The Green Brigade sent a defiant message to all at Celtic pre-match this evening, from fellow supporters to the Hoops board.

With Celtic in a strong position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, 13 points clear, and with the Premier Sports Cup already in the bag, the Bhoys have the chance to seal a place in the Champions League play-off knockout rounds with a win on Wednesday night against Young Boys at Celtic Park. However, the Celtic fan group pointed out areas where they believe improvement is desperately needed at the club.

The Green Brigade, who help create the historic atmosphere at Celtic Park with their strong support for the club, have tried to improve fan culture in recent years. However, problems with creating a Celtic End at the stadium have meant that, after adding a safe standing section in 2016, the relationship between the group and the club has cooled a bit.

The group created a detailed leaflet calling for greater support from fellow fans after Brendan Rodgers previously questioned a group of supporters’ decision to boo back passes during a match against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

The Green Brigade also demanded greater improvements at Celtic Park, with the dressing room and tunnel renovated in the summer.

Areas like the ticket office and kiosks within the stadium have come into question, despite a strong bank balance within the club.

The four bullet points read:

Sing, be vocal, back the team, and harass the opposition.
Clap along to songs to create more noise.
Stay until the team leaves the pitch to show your appreciation.
Keep your phone in your pocket, enjoy and contribute to the moment.

It’s really a simple message: support the team on the pitch as best you can, don’t be a passenger, and give your all in the game like the majority of the team does each week.

In the end, it will help Celtic get over the line in games, with the Hoops supporters being the 12th man since the club’s inception.

The leaflet stated: “As we begin a new year, Celtic maintains a dominant lead in the league while chasing another treble.

“However, this dominance on the pitch is sadly unmatched in the stands, prompting us to make this plea.

“In 2016, Celtic became the first club on these shores to reintroduce standing to top-flight football.

“The standing section brought a buzz to Celtic Park thanks to everyone contributing: revolutionising the atmosphere and advancing ultras culture across the country. As we approach 10 seasons of the standing section, its influence has unfortunately regressed. There are multiple reasons for this, some of which we take responsibility for as the ultras group leading the section.

“However, the responsibility to back the team sits with us all.

“As ultras, we introduced a different style of support in 2006-one we continue because we enjoy it and believe it’s effective. However, we appreciate that this style isn’t for everyone at all times therefore we are beyond the point of expecting 3000 hands in the air, bouncing on the spot, swaying side to side or doing the huddle – despite all being common in the early years of the standing section.

“We don’t want to patronise anyone about the importance of backing the team nor eulogise the Celtic atmosphere. However, lazy, complacent, and spoiled attitudes have afflicted the support, even on European nights.

“While many factors contribute to this, the unavoidable truth is that we can do better for our team.

“In 2016, we introduced North Curve Celtic to bridge the gap between the Green Brigade and other fans in the standing section. This initiative has been successful, with visible achievements such as the murals in the concourse.

“However, NCC has also stagnated, hindered by restrictions and poor engagement from the club.

“Simply put, the board does not want a large, active fan movement but knows it cannot stop the evolution of fan culture.

“Celtic Park is on the brink of a transition. The stadium needs to be refreshed-facilities, tickets, and culture.

“A unified, goal-end standing section – The Celtic End – is the solution to many frustrations, and season ticket holders have backed the concept through the recent fan survey. While exciting, it may take years to achieve. Until then, we must focus on supporting the team from our current area.

“As always, we thank everyone for your continued support with what we do. including for our various social projects. Everything we do is made possible by your support. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year.”