Celtic have released a comprehensive statement addressing the controversial events surrounding the Glasgow Derby on March 16, during which members of the Green Brigade and other fans were denied access to the match and held for hours without access to basic facilities.
In response to growing concern from supporters, the club confirmed it has engaged independent safety and event consultants, Fairhurst, to lead a formal review into what took place.
The firm will collect and analyse feedback from fans affected by the incidents, providing a clear and structured process that will ultimately feed into discussions with Police Scotland.
There is a dedicated email address for supporters to share their story with the independent inquiry, which is 160325feedback@fairhurst.co.uk.
Celtic clarified that they had no role in the policing decisions made outside the stadium but acknowledged that many fans turned to the club for answers.
The club statement read:
Further to our recent statement, the Club has engaged independent safety and event consultants to review concerns voiced to the club on events involving Celtic supporters, Celtic Supporters’ Clubs and buses, and groups, which took place away from Celtic Park on 16th March 2025.
Our primary concern will always be for the safety of our supporters. Within Celtic Park we work closely with Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and other public authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our own fans, and all other visitors to the stadium.
While events away from Celtic Park are not in any way managed by the Club, and we play no role in policing outside of our stadium, we recognise that many supporters have turned to the Club to voice their concerns regarding the events of 16th March.
All supporters should feel safe when attending – and travelling to – football matches. Just as supporters should behave safely and responsibly both inside and outside of football stadia, so too they should be confident at all times that they themselves will be treated fairly.
Maintaining this confidence is vital, so it is therefore important that any concerns brought to our attention on this front are in turn shared and afforded due consideration. It is important to continue to seek positive working relationships.
The Club is therefore engaging in discussions with Celtic supporters, supporters’ associations, clubs and groups, and Police Scotland, to understand these events and the circumstances in which they took place.
To inform this process, we have engaged independent safety and event consultants Fairhurst to collate and review the feedback on supporter experiences received by the Club. Fairhurst will also offer an opportunity for others who were present, and who have not already provided feedback on the events, to do so.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback should contact Fairhurst by email at the following email address:
160325feedback@fairhurst.co.uk
Through a structured process we will then share these findings with Police Scotland, to assist in; understanding of the experience of those present at the events of 16th March; in identifying any questions to be answered; and highlighting any lessons which may be learned.
Celtic has a strong record of working positively with our supporters on safety matters over the years. We will continue to do so, as part of a process of ongoing dialogue. We will also work as required with the footballing authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that our supporters – and those of other teams – can enjoy football safely and responsibly.
At the time, Jeanette Findlay criticised the handling of the Green Brigade by Police Scotland.
She claimed that the actions of the police were unlawful and that the group of supporters were discriminated against.
Meanwhile, this Saturday, before the match against Hearts, Celtic supporters groups have organised a protest outside the police station on London Road. It will commence at 13.15.
