Celtic face Rangers tomorrow in a game that’s already brought increased pressure on Wilfried Nancy. The support inside Celtic Park will be needed, but it will have to be without the Green Brigade, who have released a statement regarding their ban.
The off-field relationship between many fans and the Hoops hierarchy has become increasingly fractured amid a season where on-field performances haven’t looked very promising.
Tomorrow’s Glasgow derby comes at a time when the club have lost five out of their last seven games under Nancy, piling more pressure on his future.
The Green Brigade have issued a statement ahead of the match, highlighting that their ban from attending games has been extended.
The group said that they “do not accept allegations” surrounding the incident at Celtic v Falkirk, where five people have since been charged, though “none for serious or violent assaults”.
The Green Brigade’s full statement can be read below:
“Tomorrow’s home derby will be the second in a row that the Green Brigade has been prevented from attending. Far from condemning the actions of Police Scotland for the unlawful six-hour kettling of fans on 16 March 2025, Celtic FC has instead colluded with them over recent months to target the Green Brigade culminating in an indefinite ban from all Celtic matches.
“Through this period, we have repeatedly sought dialogue with the Club. Their current position is that they are unable to engage with us while we do not accept allegations made against our group. To be clear, this relates to the incident at the Celtic v Falkirk match whereby Celtic FC made vexatious and clumsy allegations against our group. Accusations of serious and violent assaults were made purely and cynically to influence public opinion and support criminal charges against fans.
“Unfortunately, five people have since been charged – although none for serious or violent assaults. Celtic FC’s language has softened in relation to the incident. We believe all five will be vindicated in time but until then they, and their families by extension, must endure the criminal justice system – from dawn raids to multiple court appearances and everything this entails.
“Celtic FC’s demand that we admit to allegations which we strongly contest is not a sincere or serious position to take. It suggests that they do not want to achieve a solution nor explore any constructive steps to one. It is also another cynical attempt to prejudice live legal proceedings against fans. This is against a backdrop of spurious and sinister press stories of threats and intimidation to “blade wielding” fans which they tellingly let pass without comment.
“The treatment of the Green Brigade is one of many examples of the Celtic board’s contempt for fans. It is also another mark of incompetence, wilfully damaging the atmosphere and environment around the club by preventing a vocal element of the fan base from attending crucial matches.
“Until there are meaningful changes at senior level within Celtic FC, we have little confidence that the concerns of supporting a will ever be treated as a genuine priority.”
Green Brigade Update. pic.twitter.com/In8DfMBxdY
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) January 2, 2026
The Hoops are just three points ahead of Rangers. A result is crucial to maintaining their hunt for top spot.
A win wouldn’t make all worries disappear overnight, but it would go towards shining a more positive light on the future.
When the Green Brigade’s ban will be lifted remains to be seen, but in the meantime, the support will be without their noise in the North Curve.
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