There’s little doubt about the biggest debating point over the weekend for Celtic fans- the fall out between the club and the Green Brigade.
The banners at the match against Linfield have resulted in a two match closure of the standing section at Celtic Park and an outburst of opinions covering every viewpoint.
Some folk want to see all facilities inside the ground withdrawn from the ultra group while some feel that they have every right to express opinions that could leave the club open to fines and punishments from the football authorities.
Even though the club magazine once published a similar type image there’s little doubt that most fans didn’t approve of an image of Brendan Rodgers appearing, the statement from the manager, diplomatic as ever, carried a serious warning.
Whether they like it or not rules are rules and certain types of banners and songs are out of bounds inside Celtic Park.
Social and political beliefs can be expressed on line or elsewhere but Celtic Park in 2017 isn’t the place for political comment.
Of course Irish politics played a big part in the club’s early days, MP’s and Lord’s from the Labour and Conservative parties have recently sat on the board but a football ground can. no longer be a political rally.
Managing the relationship with an Ultras group is a delicate matter but Celtic can control what sort of banners come in to the stadium.
Across the ground it’s difficult to get an umbrella past the stewards, a golf brolly is a complete no-no.
The debate and arguments are bound to rumble on over the coming weeks with Celtic’s detractors sitting smugly on the sidelines delighted that the heat has been taken away from a decade of cheating from their favourite companies.