Andy Walker has launched a passionate defence of the Celtic support and urged the Hoops board to improve its relationship with fans.
It comes following the publication of Celtic’s annual report this week and subsequent reaction to a Celtic Quick News blog by Paul Brennan, which referenced individuals being reluctant to take positions on the board because of “toxic” supporters. Walker has strongly rejected that characterisation, arguing Celtic fans are deeply invested in the success of their club rather than deserving of such a label.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on Wednesday, Walker said: “When you highlight that Celtic fans are ‘toxic’ and some business individuals don’t want to take on the job because Celtic fans are ‘toxic’, you are coming from the wrong angle entirely.
“I think some Celtic fans are difficult – you can see that in the last couple of years with the amount of toing and froing from the club and supporters – but in my view, I have found Celtic fans to be nothing other than absolutely embroiled in their club.
“They only want what is best for [the club]. For someone in that position to call them toxic… wow. Where is your starting point for a good relationship there?
“I know the relationship is strained at the moment, I think it will get even more strained over the next few games. Because Celtic supporters don’t put up with that type of messaging.”
Walker, whose criticism of the Celtic hierarchy previously resulted in him being banned from the stadium in 2021, also called on the club to engage with supporters pushing for the creation of ‘The Celtic End’ in the Jock Stein Stand.
He continued: “Why don’t you give them something, Paul? Why don’t you give them The Celtic End, which is what they want? Have you seen the Yellow Wall at Dortmund? It’s absolutely magnificent. Can you imagine The Celtic End, which is full of supporters who are prepared to bring that noise, that colour?
“Obviously, there would be some conditions with behaviour and all the rest of it. But give them something, take them out of that corner. Give them a place where everyone can see. It is the Celtic end. It is the Jock Stein Stand.
“I think it would look absolutely brilliant if you had that type of supporter in there. It would bring so much colour, so much atmosphere. I know it’s not easy, but talk about it. See if you can bring them on board. Do something!
“Stop talking down to Celtic supporters. I think that’s a big problem. If they could only just find one or two individuals in that boardroom who were so relaxed and confident in speaking to any Celtic supporter. And that’s the problem; that there’s not enough in there who can do that.”
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