Scottish football giants Celtic have taken the drastic step of extending an indefinite ban on their prominent ultras group, the Green Brigade, following a series of serious incidents described by the club as threatening and intimidating.
Incidents Lead to Escalating Punishment
The initial suspension was a three-game ban imposed after an alleged assault on police and stewards during a home match against Falkirk last month. Celtic stated that around 100 members of the group, many attempting to hide their identities, left the rail seating section and acted in a violent and intimidating manner in the stadium concourse.
However, the situation escalated further in the lead-up to the club's recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Celtic claim that two members of the Green Brigade directly threatened and sought to intimidate the club's head of safety and security operations. This alleged confrontation prior to the AGM was a key factor in the decision to make the ban indefinite.
Stadium Closure and Ticket Suspension Enforced
The club's response has been severe and multi-faceted. Not only is the Green Brigade's suspension extended, but Celtic have also been forced to take additional measures impacting stadium safety configuration.
The first six rows of the front section of the rail seating area at Celtic Park will be closed. Furthermore, the group's season tickets and their access to tickets for both home and away matches have been suspended. These measures will remain until the club is satisfied the group will engage properly on safety operations.
The club emphasised that a meeting of Glasgow City Council's safety advisory group on Friday, November 28, influenced this decision, leaving them with "no option" but to act.
Club's Stance and Group's Response
In a detailed statement, Celtic stressed that the suspension is "entirely unrelated to any protests or banners" and is solely based on safety concerns and the reported threatening behaviour. The club remains open to dialogue but insists it cannot accept threats to staff or breaches of safety protocols.
The statement warned that if the Green Brigade attempts to attend matches during the suspension, it will be considered by safety authorities in their assessment of the stadium's safety certificate, potentially jeopardising the entire rail seating section.
Despite the initial ban, the group managed to gain access to the home match against Kilmarnock FC. The Green Brigade has previously criticised the club's actions, calling them a "cynical attempt" to silence dissent against the board. However, Celtic have now doubled down on their position, linking the group's cooperation directly to the future of the standing section at Parkhead.
