Celtic FC Women put on a spirited display last night and were unlucky to come out on the end of a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in matchday three of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Murphy Agnew marked the Ghirls’ first-ever goal at the top table of European football, but their Women’s Super League opponents claimed the points despite being reduced to ten players late on in proceedings.
Notably, the occasion also saw the much-anticipated return of The Celtic End, which saw large crowds descend upon Parkhead to create a wall of noise in the Jock Stein Stand during the latter stages of their Scottish Women’s Premier League title push.
In the summer, Celtic put forward a fan survey containing consultation about the potential for further safe standing moving forward alongside various other ideas in an attempt to improve supporter engagement.
Unsurprisingly, the goal-end standing initiative has proved to be a popular one, prompting the Green Brigade and wider North Curve Celtic members to send a message of their own.
Calls for The Celtic End amplified after Champions League clash
Posting on social media platform X, North Curve Celtic have amplified calls for goal-end standing after their sizeable turnout to back the Ghirls in Champions League action.
The collective stated: “The Celtic End returned to Celtic Park to back the Ghirls in a spirited European performance. Once again, the demand for and impact of a goal-end standing section was evidenced. Fans patiently await the results of the recent survey and engagement with the club on the issue.”
Pointing to the fan survey, their admission that there has been no further dialogue over matters including safe standing is bound to generate conversation among supporters.
Marking the biggest exercise of that description to be conducted across the club’s history, matters such as safe standing, potential club membership schemes and digital tickets were laid out as areas open for debate.
Celtic know growing demand is there for goal-end standing
Ultimately, everyone will have different opinions on the viability of The Celtic End, but the demand is clearly there judging by last night’s turnout to watch Elena Sadiku’s Hoops.
However, it remains to be seen whether extended airtime will be given to the topic amid other key priorities for the Bhoys’ hierarchy on and off the pitch.
Ultimately, they will have a decisive say on any decisions going forward, which is likely to require further liaising with the wider support. 67 Hail Hail will keep fans posted on any updates.
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