Celtic fans share anger on ‘season ticket’ deal

CELTIC have been accused of adopting an “us and them” approach with fans after they unveiled plans to offer “virtual season tickets”. The East End club revealed earlier this week that supporters who commit to another term will be able to watch the Parkhead side’s home games for free via an online streaming service.

It comes after the SPFL and broadcaster Sky Sports agreed a deal to allow teams to show the matches directly to supporters when the league begins in August.

But, fan groups and supporters say it is unfair for the club to ask households, who may have more than one season ticket, to pay the full price to only get a stream.

Others have accused the Celtic board of refusing to “engage with fans”.

Responding to the club’s announcement unveiling the plans, supporters from the Celtic Underground podcast wrote on Twitter: “I think they have the tone of this wrong I’m afraid.

“I’ve renewed but I think folk need more reassurance of what they are actually buying.

“Watching on TV for the same price as going to a game? I think this needs some more work.

“How about fixed season price for next three years?”

Another influential group, Celtic Research, wrote: “The support has always had a willingness to help the club but beyond a couple of signifiticket cant individuals there’s a fear of engaging broadly with fans. It’s them and us.

“How they have handled this is one of the starkest examples I’ve ever seen of this.”

Fans have also questioned refusals to offer discounts or refunds to supporters if they choose not to watch a particular match.

While Celtic hope to welcome fans back to Parkhead “sooner rather than later” it could still be some time before this happens.

Some Hoops fans have the club of delivering less than Motherwell.

As well as the streamed games, the Steelmen are offering season ticket holders the chance to attend 19 home games when they happen.

They have also offered fans the chance to claim credit for any missed games on season tickets in 2021/22 or to have matches played behind closed doors deducted from the cost this term.

Celtic did not respond to a request for comment on the concerns raised but said in a statement when they announced the virtual season ticket: “These are uncertain times for everyone and Celtic is in no way immune to these serious difficulties.

“We face huge challenges and we thank you for supporting us during this unprecedented period.

“We all want to be back together at Celtic Park. We are working in circumstances completely outwith our control but are liaising closely with the Government and the SPFL to bring you back to Celtic Park sooner rather than later.” accused for fans

I think they have the tone of this wrong I’m afraid