Albion Rovers manager Sandy Clark says that Celtic brought a ‘great fanbase’ to Cliftonhill on Saturday.
The Green Brigade were in attendance at Celtic B’s away meeting with Rovers at the weekend, bringing with them their trademark noise and pyrotechnics.
The group, which has been banned from the club’s matches since November, drew a mixed reaction to their presence at the Lowland League fixture.
Whilst some criticised the disruption caused by the pyrotechnics and their “Praise You”-inspired banner, players and staff at Rovers themselves have defended the Celtic fans.
The decisions are yours…
Albion Rovers boss Sandy Clark on Celtic fans
Ex-Rangers midfielder Clarke, now the manager at Cliftonhill, said via The Daily Record: “There was a great atmosphere at the game because we got numbers [through the gate].
“Celtic brought a great fanbase with them and I was saying to Jonny Hayes (Celtic B manager) after the game that was probably a month’s wages for our players, which is brilliant.
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“I know it sounds a little bit flippant, but it is so important to us.
“Our fans turned up and got behind their team and they were ecstatic when we got the goals to win the game.”
The game was ultimately won by Rovers thanks to a late goal from Theo McCormick. Both of Celtic’s goals were scored by Robert Rachwal.
Rovers’ McCormick said: “The pitch wasn’t great, but we managed the game well and it was great to get the win. I missed about four chances before it, so it was about time one went in!
“But I am buzzing to get the winner. It was good [the atmosphere], and they are a good footballing side.
“They are tough to play against and we handled the situation quite well.”
The GB’s long-standing lockout from games started with an initial three-game expulsion being extended indefinitely.
As the ban has drawn on, fans have waited patiently for a resolution, but a Celtic fan boycott against Dundee was called in solidarity with the group.
The Celtic Fans Collective organised the boycott, also demanding the resignation of Michael Nicholson.
Martin O’Neill confirmed a meeting between the club and fans ahead of the Stuttgart tie earlier this year, but this did not result in a resolution.
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