CELTIC scored a massive own goal this afternoon when they announced they would be charging for the Europa League game next Thursday which will see a reopening of the stadium to all.

We have suffered through testing times and backed the club when they needed us most. It’s regrettable the club have put ONE match payday ahead of what will be an emotional return for supporters.

When we got the news the stadium would be opening for a potential full house – we were obviously delighted and really thought the club would continue that feel good moment by telling season ticket holders to put their wallets away this one time and thank them in the best way possible.

Instead, they have put a price tag on tickets (£19 Adult, £13 concession £7kids), admittedly lower than they would have charged in normal times, but it’s still an absolute brass neck.

Now, I no for a fact I’ll be angering some Celtic supporters who have an issue with anyone coming at the club. We’re not asking to get into all European games for nothing, we’re ready to put our hard earned cash in again BUT how great would it have been if the club put the supporters before just this one payday?

The Hoops could have AZ Alkmaar in the next round of the competition if they can negotiate a victory against Jablonec over two legs. That’s when the club should have cashed in.

I’m a pragmatic person and realise Celtic is a business, but that business does not exist without the sacrifices the supporters make on a daily, monthly and yearly basis to follow the club.

We spoke to Celtic about the situation today, the club believe bringing the price down as low as possible is a happy medium between what they would usually charge and what they’re asking for this time.

There’s not really a recent comparative for Europa League games in terms of ticket pricing. As a gauge you could take the second round Champions League qualifier back in the 19/20 as a relative comparison. The club charged £23 for an adult season ticket holder to attend the game vs Nomme Kalju.

Dom McKay could have started his Celtic reign properly with opening the doors to Celtic Park and showing people he was something very different from Peter Lawwell. We’re disappointed the new CEO has taken this course.

Celtic fans will of course cough up to get back into Celtic Park but with a protest against the board looming on Sunday, the club have readily handed protestors another stick to beat them with.