One of the biggest stories in the last 24 hours has been Celtic’s announcement that the club will partially close the safe standing section of Celtic Park for the Europa League match against Rennes on Thursday.
The closure is due to Celtic’s latest fine from UEFA, and the club have decided to take action which some fans may feel is quite drastic, whilst some other fans might agree with the decision.
However, the section closure should not take away from what could be a historic night at Celtic Park.
The Hoops stand on the verge of winning a group for the first time in the Europa League/Champions League era. Celtic are also only one point away from creating a new record points total in the group stages.
Hoops could set a new points record
They currently have 10 points, a draw or win against Rennes would see a new record points total being set. Winning the group would be an even bigger deal than that for the Hoops. It would mean that Celtic are seeded for the last 32 of the Europa League.
That gives the Hoops a potentially ‘easier’ draw than they will face should they finish second in the group. Celtic’s chances of winning the group though, will depend on the result of the Lazio v Cluj game.
Atmosphere will be affected
There is no doubt that the closure of a section of the Green Brigade’s area in the stand will affect the atmosphere. The atmosphere at Celtic Park is usually improved when those fans are in the stadium. However, the match is vital to Celtic’s prospects of making it far in the Europa League.
That should take precedence on the night, not that a section of the stadium will be closed.
Hopefully, by the time the Hoops play their last 32 match at Celtic Park, the section will be fully opened once more and Celtic Park will be full to see the Hoops try to progress in Europe.
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