CELTIC have been blasted by local councillors and residents after they decided to stop funding the council's post match clean-up operation.

The east-end club has decided to withdraw a payment of around £1000 per match to the council for clearing streets neighboring the ground after matches, leaving locals wondering if the service will continue.

The Parkhead club has contracts with the council to empty bins and clear the immediate vicinity stadium but has decided to cancel the service that extends to the surrounding streets.

Outraged resident groups and councillors are desperately seeking clarification from the Scottish Premiership champions as to why they have made the decision.

Councillor George Redmond, who represents the ward has branded the move as ‘unacceptable.’

He said: “It’s really disappointing that Celtic would choose to withdraw this payment without any sort of engagement with the local community.

“The club has a much wider responsibility to the communities surrounding the stadium and they should be good community partners.

“This is not the end of the matter. The community councils in Parkhead, Dalmarnock and Barrowfield are up in arms.

“We’re not going to stand for it.”

“They have asked Councillor Kucuk and myself to act on their behalf to get this resolved.

He hopes a meeting with club officials will help overturn the decision.

“We are planning to meet with Celtic to have a responsible dialogue to find out what is happening.

"We hope they take this issue seriously and acknowledge the impact it has for local residents, hopefully they will see sense and continue paying.

“The biggest issue is that there was no engagement whatsoever they just told the council they wouldn’t be paying it anymore and I think that’s the most disappointing thing.

“It is unacceptable that they would act in this way, with no regard for the communities around the stadium.

"The council provides a good service that might now be withdrawn.”

Rangers stopped a similar the payment after getting into financial difficulties.

Residents are concerned about the mess that’ left after games and hope the matter can be resolved.

John Henderson, vice chairman of Dalmarnock and Bridgeton community council, said: “I think it’s despicable really.

"Celtic talk about being good for the community but they don’t even respond when we try to contact them.

“Some of the streets are unbelievable after games, of course they have a responsibility to help clear it up.”

Celtic were contacted but refused to comment on the matter.