Celtic to close section of stadium after incidents
LONDON: Scottish champions Celtic are to close the Green Brigade section of Celtic Park for two matches after their fans’ recent behaviour, the club confirmed.
The closure of the section will affect approximately 900 of the Glasgow club’s season-ticket holders after incidents of unsafe behaviour at their last two home games against Hearts and Linfield.
Celtic Park – also known as Parkhead – is licensed by the Safety Advisory Group at Glasgow City Council, and the decision was taken after emergency meetings following Wednesday’s Champions League second qualifying round, second-leg victory over Northern Irish side Linfield.
“The behaviour of fans in the Green Brigade section of the ground at the matches against Hearts and Linfield was a serious safety risk, which has left us with no choice but to take decisive action to ensure safety within the stadium,” explained Celtic’s chief executive Peter Lawwell.
“There is no room for debate. The safety authorities and the football authorities make the rules. They also enforce the rules.
“If the rules are broken, Celtic will be punished again and again. There is no hiding place from these realities. Anyone who has Celtic’s interests at heart must surely recognise them and behave accordingly.”
The Bhoys’ manager Brendan Rodgers called the decision a “wake-up call” for supporters, and lamented that the negative headlines are outweighing Celtic’s performances on the pitch.
“It’s really disappointing that we are talking about stadium safety and paramilitary banners rather than our progress into the next round of Europe,” he said.
“The fans have a responsibility to behave in the stadium and I would urge everyone involved to see the damage this is causing to the club. Hopefully this is a wakeup call.”
The 1967 European Cup winners also face three separate charges by UEFA following Wednesday’s 4-0 victory – for “kit infringement”, “blocked stairways” and for an alleged “illicit banner” unfurled by supporters.
The club’s star striker Leigh Griffiths has also been banned by UEFA for his side’s Champions League third round, first-leg qualifier against Rosenborg next week for “provoking spectators” following the first-leg win over Linfield last Friday.