Green Brigade accuse Celtic of ‘vindictive’ standing ban

Celtic have been accused of acting “vindictively” by the Green Brigade fans’ group after announcing a partial stadium closure for tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Rennes.

The Green Brigade claims its ticket allocation is being withheld for all games until further notice.

Celtic announced a partial closure of the safestanding area for the game after being hit with a fourth Uefa charge this season, claiming they had to “tackle any behaviour which can compromise the safety of our supporters including the use of pyrotechnics, overcrowding and offensive chanting or banners”.

The Green Brigade response, posted on social media, claimed there had been a “breakdown of trust” between the group and the club after banners earlier this season criticised transfer policy.

The statement added: “We have always accepted responsibility for our actions and ramifications where justified and proportionate.

“We know the use of pyrotechnics may bring consequences therefore accept the inevitable sanctions for using it. We regret that any fans outside of our membership should suffer those consequences and point to that being disproportionate and unnecessary. 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.”

The group claimed pyrotechnics were “incredibly popular” with “significant swathes” of Celtic fans and insisted they used them with “total regard for safety”, arguing there should be engagement over the use of the items, which are currently banned.

The group said it had done all it could to combat overcrowding in its section and claimed punishing its members for offensive chants against Lazio was unfair when “tens of thousands” joined in.