters in the section followed the rules for all fans and work with the club.
Celtic has been contacted for comment.
Celtic lock Green Brigade out until further notice as club explains reasons for ban
Celtic will lock the Green Brigade out of forthcoming home matches as their battle with the fans group escalated.
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Published 31st Oct 2023, 18:16 GMT
Updated 31st Oct 2023, 18:31 GMT
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-lock-green-brigade-out-until-further-notice-as-club-explains-reasons-for-ban-4392819
The Green Brigade were informed via email ahead of Wednesday night’s Premiership match at home to St Mirren that their season tickets have been suspended due to “repeated incident of unacceptable conduct”. The members of the group were recently banned from away matches, while tensions heightened further when they defied club advice and displayed Palestinian flags at last week’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
The suspension comes in the wake of recent UEFA fines for Celtic as a result of the ultras’ conduct during other Champions League ties against Feyenoord and Lazio earlier this season. A pyrotechnic display at De Kuip was looked at dimly by European football’s governing body, while it is being reported that the Green Brigade entered Celtic Park unauthorised to prepare a tifo display ahead of the game against the Serie A outfit in Glasgow.
Celtic have now taken the decision to keep the Green Brigade away from matches going forward, with an email to members reading: “We are writing to advise that due to repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct involving the ‘Green Brigade’ group, the Club has suspended the season tickets of all season ticket holders who have registered with the Ticket Office as being part of this group, pending further review and communication with the group and/or the supporters in question regarding compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications, moving forward.
The Green Brigade hold up Palestine flags during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
The Green Brigade hold up Palestine flags during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
“Therefore, your ticket is not eligible for use tomorrow night for our match against St Mirren and will remain suspended until further notice. Access to away tickets for supporters registered as being part of the group will also remain suspended. The safety of all supporters at Celtic Park is of paramount importance and amid these serious safety concerns, this immediate action whilst regrettable, is considered by the Club to be necessary.
“We have separately emailed the representative of the group with further detail, following on from a number of formal written communications dating back to September and ongoing dialogue since the summer. Should you wish to contact the Club on this or any other matter related to the Rail Seating Section, we would ask that you direct your correspondence in the first instance to railseating@celticfc.co.uk.”
Celtic also released a statement to the media on the situation with the Green Brigade that read: “To avoid any misunderstanding, the progressive steps taken by the Club over a period of time are as a result of an increasingly serious escalation in unacceptable behaviours and non-compliance with applicable regulations, at matches at Celtic Park and away grounds over a period of time, which are creating serious safety concerns and other issues.”
Revealed – Celtic’s detailed explanation for Green Brigade Ban
By Editor 31 October, 2023 17 Comments
Revealed – Celtic’s detailed explanation for Green Brigade Ban
News that Celtic have now taken action against the Green Brigade will not really come as a surprise to many Celtic supporters who have been following events of recent weeks. It’s sadly had an inevitability about it.
Now after further incidents at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon, where several Hibs stewards were allegedly assaulted by members of the Ultras group, Celtic have taken action to suspend, pending a review, the Green Brigade from Celtic Park with just over 200 season ticket holders affected.
A Celtic spokesperson told The Celtic Star this afternoon:
“To avoid any misunderstanding, the progressive steps taken by the Club over a period of time are as a result of an increasingly serious escalation in unacceptable behaviours and non-compliance with applicable regulations, at matches at Celtic Park and away grounds over a period of time, which are creating serious safety concerns and other issues”.
And we can confirm that Celtic sent this message to their main contact at The Green Brigade earlier today which provides all the detail on the club’s decision to suspend the season tickets of Green Brigade members with immediate effect.
This official Celtic FC communique reads as follows:
“Ahead of our match versus St. Mirren at Celtic Park tomorrow night, the Club wanted to update you regarding the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park.
