The Green Brigade reappeared at North Curve, holding a large protest banner.

The Green Brigade have returned to their traditional position in the North Curve at Celtic Park, bringing back a familiar sound and visual presence that had been missing for significant periods of last season.

The supporters’ group made their return during the latest matchday, immediately restoring an atmosphere that has become closely associated with Celtic’s home support.

The Green Brigade during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on December 23, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Their return has been welcomed by many supporters, particularly after a lengthy dispute between the group and the club resulted in their absence from the stands for much of the previous campaign.

However, despite being back inside Celtic Park, the Green Brigade made it clear that their disagreements with the club have not disappeared.

The group used their return to display a protest banner aimed directly at Celtic’s handling of supporter sanctions, showing that tensions remain despite the resolution that eventually allowed them back into the stadium.

Green Brigade endured lengthy absence

Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The Green Brigade spent a substantial part of last season away from their usual section of the Celtic support.

The group was initially handed a three-match suspension in November, but that punishment was subsequently extended, keeping them away from the stands until the final stages of the campaign.

The dispute developed into one of the most significant off-field stories surrounding Celtic throughout the season.

It was not simply an issue involving the supporters’ section, as the disagreement eventually contributed to a wider supporter boycott.

The situation created considerable debate among Celtic supporters, with opinions divided over the club’s approach to dealing with the Green Brigade and the sanctions imposed on members of the group.

Eventually, Celtic reinstated the supporters ahead of the crucial final weeks of the season.

Their return came at a particularly important moment, with Martin O’Neill’s side entering the decisive stages of the Premiership title race.

Atmosphere seen as important to title success

A section of Celtic supporters argued that the Green Brigade’s return had a noticeable effect on the atmosphere inside Celtic Park.

Their chants, flags, banners and constant backing helped generate the type of intense home environment that has traditionally been associated with Celtic matches.

Many supporters subsequently suggested that the improved atmosphere created by the group played an important role during the club’s successful title run-in.

Whether that influence directly affected results is open to debate, but there was little doubt that their presence changed the feel inside the stadium.

The Green Brigade themselves wasted little time reminding everyone of their position once they were back.

During flag day, the group unveiled a banner criticising the club’s continued use of sanctions against supporters.

The message demonstrated that their return did not mean the disagreement had been completely forgotten.

Protest message aimed at Celtic

The first banner displayed by the group contained a blunt message directed towards the club.

It read: “New season, same s—e.”

Underneath that message, another instruction was displayed:

“End the bans.”

The protest reflected the Green Brigade’s continued frustration with what they regard as excessive or unfair sanctions against supporters.

Their position is that the issue remains unresolved, despite the group being permitted to return to the North Curve.

The banner ensured that their first major appearance back in their customary section would also serve as a reminder to Celtic’s hierarchy that tensions remain.

For many supporters, the protest was unsurprising given the events of the previous campaign.

The dispute had already generated widespread discussion throughout the Celtic fanbase, and the latest message indicates that the Green Brigade has no intention of simply moving on from the issue.

Second banner focused on Celtic values

The Green Brigade later unveiled another banner with a very different message.

Rather than focusing directly on supporter sanctions, the second display highlighted values that the group has repeatedly associated with Celtic’s identity.

The banner featured words attributed to legendary former Celtic manager Willie Maley.

It stated:

“It is not the creed, nor his nationality that matters. It is the man himself.”

The display then concluded with the statement:

“Celtic FC, anti-racist since 1888.”

The message reflects the Green Brigade’s long-standing emphasis on anti-racism and inclusivity.

By displaying Maley’s words alongside the reference to Celtic’s historical identity, the group sought to reinforce its belief that the club’s traditions should remain centred on equality and opposition to discrimination.

The two banners therefore delivered different messages, but both were consistent with issues the Green Brigade has highlighted previously.

Fresh sanctions continue to cause frustration

The latest protest has been prompted in part by new sanctions imposed during the summer.

A number of supporters have reportedly faced fresh restrictions despite the fact that approximately 250 members of the Green Brigade had previously been allowed to return to Celtic Park.

That development has reignited some of the frustrations that had surrounded the group throughout last season.

From the Green Brigade’s perspective, allowing supporters back into the stadium while continuing to impose individual sanctions does not represent a satisfactory resolution to the wider dispute.

The group’s latest banner therefore appears to be a direct response to those developments.

Their message suggests that they believe the underlying problem surrounding supporter bans remains unresolved.

A familiar presence returns

The Green Brigade’s return to the North Curve represents a significant change from much of last season.

For Celtic supporters who value the atmosphere generated by the group, their presence brings back one of the most recognisable features of a match at Celtic Park.

At the same time, their latest displays make it clear that their return should not be interpreted as an end to their disagreements with the club.

The group remains vocal about supporter sanctions and appears determined to continue challenging Celtic’s approach to bans.

Their return has therefore combined two familiar elements: passionate support for the team and outspoken criticism of the club hierarchy.

As the season develops, the relationship between Celtic and the Green Brigade will remain something to watch closely.

The group is back in its traditional North Curve location, but its protest banners show that the debate over supporter sanctions is far from finished.