Celtic lift suspension of Green Brigade with immediate effect as three key conditions met to end six-month ban
The Celtic ultras group had an initial six-game ban extended at the start of December because of ‘safety incidents’
Celtic supporters group, The Green Brigade, are set to return to Parkhead “with effect from Saturday’s home game against St Mirren” after the club lifted their six-month suspension.
The ultras section - housed in the north curve of Celtic Park - had around 200 season tickets revoked in early November for an initial six games following an incident at a home match against Falkirk on October 29 where group members allegedly used “violent and threatening behaviour” towards stewards and police officers.
That suspension was extended to an “indefinite” ban at the start of December following reports the group had found a way round the initial sanction before threatening the club's Head of Safety and Security.
Since then, discussions have taken place between representatives of the Green Brigade, Hoops officials and Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group in recent weeks in attempt to reach an agreement that would pave the way for the group to return to home games.
Interim boss Martin O’Neill stated back in February that “some progress” has been made following initial talks. And the club has now confirmed that “a route has been found” to allow the Green Brigade to attend matches again with immediate effect.
A club statement released on Tuesday evening read: “On March 27th, at a meeting of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group, the Club again addressed the suspension on the Green Brigade. The SAG confirmed that it did not object to the suspension being lifted, subject to three conditions being satisfied.
“These were that all applicable policies will be adhered to, including season ticket terms and conditions; agreement that members will comply with the safety and security operations; recognition that a match-by-match report will be submitted to the Safety Advisory Group, for as long as they deem it necessary.
“We communicated this to the Green Brigade and asked for their unconditional acceptance. They have today responded positively by accepting these conditions, as outlined.”
Celtic interim chairman, Brian Wilson, commented: “I am pleased we have reached this point where suspensions can be lifted with the agreement of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group on terms which apply to supporters throughout the stadium.
“On that basis, a full and united Celtic Park can get behind the team at this crucial point in the season.”
Celtic face St Mirren this weekend before fulfilling their five remaining post-split fixtures, which see them play three more games at home this season, against Falkirk (April 25), Rangers (May 10) and Hearts (May 16).