The civil war at Celtic Park has intensified as Interim Chairman Brian Wilson released a stern statement condemning the “orchestrated disruption” that marred Thursday’s Europa League clash with Stuttgart.
The match, which ended in a bruising 4-1 defeat for the Hoops, was famously delayed just seconds after kick-off when fans launched a tennis ball protest against the club’s leadership. The statement comes less than 24 hours after manager Martin O’Neill suggested those involved “needed their heads examined.”
“No Unconditional Progress”
Wilson revealed that he has spent the last fortnight in “good faith” meetings with both the Green Brigade and the Celtic Fans Collective. However, he admitted that the events of Thursday night have severely damaged hopes for a quick resolution.
“I asked for unity inside the stadium to support the team while trying to resolve other issues,” Wilson stated. “I want to see suspensions lifted and differences set aside, but this cannot be unconditional. Last night’s disruption and the reasoning behind it illustrate the difficulty we face.”
Priority on the Pitch
While the board has faced criticism for its handling of fan relations and club investment, Wilson insisted that the focus must remain on the team’s performance as they face a monumental task in the return leg in Germany.
“Surely the priority must be to give Martin and our players every opportunity to achieve their objectives within the remainder of the season,” the Chairman added, describing the current situation as a “debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict.”
The statement suggests that while the door to dialogue remains open, the board may be unwilling to lift current fan bans if further protests are planned for upcoming domestic and European fixtures.
🗣️ PARKHEAD POWDERKEG: WHO IS RIGHT?
The board wants unity; the fans want change. We want to know your take on the Chairman’s words:
- Is Brian Wilson right to demand “conditional” progress from fan groups?
- Can the atmosphere at Paradise be fixed while the team is struggling in Europe?
Voice your opinion in the comments below! 👇
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
