The Green Brigade ultras have fired a sharp rebuke at Celtic over what they see as poor fan engagement surrounding the club’s recent statement urging supporters to stay away from unofficial title celebrations this weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ side will lift the Scottish Premiership trophy at Parkhead following their final-day win over St Mirren, but concerns over large gatherings in Glasgow’s Trongate and Merchant City areas have prompted the club to call for “responsible” celebrations.
However, the Green Brigade have slammed this plea, accusing Celtic of ignoring months of fan requests to properly organise a Trongate title party celebration. In a lengthy statement released by North Curve Celtic, the group outlined their frustration at the club’s lack of engagement on fan issues, including season ticket price hikes, restrictions on tifos, and what they describe as a “derogatory narrative” surrounding football supporters.
“The ‘Trongate Title Party’ is the most recent example of this,” the statement read. “Despite several months’ notice, there was no will to engage with fans on this issue. There is no framework, culture nor will to engage with fans on any issue. As another long and expensive season draws to a close, we encourage fans to celebrate in a fashion they deem fit; irrespective of any intimidation or castigation from those who already look down on us.”
In a bold move, the Green Brigade also appear ready to defy an apparent Celtic ban on fan tifos during the Trophy Day celebrations. Posting a cryptic image on social media from inside Celtic Park, the ultras hinted that while fan-organised tifos are banned, outsourced displays are planned, suggesting they have found external help to stage a significant visual show within the stadium.
This development comes amid growing tensions over tifos in Scottish football. Recently, Rangers’ Union Bears fan group faced criticism from their own club for a controversial display targeting Celtic ahead of their final Old Firm match. That incident prompted Rangers to condemn the banner and raise questions about stadium security and fan displays.
What the Green Brigade’s planned display will look like, and how they intend to bring it into Celtic Park despite the club’s restrictions, remains unclear. But one thing is certain: the ultras remain defiant in their determination to make their mark on Trophy Day celebrations, sending a clear message to both Celtic and the wider football authorities about the importance of fan involvement.