“You may already be aware of the recent actions that the Club has taken in respect of the Green Brigade, relating to access at home matches and access to away tickets and the Club’s review of unacceptable conduct concerning the group. Following that review, and further serious issues with the behaviour of Green Brigade members at the last two matches, the Club deems it necessary to take further action in respect of the group.
“In light of the behaviour of group members, including numerous examples of non-compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications, over a period stretching back to September, the Club has determined that it requires to suspend the season tickets of all season ticket holders who have registered with the Ticket Office as being part of the ‘Green Brigade’ supporters club. This is pending further review and communication with the group and/or the supporters in question regarding compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications, moving forward.
“The safe operation of the section relies on compliance with the Ground Regulations and the Rail Seating Section Safety Code of Conduct. The Rail Seating Section Safety Code of Conduct states that “the safe operation of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park requires effective communication and engagement with the supporters in that area.”. For this reason, the Club considers that it is necessary to communicate directly with all spectators in the Rail Seating Section to give you honest and transparent detail on the matter.
“Formal communications with the group representatives have given specific examples of the behaviours which have led the Club to take these progressive actions but these have included the following:
“The widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in Feyenoord on 19 September, which resulted in a fine for the Club from UEFA and safety issues for, and complaints from, other Celtic supporters;
“The unsafe behaviour at Fir Park on 30 September, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets and pitch incursions;
“Illegally gained access to Celtic Park in advance of the match against Lazio on 4 October to bring in an unauthorised banner, including deliberate circumvention of safety and security rules and protocols, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
“Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Kilmarnock on 7 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
“Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Atletico Madrid on 25 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, including circumvention of safety and security procedures and the migration of many members of the group (some of whom were wearing face coverings) out of the Rail Seating Section across the North Stand prior to kick off; and
“Unsafe behaviour at Easter Road on 28 October, including violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards.
“Further, it was also clearly explained to the group to that, as a result of unacceptable behaviours during Season 2022/23, the Club was required to submit a report to the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council, following every home game in an attempt to address the SAG’s “concerns regarding the conduct of certain spectators located within the north-east curve area”.
“Regrettably however, this season we have experienced the accumulation of behaviours noted above, and it is as a result of the increasingly serious escalation in these unacceptable behaviours and non compliance with applicable regulations that the progressive steps are being taken by the Club.
“The Club should also note that it has been advised of a number of banners and flags used by the Green Brigade which relate to or are connected with terrorist organisations involved in the conflict in the Middle East. This is completely unacceptable at Celtic Park and any match involving Celtic Football Club. The Club is continuing to investigate these and other unacceptable instances of the groups actions.
“To be clear, the Club values engagement with any and all supporters and supporter groups who wish to positively support Celtic. Indeed, we have many excellent ongoing relationships across the Rail Seating Section and beyond but these are built upon a foundation of trust, respect for the rules and regulations relating to safety and mutual cooperation. We ask that those remaining supporters in the Rail Seating Section work with us in following the rules that apply to all supporters who attend Celtic Park, and those specifically created to ensure safety in your section.
“Should you wish to contact the Club on this or any other matter related to the Rail Seating Section, we would ask that you direct your correspondence in the first instance to railseating@celticfc.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Celtic Football Club”
Green Brigade at Livingston Photo: Andrew Milligan
Separate Communication from the club to the affected season ticket holders has been shared on social media this afternoon and reads as follows:
“We are writing to advise that due to repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct involving the Green Brigade group, the Club has suspended the season tickets of all season ticket holders who have registered with the Ticket Office as being part of this group, pending further review and communication with the group and/or the supporters in question regarding compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications, moving forward.
“Therefore, your ticket is not eligible for use tomorrow night for our match against St. Mirren and will remain suspended until further notice.
“Access to away tickets for supporters registered as being part of the group will also remain suspended. The safety of all supporters at Celtic Park is of paramount importance and amid these serious safety concerns, this immediate action whilst regrettable, is considered by the Club to be necessary.
