Celtic Imposes Ban on Green Brigade Following Incident of Violence

Celtic FC has imposed a ban on the Green Brigade, a prominent fan group, for three home matches following allegations of “violent and threatening behaviour” during a recent encounter against Falkirk.

The Scottish champions released footage purportedly showing approximately 100 supporters engaging in verbal abuse and physically assaulting a steward and two police officers on Wednesday, October 29. The club described the incident as occurring after a ticket inspection in the rail seating area of Celtic Park.

Previously, the Green Brigade received a suspended sanction during the summer for “repeated serious safety and security-related breaches.” In light of the recent incident, Celtic is taking further steps to address the situation.

“In response to this latest occurrence, the club confirms that the previously issued sanction will now be enforced, commencing this weekend,” stated Celtic in a recent announcement.

The club has also communicated with the Green Brigade and its season ticket holders regarding the incident, emphasizing, “For our staff and police to be assaulted in this manner is simply unacceptable. This was a serious and violent incident that cannot be tolerated, necessitating decisive action to maintain safety for everyone attending our matches.”

Footage shared by the club appears to depict fans rushing down a walkway beneath the stand, with more supporters emerging onto the concourse during the incident.

Police Scotland has initiated an appeal for witnesses following the events. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland condemned the disorder, stating, “No one should be harmed or intimidated while fulfilling their duties. This type of violence will not be tolerated, and we are actively working to identify and hold accountable those responsible.”

The Green Brigade has responded to the ban, asserting that it spans “at least six matches,” which includes three away trips, and has labeled the action a “further attack on supporters.” They characterized the justification for the ban as disingenuous, asserting that the previous suspended sanction stemmed from displaying Palestinian flags, which they believe is fundamentally unfair and unprecedented.

The group has categorically denied allegations of violence, contending that both Celtic FC and Police Scotland played a role in instigating the incident. They referenced this as an instance of police harassment and suggested that the ban aims to suppress anti-board sentiment.

In a related note, in October 2023, a segment of the Green Brigade had their season tickets revoked indefinitely due to a “serious escalation” of unacceptable conduct, although the ban was later lifted in December after the group agreed to adhere to a new safety code of conduct.