Celtic Supporters Thread (contains GB chat)

Hadouken · Aug 9, 2013

The saddest part is we had something most teams in the UK don't have and that was an atmosphere at home games.

Mystic Penguin · Aug 9, 2013

wulliebad said: ↑

...
Or the board could show they had no option because the fans in 111 had just ignored the requests or warnings.....?
Why cant people under stand that there may have been no letter or warning from the council but Celtic have a obligation by law to act to prevent something happening.
Act before it happens not wait for someone to get hurt or killed and then act.
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Would it not be outright lies if there was no warnings?

There's to many inconsistencys with the health and safety argument for it to be solely down to that for reasons I have mentioned many times.

"Killed" they're not running about with blades.

Mystic Penguin · Aug 9, 2013

Jhoker said: ↑

What will happen to the season ticket holders in Section 111?
Refund or being moved?
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They've been given a new seat number and section and been told they'll be unable to move anywhere else and they won't be allowed to go to away games until they accept their new seat. #BeCeltic

We're a * joke.

Jhoker · Aug 9, 2013

Mystic Penguin said: ↑

They've been given a new seat number and section and been told they'll be unable to move anywhere else and they won't be allowed to go to away games until they accept their new seat. #BeCeltic

We're a * joke.
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Bummer

marks67 · Aug 9, 2013

Its sad to read fellow celtic fans dispute the matter over 'warnings' and general colaboration with the GB. The GB stated countless times and met the board about the safety concerns regardling lateral movement and overcrowding.

This 'someone can get killed' is complete and utter nonesense, anyone who has been in the section or around the area would know there is no chance anyone could recieve a life threating injury.

jmc7799 · Aug 9, 2013

H67 said: ↑

I feel the board have treated them unfairly given that the group and section punters were still in talks with Celtic and working through the 5 issues.
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If the board were in talks, given the popularity of the GB I can only assume they felt their cause was hopeless and the GB were not willing to reach an acceptable compromise. Lawell and co are not stupid and will have known there would be outrage but they clearly see this step as being beneficial to the club.

H67 said: ↑

I hope fellow Celtic fans will not be taken in by what seems like a hate campaign against these Celtic fans.
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This is not a hate campaign. The majority of people on here - and the board - have repeated they do not want to see the GB disbanded, but do feel they should take greater responsibility for their behavior, which at times has seemingly landed the club in trouble. If a compromise can be reached they would likely be welcomed back because the atmosphere they create can be sensational.

marks67 said: ↑

This 'someone can get killed' is complete and utter nonsense, anyone who has been in the section or around the area would know there is no chance anyone could recieve a life threating injury.
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Life threatening injuries can happen anywhere and any time, no matter whether the people involved are ready or not. Also, the media is littered with cases of people who ignored warnings and subsequently hurt themselves through their behavior, but successfully sued councils, businesses and people who, in theory, were responsible for the scene of the event. For this reason the club has to be seen to reduce risk and this involves stamping down on any activities that might endanger the safety of the majority or a few.

Perhaps though you would prefer that the GB can continue as long as every fan signs a disclaimer before they enter the ground, stating that if they get hurt or die they or their families cannot sue because they accept it is their behavior that likely caused a particular incident to take place.

H67 · Aug 9, 2013

martin_d said: ↑

'Hate campaign'?!

...Or there was a series of safety issues that the GB were asked to resolve and didn't, so their section got closed.
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If you want to think that thats up to you mate.

Liam Scales · Aug 9, 2013

I heard lateral movement was the WMD they were looking for in Iraq

fms06 · Aug 9, 2013

Devlin said: ↑

I heard lateral movement was the WMD they were looking for in Iraq
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Heard that also, infact i believe lateral movement by the GB was MI5's intelligence for the ground invasion off Iraq, that * gb mob are to blame for it all !!!

