No progress made in Celtic 'peace talks' as Green Brigade give update in wake of Stuttgart fans banner demonstration
Protesters launched tennis balls onto the pitch in protest against the ultras group's indefinite ban from Celtic Park
The Green Brigade have confirmed there has been NO progress made with the Celtic board in their ongoing attempts to regain access to Parkhead.
The ultras group have been banned from gaining entry to all Hoops matches since early November, with an initial three-game lockout being extended indefinitely following an incident during a Premiership clash with Falkirk.
Many supporters - including the Celtic Fans Collective - have been waiting patiently for a resolution, with various protests taking place against the club’s hierarchy. A fan boycott was staged during the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee earlier this month, with demands for the resignation of CEO Michael Nicholson.
Interim chairman Brian Wilson has twice led calls for “unity” as he looks to bring an end to the civil war that has engulfed the Scottish champions since the start of the season. It's understood Wilson held talks with members of the Celtic Fans Collective earlier this week to try and resolve a range of ongoing issues.
Boss Martin O'Neill declared that he felt “some progress” had been made, but now appears to be untrue judging by information leaked from the summit which revealed that no middle ground had been found and that the Green Brigade were still suspended.
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That subsequently prompted a demonstration prior to kick-off last night as protesters launched tennis balls onto the pitch - delaying kick-off for Stuttgart's 4-1 Europa League playoff first-leg win in Glasgow’s east end.
Stuttgart fans stand in solidarity with the Green Brigade
The visiting fans displayed a banner of their own which read: “End the bans - freedom for Ultras” as they stood in solidarity with the Celtic counterparts.
And the Green Brigade - who have become the traditional ‘12th man’ at Celtic Park over the last 15 years - issued an update on Friday afternoon to confirm that they are no closer to ending their indefinite ban.
A social media post read: “Despite recent platitudes of 'unity' from the club, last night marked the 24th match that 250 Celtic fans have been banned for - following no fair process nor logic and with seemingly no end in sight.
“Last night, even the away fans highlighted this - alongside other Celtic fans.”
Charlie Mulgrew wants Celtic to reinstate Green Brigade
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew is of the belief that reinstating the ultras group is a necessity, despite O’Neill suggesting those who took part in Thursday’s protest “needed their head examined”.
Reacting to their sobering Europa League defeat, Mulgrew told Premier Sports Ireland: “It’s a real sad night, because Stuttgart never felt the Celtic Park atmosphere - full-scale, intimidating atmosphere - that I've played in myself and felt.
“It can take you to another level, and it’s just not there. The way that things have went this season, right throughout the club, it was never going to be there tonight.”
Celtic have left themselves with a mountain to climb in next week’s second leg in Germany, with attention now turning back to domestic matters, starting with Sunday’s clash at home to Hibs.