The Green Brigade’s Tifo Plans Re-Emerge Amid Tensions Ahead of the Glasgow Derby
As the Glasgow Derby looms on the horizon, the spotlight once again falls on Celtic’s passionate ultras group, the Green Brigade, and their plans for a pre-match tifo display. Known for their visually stunning and often provocative banners, the Green Brigade have become synonymous with creating an electrifying atmosphere at Celtic Park. However, their latest preparations for the upcoming clash against Rangers have reignited debates, following a controversial ban on their tifo for the March 2025 Derby. The reasons behind the re-emergence of their tifo plans, the group’s motivations, and the broader context of their dynamic with the Celtic board provide a compelling narrative as the fierce rivalry approaches.
In March 2025, the Green Brigade announced that their planned tifo for the Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park was blocked by the Celtic board, a decision that sparked outrage among the ultras and their supporters. The group’s statement, posted on X, cited two specific displays as the justification for the ban: a pro-Palestinian tifo during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, which called to “Show Israel the Red Card,” and a tribute to Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane, a convicted IRA member and lifelong Celtic fan, ahead of a game against Aberdeen. The Green Brigade accused the board of “appeasing loyalists and Zionists” by prioritizing political sensitivities over the interests of Celtic supporters, a claim that fueled heated discussions online and in the stands.
The “Show Israel the Red Card” tifo, in particular, had a global impact, inspiring nearly 150 similar actions across 126 sports clubs in 31 countries, according to the Green Brigade. This display, which resonated widely with Celtic’s fanbase, underscored the group’s commitment to using their platform for political expression, a hallmark of their identity since their formation in 2006. The tribute to McFarlane, however, proved more divisive, with police investigating a complaint about the banner and some fans questioning its appropriateness.
The Celtic board’s response was firm. On March 6, 2025, the club issued a statement emphasizing that fan displays should “support the team, or otherwise celebrate Celtic,” aligning with the club’s Social Charter and Social Mission Statement. The decision to block the tifo was seen by some as an attempt to avoid further controversy, especially with Rangers fans returning to Celtic Park in significant numbers (2,400 supporters) for the first time in nearly seven
Despite the setback in March, the Green Brigade’s resolve to deliver a memorable tifo for the next Glasgow Derby has not wavered. Posts on X and reports from Celtic fan blogs suggest the ultras are actively planning a large-scale display to mark the occasion, aiming to reclaim their role as the visual and vocal heartbeat of Celtic Park. The group’s history of ambitious tifos—such as the “Battle of Bogside” display in 2022 or the “largest ever” tifo at Hampden for the 2023 Scottish Cup Final—demonstrates their capacity to mobilize fans and create moments that resonate far beyond the pitch.
The re-emergence of their tifo plans is driven by several factors. First, the Glasgow Derby remains the pinnacle of Scottish football, a fixture where the Green Brigade’s displays have become as iconic as the match itself. From depicting St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, in 2024 to their “army” tifo for the 2023 Viaplay Cup Final, the group has consistently used these games to galvanize the Celtic faithful and intimidate their rivals. With Rangers fans set to return, the stakes are higher, and the Green Brigade are keen to ensure the atmosphere at Celtic Park remains unrivaled.
Second, the ban in March has only strengthened the group’s determination to assert their influence. The Green Brigade have long positioned themselves as defenders of Celtic’s cultural and political identity, particularly its Irish roots and social justice advocacy. Their statement in March criticized the board for “commodifying” Celtic’s Irish heritage while punishing fans for expressing sentiments they believe are widely supported. By planning a new tifo, the group is signaling their refusal to be silenced, even as they navigate tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
The Green Brigade, formed in 2006, are more than just a supporters’ group; they are a cultural force within Celtic’s fanbase. Their tifos, funded through fan donations and the Tifo Fund (which raised nearly £30,000 in 2022/23), are meticulously planned and often carry deep symbolic weight. Past displays have celebrated Celtic’s history, honored figures like Jock Stein, or addressed global issues, such as their support for Palestine and Black Lives Matter. However, their willingness to tackle controversial topics has repeatedly put them at odds with the Celtic board, UEFA, and even some fans.
The March 2025 ban was not an isolated incident. In 2022, rumors swirled that the Green Brigade’s section faced closure after a tifo during a Derby, and in 2024, Livingston accused the group of breaching agreements by smuggling banners into a match. UEFA has also fined Celtic multiple times for political displays, including the 2016 banners during a match against Hapoel Beer-Sheva. These incidents highlight the delicate balance the Green Brigade must strike between their activism and the club’s desire to maintain a broader appeal.
The Celtic fanbase is divided on the Green Brigade’s approach. Some, like X user
@MichaelCeltic18
, called the March tifo ban “bad timing,” especially with Rangers fans returning, while others praised the group’s creativity and global influence. The “Bhoys X Celtic” tifo, unveiled by other supporters during the March 2025 Derby after the Green Brigade’s ban, showed that the desire for visual displays remains strong, even amid restrictions.
As the Green Brigade plan their next tifo, they face the challenge of working within the club’s guidelines while staying true to their ethos. Suggestions from fans and pundits, such as a mechanism for pre-approving tifos, could bridge the gap between the ultras and the board. For now, the group’s preparations are shrouded in secrecy—part of the surprise that makes their displays so impactful—but their statement in March hinted at a desire for “constructive dialogue” and a revised strategy from Celtic.