Bhoy Brian · Aug 9, 2013

I think the fans who go to celtic park are brilliant as a whole and its borne out by the opinions of visiting players and fans describing the atmosphere so its very sad to see things like the flares and the dida fan and the poppy banners because I feel it detracts from the great job every fan does creating the atmosphere

H67 · Aug 9, 2013

Some members of the board do imo have it in for the GB. It’s a sad day when the club shoot themselves in the foot at a time when we are on top. Why do Celtic always managed to score an O.G. and divide opinion when we are doing so well. The club have £40m or possibly more in the bank, we have a great chance to dominate for a decade or more yet we have a section of the support that are being treated like *. The GB were in talks with officials and working through issues such as moshing, surfing etc. No bangers were ever used inside CP from members of that section, the lateral movement thing for me is a red hearing being used by the club as a fear tactic and some supporters are taking it in. Partick and the zombies do LM they are in the same GCC. The zombies ar using surfing as part of their ST pitch. This doesn’t make sense to me, dark forces are at work.

MartinR · Aug 9, 2013

UC'06Posts: 11,970Member is Online23 minutes agoQuote

Post by macbhoy on23 minutes ago

On Monday we announced that the Green Brigade block within 111 was due to close at the behest of Celtic Football Club. Apparently under advice from the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council the Club arrived at the abrupt decision that they could no longer facilitate our section in the corner of Celtic Park.After only one home game into the new season (v Cliftonville) the Green Brigade and those within our section were issued with an impromptu warning over our behaviour and threatened with bans. Given that there was little misconduct at this fixture the direct, confrontational approach from the Club took us by surprise. In the wake of this match an amicable meeting was held between Green Brigade and Club representatives, with dialogue being maintained almost daily since. Health and Safety concerns were and remain the source of dispute with the following issues being key:- OvercrowdingWhile we accept that this is an issue needing addressed it is not the responsibility of the Green Brigade to enforce ticket checks and ensure fans are in the correct seat or area. This is the responsibility of the match-day stewards and ultimately the Club. While we will accept no blame in this regard we have, from the outset, done our utmost to help the situation. We have done so by discouraging the migration to our section both on our website, other websites and in person; while also co-operating with stewards on match-days with their ticket check routines.- Moshing (mock fighting/jostling causing crowd disruption)Despite the fact we regard this as a relatively harmless action and one which those participating in seemed to particularly enjoy, we did concede that it was unnecessary and causing unneeded and avoidable issues - particularly bbq to seats. As such we agreed to refrain from doing this going forward and the Club were made aware of this intention.- Body SurfingSimilarly to the above we felt that the safety concerns attached were being exaggerated. However, again we felt it necessary to drop this action given some of the risks attached and more importantly as a sign that we would not be stubborn and are open to co-operation and compromise. Once more, the Club were aware of our intention to stop this action.- Broken SeatingThe damage to seats within our section is one we cannot shy from nor deny. However we will not accept the Club lying or, at best, being disingenuous with the truth over their reporting of this issue. Given the energetic and boisterous style of support emanating from the section it is regrettable that there would be accidental, collateral damage to seats which aren't used and can get in the way. The insinuation from the Club though is that seats are damaged intentionally - not only is this not true but it is something which we would not tolerate. Additionally, we believe that the figures of broken seats spoken of have been deliberately manipulated in order to smear those in the section. The original numbers used seemed extremely exaggerated and we are confident that the claim of 35 seats being broken at the last game - when the one action which affected the seats most was dropped - is a complete fabrication. We have the following post-match footage which shows no clear sign of damage:www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBpBvAI9pVw..._A2tOKswod6PrUQ- BangersThe use of 'bangers' at the Cliftonville match was regrettable and unwelcome. While our Group wasn't responsible for these being used we cannot shed the responsibility for them being used within our section. Despite accepting some responsibility we would like to state that since the formation of the section the Green Brigade have controlled ticketing therefore would be responsible for each individuals presence (unless migrated). This privilege was removed this season however which obviously dilutes our Groups accountability for those occupying the area. It could be said that this has also effected overcrowding. We have dealt with the matter of 'bangers' to ensure that there is no repeat by warning the offenders and others from a repeat and the Club are aware of this.