Celtic release second statement in as many days as ‘concerns’ grow, review underway

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Celtic have released a second statement in as many days to warn supporters.

The Scottish giants were active on the club website earlier this week when Celtic issued a damning statement regarding the use of pyrotechnics in the stands.

The SPFL hit Celtic with a ticket reduction for the next Premier Sports Cup clash next season while a further suspended punishment looms over their heads beyond that.

It was a frustrating sanction for the rest of the fanbase who may now be punished but it was perhaps expected given the fact that the governing body did launch a probe after the semi-final and the final of the Premier Sports Cup faced delays this term due to the pyro.

Now the club have issued a further warning to supporters on a separate issue regarding fan banners that have been displayed at Celtic Park in recent times.

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Celtic release statement warning fans of certain banners at games

Celtic reminded those punters in question – as well as the wider support in general – that they have protocols to follow and they insisted a “review” would be undertaken to discover how certain banners were brought into the stadium without having been pre-approved as is expected.

“Celtic Football Club shares the concerns communicated by our own supporters regarding the use of banners at recent matches,” the statement began.

“Celtic is an inclusive football club open to all, with no political agenda, as is clear from the Club’s Social Charter and Social Mission Statement, and no group of supporters, or any other organisation, speaks on behalf of Celtic.

“Everyone associated with Celtic recognises the important part that Celtic supporters play in inspiring the team and contributing to the Celtic spirit.

“Fan displays should support the team, or otherwise celebrate Celtic, and be consistent with the terms of the Celtic Social Charter, Social Mission Statement and other terms that apply to all supporters’ enjoyment of Celtic.

“That is why the Club developed a protocol regarding the use of banners and organised displays at Celtic Park, or any other stadia where Celtic plays, requiring the pre-approval of fan displays.

“Although there have been many occasions on which the Club’s protocol has been followed with great success and support for the team and for Celtic, unfortunately, there have been instances in the past weeks where the protocol has not been followed, with unauthorised banners, which had not been submitted for pre-approval in line with the protocol, displayed at Celtic Park.

“The Club is reviewing these events and relevant processes.

“We have enjoyed a good season so far, and we want to achieve, together with our supporters, as much as we possibly can as we approach the latter part of the season.

“We thank our fans for their continuing support and collective understanding that Club protocols, and safety and competition regulations, must be adhered to in order to protect the Club and our fans, so that all Celtic supporters feel able to attend Celtic Park and all matches involving Celtic.”

Not the first time Celtic have been warned or sanctioned

The two statements may be different in nature but it has not been the easiest week for the club.

The Premier Sports Cup ticket reduction also comes following concerns over possible away stadium bans in the Champions League.

Celtic have been fined numerous times this season for their supporters’ behaviour – mostly pyro related – and they could have been prevented from attending the Allianz Arena for Bayern Munich earlier this term had the UEFA ruling gone another way.

This second statement also must be heeded or fans risk the club itself taking matters into its own hands as it has done before in banning sections of the fanbase.