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Date: Nov 2025-April 2026
Ref: Another Green Brigade suspension
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Celtic ban Green Brigade after ‘serious’ incident as 410-word statement sets out length and reasoning
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
0Comments
Published 7th Nov 2025, 18:47 GMT
Updated 7th Nov 2025, 19:28 GMT
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Supporters group will be locked out for next three home matches
Celtic have banned the Green Brigade for the next three matches at Parkhead after claiming that some of the supporters group impeded the arrest of an individual who “assaulted” a staff member and police officers.
The lock-out will start for this Sunday’s Premiership match against Kilmarnock and Celtic say that the Green Brigade have been notified of the action in writing after being subject to a suspended sanction earlier in the year.
It is another incident in what is becoming an increasing tense relationship between Celtic and the Green Brigade, who are one of the club’s most prominent fan groups.
The incident in question took place on October 29 during a 4-0 win over Falkirk. Celtic have released a 410-word statement explaining their actions and also video footage to support their case.
The statement read: “Celtic Football Club wishes to provide the following update to our supporters following a recent incident at Celtic Park.
“During our match against Falkirk on Wednesday, October 29, a member of our Matchday staff while conducting a routine ticket check at the front of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park was assaulted by an individual. Two police officers intervened and attempted to arrest the individual in question.
“Subsequently, around 100 individuals from the Green Brigade group took part in a coordinated and orchestrated action to ‘rescue’ that individual. Many of these individuals actively sought to conceal their identity using hoods, scarves and face coverings.
Members ‘prevented arrest’
“This large group verbally abused and assaulted the steward and police officers, one male and one female, in a confined space and at one point there was a risk of one of the officers being pulled to the ground and trampled in amongst the larger group. The action taken by members of the Green Brigade group prevented the arrest of the individual in question.
“Clearly, such violent and threatening behaviour is completely unacceptable.
“In July of this year, as a result of warnings for repeated serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols, the Club determined that a suspended sanction would be applied to the Green Brigade group.
“The group were notified that any future serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols by the group would result in the group’s members being suspended from attending three home matches and access to away matches would also be suspended for the relevant period.
“The Club decided to issue a suspended sanction in July to give the group an opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate with the Club to ensure the Rail Seating Section is safe, well-managed and can be enjoyed by all fans.
The Green Brigade will be locked out of Celtic Park.
The Green Brigade will be locked out of Celtic Park. | SNS Group
“Following this latest incident, the Club can confirm that this sanction will now be applied, beginning from this weekend. The Club has written to the Green Brigade group and also to our season ticket holders regarding this incident.
“For our staff and police to be assaulted in this way is simply unacceptable. This was a serious and violent incident which cannot be accepted and the Club has no choice but to address this behaviour in the strongest terms.
“Celtic Park cannot be a place for this kind of behaviour and the Club must act in the wider interests and safety of everyone who attends our matches.”
Supporters Update
www.celticfc.com/news/2025/november/07/supporters-update/
Club News
By Celtic Football Club
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07 Nov 2025, 5:58 pm
Celtic Football Club wishes to provide the following update to our supporters following a recent incident at Celtic Park.
During our match against Falkirk on Wednesday, October 29, a member of our Matchday staff while conducting a routine ticket check at the front of the Rail Seating Section at Celtic Park was assaulted by an individual. Two police officers intervened and attempted to arrest the individual in question.
Subsequently, around 100 individuals from the Green Brigade group took part in a coordinated and orchestrated action to ‘rescue’ that individual. Many of these individuals actively sought to conceal their identity using hoods, scarves and face coverings.
This large group verbally abused and assaulted the steward and police officers, one male and one female, in a confined space and at one point there was a risk of one of the officers being pulled to the ground and trampled in amongst the larger group. The action taken by members of the Green Brigade group prevented the arrest of the individual in question.
Clearly, such violent and threatening behaviour is completely unacceptable.
In July of this year, as a result of warnings for repeated serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols, the Club determined that a suspended sanction would be applied to the Green Brigade group.
