Spanish media expect Celtic fans to attend Betis match despite ticket refusal

By Euan Davidson

September 15, 2021

A number of Celtic supporters are making their way over to Seville, despite the lack of tickets for away fans against Betis.

After initially offering tickets to the travelling Hoops faithful [Celtic FC], Betis were forced to make a U-Turn. That led to dismay from local hospitality bodies, who were initially buoyed by a Bhoys return to Seville.

But with flights booked and hotel reservations made, a lack of tickets isn’t stopping plenty of Celtic fans turning Seville (more) Green and White.

Of course, it’s a return to the site of a famous away trip for Celtic. In 2003, 80,000 Hoops fans flocked to Seville for the UEFA Cup Final. Porto, under Jose Mourinho, came away with the trophy. However, the fans were recognised by FIFA for their conduct [Herald]. And, they won the hearts of many an Andalusian.

Mundo Deportivo reported:

“For the clash on Thursday,  Real Betis has not provided tickets for visiting fans, following the advice of the health authorities. Although the presence of Celtic fans has been noticed in Seville for days and a good number of them will manage to be present this Thursday at the Heliopolitan Stadium.”

Meanwhile, local outlet Diario de Sevilla wrote:

“…some fans are already flying towards Seville.

“This can be seen on social networks, where some fans are observed on a flight to the Sevillian city to support their team in the first game of the Europa League group stage against the Heliópolis team.”

Interestingly, the publication have used BT Sport commentary team of Rory Hamilton and Hoops hero John Hartson to illustrate this point.

Celtic fans can’t be blamed for Seville trip after late U-Turn from Betis

The timing of all this has been strange. Yesterday, the Regional Government of Andalusia lifted a swathe of Covid restrictions. Again, Celtic fans who were eligible for tickets would’ve immediately booked accommodation and flights.

After all, this would’ve been the first official away day since Copenhagen in February 2020. So you can’t blame them for travelling over.

How Spanish authorities choose to deal with the influx of fans will be interesting. However, given the reputation Celtic have in the region, they should be received warmly.

Not least by local businesses.

Whether they make it into the match is another issue. Certainly, there’s no away allocation, but you can imagine take-up of any spare home tickets will be quick.

In other news: Celtic to miss McGregor and Abada for Betis Europa League bout