As Celtic prepares for the upcoming clash against Lazio on Tuesday evening, the spotlight isn’t just on the anticipated on-field action but also on the significant challenges facing Celtic fans hoping to support their team away from home. The away ticket allocation for Celtic has been notably reduced to 3,600, a sharp decrease from the numbers seen in previous Europa League ties in Rome, highlighting the evolving landscape of football fan travel.
This reduced ticket allocation is understood to be a decision influenced heavily by local authorities, with safety and risk assessments at the forefront. Such measures, while crucial for safety, inevitably lead to disappointment for many fans who now face greater difficulty in securing a spot in the stadium.
Adding to the complexities, Lazio officials have issued a strict warning to Celtic, emphasizing the need for rigorous identity checks at the stadium entrance. Fans will be required to present their passports, and the name on the ticket must match that on the passport. This regulation underscores a growing trend in European football to enhance security, but it also brings logistical challenges. Notably, copies of passports are not acceptable, a stipulation that might cause discomfort among fans concerned about carrying their essential ID documents in a foreign country.
The stringent measures do not end there. In an unprecedented move, Celtic fans are required to submit images of any banners they plan to bring to the stadium. These banners need to be pre-approved by Lazio.
While these regulations are in place to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, they undoubtedly impact the overall experience of an away game for Celtic supporters. The atmosphere of European nights is often fueled by the passionate and vibrant support from the away fans, and these constraints could dampen the spirit typically brought by the Celtic faithful.
In response, Celtic has been proactive in communicating these requirements to its supporters, ensuring that those travelling are fully aware of the expectations and restrictions in place.
It’s worth noting some Celtic fans attending the game don’t have a copy of their ticket yet. We believe they’re beginning to filter through now.
As Tuesday night approaches, Celtic fans, both those travelling and those supporting from afar, will undoubtedly rally behind the team, hoping for a memorable performance despite the less-than-ideal circumstances surrounding their away support.
