There will be no away supporters at any Celtic qualifying matches this summer, UEFA have confirmed.
Euro 2020 is successfully taking place in countries around the continent. There had been hopes that UEFA rules might be relaxed in the coming months to allow supporters to travel abroad and watch the Hoops in action.
Some Euro 2020 matches have seen a sizeable away support in attendance making plenty of noise for their teams. The Celtic support has a proud history of following the club on the road. That’s true rain or shine, no matter the country!
Any prospect of future trips would rely on travel corridors being sanctioned by public authorities. However, even if that happens, it seems that UEFA are against away fans at any qualifying matches in any European competition.
UEFA confirm situation for Celtic supporters
Following an enquiry from Larne FC, the tournament organisers said: “We remind you that in case UEFA matches are staged with spectators all clubs must respect the UEFA Minimum Health & Hygiene Requirements for the Return of Spectators v2.
“The decision on the number of permitted spectators falls under the responsibility of the relevant competent local/national authorities. Please note that in view of the ongoing travel restrictions and in order to minimise COVID-19 related risks, the UEFA Executive Committee decided as well to not allow visiting fans to attend UEFA club competition matches and not to apply the 5% rule for visiting supporters for all 2021/22 qualifying phase and play-offs matches.
“No spectators are allowed for matches played in neutral venues.”
It means that there will be no European away days until the group stages of competitions at least. I don’t think that’s a guarantee either. Presumably, there will be a further update from UEFA on the status of matches nearer the time.
Celtic are still putting in place plans for home supporters and that’s obviously the big priority in the coming weeks. After asking fans to register interest in attending matches, hopefully, we get an update on Celtic Park crowds sooner rather than later.
As we’ve seen at Euro 2020, even reduced capacities can generate the kind of atmospheres we know and love.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou is in London, update on timing of Celtic arrival.
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