“We have separately emailed the representative of the group with further detail (shown above), following on from a number of formal written communications dating back to September and ongoing dialogue since the summer.
“Should you wish to contact the Club on this or any other matter related to the Rail Seating Section, we would ask that you direct your correspondence in the first instance to railseating@celticfc.co.uk.”
Celtic’s concern is over behaviour and the club believes that this has increasingly deteriorated this season and that the safety concerns are such that the action to deny away tickets to the group and now to suspend season tickets for Celtic Park pending a review, was the only viable option open to the club.
We understand that the club’s decision was NOT reached as a result of the Palestine flag protest at the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid and can also confirm that as of yet Celtic have NOT had any indication from UEFA that the club will be sanctioned for the flag display which had participants all over Celtic Park. That may change is the flags mentioned above are deemed to be worthy of another hefty fine for the club.
Celtic have concerns about the treatment towards stewards and also Police at matches – including the ‘Pig Watch’ situation and claim that the Green Brigade have stormed turnstiles and attempted to force open fire exits in order to allow ticketless supporters into the grounds.
28/10/2023. Outside Easter Road before the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road, on 28 October 2023. Photo Paul Phelan PSI
The violent incidents at Easter Road at the weekend has been the final straw and the club has notified the season ticket holders affected of the decision. Celtic note that the incidents at Celtic Park are mounting – including breaking into the stadium ahead of the Lazio game – and that these threaten the renewal of the ground’s safety certificate.
The Celtic Star understands that the relationship between the club and the Green Brigade has deteriorated significantly in recent seasons and until there is a commitment to staying within the rules and regulations that are in place for valid reasons for all season ticket holders, the situation is not going to be resolved.
It’s a sad situation and one that needs the two parties to sit down and sort out the issues for the benefit of Celtic, as a whole.
Opinion – Green Brigade, please note, with fame comes adult responsibility
By Eddie Murray 1 November, 2023 9 Comments
Opinion – Green Brigade, please note, with fame comes adult responsibility
The Celtic Star has always provided a platform for Celtic supporters to express their views and our writers are all free to express their own opinions with only the minimum of editorial interference, removing offensive language or the three letter word that’s been weaponised across the road.
So when an article appears it’s always the view of the writer and is never a collective editorial stance from The Celtic Star.
Today and probably over the coming days we will publish various articles on the club’s decision that was announced yesterday to ban the Green Brigade from Celtic Park pending a review with the ultras group which hopefully happens as soon as possible.
First up was Just an Ordinary Bhoy – you can read his article HERE – who is angry at the ban and believes that the safety issues are not the real reason, rather that it is all down to the Palestine flag display last week against Atletico Madrid, something that Celtic deny.
Next up is Eddie Murray who takes an entirely different view.
It might be helpful before going any further to re-state the reasons Celtic have given for this ban being issued, as The Celtic Star reported yesterday afternoon. The specific points causing the ban are as follows:
Photo: Bart Stoutjesdijk/Shutterstock
1.The widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in Feyenoord on 19 September, which resulted in a fine for the Club from UEFA and safety issues for, and complaints from, other Celtic supporters;
2 .The unsafe behaviour at Fir Park on 30 September, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets and pitch incursions;
3.Illegally gained access to Celtic Park in advance of the match against Lazio on 4 October to bring in an unauthorised banner, including deliberate circumvention of safety and security rules and protocols, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
4. Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Kilmarnock on 7 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
5. Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Atletico Madrid on 25 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, including circumvention of safety and security procedures and the migration of many members of the group (some of whom were wearing face coverings) out of the Rail Seating Section across the North Stand prior to kick off; and
6. Unsafe behaviour at Easter Road on 28 October, including violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards.
On the Palestine flag display at the three recent matches – Hearts, Atletico Madrid and Hibs – The Celtic Star specifically challenged the club about this yesterday afternoon and the club deny that this display had anything at all to do with the ban.
