Celtic ban Green Brigade after 'serious' incident as 410-word statement sets out length and reasoning

The lock-out will start for this Sunday’s Premiership match against Kilmarnock and Celtic say that the Green Brigade have been notified of the action in writing after being subject to a suspended sanction earlier in the year.

It is another incident in what is becoming an increasing tense relationship between Celtic and the Green Brigade, who are one of the club’s most prominent fan groups.

The incident in question took place on October 29 during a 4-0 win over Falkirk. Celtic have released a 410-word statement explaining their actions and also video footage to support their case.

The statement read: “Celtic Football Club wishes to provide the following update to our supporters following a recent incident at Celtic Park.

“During our match against Falkirk on Wednesday, October 29, a member of our Matchday staff while conducting a routine ticket check at the front of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park was assaulted by an individual. Two police officers intervened and attempted to arrest the individual in question.

“Subsequently, around 100 individuals from the Green Brigade group took part in a coordinated and orchestrated action to 'rescue' that individual. Many of these individuals actively sought to conceal their identity using hoods, scarves and face coverings.

Members ‘prevented arrest’

“This large group verbally abused and assaulted the steward and police officers, one male and one female, in a confined space and at one point there was a risk of one of the officers being pulled to the ground and trampled in amongst the larger group. The action taken by members of the Green Brigade group prevented the arrest of the individual in question.

“Clearly, such violent and threatening behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“In July of this year, as a result of warnings for repeated serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols, the Club determined that a suspended sanction would be applied to the Green Brigade group.

“The group were notified that any future serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols by the group would result in the group’s members being suspended from attending three home matches and access to away matches would also be suspended for the relevant period.

“The Club decided to issue a suspended sanction in July to give the group an opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate with the Club to ensure the Rail Seating Section is safe, well-managed and can be enjoyed by all fans.

“Following this latest incident, the Club can confirm that this sanction will now be applied, beginning from this weekend. The Club has written to the Green Brigade group and also to our season ticket holders regarding this incident.

“For our staff and police to be assaulted in this way is simply unacceptable. This was a serious and violent incident which cannot be accepted and the Club has no choice but to address this behaviour in the strongest terms.

“Celtic Park cannot be a place for this kind of behaviour and the Club must act in the wider interests and safety of everyone who attends our matches.”