- Lateral MovementOn the face of things, this rather trivial and harmless action appears to be the one sticking point which we find utterly ridiculous and difficult to comprehend. It is an action which occurs for no more than 2 minutes out of the 90 and one which we have yet to witness cause any injury or risk. Indeed, we have asked time and time again for the Club to provide us with an Accident report to prove us wrong in this regard yet none has been forthcoming.If the concern here is the blocking of stairwells then we would like to make it clear that, in actual fact, the stairwells are not blocked in the manner that is being portrayed. As you can tell from the following video from the Ross County match (www.youtube.com/watch?v=k90i20tAx0M..._A2tOKswod6PrUQ) for the most part most of the stairwell isn't actually blocked. Where it can become blocked is further back into the section where the issue of overcrowding is prevalent, therefore surely a product of the stewards/Clubs failings. Regardless, we question why straying onto a stairwell for seconds is deemed drastically unsafe while a congested staircase pre, during or post-match is not. We'd also like to point out that 8 stewards stand in a fixed position on the stairwells either side of our section - 4 on each side - for the duration of the match thus causing a permanent blockage. The claim that this movement leads to an increased risk of falling and injury is ambiguous: so does an enthusiastic goal celebration and even the ever popular 'Huddle' in the stands.We believe that it is clear that there are efforts to not only sanitise our Group but supporters in general and we believe that this sanitisation will not stop with lateral movement. Accusations of sanitisation are fairly tame and not misplaced when you consider it wasn't so long ago that the Club were holding private meetings with other fan bodies where they smeared our group and section in a pathetic attempt of divide and conquer - events which were well documented at the time (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7yKQZaeSew).In summation it is clear that we have been fully co-operative with the Club. Since the Cliftonville match we have addressed the majority of the safety concerns outlined and eradicated three completely. One other is not our responsibility and the major issue of 'lateral movement' we believe can be challenged in a constructive and sensible manner. When we last met with the Club (after the Cliftonville match) our thoughts on all issues were made clear and our position has not deviated since. As previously touched upon, the meeting was amicable and the Club in particular stated their satisfaction with the progression being made both in terms of dialogue re-commencing and with our efforts to address the aforementioned safety concerns. We therefore find it frustrating and disappointing that their attitude appears altered for an open forum.The Green Brigade intends and hopes to be able to reach a positive outcome through dialogue with the Club and other necessary bodies. However, this will only be possible should the relevant parties believe that each other are being honest and forthright regarding the full circumstance and unfortunately doubts do remain. We were offered a copy of the dialogue between Celtic FC and the SAG however nothing has been provided yet. We hope that these documents, as well as submitted FOI requests, can provide all with a better understanding of the situation. We have already had informal correspondence with members of Glasgow City Council regarding this predicament and their well placed thoughts do not quite add up with Celtic FC's extraordinary decision and action.We find it hard to believe that an institution as powerful and influential as Celtic FC finds itself backed into a corner over such a trivial issue with little scope for challenge. Should the Club believe that their hands are tied then we ask them to engage with their fan bodies in a bid to explore possible solutions as opposed to carelessly landing at unnecessary and provocative ultimatums. Considering the Club advised that they are still open to dialogue in hope of resolving the issue, we were surprised to learn that all season ticket holders have already been relocated and assigned alternative seats without warning nor consultation. The absurdity of this full episode is exemplified with one member being relocated to a different stand from his 4 year old son. The current Celtic hierarchy have an embarrassing track record when it comes to defending our Club and especially its fans. We stress to them that this does not need to be another example for the list and suggest that they re-assess the full situation whilst consulting the relevant parties.Finally we'd like to thank, as always, the Celtic support who have flooded us with positive sentiment and support. Once again we'd like to stress to those within our section to refrain from any action until we have had the opportunity to discuss the situation fully and explore all possible options for moving forward.Until the last rebel

