Celtic accuse Ultras group of violent and intimidating behaviour
Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Kilmarnock v Celtic - Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland, Britain - April 16, 2023 Celtic non-executive Chairman Peter Lawwell in the stands before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The Celtic Board appears to have identified 200 fans involved in ‘violent and intimidating behaviour towards Stewards’ at Easter Road on Saturday.
According to a club email sent out this afternoon members of the Green Brigade were responsible which has resulted in the suspension of Season Tickets to the ultras group.
Two weeks ago it was announced that away ticket allocations to the Green Brigade had been suspended starting the previous week at Tynecastle.
Breaches of stadium regulations were recorded at Celtic Park last week against Atletico Madrid with Green Brigade members informed this afternoon that their tickets for tomorrow’s match at home to St Mirren won’t be active.
The Celtic emailed states:
Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Kilmarnock on 7 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, and intimidating and threatening behaviour towards staff;
Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park in advance of the match against Atletico Madrid on 25 October and another unauthorised display, breaching the restrictions previously communicated, including circumvention of safety and security procedures and the migration of many members of the group (some of whom were wearing face coverings) out of the Rail Seating Section across the North Stand prior to kick off; and
Unsafe behaviour at Easter Road on 28 October, including violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards.
Further, it was also clearly explained to the group to that, as a result of unacceptable behaviours during Season 2022/23, the Club was required to submit a report to the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council, following every home game in an attempt to address the SAG’s “concerns regarding the conduct of certain spectators located within the north-east curve area.
There seems to be very little prospect of middle ground to be formed in the latest dispute between the club and the Green Brigade.
Tomorrow’s match looks like being played in a fairly quiet atmosphere although there is another ultras group, The Bhoys, housed at the opposite corner of Celtic Park.
With the evidence that the club has for incidents at Easter Road it seems likely that police action will follow.
