Confusion between Celtic and Police Scotland over flag ban
Over the weekend it was claimed that discussions between the two clubs and with the police had resulted in a ban on flags and banners at the match.
That announcement was greeted by anger among the Celtic support with a number of fans contacting St Johnstone to get a refund on their ticket.
In mid-afternoon a statement from Celtic claimed that the decision had been overturned but there has been no word from either Police Scotland or St Johnstone on the issue.
Three hours after Celtic’s St Johnstone were unaware of the about turn according to a report on the BBC website.
Celtic’s statement said: “Following discussions today between Celtic, the local police and St Johnstone FC, it has been decided that flags and banners will now be permitted at the match on Boxing Day.
“We have an excellent relationship with everyone at St Johnstone FC and we thank them and the police for reviewing their initial decision.”
Twenty four hours earlier a statement on the St Johnstone website said: “St Johnstone FC and Celtic FC fully support Police Scotland in their attempts to eradicate this nuisance from our game and as part of the planning process for this match between the three parties and other agencies, and as there have been several instances of flags being used as cover for the igniting of these devices, a decision has been taken that for this specific fixture flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park.
“Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others.”