Celtic fans heading to Dortmund will be packing their bags, preparing for their travels to the German city for the Champions League matchday two match.

Celtic fans
Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic fans react in the stands Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

The sharp contrast in how football clubs in Germany and Scotland treat their fans has become increasingly evident over the past few days. This disparity is not only clear in the pricing of tickets but also extends to the entire match-day experience, from accessibility to additional perks.

Borussia Dortmund has set the price for away fans starting at a mere £16, a figure that is not only affordable but also encouraging for travelling supporters, who will already be forking out hundreds to get there. This approach is part of a broader philosophy in German football where fan accessibility and affordability are prioritised. German clubs are widely recognised for their efforts to ensure that following football remains a hobby for the average person, not a luxury.

In stark contrast, Celtic charged their home fans over £50 for their match against Slovan Bratislava. This high pricing is indicative of a different approach where the cost can be a significant barrier to regular attendance for supporters. To attend the Falkirk game at the weekend, Celtic charged £25.

The value offered by Borussia Dortmund extends beyond the entry fee. A ticket to their matches is not just a pass to the stadium; it also includes free train travel on the day of the match until 3:00 AM across the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This arrangement covers several regional transport networks, significantly easing the logistical challenge of getting to and from the stadium.

In Glasgow, the situation is quite different. The local council has implemented a parking ban around the stadium, which complicates logistics for fans who travel by car. Although ScotRail does provide extra services and carriages to accommodate the surge in passengers on match days, the infrequency of trains — with waits of over 10 minutes — and the resultant massive queues paint a picture of a less fan-friendly approach.

The differences in fan treatment may also reflect deeper cultural attitudes towards football supporters.

German clubs are deeply integrated with their communities and often operate with significant fan involvement in club governance. The 50%+1 rule ensures that only 49% of German clubs can be controlled by commercial investors, with fans having a majority stake.

It’s simply just done better in Germany. Whether or not it will make its way to Scotland is unknown, but it doesn’t look likely, it must be said.

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