The group were notified that any future serious safety and security-related breaches of the Club’s policies and protocols by the group would result in the group’s members being suspended from attending three home matches and access to away matches would also be suspended for the relevant period.
The Club decided to issue a suspended sanction in July to give the group an opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate with the Club to ensure the Rail Seating Section is safe, well-managed and can be enjoyed by all fans.
Following this latest incident, the Club can confirm that this sanction will now be applied, beginning from this weekend. The Club has written to the Green Brigade group and also to our season ticket holders regarding this incident.
For our staff and police to be assaulted in this way is simply unacceptable. This was a serious and violent incident which cannot be accepted and the Club has no choice but to address this behaviour in the strongest terms.
Celtic Park cannot be a place for this kind of behaviour and the Club must act in the wider interests and safety of everyone who attends our matches.
CELTIC PARK INCIDENT (October 29, 2025)
Celtic ban Green Brigade after police & steward assault
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cew4752d7vwo
The Green Brigade sit in the north curve section of Celtic Park
ByScott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
7 November 2025
Celtic have banned the Green Brigade fan group for three home matches after “violent and threatening behaviour” at the recent match against Falkirk.
The Scottish champions have released footage which they say shows “around 100” supporters verbally abusing and assaulting a steward and two police officers on Wednesday, 29 October.
The alleged flashpoint came after a ticket inspection at the rail seating section of Celtic Park, the club explained.
The Green Brigade were issued a suspended sanction in the summer following “repeated serious safety and security-related breaches”, with Celtic now taking further action.
“Following this latest incident, the club can confirm that this sanction will now be applied, beginning from this weekend,” read a statement.
“The club has written to the Green Brigade group and also to our season ticket holders regarding this incident.
“For our staff and police to be assaulted in this way is simply unacceptable. This was a serious and violent incident which cannot be accepted and the club has no choice but to address this behaviour in the strongest terms.
“Celtic Park cannot be a place for this kind of behaviour and the club must act in the wider interests and safety of everyone who attends our matches.”
Footage published by the club appears to show a group of fans rushing down a walkway underneath the stand and out of sight.
As the clip progresses, more supporters hurry across the front of the section to the concourse, before later reappearing.
Police Scotland have issued an appeal for witnesses following the incident.
“We utterly condemn the unacceptable disorder on Wednesday, 29 October, 2025, within Celtic Park after two officers and a steward were assaulted by a large group of fans,” said Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland.
“No-one should be harmed or intimidated while carrying out their duties and being assaulted is not part of the job. This type of violent behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are doing everything we can to trace those involved and hold them accountable.
“The officers and steward were left extremely shaken and traumatised by the incident and are being offered support.
“We’d urge anyone with information about these assaults and disorder to contact us as soon as possible on 101 quoting reference PS-20251029-2196 Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Green Brigade issue denial and cite harassment
The Green Brigade later confirmed the ban is for “at least six matches” since it includes three away trips, referring to the action as a “further attack on supporters”.
The ultras fan group state: “The justification for the ban is disingenuous, similar to previous bans.”
The Green Brigade claim the suspended sentence was applied for displaying Palestine flags and call its activation “fundamentally unfair” and “totally unprecedented”.
They go on to “categorically refute” the allegations of violence and “contest that Celtic FC and Police Scotland were both the architects and aggressors in this incident.”
Their statement refers to “another instance of police harassment” and suggests that the ban is intended to “cynically lock-out anti-board sentiment”.
In October 2023, a section of the Green Brigade had their season tickets withdrawn indefinitely by the club, following a “serious escalation” of unacceptable behaviour.
The ban was subsequently lifted in December after the group agreed to comply with a new safety code of conduct.
2 Dec 2025 – Celtic extend ban on Green Brigade after ‘threats’
Celtic extend ban on Green Brigade after ‘threats’
Fans in the standing section at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
Image caption,
The standing section at Celtic Park accommodates around 2,600 fans
Published
2 December 2025
Celtic have extended their ban on the Green Brigade due to “safety incidents” involving the fans’ group, which they say include threats against the club’s head of security.
