Celtic fans to scale back matchday protests as new card played in message to board

The Celtic Fans Collective has announced it is scaling down matchday protests amid the title run-in – but appealed for supporters to send a season ticket message to the board.

The umbrella group called for season ticket holders to delay renewals until the final day to show the strength of dissatisfaction with how the club is being run.

Progress was made this week in fan relations when the club lifted a five-month ban on the Green Brigade ultras, but wider tensions remain.

Celtic fans during the 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

A statement from the Celtic Fans Collective read: “This week’s announcement of the imminent return of the Green Brigade to Celtic Park promises to lift the stadium on Saturday against St Mirren, and with six league games left we all need to come together and get fully behind the team to help drive them over the line in the title race.

“Given the position the team is in and the importance of retaining our championship, matchday protests and actions have been scaled back.

“We acknowledge that the shared focus of supporters for now must be on backing the players in these final weeks. However, that does not mean the wider issues at the club have gone away.

“The failures of recent transfer windows, disastrous managerial and football department appointments, and the mistreatment and dismissal of supporters over the course of the season means that change is still needed within our club.

“It remains our firm belief that (chief executive) Michael Nicholson and (chief financial officer) Chris McKay should be removed from their positions and replaced with suitable professionals willing to stand up to the presumed authority of Dermot Desmond and his family.

“With season book renewals to be released in the coming weeks, we are asking supporters to withhold their renewals until the final day possible.

“This is a simple way to send a clear message to the current custodians of Celtic Football Club that fan anger over this season is not limited to a small minority.

“A huge swathe of the support has had enough and is demanding change.

“We urge all fans to loudly and colourfully back the team as they push for the title and the Scottish Cup, but also to use their renewal to send a message to the board that change is necessary.”

About 250 fans registered as Green Brigade members were suspended following an incident involving stewards and police at a game against Falkirk in October.

The club declared earlier this week that the group had accepted conditions for the return of those supporters but the Green Brigade later delivered a series of recommendations to the club.

These included the establishment of an elected fan advisory board; a transparent disciplinary process for supporters; a dedicated supporters liaison officer for ultras; consideration to combine the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic groups in Celtic Park next season; and exploration of a standing section behind a goal for the following campaign.