A small but dedicated band of Celtic supporters have made the mammoth journey to Almaty for tonight’s decisive Champions League qualifier, and they’ve been given strict guidelines to follow inside the stadium.
With entry procedures and restrictions clearly laid out, fans are being urged to arrive in good time. When gates open, photo ID will be required on arrival to avoid any hold-ups at security.
The rules on what can be taken inside are tight. Bags larger than A4 size are prohibited, with stewards instructed to turn away anything beyond that limit. Power banks and vapes are also banned outright, alongside any alcohol, with no sales permitted inside the ground. Supporters are being advised to plan ahead, especially given the hot conditions expected in Kazakhstan.
This leaves the travelling faithful reliant on standard concessions within the stadium for food and drink. The absence of alcohol sales is in line with UEFA regulations in certain jurisdictions.
Fans should also be aware of post-match arrangements. A 15-minute hold back after the final whistle will be enforced, meaning supporters will not be able to exit the ground immediately once the game ends. This measure is common in European away matches and is aimed at separating home and away fans to prevent flashpoints.
| ❌ Don’t | Details |
|---|---|
| Bring large bags | No bags bigger than A4 size will be allowed through security. |
| Forget your ID | Photo ID is required at entry – no ID means no entry. |
| Carry power banks | Portable chargers are banned inside the stadium. |
| Bring vapes | All e-cigarettes and vapes are prohibited. |
| Expect alcohol | No alcohol will be sold or allowed inside the ground. |
| Rush to leave | Supporters will be held back for 15 minutes after full time before being allowed to exit. |
Given the long journey and small numbers involved, the Celtic support will be under the spotlight this evening. Their presence will provide Brendan Rodgers’ men with a vital boost in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes second leg.
The club and local authorities have stressed that these rules are non-negotiable, and compliance is the best way to ensure a smooth evening for everyone involved. After days of build-up dominated by talk of transfers, travel and pressure, tonight the focus will finally be on the pitch – but for the travelling Hoops, knowing the matchday rules is just as important.
