Celtic supporters’ group The Green Brigade have released a photo gallery of images from their anniversary celebrations against St Johnstone.
The Green Brigade and North Curve celebrated 5 years of the standing section last week. It was a celebration of fan culture that clubs around the UK are hoping to emulate.
Since the standing section was opened in 2016, clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City [MEN] and Manchester United [Herald] have followed suit.
Often controversial and always outspoken, the Green Brigade have undoubtedly added to the atmosphere at Celtic Park. In a bit of a twist of fate, though, that noise will be scrapped for at least some of today’s clash against Livingston.
From celebration to defiance, the North Curve section will remain silent for the first half-hour of today’s game. Far from the scenes of jubilance last week, today’s game is mired in righteous protest. A number of supporters’ groups will rally against rumours linking Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins to a role at Celtic.
How quickly things can change in the space of a week.
Still, it’s an important gesture. If last Saturday was a moment of reflection and celebration, today is a reminder of supporters’ groups’ raison d’etre; holding their club to account when needed.
Green Brigade: from celebration to defiance at Celtic Park
If anything, and as good as photos are, the timing is kind of perfect. If last week symbolised anything, it’s that Celtic Park can be a joyous place to watch football. A colourful, vibrant cauldron to intimidate opposing teams and will Celtic to victory.
Today, meanwhile, will be an example of what happens if you mistreat supporters. If there’s even a hint of truth to the Bernard Higgins talk, then the disconnect between the board and fans was even worse than we thought.
The point being: you can’t take the Celtic supporters for granted.
It’s fine and well to take the plaudits when fans are creating a world-famous atmosphere. But disrespecting the fans in such an obvious and genuinely dangerous way?
It’s going to lead to protest. And so, you get to today, where a week provides a stark contrast in mood from game to game.
Read more: Livingston man Jason Holt identifies how his team plan to beat Celtic
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