MartinR · Aug 9, 2013

On Monday we announced that the Green Brigade block within 111 was due to close at the behest of Celtic Football Club. Apparently under advice from the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council the Club arrived at the abrupt decision that they could no longer facilitate our section in the corner of Celtic Park.After only one home game into the new season (v Cliftonville) the Green Brigade and those within our section were issued with an impromptu warning over our behaviour and threatened with bans. Given that there was little misconduct at this fixture the direct, confrontational approach from the Club took us by surprise. In the wake of this match an amicable meeting was held between Green Brigade and Club representatives, with dialogue being maintained almost daily since. Health and Safety concerns were and remain the source of dispute with the following issues being key:- OvercrowdingWhile we accept that this is an issue needing addressed it is not the responsibility of the Green Brigade to enforce ticket checks and ensure fans are in the correct seat or area. This is the responsibility of the match-day stewards and ultimately the Club. While we will accept no blame in this regard we have, from the outset, done our utmost to help the situation. We have done so by discouraging the migration to our section both on our website, other websites and in person; while also co-operating with stewards on match-days with their ticket check routines.- Moshing (mock fighting/jostling causing crowd disruption)Despite the fact we regard this as a relatively harmless action and one which those participating in seemed to particularly enjoy, we did concede that it was unnecessary and causing unneeded and avoidable issues - particularly bbq to seats. As such we agreed to refrain from doing this going forward and the Club were made aware of this intention.- Body SurfingSimilarly to the above we felt that the safety concerns attached were being exaggerated. However, again we felt it necessary to drop this action given some of the risks attached and more importantly as a sign that we would not be stubborn and are open to co-operation and compromise. Once more, the Club were aware of our intention to stop this action.- Broken SeatingThe damage to seats within our section is one we cannot shy from nor deny. However we will not accept the Club lying or, at best, being disingenuous with the truth over their reporting of this issue. Given the energetic and boisterous style of support emanating from the section it is regrettable that there would be accidental, collateral damage to seats which aren't used and can get in the way. The insinuation from the Club though is that seats are damaged intentionally - not only is this not true but it is something which we would not tolerate. Additionally, we believe that the figures of broken seats spoken of have been deliberately manipulated in order to smear those in the section. The original numbers used seemed extremely exaggerated and we are confident that the claim of 35 seats being broken at the last game - when the one action which affected the seats most was dropped - is a complete fabrication. We have the following post-match footage which shows no clear sign of damage:www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBpBvAI9pVw..._A2tOKswod6PrUQ- BangersThe use of 'bangers' at the Cliftonville match was regrettable and unwelcome. While our Group wasn't responsible for these being used we cannot shed the responsibility for them being used within our section. Despite accepting some responsibility we would like to state that since the formation of the section the Green Brigade have controlled ticketing therefore would be responsible for each individuals presence (unless migrated). This privilege was removed this season however which obviously dilutes our Groups accountability for those occupying the area. It could be said that this has also effected overcrowding. We have dealt with the matter of 'bangers' to ensure that there is no repeat by warning the offenders and others from a repeat and the Club are aware of this.- Lateral MovementOn the face of things, this rather trivial and harmless action appears to be the one sticking point which we find utterly ridiculous and difficult to comprehend. It is an action which occurs for no more than 2 minutes out of the 90 and one which we have yet to witness cause any injury or risk. Indeed, we have asked time and time again for the Club to provide us with an Accident report to prove us wrong in this regard yet none has been forthcoming.If the concern here is the blocking of stairwells then we would like to make it clear that, in actual fact, the stairwells are not blocked in the manner that is being portrayed. As you can tell from the following video from the Ross County match (www.youtube.com/watch?v=k90i20tAx0M..._A2tOKswod6PrUQ) for the most part most of the stairwell isn't actually blocked. Where it can become blocked is further back into the section where the issue of overcrowding is prevalent, therefore surely a product of the stewards/Clubs failings. Regardless, we question why straying onto a