Celtic have been forced into issuing a second statement following the crushing outside of Celtic Park ahead of the 1-0 win over Sevco.
Last night’s statement from the club was widely criticised by supporters involved who believed that Police Scotland were part of the problem rather than the solution.
With just 800 visiting fans attending the match it seems that incredible steps were made to ensure their safety- to the exclusion of home supporters.
The decision to close off London Road at it’s junction with Springfield Road at 11am caused unnecessary problems with all Celtic supporters in the North Stand and Lisbon Lions Stand forced to use the ‘tunnel’ are on Janefield Street.
Sevco fans were able to sing anti-catholic songs throughout the match with no action coming from the police who appeared to make no arrests despite being charged by around 100 ‘Scottish football fans’ after the final whistle as the Celtic players applauded their fans.
At lunchtime today Celtic stated:
The safety of our fans will always be of paramount importance and this is a matter which we are treating with the utmost seriousness. The Club, along with Police Scotland, will be investigating this matter fully to identify the causes and take the appropriate steps to ensure this does not happen again at Celtic Park.
The Club and Police Scotland will advise of the outcome of this investigation once it is complete.
We are fully aware of the serious difficulties which arose yesterday for supporters, and we sincerely regret and apologise that so many fans were faced with this situation.
Yesterday’s match was the first occasion which featured new segregation and access arrangements.
Champions League ties have regularly been staged at Celtic Park without with Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach bringing 3,000 fans.
