Celtic’s Europa League campaign is underway.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were in Belgrade for a tough tie against Red Star on Wednesday, and managed to take a respectable point back to Glasgow.
We are now a month on from the Hoops’ much-maligned end to the transfer window – and ironically, the side’s European opener was scored by man whose eleventh-hour signing was a major source of frustration.
It isn’t fair to say that supporters wrote Kelechi Iheanacho off, but the context of his arrival was why fans were unhappy. Celtic failed to sign their main targets.
But with Iheanacho scoring and results looking steady, the Hoops boss has responded to a bizarre question about potential boycotts which could affect the upcoming European games at Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic Europa League attendances
Celtic’s next two games in the tournament are at home to Braga and Sturm Graz – opportunities to get points on the board.
But despite no official boycott being planned by the Celtic fan collective, the games may not be played in front of full crowds.
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For the Parkhead boss, the message to supporters is clear.
Asked if he hopes that fans will park any planned boycotts ahead of the upcoming fixtures after the draw in Belgrade, Rodgers said: “I really hope so. I think the lift that the supporters will give the team in these European games will be absolutely critical.
“We sensed it here tonight, and our fanbase and how fanatical they are can really push us in this competition.
“So I really hope so. Like I said, I cannot tell the supporters what to do, and how to think. But really, if they can really help us as a team, that will be amazing. Because we will really feel the benefit of that.
“A packed out Celtic Park can really help us over these coming games.”
The idea that any official boycott will be in action is certainly questionable, given the Parkhead support’s clear communication.
No Celtic boycott officially planned despite question
Pundits have suggested that Celtic fan protests will diminish with results – and given that the Hoops tend to win most of their games, that could happen soon if they are right.
However, the extent to which fans are mobilising is fairly new. Many supporters’ clubs, fan groups and fan media outlets have committed to sustaining action.
The Europa League ultimately doesn’t have the same draw as the Champions League – at this phase, anyway. Should Celtic put a run together, that could change.
But with the Hoops having failed to win a European knockout tie since 2004, fans shouldn’t be hedging their bets on that just yet.
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