stairwell for seconds is deemed drastically unsafe while a congested staircase pre, during or post-match is not. We'd also like to point out that 8 stewards stand in a fixed position on the stairwells either side of our section - 4 on each side - for the duration of the match thus causing a permanent blockage. The claim that this movement leads to an increased risk of falling and injury is ambiguous: so does an enthusiastic goal celebration and even the ever popular 'Huddle' in the stands.We believe that it is clear that there are efforts to not only sanitise our Group but supporters in general and we believe that this sanitisation will not stop with lateral movement. Accusations of sanitisation are fairly tame and not misplaced when you consider it wasn't so long ago that the Club were holding private meetings with other fan bodies where they smeared our group and section in a pathetic attempt of divide and conquer - events which were well documented at the time (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7yKQZaeSew).In summation it is clear that we have been fully co-operative with the Club. Since the Cliftonville match we have addressed the majority of the safety concerns outlined and eradicated three completely. One other is not our responsibility and the major issue of 'lateral movement' we believe can be challenged in a constructive and sensible manner. When we last met with the Club (after the Cliftonville match) our thoughts on all issues were made clear and our position has not deviated since. As previously touched upon, the meeting was amicable and the Club in particular stated their satisfaction with the progression being made both in terms of dialogue re-commencing and with our efforts to address the aforementioned safety concerns. We therefore find it frustrating and disappointing that their attitude appears altered for an open forum.The Green Brigade intends and hopes to be able to reach a positive outcome through dialogue with the Club and other necessary bodies. However, this will only be possible should the relevant parties believe that each other are being honest and forthright regarding the full circumstance and unfortunately doubts do remain. We were offered a copy of the dialogue between Celtic FC and the SAG however nothing has been provided yet. We hope that these documents, as well as submitted FOI requests, can provide all with a better understanding of the situation. We have already had informal correspondence with members of Glasgow City Council regarding this predicament and their well placed thoughts do not quite add up with Celtic FC's extraordinary decision and action.We find it hard to believe that an institution as powerful and influential as Celtic FC finds itself backed into a corner over such a trivial issue with little scope for challenge. Should the Club believe that their hands are tied then we ask them to engage with their fan bodies in a bid to explore possible solutions as opposed to carelessly landing at unnecessary and provocative ultimatums. Considering the Club advised that they are still open to dialogue in hope of resolving the issue, we were surprised to learn that all season ticket holders have already been relocated and assigned alternative seats without warning nor consultation. The absurdity of this full episode is exemplified with one member being relocated to a different stand from his 4 year old son. The current Celtic hierarchy have an embarrassing track record when it comes to defending our Club and especially its fans. We stress to them that this does not need to be another example for the list and suggest that they re-assess the full situation whilst consulting the relevant parties.Finally we'd like to thank, as always, the Celtic support who have flooded us with positive sentiment and support. Once again we'd like to stress to those within our section to refrain from any action until we have had the opportunity to discuss the situation fully and explore all possible options for moving forward.Until the last rebel

MartinR · Aug 9, 2013

Sorry about the copy and paste job, it was in paragraphs but it seemed to merge the statement

Mystic Penguin · Aug 9, 2013

Very good statement. There is absolutely no chance this is solely down to health.

Tifosi Celtic · Aug 9, 2013

http://ultras-celtic.com/blog/?p=4044

Statement is better set out on here.

Higgie · Aug 9, 2013

Excellent statement. Hopefully something is sorted and will come to a good conclusion. Interested also to see what the club's reply will be.

Notorious · Aug 9, 2013

good stuff from the group here

H67 · Aug 9, 2013

The GB statement shows lawwell and others to be liars.

I'm supporting the Green Brigade over this.

GCC should make a statement too.

Mystic Penguin · Aug 9, 2013

Higgie said: ↑

Excellent statement. Hopefully something is sorted and will come to a good conclusion. Interested also to see what the club's reply will be.
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Any notion that we closed the section for reasons others than safety ludicrous. SoSit down shut up and #BeCeltic

Probably.

Celtic Supporters Thread (contains GB chat)

Notorious Gold Member Gold Member