Two of Celtic’s most prominent supporter groups, the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic, have issued a joint statement on the eve of the club’s final league match and title presentation, criticising the lack of engagement from Celtic, Glasgow City Council, and authorities regarding fan celebrations and wider supporter issues.
The statement, released on Friday evening, comes as thousands of Celtic fans are expected to flood into Glasgow city centre on Saturday following the club’s final Premiership fixture against St Mirren, with the league trophy to be officially presented at Celtic Park.
Supporters are once again expected to gather at Trongate for the now traditional—though unofficial—title party, with no fan zone or organised infrastructure in place. In their message, the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic expressed frustration at the ongoing failure by the club and authorities to meaningfully engage with fans in advance of such events, despite what they claim was “several months’ notice.”
In the lead up to the event, there had been a removal of bus stops, absence of public bins, and lack of any formal planning for crowds, with the groups arguing that it reflects a wider disregard for fan culture. “There is no framework, culture nor will to engage with fans on any issue,” the statement reads, labelling the city’s approach as part of a pattern of “disregarding the role and importance of fans.”
The statement also referenced key supporter issues, including rising ticket prices, restrictions on matchday displays and tifos, and the club’s overall approach to fan communication. They claim that while Celtic leads Scottish football on the pitch, it “trails the rest” in terms of off-pitch fan engagement.
Both groups also marked milestones this season—Bhoys Celtic celebrating 10 years, with the Green Brigade set to enter their 20th year in 2024/25—saying their continued existence is only possible due to support from fellow fans “in an environment pitted against us.”
Closing the statement, the groups encouraged fans to celebrate the league win “in a fashion they deem fit,” pushing back against what they see as intimidation or condescension from those in positions of power.
