The Bhoys Celtic ultras group, who side directly opposite the North Curve at Celtic Park (should call that section the South Curve?) has issued a statement asking for Celtic supporters to actively support the team at all games at Paradise…
This comes after the Bhoys believe that too many supporters were passive on Sunday in the 5-2 Premier Sports Cup win over Falkirk.
The atmosphere inside Paradise at the Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava was sensational to say the least and the entire Celtic support at the game all played their part. That clearly was not the case on Sunday with very little vocal support coming from the stands outside of the two ultras groups who tried their best.
It didn’t help either that there were so many empty spaces in the North Curve, much more so than in any other section of the ground.
Here’s what the Bhoys Celtic have been saying in the Monday night statement to fellow Celtic supporters…
After a few days digesting and analysing the performance of our section in the previous two matches (Slovan Bratislava and Falkirk), we think it is pertinent to share some thoughts with those who opt to stand with us in Block 122.
The Slovan Bratislava game was fantastic and probably one of the best atmospheres at Celtic Park in years. Even before the team put in an incredible performance, there was an energy and excitement generated from the stands which hasn’t been felt for a long time.
There was a real infectious buzz about the place, demonstrated by pockets of fans all over joining in with ourselves and the Green Brigade.
Compare and contrast with Falkirk, and it was like the life had been sucked out of the place before the game had even kicked off. We have heard the term “European hangover,” but this (particularly the first half) must be the comedown of the century.
Of course, there are the obvious differences we cannot ignore. The Slovan match was a Champions League game under the lights which, unusually, we actually had a good chance of winning. The other was the League Cup on a Sunday afternoon against “lesser” opposition, supported by fans with six fingers and webbed feet.
The team was excellent midweek, whereas Sunday was a white-knuckle ride for large portions of the game.
There is going to be a big difference for the average fan, and that’s completely understandable. However, our section was established and filled with fans who should actively support the team. While we can all be realistic to acknowledge that things cannot be forced and that levels of support will differ depending on the prestige of the match, opposition, kick-off time and on-field performance, none of these are reasonable excuses for the complete downing of tools or, worse, not showing up at all.
If you want to benefit from having an area where you can stand with friends, shout, sing, swear, and generally be left alone to enjoy more freedom than is afforded to other areas of the stadium, then there are minimum expectations for doing so.
Far too often now, we are noticing people standing in silence with arms folded, hands in pockets, or with blank, slack-jawed, soulless expressions that have left us considering whether or not we should check their pulse, call an ambulance, or activate the closest defibrillator. These sorts of things, along with leaving to “beat the traffic,” have a compounding, demoralising impact and zap the energy out of everybody around you.
This also applies to those who migrate from other areas of the stadium to stand with or near us. You are also expected to play a part, and as far as we are concerned, everybody who wishes to do so is welcome. We do not moan about a bit of overcrowding; however, to put it simply, do not piggyback on to the group or section for status, to create social media content, or to simply use us and/or the area as cover for anything else.
Every Celtic game is important, and providing backing for the team from the minute they come out to warm up until they head down the tunnel after the match is our most basic and fundamental remit. This is not a chore or forced labour. It is easy to judge our support on “big” nights like the Slovan Bratislava match, however, every Celtic game should be an occasion to showcase our pride in who we are, where we come from, and what we represent. We have the perfect platform to do this, but that starts with all of us playing our part as individuals.
For the home matches in the near future, let’s make a concerted effort to lift the energy and bring a level of consistency from the section that has been lacking.
Use your voice, use your hands, and put one hundred percent effort into every song and action.
Finally, while it is our group that has responsibility for organising and administering the section with the club, it is not just for us. It is for everybody who chooses to stand there, and we welcome all suggestions for improvement from outwith and within.
Thanks for your support.
Maybe it is worth considering creating a South Curve to match the Green Brigade area and double the size of the safe standing area at Celtic Park?