Green Brigade tell Celtic 'deep' concerns must be fixed as returning ultras in refunds claim and board blast

Celtic supporters group, The Green Brigade, have urged the club to fix what they describe as deep-rooted issues amid preparations for their Parkhead return.

The ultras are poised to be in position for Saturday’s Premiership match versus St Mirren. Those in that section had their season tickets revoked following an incident at a home match against Falkirk on October 29, where members allegedly assaulted stewards and police.

An ‘indefinite’ ban was passed down in December after The Green Brigade reportedly circumvented the initial sanction and allegedly threatened the club's Head of Safety and Security. Conversations between Green Brigade representatives, Celtic and Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group in recent weeks have taken place in search of a solution with the defending league champions confirming on Tuesday that an agreement had been met.

Green Brigade on Celtic Park return

That doesn’t mean all is well, however, as the ultras insisted manager Martin O’Neill’s side are involved in the title race with no help from the club hierarchy, sitting third and three points off leaders Hearts. They have urged Celtic powerbrokers to change their ways as they are left hurt by the controversy that has spanned much of this term, with refunds also due to be dished out to those affected.

“Following a five-month and 32-match suspension, Celtic FC has finally lifted the unjustified and unfair suspension of 250 supporters,” the Green Brigade said in a statement responding to Celtic’s address of the situation. “In doing so, all affected supporters will receive a pro-rata refund for matches missed; and be credited with away points they would otherwise have accrued. We believe this is vindication that there was no basis for the suspensions.

“While we are naturally pleased to be officially returning to Celtic matches, we will not forget the experience of recent months and the personal impact it has had on supporters. There remains deep structural and cultural concerns within the club which must be robustly addressed to avoid similar, widespread supporter-breakdowns which have plagued this season.

Why have Celtic ultras agreed to return?

“It remains our expectation that all Celtic supporters- including the Green Brigade - must be treated fairly, proportionately and with respect by the Club, its stewards and police officers, particularly when on the footprint of Celtic Park. We are satisfied that conditions on lawful supporter expression and conduct towards police officers have been dropped thus proving them to be wholly inappropriate.

“For 20 years, it has been the Celtic support that has funded and fuelled the Green Brigade. Your support over recent months, particularly by sharing match tickets to circumvent suspensions, has been invaluable. In particular, we would like to thank the Celtic Fans Collective for its consistent advocacy and Bhoys Celtic for its unwavering solidarity.

“In spite of the board, Celtic still has a fighting chance of salvaging this season. We are committed to and relishing the prospect of returning to Celtic Park to get behind the team. This responsibility extends beyond the Green Brigade though. Everyone has their own particular part to play, no part is too great or too small, no one is too old or too young to do something.”