Ange Postecoglou is disappointed there won’t be Celtic supporters at the Groupama Arena when Ferencvaros host the Bhoys in the Europa League tomorrow.
Celtic fans were issued a late shut-out, with the club admitting to trying all they could to let fans in. Unfortunately, an amicable solution wasn’t reached by both clubs.
The Celtic manager saw the impact of the supporters in the reverse tie. Despite it being a 3.30pm kick off on a Tuesday, Celtic fans topped Barcelona’s La Liga attendance against Valencia. That support spurred the Hoops to a 2-0 win, keeping our chances of progression alive.
Unfortunately, just like against Betis, Celtic will have to go without their fantastic away support. On that occasion, the Bhoys came firing out the traps, amassing a 2-0 lead. Defensive frailties showed, though, with a quality Betis team finishing 4-3 up.
A lack of fans certainly doesn’t help matters. A number of Ferencvaros supporters were allowed into Celtic Park, while Bayer Leverkusen fans attended their team’s 4-0 win at Paradise. The Hoops faithful, it seems, just don’t have the same luck.
Ange Postecoglou said [Celtic FC]:
“It’s disappointing for our supporters and disappointing for the atmosphere. But it’s the world we live in where these things aren’t as clear-cut as they were in the past. Obviously we’re being guided by governments and regulatory bodies.
“It’s a shame we’re not going to have them in the stadium, but another good challenge for our players, going into an environment where you know the opposition are going to have all the support behind them. Again, a good challenge, a great opportunity for us to have some growth.”
Ange Postecoglou knows the script for Celtic in Covid era; Ferencvaros no exception
Ultimately, Postecoglou is right. These are the cards we’re dealt, currently. With the pandemic ongoing, football away days are always going to be trickier. Especially when you add the bureaucracy of dealing with Covid Passports in a post-Brexit landscape.
Sadly, that’s what’s scuppered us this time round.
But Postecoglou, who had to isolate in Japan before making his start to life at Celtic, understands. So will his players. At this point, it’s disappointing, but not anything new or surprising.
Postecoglou, however, doesn’t realise that supporters have made it to Budapest regardless. This tweet from a German CSC, and plans to congregate around the Budapest Eye are ample evidence.
So, the splendour of Hungary’s capital won’t be lost on Celtic supporters entirely. Whether fans have time for an opera at the Magyar Állami Operaház, or to see the works of Mihály Munkácsy at the Museum of Fine Art, is up for debate, though.
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