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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].”
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.