The Celtic Fans Collective have released a statement on the club’s ongoing ban on fan media outlets.
In December, shortly after the confirmation of Wilfried Nancy’s appointment as manager, the club abruptly withdrew access to fan media outlets which had become a fixture at press conferences.
It came amid the rise of the Collective and general fan unhappiness, which had hit a boiling point at the club’s AGM.
Celtic officials later explained the decision had come after an “internal review”.
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Celtic Fans Collective’s statement on club viewing fan media as an ‘adversary’
The Collective wrote on X: “Independent fan media has become an integral part of many supporters’ experience of following Celtic.
“Whether it is informing supporters, encouraging debate or holding the club to account, the fan media scene is thriving.
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“Despite this, Celtic FC continues to exclude fan media from engagement with the Club, leaving outlets with no formal route to contribute to discussions affecting supporters.
“The Celtic Fans Collective has consistently called for Celtic FC to end its exclusion of fan media.
“We believe supporters benefit from a diverse, independent media landscape and that constructive engagement between the Club and fan media is in everyone’s interests.
“Rather than viewing fan media as an adversary, Celtic FC should recognise it as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue with supporters.
“We will continue to campaign until the ban is lifted and fan media is recognised by the Club as a legitimate part of Celtic’s supporter movement.
“By joining the Collective, your platform becomes part of a democratic organisation bringing together supporters from the fanbase while retaining its own unique identity and editorial independence.
“Independent fan media regularly engages with supporters, making an important contribution to discussions on the issues affecting the fanbase.
“That experience and perspective can help inform the Collective’s work and strengthen its campaigns.
“With fan media representatives on the committee, fan media will have a direct role in shaping the Collective’s work and strengthening the campaign to end the Club’s ban, while ensuring its perspective forms part of wider engagement with Celtic FC and other relevant stakeholders.”
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