That’s something you may or may not believe depending on where you stand on this matter but essentially it is irrelevant as it’s the points above that need to be addressed by the parties directly involved – the Celtic Board and the Green Brigade – if a satisfactory resolution is to be found.
If you are reading this and would like to outline your own thoughts you can do so in the comments section below. Alternative if you would like to pen an article for us to publish please feel free to do so and you can email this through to editor@thecelticstar.co.uk
Now let’s hand over to Eddie Murray to have his say…
Celtic – Sanity Prevail!
The contentious issues surrounding Celtic, The Green Brigade and Politics threatens to rumble on like a Sherman Tank and shows no sign of abating.
I take my hat off to my esteemed colleagues at The Celtic Star who have called BS on certain issues, ‘articles’ which the MSM have erroneously fielded in a bid to enhance copy, clearly.
Firstly, the slant from the Herald which wildly ventured that Celtic Park was under threat of closure had the board not intervened and banned the North Curve occupants.
Total lies, and LUBO98 at The Celtic Star posted a firm rebuke from Councillor, Ruairi Kelly stating that the Council have no intention of poking their nose into club business. In fact, he stated that he SUPPORTED the GB stance on war crimes and genocide. Whatever your take on this may be, that’s apparently this councillor’s view.
JUSTANORDINARYBHOY called out the hypocrisy of politics being a stick to beat Celtic when he cited Ukrainian flags, Poppy fascism and squaddies squirrelling down the Ibrox stands without a word or a rebuke from the Scottish ‘journalists’ who clearly didn’t see anything.
Now, I’m not here to plagiarise their work, but simply to add that I am in total agreement about their exclamations of exasperation when it comes to reporting/adjudication of all things Celtic.
It has always been thus and will continue despite the embarrassing outings of the One-Eyes Jacks in both print and politics. Celtic is a political animal and the fans have always sided with the underdog, not least because they are the only ones who seem to have the heart to do so.
Fly Ukraine flags, fair game. Conversely, Palestinian flags are worthy of a fine and a warning. Why? Who decides which side of the political fence we must, not only sit on but publicly support?
Answers on a postcard to the Celtic board. Why? Because in my opinion, they have a responsibility to adjudicate for the thousands upon thousands of faithful fans who pour their hard-earned cash into the Parkhead coffers.
E Peter Lawwell is seen during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic FC at Tynecastle Park on October 22, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Why has the board not challenged the authorities who say you can pay Peter, but not Paul? How can they blithely sit by and accept a perspicuously unjust ruling which forces their public to take a side only of their choosing?
This is beyond my comprehension, and I have yet to hear a reasonable argument to support this sporting fascism-which it is unless you can convince me otherwise!
William Wallace at Hampden? Green light. Bobby Sands at Celtic Park? Fined! Two guys dying for their country’s freedom, but only one acceptable due to the political opinion of the governing bodies. Why was this not contested? You already know the answer.
Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock
As for the Green Brigade, they are shooting themselves in the foot. Yes, they must be allowed to fly a flag in opposition to genocide and oppression, that’s what Celtic were formed for despite people advocating otherwise.
However, the defiance of another (UEFA) ruling which states that flares are a flagrant breach of footballing rules, then so be it. I love them and the colour they bring to the spectacle, but they are a health hazard and many Celtic fans have spoken out against their use in a confined space.
It is not a matter of choice, but prudence, and the GB have shown scant regard for their fellow supporters by sticking two fingers up to the rest of the paying spectators. And there lies the heart of the matter. Defiance. ‘We can do what we please regardless of cost. We can force our issue because we have numbers, and there’s nothing you can do about it.’
Charging gates to let their mates in, (yes, it happens), intimidating others to do their bidding, (Yes, that also happens). Pig watch? I’ll leave that to your own conscience and deliberation despite Glasgow’s finest displaying exaggerated control over the years, as highlighted on this site and others.
