Jablonec confirm Celtic game will be allowed to go ahead with a full capacity stadium

By David Walton

August 2, 2021

Jablonec have confirmed that their Chance Arena will be permitted to host at full capacity for this week’s Europa League qualifier against Celtic.

The Hoops will travel to the Czech Republic for the third qualifying round of UEFA’s secondary club competition this week. The victors over both legs will progress to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League playoff round.

Celtic haven’t been allowed to play in a capacity stadium since March 2020. Our next home match will see 24,000 return to Parkhead for the game against Dundee however in what’s a gradual return to normality.

But Jablonec have announced that, due to a change in restrictions in the Czech Republic, they can fill out their 6,108 capacity. Those who attend Thursday’s match will have to meet a list of criteria including a negative PCR test within seven days and proof of vaccination against Covid.

In another class move, Jablonec have made the preliminary rounds of the Europa League free to season-ticket holders.

Jablonec vs Celtic to be a tasty atmosphere

Whilst the Chance Arena is hardly the biggest in world football, the atmosphere will almost certainly make for tasty viewing.

It’s superb to see clubs around Europe beginning to get supporters back into venues once again. Football hasn’t been the same without them, whether it be in domestic or European competition.

Last week, Celtic played in front of around 4,600 supporters in Midtjylland. The MCH Arena in Denmark wasn’t even half full yet you wouldn’t have known it. Should Thursday night attract the full over 6k capacity, the atmosphere will be even more raucous.

It’s looking as though the 2021/22 season is finally going to see football return to normal. The signs are promising both in Scotland and across the continent that the hellish days of empty stadiums are now behind us.

Hopefully, Celtic can rise to the occasion on Thursday night and make the most of it. Some believe the lack of supporters at games led to us failing to find our spark in some critical games.

Thursday’s clash should put that theory to the test.

In other news, Report: Celtic-linked Alberth Elis to move to Bordeaux this week