The Green Brigade have said that they see ‘no end in sight’ for their Celtic ban in a new statement.
Many observed an eerily quiet atmosphere (Utrecht fans aside) in Thursday’s Europa League win, and the absence of the stadium’s main supporter section is an obvious explanation for this.
The Green Brigade were initially banned in November, and the lockout was extended indefinitely the following month.
Since then, the bottom of the North Curve standing section has been sectioned off by Green banners at every game at Celtic Park.
The situation has been comprehensively addressed from the group’s perspective in a new statement.
The way I would improve the atmosphere at Celtic Park is…
Green Brigade release statement on Celtic ban
According to the club, the initial ban was imposed due to a “serious and violent incident” involving police and stewards.
Celtic then cited ‘threats’ from the group when it was extended. Since then, there have been widespread calls for an end to the ban in the name of unity.
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The statement, posted by the North Curve on X, reads as follows: “Last night’s Europa League tie at Celtic Park marked the 19th consecutive match from which the Green Brigade has been banned.
“The ban has been in place since 7th November 2025.
“Throughout this suspension, supporters and fan groups have repeatedly asked for clarity on the status of the ban and when it may end. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight.
“This ban stems from an alleged incident at the home match against Falkirk on 29th October 2025.
“Following allegations made by Celtic FC, five supporters were scapegoated, charged, and issued with court orders banning them from Celtic Park.
“Not content with dawn-raiding these fans for alleged breach of the peace, they must also sign in at Police Stations in Glasgow during every Celtic match – a tactic designed to cause as much frustration and inconvenience as possible.
“We again categorically reject the accusations levelled and question both their accuracy and the motives behind them.
“Despite this, Celtic FC has chosen to prolong the collective punishment of a further 245 supporters. We see no justification for this beyond spite and an attempt to suppress dissent.
“The club has sought to strengthen its position by citing further vague and unsubstantiated claims of threats and intimidation, allegations which we also reject.
“In recent weeks, efforts have been made by individuals within Celtic FC and influential supporters to end the ban and restore unity and positive support in the stands.
“All parties recognise the seriousness of our league position, and the crucial role Celtic supporters can play in reversing our fortunes.
“These efforts have been blocked by two individuals – CEO Michael Nicholson and Head of Safety, Security and Operations, Mark Hargreaves.
“Nicholson, once unknown, is now synonymous with cowardice and incompetence. He has lost all credibility among the Celtic support and beyond and his position has been untenable for some time.
“His relationship with Mark Hargreaves is central to this issue and is lesser known.
“Nicholson and Hargreaves share a personal relationship dating back to their school years, raising serious concerns over conflicts of interest in Hargreaves’ appointment.
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“Supporters will recall the Bernard Higgins appointment, which was only reversed after intense public pressure. Instead of immediately finding a replacement, Nicholson delayed the process until his close associate retired from a senior role within Police Scotland.
“This type of old-boys culture has plagued Celtic for decades.
“Since his arrival, Hargreaves has shown little interest in meaningful engagement with supporters and has fostered a toxic security culture at Celtic Park.
“This has resulted in multiple high-profile incidents where fans have been subjected to heavy-handed, unjust and inflammatory treatment.
“Last week, over 3,000 Celtic supporters travelled to Italy – a country where our fans have repeatedly faced severe access issues at stadiums.
“Unsurprisingly, Hargreaves was entirely absent from supporter-facing operations, choosing instead to spend his time with directors at club expense.
“Given his background, it is no surprise that Hargreaves has adopted a vindictive, authoritarian approach towards the Green Brigade and the wider Celtic support.
“We firmly believe he is the primary obstacle preventing our return and strongly suspect he has issued a “Green Brigade or me” ultimatum to the board.
“Ultimately, responsibility rests with Michael Nicholson, who continues to choose loyalty to his close friend over the interests of the club and its supporters.
“Whether it is fan engagement, recruitment, governance or football operations, Celtic FC will not improve until key personnel at the top are removed.
“A complete cultural reset is required which places emphasis on respect for supporters who remain the lifeblood of our club.
“It could be next week or next season, one certainty is that the Green Brigade will return to Celtic Park, and will be there long after both Nicholson and Hargreaves are discarded as forgettable footnotes in the history of Celtic Football Club.”
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