NafisaThe Green Brigade have sent their derby day rallying cry to the Celtic support just hours before kick-off at Celtic Park, encouraging fans to crank up the atmosphere once again as the title battle reaches a critical stage.
In a message posted on Sunday morning, the ultras group confirmed plans for a huge pre-match tifo in the North Curve while also urging supporters throughout the stadium to “keep playing their part” in pushing the team forward.
Celtic head into the lunchtime showdown fully aware that Hearts’ stumble on Saturday evening has handed them a massive opportunity in the title race.
Derek McInnes’ men failed to claim the result they needed against Motherwell, meaning a Celtic win today would swing momentum heavily in their favour with just two fixtures left after this one.
That gives this afternoon’s derby significance far beyond simple local bragging rights.
For large spells of this campaign, Celtic have appeared fragile and capable of dropping points against almost anybody. Supporters have lived through every twist of a turbulent season that has already brought managerial drama, fan frustration and growing scrutiny aimed at the club hierarchy.
Yet suddenly, after weeks filled with uncertainty, there is now a genuine feeling that the title race could turn once again.
The Green Brigade’s statement captured that mood perfectly.
Instead of focusing heavily on Rangers, the message centred around the Celtic support and the influence the atmosphere at Parkhead can have in carrying the players through what could become a defining afternoon. The group referenced recent home matches where the support has “driven the team onto victory” and stressed the importance of everybody inside the stadium contributing.
Since the Green Brigade returned ahead of the run-in, Celtic Park has rediscovered some of the intensity many supporters believed had faded earlier in the season. European nights and derby clashes have always fed off that energy, but with the title race this close, every little detail suddenly feels amplified.
The planned tifo display before kick-off is expected to form part of a broader push to transform Celtic Park into a hostile environment from the opening whistle.
Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will both understand exactly what is on the line.
Victory would not mathematically secure the title, far from it, but mentally it could be enormous after Hearts left the door open on Saturday night. With so few matches remaining, momentum becomes everything, and Celtic now have the chance to grab hold of it in front of a packed home support.
By midday, the atmosphere inside Celtic Park is expected to be thunderous.
The Green Brigade have already delivered their message loud and clear.
Nafisa
