Celtic lift Green Brigade ban: Fan group agrees new code of conduct
- Published
Celtic have lifted their ban on the Green Brigade, saying the fans group has agreed to comply with "an updated Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct".
It follows talks between the Scottish champions and their ultras section of supporters, with the group's return welcomed by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic imposed the ban at the end of October because of "unacceptable behaviours" leading to safety concerns.
They said the ban was not because of displays of Palestine flags.
Instead, the Scottish Premiership leaders cited the use of pyrotechnics in a game against Feyenoord in September, rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits at Fir Park later the same month, and illegally gaining access to Celtic Park before the Champions League game against Lazio.
"Following consultation with the group, the club has now implemented an updated Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, which has been accepted by the group, allowing for a return to a situation where rules and regulations around operating safely are respected and complied with," Celtic said in a statement.
Rodgers, whose side host Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday, added: "Celtic's history is littered with late goals and a big part of that is down to the fans and the whole stadium getting behind the team. That's what makes Celtic.
"When you have the manager, the supporters and the players all on the same page it's a real force.
"It hasn't been the atmosphere for a number of weeks but that's the responsibility of everyone. But we know when the atmosphere is white hot at Celtic it makes it a really, really difficult place for teams to come and play and also it gives the players that extra edge as well.
"They are better being inside and cheering us on and hopefully that brings us all together and we can now look forward for the rest of the season."
The Green Brigade - a collection of 267 registered fans - is housed in a safe standing section in area 111 within the stadium.
Celtic initially withdrew access to away match tickets for the group before suspending their season tickets.
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