Celtic sends a letter to a group of supporters following a “volume of complaints” on a recent performance.
Celtic have informed the Green Brigade that a recent banner display breached club protocol as they warned the supporters’ group that speaking on behalf of the club is “unacceptable.”
A banner calling for an end to the war in Palestine which included the message “End Zionism” was unfurled ahead of the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on February 17 which led to complaints from Jewish supporters and calls for the Green Brigade to be banned.
The club had canceled the match tickets of the ultras section, who are situated in the safe-standing portion of the stadium, in October due to what they described as persistent rule violations and inappropriate behavior.
The club has written to the organization after receiving “a volume of complaints” regarding the most recent banner display and misdemeanors involving away supporters at Motherwell and Aberdeen matches. The ban was lifted in December, and an amended code of conduct was released.
4 Tims and a Podcast posted the letter on social media, stating: “Good afternoon. It is observed that the display in the front area of the Rail Seating area at the home match against Kilmarnock on February 17th violates both the amended and agreed-upon Rail Seating Code of Conduct and the Club’s Banner Protocol.
“Unfortunately, the Club has been inundated with complaints on the display from various Celtic fans and stakeholders – specifically regarding the words “End Zionism” and certain elements of the rallying cry before to the game.
“Celtic is an inclusive club, as has been stated many times, and as such, we take these violations of the established Code of Conduct and the complaints we get very seriously.
“The views expressed by the banners are not those of Celtic Football Club. It is not appropriate to imply that the group speaks for the Club. Any group attempting to utilize Celtic and Celtic Park as a platform for these kinds of statements is completely out of place, especially in light of the fact that a large number of the Club’s supporters and coworkers have been impacted by these incidents.
“The Club acknowledges that our supporters have individual opinions regarding these issues. We all belong at Celtic Park because we are an inclusive club, and Celtic fans obviously have a variety of opinions. All coworkers and supporters should feel welcome to attend Celtic Park and show their support for our football team. In light of this and the seriousness of the unfolding tragedy, we have previously asked—and we do so again—that there be no more displays of this kind that violate the established code of conduct and banner etiquette.
“On a related point, concerning Sunday’s away game against Motherwell on February 25, we regretfully observed several behaviors with people trying to enter the stadium without a valid match ticket back (this was also a common occurrence at our most recent away game against Aberdeen). The host clubs and other fans who are being negatively impacted by these behaviors have also complained to the club, and their concerns are being taken extremely seriously.
As a result, the Club once more requests that the organization work to dissuade any such fans who do not have tickets from trying to enter or avoid the safety and stewarding procedures. With regards, The Celtic Football Club.