The club also indicate that any evasion of the suspension could threaten the continued use of rail seating / safe-standing which has been in place at Celtic Park since the summer of 2016.
An initial six-game ban was imposed on around 200 people in early November following “violent and threatening behaviour” at a home match against Falkirk on 29 October.
Now Celtic say the block on the group’s season tickets will continue until they are “satisfied that the Green Brigade will engage in the safe operation of the stadium, which is critical for the continued operation of the entire rail seating section.”
Celtic note that the ultras fan group circumvented the ban for a home game against Kilmarnock on 9 November.
The club also state that two members of the Green Brigade “directly threatened” and “sought to intimidate” their head of safety and security operations [Mark Hargreaves].
Celtic say they remain open to engagement with the group “when appropriate”, but “cannot accept recent conduct, in particular threats to club staff”.
The club also stress the ban is “entirely unrelated to any protests or banners”, which have been prevalent at Celtic Park this season, amid anti-board sentiment from sections of the Scottish champions’ support.
Green Brigade say ‘no end in sight’ for Celtic ban in new statement
https://www.67hailhail.com/news/green-brigade-say-no-end-in-sight-for-celtic-ban-in-new-statement/
Martin Crawford
Martin Crawford
Fri 30 January 2026 12:54, UK
The Green Brigade have said that they see ‘no end in sight’ for their Celtic ban in a new statement.
Many observed an eerily quiet atmosphere (Utrecht fans aside) in Thursday’s Europa League win, and the absence of the stadium’s main supporter section is an obvious explanation for this.
The Green Brigade were initially banned in November, and the lockout was extended indefinitely the following month.
Since then, the bottom of the North Curve standing section has been sectioned off by Green banners at every game at Celtic Park.
The situation has been comprehensively addressed from the group’s perspective in a new statement.
The way I would improve the atmosphere at Celtic Park is…
Celtic fans celebrate a goal which is later disallowed by VAR for offside
Credit: Alex Pantling – UEFA/Getty Images
According to the club, the initial ban was imposed due to a “serious and violent incident” involving police and stewards.
Celtic then cited ‘threats’ from the group when it was extended. Since then, there have been widespread calls for an end to the ban in the name of unity.
READ MORE: SPFL announce post-split arrangements as Martin O’Neill braces for Celtic run-in
Green Brigade Celtic Glasgow supporters are seen before the Champions League game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
The statement, posted by the North Curve on X, reads as follows: “Last night’s Europa League tie at Celtic Park marked the 19th consecutive match from which the Green Brigade has been banned.
“The ban has been in place since 7th November 2025.
“Throughout this suspension, supporters and fan groups have repeatedly asked for clarity on the status of the ban and when it may end. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight.
“This ban stems from an alleged incident at the home match against Falkirk on 29th October 2025.
“Following allegations made by Celtic FC, five supporters were scapegoated, charged, and issued with court orders banning them from Celtic Park.
“Not content with dawn-raiding these fans for alleged breach of the peace, they must also sign in at Police Stations in Glasgow during every Celtic match – a tactic designed to cause as much frustration and inconvenience as possible.
“We again categorically reject the accusations levelled and question both their accuracy and the motives behind them.
“Despite this, Celtic FC has chosen to prolong the collective punishment of a further 245 supporters. We see no justification for this beyond spite and an attempt to suppress dissent.
“The club has sought to strengthen its position by citing further vague and unsubstantiated claims of threats and intimidation, allegations which we also reject.
“In recent weeks, efforts have been made by individuals within Celtic FC and influential supporters to end the ban and restore unity and positive support in the stands.
“All parties recognise the seriousness of our league position, and the crucial role Celtic supporters can play in reversing our fortunes.
“These efforts have been blocked by two individuals – CEO Michael Nicholson and Head of Safety, Security and Operations, Mark Hargreaves.
“Nicholson, once unknown, is now synonymous with cowardice and incompetence. He has lost all credibility among the Celtic support and beyond and his position has been untenable for some time.
