Green Brigade return to Celtic Park

The Green Brigade returned to Celtic Park today for the visit of St Johnstone.

The popular fans group have been absent for almost three months after being wrongly blamed for crowd trouble at the Motherwell v Celtic match in December.

Despite intense media scrutiny none of those charged with damaging seats at Fir Park were members of the Green Brigade. Fifteen minutes before kick-off in today’s match a group of fans entered the south east corner of the Lisbon Lions stand and congregated behind a banner saying GREEN BRIGADE.

Following the trouble at Fir Park Celtic suspended a number of season-tickets in Section 111 with fans offered a refund of their money or a ticket to another area of the stadium.

Following the suspension of the Green Brigade the atmosphere at Celtic Park has dipped badly with the pre-Christmas matches against Hibs and Hearts particularly quiet.

Whether the Green Brigade are back on a permanent basis remains to be seen with news expected on their website.

With the drums rolling and chants back in place Celtic kicked off in the sunshine against St Johnstone with Leigh Griffiths partnering Anthony Stokes in attack.

Nir Biton also came into the side partnering Stefan Johansen in the centre of midfield with Georgios Samaras relegated onto the bench.

Eighteen minutes into the match Celtic took the lead through Anthony Stokes with the striker running towards the re-located Green Brigade to celebrate. Celtic started the match 18 points ahead of second placed Aberdeen who they face at Pittodrie on Tuesday week after Saturday’s trip to Tynecastle.