Celtic’s Japanese striker #08 Kyogo Furuhashi (L) celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park, on October 25, 2023 (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
I have a good friend, a man who spends thousands to travel the world (from abroad) just to see the Celtic. He is an avid investor in the club and a great source of knowledge about the truth behind the scenes.
In a recent conversation with him he stated that he was on the verge of quitting, the travel and all that entails. Why? Because, in his own words, he “is sick and tired of spending my cash to travel to Rome, Madrid and other global venues just to watch young ‘neds’ bully older fans and spoil the occasion.”
But, if you speak out you are out of touch, a Fitba’ Da! So you see, it’s not just about the flags, but the unrealistic expectations of a certain element among the support who value themselves higher than others and if you don’t go along with them…and then talk about fascism?
Celtic’s Japanese striker #08 Kyogo Furuhashi (R) celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Celtic and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on October 25, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Like the atrocities in Gaza and Israel, it’s time for a sit-down and a conference to decide on how best to end this conflict. It’s one that only the strongest can win and there needs to be adjudication, and a reality check in the humility stakes.
If not, the only losers are the Celtic fans who have grown up watching the club since infancy. They are on the outer whilst a minority rule-with an iron fist in some cases. That is unreasonable, and untenable. With fame comes adult responsibility!
Fly the flag? Absolutely, and without fear of reprisals. Israel just bombed a refugee camp and justified it by killing ‘a war lord’. Every decent human should demonstrate anger against this atrocity.
Lord it over your fellow supporters with boorish behaviour in person and online darkening the club’s good name, one built up to the heights over many years? No chance, That is not the Celtic way, never will be and must be opposed likewise. Sanity prevail!
Eddie Murray
Opinion – Green Brigade ban a low point from Celtic Board
By justanordinarybhoy 1 November, 2023 39 Comments
The Celtic Star has always provided a platform for Celtic supporters to express their views and our writers are all free to express their own opinions with only the minimum of editorial interference, removing offensive language or the three letter word that’s been weaponised across the road.
So when an article appears it’s always the view of the writer and is never a collective editorial stance from The Celtic Star.
Today and probably over the coming days we will publish various articles on the club’s decision that was announced yesterday to ban the Green Brigade from Celtic Park pending a review with the ultras group which hopefully happens as soon as possible.
First up is Just an Ordinary Bhoy who is angry at the ban and believes that the safety issues are not the real reason, rather that it is all down to the Palestine flag display last week against Atletico Madrid, something that Celtic deny.
It might be helpful before going any further to re-state the reasons Celtic have given for this ban being issued, as The Celtic Star reported yesterday afternoon. The specific points causing the ban are as follows:
Photo: Bart Stoutjesdijk/Shutterstock
1.The widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in Feyenoord on 19 September, which resulted in a fine for the Club from UEFA and safety issues for, and complaints from, other Celtic supporters;
2 .The unsafe behaviour at Fir Park on 30 September, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets and pitch incursions;
3.Illegally gained access to Celtic Park in advance of the match against Lazio on 4 October to bring in an unauthorised banner, including deliberate circumvention of safety and security rules and protocols, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
4. Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Kilmarnock on 7 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
5. Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Atletico Madrid on 25 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, including circumvention of safety and security procedures and the migration of many members of the group (some of whom were wearing face coverings) out of the Rail Seating Section across the North Stand prior to kick off; and
6. Unsafe behaviour at Easter Road on 28 October, including violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards.
On the Palestine flag display at the three recent matches – Hearts, Atletico Madrid and Hibs – The Celtic Star specifically challenged the club about this yesterday afternoon and the club deny that this display had anything at all to do with the ban.
That’s something you may or may not believe depending on where you stand on this matter but essentially it is irrelevant as it’s the points above that need to be addressed by the parties directly involved – the Celtic Board and the Green Brigade – if a satisfactory resolution is to be found.
