Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Motherwell felt like a significant turning point, not just in terms of the Premiership table, but in the energy radiating from the stands.
For weeks, the primary talking point surrounding the matchday experience has been the ongoing absence of the Green Brigade and the perceived drop in noise levels inside Celtic Park.
However, as the second half unfolded at Paradise, a different kind of atmosphere took hold – one driven by the raw, organic tension of a title race, and Simon Donnelly loved it.
“But see against Motherwell, in the second half, the whole stadium, because they know they are in a title race,” said Donnelly.
“They know the importance of it. You could really see the fans responding to the team going 2-1 and 3-1 up.”
This shift was a welcome sight for those who feared the 12th man effect had vanished along with the absence of the Green Brigade.
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Celtic fans praised for their actions in the second half against Motherwell
This realisation is absolute music to the ears of the Celtic support.
While the presence of a drumming section and organised displays is missed, the weekend proved that the whole stadium is more than capable of rising to the occasion when the stakes are high.
It was a visceral reminder that when Celtic show the necessary intensity on the pitch, the fans will respond in kind.
Every game is becoming even more important, yes, the Green Brigade need to return, and hopefully, something happens during the international break and in time for the post-split fixtures.
Former Hoops star Donnelly was working for Celtic TV against Motherwell, and he was particularly struck by this change in dynamic during the comeback against the Steelmen.
“There is a lot of talk about the Celtic support, at the moment,” said Donnelly. “Obviously, the problem with the Green Brigade, and the atmosphere.
“But see against Motherwell, in the second half, the whole stadium, because they know they are in a title race. They know the importance of it. You could really see the fans responding to the team going 2-1 and 3-1 up.
“I think that’s going to build as the season goes on.”
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