Celtic take on Rangers tomorrow in a Glasgow derby that comes with mounting pressure on head coach Wilfried Nancy.
While backing from inside Celtic Park will be crucial, the team will have to cope without the presence of the Green Brigade, who have confirmed they remain banned from attending matches.
Relations between sections of the support and the Celtic hierarchy have continued to deteriorate during a difficult campaign, with performances on the pitch doing little to ease tensions.
Nancy has overseen five defeats in the club’s last seven outings, placing his future firmly under scrutiny ahead of the derby showdown.
In a statement released before the game, the Green Brigade confirmed that their suspension has been extended, meaning this will be the second consecutive home derby they have missed. The group rejected allegations connected to an incident at the Celtic v Falkirk match, stressing that while five individuals have been charged, none face accusations of serious or violent assault.
The supporters’ group criticised the club’s handling of the situation, claiming Celtic have worked alongside Police Scotland rather than condemning what they described as heavy-handed policing.
They stated that repeated attempts to engage in dialogue with the club have failed, alleging Celtic refuse to negotiate unless the group accepts claims they strongly dispute.
The Green Brigade also accused the club of exaggerating the severity of the allegations in order to influence public opinion and legal proceedings, adding that the language used by Celtic has since been softened.
They expressed confidence that those charged will eventually be cleared, but highlighted the strain placed on fans and their families while the process continues.
According to the group, the continued ban reflects a wider disconnect between the board and supporters, arguing that preventing a vocal section of the fanbase from attending key matches damages the atmosphere at Celtic Park during a critical period.
On the pitch, the stakes could not be higher. Celtic sit just three points ahead of Rangers, making the derby vital in the race for top spot.
While a win would not instantly resolve the wider issues at the club, it would help ease some of the pressure and restore a degree of optimism.
For now, however, the Green Brigade’s return remains uncertain, and Celtic will face their fiercest rivals without the familiar noise from the North Curve.
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