Green Brigade section at Celtic Park to remain

Celtic have reversed their decision to close the Green Brigade section. Picture: SNS

The Parkhead side announced earlier this month that Section 111 would be disbanded and all season ticket holders relocated following safety concerns.

The club released a statement explaining their decision noting that despite “repeated warnings” practices such as body surfing, mock fighting and the lateral movement of spectators had continued.

However Celtic announced today that it had suspended the relocation of supporters having received reassurances from members of the Green Brigade and after discussions with Glasgow City Council.

A statement released by the club said fans’ behaviour would be monitored on a “match -by-match” basis.

It read: “Celtic Football Club would like to re-iterate its commitment and responsibility to ensuring the safety of everyone who visits Celtic Park. It is our absolute priority.

“The Club is pleased to have engaged in positive dialogue in relation to this matter. We thank the (Glasgow City Council) Safety Advisory Group and supporters’ representatives for their continued co-operation and we look forward to working together to ensure a safe environment in the stadium.”

The Green Brigade, credited by manager Neil Lennon for adding to the Parkhead match day atmosphere, have had a controversial history.

In a game against Cliftonville in a Champions League qualifier last month, the Green Brigade set off fireworks within the ground, contravening Uefa’s stadium safety policy.

The group has also gotten the club into trouble with the European football governing body over “illicit chanting” in 2011.

In 2010, the Green Brigade caused further controversy after unveiling an anti-poppy banner