Celtic Condemns ‘Intimidatory’ Behaviour After Safety Chief Targeted Online

Celtic have issued a strongly worded update to supporters after a series of escalating disputes with the Green Brigade, condemning what the club describes as “scandalous” and “intimidatory” behaviour towards staff, including the club’s Head of Safety, Security and Operations, Mark Hargreaves.

The row stems from a serious incident involving around 100 Green Brigade members during the match against Falkirk on 29 October. Following an internal investigation, Celtic imposed a three-match home and away suspension on the group, citing breaches of safety regulations. The club notified the group directly and published a wider statement and video to explain the reasoning behind the action. Police Scotland also confirmed it had opened an investigation into the disorder.

However, Celtic say many members of the Green Brigade ignored the suspension and attended the 9 November home game against Kilmarnock, entering Section 111 after obtaining other season tickets. The club says it repeatedly sought assurances that the group would observe the suspension and comply with mandatory safety rules, but no confirmation was received.

Tensions escalated further this week when North Curve Celtic, a social media account linked to the Green Brigade, posted what the club describes as an “entirely false allegation” accusing Hargreaves of coordinating a campaign with Police Scotland “to target Celtic fans and their families”. The post included an old photograph of Hargreaves in police uniform, which the club says is part of a wider pattern of the account circulating images of staff with past police service.

Celtic say the allegation appeared online just before club representatives, including Hargreaves, attended a Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group meeting on Thursday. The club now considers the situation so serious that it is “not in a position” to engage with the advisory group process or any discussions involving the Green Brigade until the matter is resolved.

Chief executive Michael Nicholson condemned the online claims, saying they were intended to intimidate Hargreaves and the wider club.

“These posts are scandalous,” Nicholson said. “They are designed to intimidate one of our colleagues carrying out his duties on behalf of the Club, and to intimidate the Club. Mark was the subject of further threats and intimidation at the Club’s AGM this morning. Nobody at Celtic should face bullying, threats or intimidation.”

Nicholson described Hargreaves as a lifelong Celtic supporter with a 25-year policing career and said the club “cannot and will not accept this bullying and intimidatory behaviour”.

He stressed that the management of the rail seating section, the focal point of recent disputes, is driven solely by safety obligations: “The management of the Rail Seating Section is motivated only by the safety of those in the section and the stadium, nothing else. That is the Club’s responsibility.”

Celtic added that it is “carefully considering next steps” and will provide a further update when possible.

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