Celtic unhappy as shambolic Europa League situation unfolds

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Celtic have been engulfed in a shambolic Europa League ticketing situation involving Real Betis.

The Spanish club confirmed to the Bhoys on Wednesday that Celtic would receive a number of away tickets for the upcoming match in Seville next Thursday.

Fans confident of being allocated briefs then started to book travel arrangements for the group stage match. Tickets had even begun to go on sale last night. The return of a European away trip for the first time since before the pandemic went down a treat with many supporters.

However, Betis have now confirmed via Celtic that they’ve had to withdraw the offer of tickets due to a ruling from the Spanish local authority.

Celtic said in a statement: “Responsibility for advising away clubs on ticketing and acceptance of fans travelling lies with the home club in UEFA competitions. Since the draw was made we have asked Betis to confirm whether they will be accepting Celtic fans at this fixture.

“Early on Wednesday afternoon Betis confirmed that they would be accepting Celtic fans for this match and the Club has been working hard to try and find a way to comply with the requirements laid down to admit Celtic fans for this fixture.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing to be told moments ago that Betis will no longer be able to admit Celtic fans to this match.

“Whilst this matter is totally outwith Celtic’s control we fully understand the disappointment which will be felt by Celtic fans planning on attending.”

The club are now advising fans not to travel, even if arrangements have been booked, potentially leaving some out of pocket.

Clearly this is not the fault of Celtic, but that won’t make it any easier to accept for those far along the line of arranging to make the match.

Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys are used to going on the road and not playing in front of away fans, so it shouldn’t impact the team too much.

Hopefully, though we’ll see some supporters in attendance for away fixtures against Leverkusen and Ferencvaros, both of whom Celtic are speaking to right now to confirm logistics.

In other news, James McCarthy is ready to go for Celtic.