Celtic have released an official statement urging supporters to celebrate the club’s Premiership title win “safely and responsibly,” amid concerns over planned gatherings at Glasgow’s Trongate area following Saturday’s match against St Mirren.
While acknowledging the passion and enthusiasm of the fanbase, the club stressed that large unlicensed public gatherings can cause significant disruption to local residents, businesses, and emergency services.
The club confirmed it has been in dialogue with local community and residents’ groups, many of whom count Celtic fans among their members, and said the feedback had been clear: previous large-scale celebrations have resulted in “severe congestion” and logistical challenges for those in the area.
Celtic encouraged fans to heed recent advice from local authorities and avoid unlicensed gatherings.
The statement read:
“Outside of Celtic Park, while we want to celebrate in style, we want to do so mindful of others and in a safe and responsible manner.
“The Club has engaged in recent months with local community and residents’ groups, many of which include Celtic supporters, and it is clear that large gatherings in public spaces, even when positive and celebratory, can cause issues for those living and working in these areas.
“While previous celebrations involving Celtic fans have been well intentioned, unfortunately, as local community stakeholders have made clear in recent weeks, some of these have led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents and local businesses.
“Further, without the planning, facilities and infrastructure of an organised, licensed event, the number of supporters present at previous gatherings has become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern.
“The Club encourages supporters to follow the advice issued recently by local community stakeholders in this regard.
“For all of these reasons, the Club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending.
“Celtic has been trying for some time to work with city stakeholders to seek to discuss and develop plans, which might allow for a more suitable venue for celebratory events away from Celtic Park.
“We can assure our fans that we will continue to do so, as we strive to develop appropriate arrangements for our supporters in the future, as is the case in other cities.
“As we enjoy our fourth successive Premiership Title, let’s celebrate safely and responsibly.
“Everyone at Celtic thanks you sincerely for your continued support.”
Earlier on Friday, Brendan Rodgers spoke out on the situation, saying:
“Come to Celtic Park tomorrow, have an amazing day. We’ll try and finish off the league campaign in a really good way. Enjoy it — absolutely. That’s why supporters work hard all year, to pay for their season tickets, come and watch their team, and then celebrate. As always, celebrate safely. I’m sure the Celtic supporters will do that.”
There is an easy solution to this: host an official event. For one reason or another, which has not happened.
As CeltsAreHere revealed on Thursday, bus shelters have been removed and some city centre buildings boarded up in anticipation of crowds flocking to Trongate for a now-annual tradition of title celebrations. We can further reveal that more bus stops have been dismantled on Friday as the council prepares for the celebrations.
