Celtic have imposed an indefinite stadium ban on members of the Green Brigade supporters’ group because of “unacceptable behaviour”.
Season tickets owned by individuals registered with Celtic as being associated with the Green Brigade have been suspended before Wednesday night’s home Premiership match against St Mirren and will remain blocked until further notice.
The action came after the supporters’ group repeatedly defied pleas by the club not to bring Palestinian flags to matches. It is understood the ban will affect about 200 supporters.
Fans flew Palestinian colours when Celtic travelled to face Hibernian at Easter Road, Edinburgh, on Saturday
IAN JACOBS/ALAMY
Green Brigade members, who normally congregate in the rail seating section in the northeast corner of Celtic Park, are also banned from away matches, a restriction which has been in place since the trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts on October 22.
Celtic have made it known that the decision to revoke access to away tickets was due to disorder at previous away games against Feyenoord and Motherwell. It’s understood that the ban will affect around 200 supporters.
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The most high-profile recent clash between the club and the Green Brigade came last week when members as well as many supporters elsewhere in the stadium defied a club request not to fly the flag at the Champions League fixture at home to Atletico.
Celtic wrote to Green Brigade associates by email on Tuesday to inform them that the ban has been extended to matches in the east end of Glasgow.
The email said: “We are writing to advise that due to repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct involving the ‘Green Brigade’ group, the club has suspended the season tickets of all season ticket holders who have registered with the Ticket Office as being part of this group, pending further review and communication with the group and/or the supporters in question regarding compliance with the ground regulations, the rail seating safety code of conduct, and club communications, moving forward.
“Therefore, your ticket is not eligible for use for our match against St Mirren and will remain suspended until further notice. Access to away tickets for supporters registered as being part of the group will also remain suspended. The safety of all supporters at Celtic Park is of paramount importance and amid these serious safety concerns, this immediate action whilst regrettable, is considered by the club to be necessary.”
Ireland’s long history of occupation means many Celtic fans, including the club’s Green Brigade gang of ultras, see a parallel to Israel and Gaza.