“His relationship with Mark Hargreaves is central to this issue and is lesser known.
“Nicholson and Hargreaves share a personal relationship dating back to their school years, raising serious concerns over conflicts of interest in Hargreaves’ appointment.
Is Michael Nicholson fit to be the Celtic CEO? Let us know in the comments.
Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer of Celtic, in the stands ahead of the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at Celtic Park
“Supporters will recall the Bernard Higgins appointment, which was only reversed after intense public pressure. Instead of immediately finding a replacement, Nicholson delayed the process until his close associate retired from a senior role within Police Scotland.
“This type of old-boys culture has plagued Celtic for decades.
“Since his arrival, Hargreaves has shown little interest in meaningful engagement with supporters and has fostered a toxic security culture at Celtic Park.
“This has resulted in multiple high-profile incidents where fans have been subjected to heavy-handed, unjust and inflammatory treatment.
“Last week, over 3,000 Celtic supporters travelled to Italy – a country where our fans have repeatedly faced severe access issues at stadiums.
“Unsurprisingly, Hargreaves was entirely absent from supporter-facing operations, choosing instead to spend his time with directors at club expense.
“Given his background, it is no surprise that Hargreaves has adopted a vindictive, authoritarian approach towards the Green Brigade and the wider Celtic support.
“We firmly believe he is the primary obstacle preventing our return and strongly suspect he has issued a “Green Brigade or me” ultimatum to the board.
“Ultimately, responsibility rests with Michael Nicholson, who continues to choose loyalty to his close friend over the interests of the club and its supporters.
“Whether it is fan engagement, recruitment, governance or football operations, Celtic FC will not improve until key personnel at the top are removed.
“A complete cultural reset is required which places emphasis on respect for supporters who remain the lifeblood of our club.
“It could be next week or next season, one certainty is that the Green Brigade will return to Celtic Park, and will be there long after both Nicholson and Hargreaves are discarded as forgettable footnotes in the history of Celtic Football Club.”
Celtic lift suspension of Green Brigade fans group
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c98knpn5286o
7 April 2026
Celtic have lifted the suspension of the Green Brigade supporters group “with effect from Saturday’s home game against St Mirren”.
An initial six-game ban was imposed on around 200 people in early November following “violent and threatening behaviour” at a home match against Falkirk in late October and the suspension was extended at the start of December because of “safety incidents”.
Manager Martin O’Neill said in February “some progress” had been made following discussions between the club and the Green Brigade.
And Celtic said on Tuesday evening: “On 27 March, at a meeting of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group, the club again addressed the suspension on the Green Brigade. The SAG confirmed that it did not object to the suspension being lifted, subject to three conditions being satisfied.
“These were that all applicable policies will be adhered to, including season ticket terms and conditions; agreement that members will comply with the safety and security operations; recognition that a match-by-match report will be submitted to the Safety Advisory Group, for as long as they deem it necessary.
“We communicated this to the Green Brigade and asked for their unconditional acceptance. They have today responded positively by accepting these conditions, as outlined.”
After Saturday’s match with St Mirren, Celtic will have three more fixtures at home this season, against Falkirk (25 April), Rangers (10 May) and Hearts (16 May).
And a “pleased” interim chairman Brian Wilson commented: “A full and united Celtic Park can get behind the team at this crucial point in the season.”
Celtic issue Green Brigade update as decision made on lifting ban
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Comments
Published 7th Apr 2026, 20:35 BST
Updated 7th Apr 2026, 20:59 BST
Ultras to return after six month absence
Celtic supporters group The Green Brigade are set to return to Parkhead after the club lifted their six-month suspension.
The ultras section had their season tickets revoked following an incident at a home match against Falkirk on October 29 where members allegedly assaulted stewards and police.
That was extended to an “indefinite” ban in December after the group reportedly circumvented the initial sanction and allegedly threatened the club’s Head of Safety and Security.
