Pre-Match Celtic Tradition Must Be Carefully Protected; Club Got it Wrong

Celtic Football Club has a rich tapestry of traditions that go beyond the ninety minutes of football. Among these, the pre-match ritual of having the crowd sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” stands out as a unifying anthem, binding generations of fans together. It’s an emblem of collective identity, a melody that resonates through the hearts of 60,000 attendees and many more around the world. It’s important to state outright that we do not believe the manner in which this tradition is upheld has any bearing on the match result. However, it significantly contributes to the fan experience, forging an atmosphere that is both electrifying and unique to Celtic Park.

Recently, there has been a slight tweak in this tradition, where live singers were introduced to lead the pre-match anthem. While the club’s intention might have been to add a fresh flavour to the pre-match rituals, the sentiment seemed to fall flat during the game against Lazio. For the first time, a singer led the rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song cherished and protected by the Celtic faithful. Traditionally, as Gerry and The Pacemakers’ version echoes around the stadium, it serves as a cue for the supporters to take over, creating a crescendo of unity and anticipation as the players prepare to take the pitch. This organic chorus of voices creates a spontaneous and authentic bond among the supporters that is hard to replicate.

We wish to clarify that our argument is not a critique of the singer who performed that day. They were undoubtedly talented and performed the anthem well. However, the shift in tradition disrupted the raw connection between the fans, the players, and the game itself. If the club wishes to continue with live performances, perhaps conducting them earlier in the pre-match build-up could be a suitable compromise, allowing the essence of the original tradition to remain intact.

The match against Lazio illustrated a departure from a routine that has become synonymous with Celtic’s ethos. It’s not a matter of resisting change out of a sheer penchant for the familiar, but about preserving the authenticity and the organic fervour that comes with the Celtic crowd singing in unison. The sight and sound of 60,000 supporters bellowing out the anthem, as the music fades out, and the teams emerge from the tunnel, is an experience that is sacrosanct to the Celtic identity.

The club has always maintained a close relationship with its supporters, valuing their opinions and sentiments towards preserving traditions. While the discussion around pre-match singing has garnered a spectrum of opinions, it’s crucial that the club does not dismiss this as mere social media chatter. The hope is that the club acknowledges the sentiment of its supporter base and reflects on the feedback received. It’s a delicate balance of honouring tradition while embracing change, and as the guardians of such a rich heritage, the onus is on Celtic to get it right.

The experience at Celtic Park on match days is a blend of football and traditions that have been nurtured over decades. Any alteration to these traditions, however minor, echoes loudly among the Celtic family. While the intention behind introducing live singers is appreciated, the execution and timing require a thorough review to ensure the indomitable spirit of Celtic remains undisturbed.