Celtic have suspended the Green Brigade due to hazardous behaviour and suspicions of carrying a terrorist banner.
Celtic Football Club has suspended the season tickets of about 200 Green Brigade supporters who sit in the rail seating portion of Celtic Park. The club highlighted reports of “a number of banners and flags used by the Green Brigade that relate to or are connected with terrorist organizations involved in the Middle East conflict,” as well as incidents of dangerous behaviour.
Celtic have announced that they intend to assess the group’s performance throughout the last two home games. Before Celtic’s Champions League match versus Atletico Madrid, there will be a banner display of Palestinian flags. Before the game, the club published a statement reinforcing the restriction on political emblems. The current measure follows a prior suspension against the fans organization, which barred them from attending away games.
The flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is shown in photographs from the banner display in the rail seating portion of the North Stand. The revolutionary socialist organization is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Canada, but it is not on the Home Office’s list of terrorist organizations in the United Kingdom.
Celtic and Police Scotland were contacted for comment on the club’s flag probe.
“You may already be aware of the recent actions that the Club has taken in respect of the Green Brigade, relating to access at home matches and access to away tickets, as well as the Club’s review of unacceptable conduct concerning the group,” adds the club statement. Following that evaluation, and continuing major issues with Green Brigade members’ actions during the following two matches, the Club believes it is necessary to take further action against the group.
“In light of the behaviour of group members, including numerous examples of non-compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications, the Club has determined that it is necessary to suspend the season tickets of all season ticket holders who have registered with the Ticket Office as members of the ‘Green Brigade’ supporters club, dating back to September.” Moving ahead, this is subject to additional examination and conversation with the group and/or supporters in question regarding compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and Club communications.
“The section’s safe operation is dependent on adherence to the Ground Regulations and the Rail Seating Section Safety Code of Conduct.” According to the Rail Seating Section Safety Code of Conduct, “the safe operation of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park requires effective communication and engagement with supporters in that area.” As a result, the Club believes it is vital to interact directly with all spectators in the Rail Seating Section in order to provide you with honest and accurate information.
“Formal interactions with group representatives provided particular examples of the behaviours that prompted the Club to take these progressive actions, but these included the following:
“The widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics in Feyenoord on 19 September, which resulted in a fine for the Club from UEFA and safety issues for, and complaints from, other Celtic supporters;
“The unsafe behaviour at Fir Park on 30 September, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets and pitch incursions;
“Illegally gained access to Celtic Park prior to the match against Lazio on 4 October to bring in an unauthorised banner, including deliberate circumvention of safety and security rules and protocols, as well as intimidating and threatening behaviour toward staff.”
“Abuse of matchday access at Celtic Park before to the match against Kilmarnock on 7 October, as well as another illegal display, in violation of previously notified regulations, and intimidating and threatening behaviour toward 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;
“Unsafe behaviour at Easter Road on 28 October, including violent and intimidating behaviour towards stewards.
Celtic have suspended the Green Brigade due to hazardous behaviour and suspicions of carrying a terrorist banner.
“Furthermore, it was clearly explained to the group that, as a result of unacceptable behaviour during Season 2022/23, the Club was required to submit a report to the Glasgow City Council’s Safety Advisory Group 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.”
“Unfortunately, this season has seen the accumulation of the aforementioned behaviours, and it is as a result of the increasingly serious escalation in these unacceptable behaviours and noncompliance with applicable regulations that the Club is taking progressive steps.”
“The Club should also be aware that it has been informed of a number of banners and flags used by the Green Brigade that are related to or connected with terrorist organizations involved in the Middle East conflict.” This is utterly inappropriate at Celtic Park and any Celtic Football Club match. The Club is still looking into these and other undesirable incidents of the group’s behaviour.
“To be clear, the Club values engagement with any and all supporters and supporter groups who wish to positively support Celtic. Indeed, we have many excellent ongoing relationships across the Rail Seating Section and beyond but these are built upon a foundation of trust, respect for the rules and regulations relating to safety and mutual cooperation. We ask that those remaining supporters in the Rail Seating Section work with us in following the rules that apply to all supporters who attend Celtic Park, and those specifically created to ensure safety in your section.”
