Green Brigade claim Celtic ban is ‘unjust’ and call UEFA ‘corrupt’

THE Green Brigade has hit out at Celtic and UEFA in the wake of the club’s decision to ban them for two games.

On Friday, Celtic issued a statement revealing that they are to shut the section of the ground occupied by the controversial fans group after UEFA hit the club with a charge for displaying a paramilitary-themed banner during the Champions League qualifier against Linfield in midweek.

Citing safety concerns relating to both that match and the final league game of last season against Hearts, Celtic condemned the group, with manager Brendan Rodgers urging supporters to heed their ‘wake-up call’.

The fans have responded to the sanction, saying: ‘While we are disappointed to hear of the impending two-match ban that we face, we know that in the sanitised world of Scottish football the actions of an Ultra group like ours may have consequences for our members.

‘We do however completely oppose collective punishment and a blanket ban on all fans in our block is disproportionate and unjust. We call on the board to revise this decision.

‘As a group, we are defined by our style of support and our politics, both of which the club are happy to benefit from when it suits their agenda.

‘In light of this, and of the condemnation of banners and songs from Wednesday, we refuse to allow a discredited and corrupt organisation like UEFA or a board which has welcomed Tory Lords to dictate our moral compass.’

That comment was aimed at Tory peer Lord Livingston, who served on the club’s board for a decade before stepping down earlier this year.

There was criticism for chief executive Peter Lawwell and the club’s hierarchy.

The statement continued: ‘We welcome Peter Lawwell’s call for dialogue as we have been waiting on his availability for some time.

‘One of our first talking points will be the unnecessary and unsafe policing operation carried out during Wednesday night’s match, which we believe must be the source of one of UEFA’s charges (blocked stairwells).

‘Other pertinent issues to be addressed are the club’s response to the biggest cheating scandal to shame Scottish sport; the insulting of the Celtic support over the Linfield away debacle and negligence of the safety of those they knew would travel; and the silence over the racial and sectarian hatred directed at our Player of the Year (Scott Sinclair) and manager.’