CELTIC’S ultras group the Green Brigade have thanked other Hoops fans for enabling them to flout their Parkhead lock-out.
The group have been banned from attending three home games after “violent and threatening behaviour” during a match against Falkirk last month.
It was the final straw for fed-up Parkhead bosses following previous “safety and security related breaches”, which meant their suspended punishment was now in force.
The Green Brigade hit back at the club, claiming the ban was nothing more than a “cynical attempt” from club chiefs to silence their detractors.
Celtic said the flashpoint occurred when police attempted to arrest an individual who had “assaulted a member of staff” during a routine ticket check.
The club then said around 100 Green Brigade members tried to prevent the arrest and two officers and a steward were physically and verbally attacked.
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They added there was a risk one of the officers could have been pulled to the ground and trampled in the confined space.
Celtic also released a video clip appearing to show dozen of ultras rushing down to a walkway underneath the stand.
The six-game ban – which also includes away matches – came into force starting with Celtic’s home clash with Kilmarnock on Sunday.
But it appears Green Brigade members were still able to get access to the ground thanks to other fans.
They later unfurled a Green Brigade banner.
The ultras claimed it showed a demonstration of unity against their “mistreatment”.
Posting on X, the group said: “Thank you to all of the Celtic supporters clubs, groups and individual fans who kindly gave the Green Brigade tickets for today’s match.
“This is another demonstration of unity from the Celtic support, rallying around fans who have been mistreated by a Celtic board clearly feeling the pressure and desperately trying to quell dissent.
“We appreciate that some fans stayed away from today’s match in light of the decision to ban the Green Brigade.
“We encourage all fans to attend matches as normal while our ban continues, to keep supporting the team and to keep up the pressure on the Celtic board.”
We have asked Celtic for comment.
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