Celtic Football Club and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were at loggerheads on Wednesday over the club’s decision not to allocate any away tickets for tomorrow’s match against Linfield.
Celtic, last month, confirmed it would not take its allocation for a potential UEFA second leg Champions League qualifier in Belfast.
However, yesterday, the PSNI moved to dispel reports that it was involved in the decision.
The police force said: “Contrary to some reports, the decision of Celtic FC not to accept their allocation of ‘away’ tickets for the game against Linfield in Belfast was a decision taken solely by the football club and was not made by the PSNI.”
READ MORE: Celtic not accepting tickets for potential Champ League qualifier against Linfield
However, hitting back, Celtic issued a response of its own, and said: “We are extremely surprised by this statement and the timing of the release.
“This is clearly not our understanding of the situation and we stand by our statement of 23rd June.”
“We feel there is nothing to be gained by commenting further until the tie has been played.”
On June 23, the Evening Times reported that, after discussions with the PSNI, Celtic decided the best course of action was to urge supporters not to travel to the game.
Reasons believed to have been cited included feelings that authorities were already stretched at what is seen as a particularly tense time in the city due to the Orange Order’s marching season.
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At the time, the club said: “Following security concerns raised by the PSNI, Celtic has taken part in discussions with Linfield and the PSNI over recent days.
“While there can be an option to reverse the fixtures if both clubs agree, during discussions, Linfield made it clear that they did not wish to reverse the tie and they wanted play their home leg first.
“No tickets will be available for Celtic supporters for the match. The safety and security of all Celtic supporters travelling and attending matches is of paramount importance to the club.”
Just three days later, Hoops fan group the Green Brigade appealed to the club to reverse its decision.
Green brigade statement
— Green Brigade (@Green_Brigade06) June 27, 2017
Regarding linfield away pic.twitter.com/nYO2LurBh3
In a statement, the group said it did not agree with the club’s decision and that “football without fans is nothing.”
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