Banned Green Brigade at Celtic Park to welcome team ahead of Premiership clash

Banned supporters group The Green Brigade are back at Celtic Park to welcome the team before Saturday’s Premiership clash with Motherwell.

The ultras have had their tickets suspended for home and away games indefinitely for what the Parkhead club call “unacceptable behaviour” and safety issues.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Celtic fans gather to welcome the team bus during a cinch Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on November 25, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Celtic fans gather to welcome the team bus during a cinch Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on November 25, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) SNS Group

But they have congregated at the stadium ahead of the 3pm kick-off as the Hoops look to go eleven points clear at the top of the Premiership.

Following a war of words and “statement tennis” with Celtic chiefs over the ban, the group organised a day of action for the game with the Steelmen.

And with no end to the dispute in sight, thousands of fans arrived at Celtic Park behind a banner saying “forever and ever” and waving flags of the Green Brigade badge.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers arrives during a cinch Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on November 25, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers arrives during a cinch Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on November 25, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) SNS Group

Palestine and Ireland flags are also on display as the team, including stars such as Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley, were welcomed to the stadium with a rapturous applause and cheers.

Pyro and green smoke bombs were also let off as the team bus arrived.

Celebrity fan Rod Stewart was booed by the supporters gathered who also sang “f*** the tories” as he arrived at the main entrance.

The ageing rocker responded by showing the crowd his middle finger before making his way to take up his seat in the ground.

The section usually occupied by the Green Brigade will again be mostly empty for the game against the Steelmen with around 300 fans connected with the group banned from attending.

Other groups including The Bhoys have also boycotted the match in solidarity with the group.