David Friel has raised doubts over the impact of Celtic’s planned 29-minute silent protest during Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Braga, questioning whether it will bring about the changes many supporters are calling for.
The Scottish Sun journalist discussed the ongoing tensions between the Celtic board and the club’s fanbase, who have escalated their protests in recent weeks. One of the headline moves will see a large portion of the support remain silent for nearly a third of the match against the Portuguese side.
The protest is part of a broader campaign led by the Celtic Fans Collective, aiming to apply pressure on the club’s hierarchy. While fan groups insist their actions are not targeted at the players, concerns remain over how such demonstrations might affect the team during key fixtures, particularly in Europe.
Friel pointed out that while supporters have every right to express their frustrations, there are questions about timing, effectiveness, and unintended consequences for the team on the park.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “29 minutes for Thursday night against Braga, yeah, and we spoke about it that weekend. What does it achieve? Does it achieve what the Celtic fans want, which is changing the boardroom? I’m not so sure. I’d like to think there’s a different way to go about it.
“Probably not, because it’s 12 minutes—it’s, you know, it’s not a huge portion of the game. And I dare say not every single fan inside the stadium will be like that. But, you know, when you’re hitting the 29th minute, that’s a third of the game—a European game—where Celtic have had some impressive European performances at home over the years. And it’s all built on a fast start. They want to get out, they want to get after Braga. And maybe, you know, with a large portion of the fans staying silent, I’m not sure that helps them.
“Brendan Rodgers has been very clear on this: he will never tell a Celtic fan what to do, how to behave, how to feel. He keeps saying that. However, I think he’s also made it very clear that he wants them to get behind the team in such a big European game, if possible.
“It obviously looks as if there’s going to be this protest on Thursday night. I think it’s far too late for that to change. I suppose the big question is, how does it impact? How much does it impact? Because I’d imagine the Braga players and the manager will be more than happy there’s going to be a section staying silent.”
Friel’s comments tap into a bigger issue about how Celtic fans choose to show their frustration, especially at a club where European nights are usually fuelled by passion and noise from the stands.
Celtic have built strong home performances in Europe on quick starts and an intense atmosphere. With Braga visiting, there’s a real chance that a long period of silence could take the edge off that, and it might even play into the away side’s hands.
The protest looks set to go ahead as planned, with supporter groups showing no signs of backing down. What it means in the long run—for both the board and the players—is still unclear.
Rodgers has tried to strike a balance, making it clear he respects the right to protest but also wants the team to be backed. Friel’s take highlights the tricky spot the club finds itself in, caught between supporter unrest and the need for full backing on a big European night.
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WHY ARE WE REFERRING TO THESE IDIOTS AS “SUPPORTERS”?
There’s one thing for 100% certainty! THEY ARE NOT CELTIC SUPPORTERS AND SHOULD NEITHER BE SOLD TICKETS FOR THE GAMES, NOR ALLOWED ACCESS.
THEY ARE A DETRIMENT TO OUR CLUB.
THE SOONER SOMEONE SHOWS SOME BACKBONE AND LOCKS THEM OUT, THE BETTER.
They are being allowed to play right into the hands of our competition!
Here we are, THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB IN SCOTTISH FOOTBALL HISTORY, THANKS TO OUR BOARD, YET THESE LITTLE CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO CAUSE PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM.
THE PUT US OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. THEY WILL PUT US OUT OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE IF WE ALLOW THEM, AND THEY WILL COST US EVERY TROPHY IN SCOTLAND IF WE DO NOT STAND UP TO THEM!
There isn’t a grownup amongst them! NOT ONE!