Talks have taken place between Green Brigade representatives, the club and Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group in recent weeks in attempt to reach an agreement that would pave the way for the group to return to home games.
And the club has confirmed that “a route has been found” to allow the Green Brigade to be allowed back into the stadium with effect from Saturday’s game against St Mirren.
A club statement read: “On March 27th, at a meeting of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group, the Club again addressed the suspension on the Green Brigade. The SAG confirmed that it did not object to the suspension being lifted, subject to three conditions being satisfied.
“These were that all applicable policies will be adhered to, including season ticket terms and conditions; agreement that members will comply with the safety and security operations; recognition that a match-by-match report will be submitted to the Safety Advisory Group, for as long as they deem it necessary.
“We communicated this to the Green Brigade and asked for their unconditional acceptance. They have today responded positively by accepting these conditions, as outlined.”
Celtic interim chairman, Brian Wilson, added: “I am pleased we have reached this point where suspensions can be lifted with the agreement of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group on terms which apply to supporters throughout the stadium.
“On that basis, a full and united Celtic Park can get behind the team at this crucial point in the season.”
Green Brigade tell Celtic ‘deep’ concerns must be fixed as returning ultras in refunds claim and board blast
By Ben Banks
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/green-brigade-celtic-deep-concerns-must-be-fixed-returning-ultras-refunds-6567827
Sports editor and journalist Published 8th Apr 2026, 16:37 BST
The controversial Celtic Supporters Group are to return this weekend against St Mirren.
Celtic supporters group, The Green Brigade, have urged the club to fix what they describe as deep-rooted issues amid preparations for their Parkhead return.
The ultras are poised to be in position for Saturday’s Premiership match versus St Mirren. Those in that section had their season tickets revoked following an incident at a home match against Falkirk on October 29, where members allegedly assaulted stewards and police.
An ‘indefinite’ ban was passed down in December after The Green Brigade reportedly circumvented the initial sanction and allegedly threatened the club’s Head of Safety and Security. Conversations between Green Brigade representatives, Celtic and Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group in recent weeks have taken place in search of a solution with the defending league champions confirming on Tuesday that an agreement had been met.
Green Brigade on Celtic Park return
That doesn’t mean all is well, however, as the ultras insisted manager Martin O’Neill’s side are involved in the title race with no help from the club hierarchy, sitting third and three points off leaders Hearts. They have urged Celtic powerbrokers to change their ways as they are left hurt by the controversy that has spanned much of this term, with refunds also due to be dished out to those affected.
“Following a five-month and 32-match suspension, Celtic FC has finally lifted the unjustified and unfair suspension of 250 supporters,” the Green Brigade said in a statement responding to Celtic’s address of the situation. “In doing so, all affected supporters will receive a pro-rata refund for matches missed; and be credited with away points they would otherwise have accrued. We believe this is vindication that there was no basis for the suspensions.
“While we are naturally pleased to be officially returning to Celtic matches, we will not forget the experience of recent months and the personal impact it has had on supporters. There remains deep structural and cultural concerns within the club which must be robustly addressed to avoid similar, widespread supporter-breakdowns which have plagued this season.
Why have Celtic ultras agreed to return?
“It remains our expectation that all Celtic supporters- including the Green Brigade – must be treated fairly, proportionately and with respect by the Club, its stewards and police officers, particularly when on the footprint of Celtic Park. We are satisfied that conditions on lawful supporter expression and conduct towards police officers have been dropped thus proving them to be wholly inappropriate.
“For 20 years, it has been the Celtic support that has funded and fuelled the Green Brigade. Your support over recent months, particularly by sharing match tickets to circumvent suspensions, has been invaluable. In particular, we would like to thank the Celtic Fans Collective for its consistent advocacy and Bhoys Celtic for its unwavering solidarity.
“In spite of the board, Celtic still has a fighting chance of salvaging this season. We are committed to and relishing the prospect of returning to Celtic Park to get behind the team. This responsibility extends beyond the Green Brigade though. Everyone has their own particular part to play, no part is too great or too small, no one is too old or too young to do something.”