Celtic travel to Birmingham this week for their final Champions League tie before the playoff.
The Hoops battle Aston Villa knowing they have already made the knockouts while a top eight spot for Brendan Rodgers’ side is still mathematically possible no matter how unlikely.
There are so many permutations for Celts but they took the pressure off themselves with victory over Young Boys on matchday seven in midweek.
Unai Emery had warned the Scottish champions over their trip to the West Midlands before the Spaniard was furious with his side for their flop at AS Monaco.
That left them in a bit of a nervy position given their own top eight ambitions but they have the benefit of having John McGinn back and ready for Celtic in Europe.
Celtic face Aston Villa in last game before Champions League playoff
Speaking of being ready, the West Midlands police force have made clear their plan for the coming fixture dubbed a ‘Battle of Britain’ as these matches usually are.
And they have urged home fans to have some restraint at the possibility of any desperate Celtic fans buying tickets within the home section of the stadium.
It comes after our ugly stepsister took fans to Manchester United and attempted to infiltrate the home end and caused a number of incidents where arrests were made after ugly brawls.
West Midlands’ Police Force Football Unit took to their dedicated social media channels to say: “If there are away supporters located in home areas of the stadium on Wednesday evening, do not react with aggression or violence.
West Midlands police football unit issued a Celtic fan warning
“Please allow Aston Villa staff or if required, the Police to deal with the matter. Aston Villa have tried hard to prevent this happening.”
And Villa fans had their say.
One commented: “I hope that there will be very robust action should there be and also that the stewards and turnstile staff are vigilant on stopping any obvious away fans coming into the ground.”
Another added: “There’s still tickets for the home end available to literally anyone on resale sites. The club not bothered about that?”
One said: “Just as long as they are removed from the stadium,” as a fourth added: “I doubt there will be any trouble, just folk wanting to watch their team, Just say hi.”
Celtic fans also had say on Aston Villa cops warning
Celtic fans also chimed in to quell any nerves with one commenting: “Shouldn’t be a problem if they just blend in and don’t act like bams.”
Another said: “Or, if they’re not causing any trouble, leave them be.”
One reassured: “Don’t worry unlike Rangers fans we won’t cause bother.”
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