There is no right or wrong answer with Celtic season ticket renewals

Add as preferred source on Google

After yesterday’s season ticket information came out from Celtic [Celtic FC], the debate around renewal is in full swing.

For many, lining the pockets of this current Bhoys hierarchy is unacceptable. Given the moves the Celtic Trust and Celtic Shared made during the season, many are disappointed not to be offered shares. The move to fan ownership is a hotly contested topic, but the argument is “if others can do it, why can’t we?”. The disappointment over the club’s offering in 20-21, in so many aspects, raised that discussion again.

Some argue that while the board take seemingly forever to announce a manager, it simply isn’t worth it. They argue that Celtic supporters are being dragged along, told little and expected to pay up.

For others, it’s about the team and not the PLC. It’s about supporting Celtic, regardless of who’s in the dugout or the boardroom. That, actually, supporting the Bhoys is a duty that transcends political infighting at the club. And here, Covid-19 wasn’t exactly the club’s fault, it’s entitled to ask for more than what we’re getting.

The truth is, any and all of these views are correct. Because as much as supporting the Bhoys is a community activity, it’s also a personal choice.

Regardless of where you stand, unity is needed at Celtic Park

Now, I don’t buy into the idea that certain groups are trying to “divide” the Celtic support. Rather, it’s good that fresh ideas are coming from sections of the fanbase. Holding a hierarchy to account is important, just as it is at work, in politics and in other aspects of our life.

That said, in-fighting about people’s motivations for renewing season tickets is not the answer. Rhetoric about “real fans” doesn’t actually help anyone. Buying a season ticket is expensive, regardless of whether it’s monthly or in a one-er. That’s someone’s personal decision to invest in the club, or not.

We all have much more in common than not. Labelling certain supporters with unhelpful names and questioning their motivations or background does nothing to bring the unity the Celtic players need from us. Because make no mistake, the squad (what’s left of it, when we return), have missed us. As a collective, a community, we’ve been fractured throughout Covid, fighting over Neil Lennon, protests and everything else. It’s not about agreeing on every issue, that’d be daft, but some respect for contrasting viewpoints is sorely needed at this stage.

You can absolutely disagree with either paying for a season book, or a boycott. Both are valid, and they’re choices made based on information and gut feeling. Social media makes all this a far bigger deal than it really needs to be. What’s right to some isn’t palatable to another.

Put it this way, you’re not “delusional” for parting with your hard-earned cash to watch your team. Nor are you “betraying Celtic” by saying “you know what? Not this year”.

It’s not anyone else’s choice but yours.

READ MORE: Might another target slip the net?