If you are reading this and would like to outline your own thoughts you can do so in the comments section below. Alternative if you would like to pen an article for us to publish please feel free to do so and you can email this through to editor@thecelticstar.co.uk
Over to Just an Ordinary Bhoy as his article was the first to arrive…
‘Low blow from the board, but not surprising. A club open to all? Don’t make me laugh…’ Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Our board has only gone and banned the Green Brigade. Yes the spineless suits have made of a mockery of our club’s ‘Open to All’ motto that we pride ourselves on.
The fact that they are hiding behind it being a ‘safety’ issue shows them for what they are. Do you feel unsafe around the Green Brigade? I certainly don’t, and I know the overwhelming majority of the supporters don’t either.
Of course it’s nothing to do with safety, it’s all to do with the flying of the Palestinian flag. Nothing else, and before anyone starts with incidents at Fir Park and pyrotechnics etc, stop. It’s got nothing to do with that, sweet FA.
The powers that be have had the daggers out for the North Curve ever since the Kilmarnock game at the beginning of the month. Yes those banners in support of Palestine really struck a blow in the boardroom. You have to ask why? Seriously what is the problem with our supporters showing support to an oppressed nation, one that is suffering in the most horrific way?
After all we were urged to back Ukraine during their plight that is still ongoing. What’s changed because that too is seen as ‘political’ is it not?
The majority of the stadium showed solidarity with Palestine as they held up their flag before the Atletico Madrid game. Are they going to ban each and every one of them also? Of course not as that would starve them of what they like most and that is of course money. Cash before principles. That’s now the Celtic way under this Board.
This Celtic Board has shamefully forgotten what our club is built on and what we stand for. This decision to ban the Green Brigade is one that they might live to regret. Many Celtic supporters are angry, and when it comes to ill feeling between supporters and the board, there is usually only one winner, and it ain’t the suits.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
FT.com
Celtic lift Green Brigade ban: Fan group agrees new code of conduct
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67777719
22 December 202322 December 2023.From the section Celtic
Green Brigade display
Celtic have lifted their ban on the Green Brigade, saying the fans group has agreed to comply with “an updated Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct”.
It follows talks between the Scottish champions and their ultras section of supporters, with the group’s return welcomed by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic imposed the ban at the end of October because of “unacceptable behaviours” leading to safety concerns.
They said the ban was not because of displays of Palestine flags.
Instead, the Scottish Premiership leaders cited the use of pyrotechnics in a game against Feyenoord in September, rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits at Fir Park later the same month, and illegally gaining access to Celtic Park before the Champions League game against Lazio.
“Following consultation with the group, the club has now implemented an updated Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, which has been accepted by the group, allowing for a return to a situation where rules and regulations around operating safely are respected and complied with,” Celtic said in a statement.
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Rodgers, whose side host Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday, added: “Celtic’s history is littered with late goals and a big part of that is down to the fans and the whole stadium getting behind the team. That’s what makes Celtic.
“When you have the manager, the supporters and the players all on the same page it’s a real force.
“It hasn’t been the atmosphere for a number of weeks but that’s the responsibility of everyone. But we know when the atmosphere is white hot at Celtic it makes it a really, really difficult place for teams to come and play and also it gives the players that extra edge as well.
“They are better being inside and cheering us on and hopefully that brings us all together and we can now look forward for the rest of the season.”
The Green Brigade – a collection of 267 registered fans – is housed in a safe standing section in area 111 within the stadium.
Celtic initially withdrew access to away match tickets for the group before suspending their season tickets.
CELTIC F.C. LIMITED (THE “CLUB”)
RAIL SEATING SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCT 2023/24 (THE RAIL SEATING SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCT 2023/24 (THE “RAIL SEATING CODE”)
The safety of all supporters at Celtic Park is of paramount importance to the Club. The safe operation of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park requires effective communication and engagement with the supporters in that area.
