Following Sunday’s match at Ibrox Stadium, the Club has taken time to assess matchday events and today Celtic Interim Chairman Brian Wilson addressed a number of matters, speaking to Celtic TV.
The Club has concerns about access arrangements prior to the game and had raised a number of these ahead of the match. We have since met representatives of Celtic Supporters’ Association who reiterated serious concerns on grounds of safety, which we will raise with Police Scotland, the SFA and Rangers FC.
Brian stressed the club’s commitment to co-operate with any review of events, including the one announced by the SFA, while very clearly emphasising that any conclusions and subsequent actions need to be evidence based.
There are clearly serious issues to be addressed and examples of unacceptable behaviour which require appropriate responses.
Separately and following two meetings with representatives of the Green Brigade, Brian provided an update on recent developments.
On 24 February Celtic proactively arranged a meeting with Glasgow City Council’s Safety Advisory Group, to push for the group’s re-entry to Celtic Park in time for this weekend’s match against Motherwell.
At that meeting, the Club was informed by the SAG that a number of concerns remained that required to be resolved in order to create a pathway for re-entry, relating in particular to acceptance of supporter terms and conditions, and the stewarding and safety operation within the section.
Club representatives again met Green Brigade representatives this week, outlining the proposals required to address concerns highlighted by the SAG and recommending their approval.
In short, the expectation is that the Green Brigade demonstrates a willingness to co-operate with safety and security requirements, as required by Police Scotland and the SAG.
That would allow the Club to support re-entry of the group to Celtic Park, through further liaison with the Council’s Safety Advisory Group. We have communicated the SAG’s requirements to the Green Brigade and await a response.