It’s the news we’ve wanted to hear for a long, long time: Celtic Park is set to welcome back capacity crowds.
Yes, the best supporters in football will be allowed back into Paradise from Monday onwards.
A clearly jubilant Celtic announced the news within the last hour, again thanking staff and supporters ahead of some blockbuster games at Parkhead.
Celtic’s CEO Dom McKay said [Celtic FC]:
“I would like to thank our fans for all the fantastic support they have given us in reaching these levels. I would especially like to thank our staff for their tireless efforts and hard work in getting us to this stage.
“Our team have been a leading force in Scottish sport, writing and exercising protocols and procedures to allow us to return to train and play. Now, through their hard work and leadership, we are finally welcoming you, our fans, back where you belong. I must also thank the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the Safety Advisory Group for all their co-operation.”
It means that Celtic Park could well greet 60,000 supporters in the home leg against Jablonec. Unfortunately, Celtic’s meeting with Dundee at the weekend is before the cut-off for full capacity. Therefore, it’s a fixture that’s still subject to the Ballot Scheme.
Either way, this is brilliant news.
Capacity crowds to return to Celtic Park at long last
You’ll forgive us for being a wee bit emotional here.
After a season and a half of being locked out of Celtic Park, with smaller crowds only returning in recent weeks, this is a huge development.
Only a small handful, comparatively, have been allowed back in through the Ballot. This writer, and thousands of supporters, have remained without access to Celtic Park.
It maybe feels a bit sudden, given the limitations of recent weeks. Going from around a third to a full house is a breakneck change of pace. It’ll be incumbent on supporters to do their bit; namely home-testing, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe distance from supporters. Equally, the club will need to make the right adjustments to make sure supporter safety isn’t compromised.
Wow, though. After months and months of Covid misery, we’re collectively facing a return to capacity crowds at Celtic Park.
What a boost, as we look forward to another big European tie today.
In other news: Ange Postecoglou makes squad hint after important arrival
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