The Club has therefore adopted this Rail Seating Code, which for all Season Tickets issued in the Rail Seating Section will apply as an additional term of the Season Ticket terms and conditions, in addition to: (i) the Season Ticket Terms and Conditions; (ii) the Ground Regulations; (iii) the Celtic FC Social Mission Statement; (iv) the Unacceptable Conduct Rules; (v) the terms of any Supporter Charter or other Code of Conduct adopted by or binding upon the Club; and (vi) the rules and regulations of any football authority binding upon the Club; copies of which are all available on request and at celticfc.com.
This Rail Seating Code is based on the Club’s Risk Assessment for the safe operation of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park and the Club therefore reserves the right to review and vary the code from time to time. Any failure to adhere to the Rail Seating Code shall be deemed to be a breach of the Season Ticket Terms and Conditions and the Club shall be entitled to take appropriate action.
As a requirement of entry to the Rail Seating Section, therefore, individual and supporter group season ticket holders are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the undertakings set out below and the use of such ticket to enter Celtic Park is deemed to constitute such ticket holders’ acceptance of this Rail Seating Code. The potential harm that may follow if these undertakings are breached is explained below for information.
The Season Ticket holder undertakes: Potential Harm:
To enter the Stadium in an orderly manner respecting and complying with ticket checks and controls, including personal issue tickets/identification aids, determined by The Club, for the Rail Seating Section. To respect and respond to the reasonable directions of stewards and the police during access phase to ensure that order is maintained and flow rate at turnstiles is constant and uninterrupted, with no unauthorised access.
An unsafe environment may be created, spectators and or match day staff could be injured. Non-compliance may lead to overcrowding and an unsafe environment may be created. Spectators and/or match day staff could be injured.
To enter the Stadium Bowl in an orderly manner respecting and complying with ticket checks and controls.
An unsafe environment may be created, spectators and or match day staff could be injured. Non-compliance may lead to overcrowding and an unsafe environment may be created. Spectators and/or match day staff could be injured.
Not to use balaclavas whilst on the Stadium Footprint and within the Stadium. The use of balaclavas prevents identification of anyone engaging in unsafe behaviour and may be intimidating for spectators and match day staff.
Only to occupy allocated seat/space and not to enter other parts of the Stadium Bowl or areas other than allocated standing positions within the Rail Seating Section of the stadium. Movement to other seats/space may lead to unsafe environment, ticketing issues, overcrowding and could reduce the ability to identify individuals involved in unsafe behaviour.
Not to use flares, fireworks or other pyrotechnics. Staff, spectators and players or officials could be killed or injured (e.g. through burns, toxic products, respiratory problems, fire hazards, temporary or permanent hearing loss, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.).
Not to throw objects or missiles. Staff, spectators and players or officials could be injured by objects or missiles thrown by other spectators.
Not to engage in hate speech or behaviour.
Not to display banners or engage in any singing/chanting which could reasonably be considered to be racial, sectarian, political, homophobic or discriminatory. To bring banners and flags and to sing songs which support the team positively. The banner protocol must be complied with. Spectators could display political symbols and/or sing or chant political words which are likely to provoke other sections of the stadium.
Not to block aisles and/or vomitories (including from orchestrated lateral movement).
Not to engage in overcrowding, surging or crushing in section, including circumventing ticket checks and controls, and recirculation of Rail Seating Section tickets. Not to attempt to permit or support non-ticket holders for the Rail Seating Section to gain entry into that area.
To respect and respond to the reasonable directions of stewards and the police, and to raise any concerns with the Club after the event.
Not to obstruct crowd movement areas, unnecessarily or intentionally. The movement of spectators and staff could be completely or partially blocked by an object or by other people.
Not to stand on seats, barriers or other infrastructure, other than the designated terracing areas. Spectators could be injured by falls.
Exit the stadium in an orderly manner once the match has been completed. To respect and respond to the reasonable directions of stewards and the police during exit phase to ensure that order is maintained.
