GREEN BRIGADE FACE FINAL BAN
SEE PAGE 48
CELTIC have slapped the Green Brigade with a final ultimatum – shape up or get shut out of the Betfred Cup Final clash with Rangers and the Old Firm festive showdown.
The fans’ group last night branded the club vindictive after the Parkhead standing section was slashed for tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Rennes.
Celts got another £13,000 fine from UEFA for banners and chanting in their encounter with Lazio – their third punishment from the beaks this season.
Hoops chiefs took action in a bid to fend off more damaging sanctions from the bigwigs. But Record Sport understands the club are determined to clean up
the ultras section with safety fears over the use of pyro and the overcrowding of the standing area.
UEFA take a tough stance on political and offensive chants and banners – and a harder line on fans’ wellbeing.
Celts have to stay in line with Glasgow City Council over safety certificates for the standing area and have huge concerns over the use of fireworks and flares.
The Green Brigade have been banished from tomorrow’s clash and the club are also withholding tickets until further notice.
That could see the group excluded from the cup final with Rangers and the Old Firm game on December 29.
The fans’ statement said: “Our aim, as always, is to positively support Celtic and following Thursday we hope to get back to that.
“However, omitted from the club statement is that fact that all Green Brigade tickets are being withheld until further notice – including the League Cup Final and potentially as far as the Glasgow derby at the end of the year.
“We hope the club will reconsider this position and re-engage with the fans in a positive manner.
“To implement sanctions at three days’ notice highlights a blatant disregard for the considerable expense and arrangements some fans undertake to support Celtic.
“Considering we met with the club last week to discuss potential sanctions specifically against our group, the timing and scope of this decision is particularly vindictive.”