Green Brigade member Martin has voiced more pessimism over the group’s ongoing Celtic ban.
Hundreds of fans affiliated with the group have been locked out of the club’s matches since November, leading to back-and-forth dialogue between the two parties, both publicly and privately.
Part of the standing section at Celtic Park has been closed, as weeks have turned into months without a resolution.
Celtic chairman Brian Wilson has voiced a willingness to reach an agreement with the fans, but the Green Brigade member’s latest update doesn’t seem to be predictive of that.
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Bhoys Celtic call on the board to end the Parkhead bans.
Green Brigade Celtic ban ‘only heading one way’, member Martin says
Speaking to The Cynic, Martin said: “The ball that [Wilson] is speaking about is very much in their court.
“We don’t think that any of our requests are in any way unreasonable. We will see what the club comes back with, but the noises coming out of the club, sort of off the record, are not positive.
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“They don’t think that what we’ve asked for is going to wash. To be honest, we think that there is something else at play here and that the ban isn’t going to be lifted regardless.
“I am always one of the ones who are cajoling people into saying that this can be rectified, and let’s go, meet, hear them out, and try to reach a conclusion here. Others who are more cynical have said that this is only going one way, and we’re delaying the inevitable here.
“It does definitely feel, certainly over recent weeks, it feels like this is only headed one way. I have tried to remain upbeat and more positive, and in a way, I’ve probably been made to look quite foolish for that.
“I’ve always maintained that we can find a way to get the Green Brigade back in the north curve this season.
“But as every conversation takes place, I’ve become less sure of that. I’m not resigned to it, but I am expecting we won’t be back in the North Curve for a long time, which is a real shame, but ultimately it’s out of our control.
“We’ve been told there is no room for negotiation, there is no compromise or give and go. It is very much their way or the highway.”
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Martin noted the ultras accepted “reasonable” terms, like adhering to season ticket conditions, following home match bans, and agreeing to proportionate operational plans.
However, they rejected more restrictive demands, including away match bans, increased physical barriers and checks in the North Curve, and a prohibition on anti-police messaging.
On said messaging, he said: “It’s not unlawful. It’s not a serious request. People will film the police sometimes to ensure transparency, to gather evidence, to protect themselves.
“The level of trust between Police Scotland and Celtic fans is particularly low right now and we feel we need to document every conversation.
“It potentially puts fans in a dangerous position if they are not allowed to record conversations.”
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