Rod Stewart softens stance on Green Brigade amid transfer criticism.

Rod Stewart has softened his stance on Celtic’s Green Brigade, admitting the supporters’ group may have valid reasons for protesting against the club’s hierarchy after questioning the quality of recent transfer activity.

The legendary singer has previously been critical of the prominent Celtic supporters, particularly over their use of pyrotechnics during European fixtures. However, his latest comments suggest he now understands why some supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the club’s recruitment strategy.

The Green Brigade were missing from Celtic Park for Thursday night’s Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo. The group had announced that it would boycott European home matches as part of an ongoing protest against the club’s board and its handling of several issues. Their absence was another clear sign of the growing tension.

Rod Stewart, watches on from the stands during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Stewart acknowledges supporters’ concerns

Speaking to talkSPORT, Stewart discussed the growing tension between Celtic supporters and the hierarchy before conceding that the Green Brigade and other unhappy fans may have legitimate complaints.

The singer pointed specifically to the club’s transfer dealings, describing them as questionable at times. His comments represent a notable change in tone because he has previously focused heavily on the behaviour of supporters rather than their grievances with the board.

Stewart did, however, balance his criticism of Celtic’s recruitment with a reminder of the club’s outstanding record domestically. The Hoops have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years, collecting numerous trophies and maintaining their position as one of Scotland’s dominant forces.

For Stewart, both sides of the argument can exist at the same time. Celtic’s trophy haul deserves recognition, but that does not necessarily mean supporters are wrong to question decisions made in the transfer market.

Rod Stewart is seen in the stands before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Green Brigade boycott continues

The Green Brigade’s decision to stay away from European fixtures has added another layer of pressure around Celtic. Their absence against Celta Vigo was visible at Celtic Park, with the supporters’ group making clear that the boycott is linked to their wider dissatisfaction with the club’s leadership.

The group has been involved in several disputes with Celtic over recent seasons, with pyrotechnics during matches becoming one of the biggest points of contention. Stewart has previously expressed his disapproval of that behaviour.

Nevertheless, his latest comments suggest he does not believe every complaint from the supporters should simply be dismissed.

While Celtic have enjoyed significant success on the pitch, sections of the support remain unhappy with how the club is being run and how money is being used in recruitment.

Stewart fears impact on players

Stewart also raised a concern that the continuing negativity surrounding Celtic could eventually reach the dressing room.

He said he hoped the protests would not influence the players as they walk onto the pitch. His concern is that a hostile atmosphere created by disputes between supporters and the hierarchy could make an already demanding environment even more difficult for the team.

Stewart’s comments came after Celtic’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts on Sunday, a result that provided Martin O’Neill’s team with an opportunity to rebuild confidence.

The singer revealed that he had even sent O’Neill his thoughts on the starting line-up before the Hearts match.

Stewart’s unusual team advice

Stewart explained that he had contacted O’Neill with his preferred attacking combination. His proposed front three consisted of Callum Osmand, Benjamin Duran and Hassan, while he also wanted Chamberlain included in midfield because he felt Celtic needed greater physical strength.

According to Stewart, three of his four suggestions eventually appeared in the starting line-up. That led him to jokingly wonder whether O’Neill had taken some inspiration from his message.

He added that he was delighted with the result and joked that he might find himself in the Celtic dugout the following week.

The comments highlighted Stewart’s enthusiasm for the club and his willingness to engage directly with developments surrounding the team. However, his remarks about the Green Brigade were arguably more significant.

A changing view of Celtic’s protests

Stewart’s position appears to have become more nuanced. While he remains uncomfortable with the negative atmosphere and has previously condemned pyrotechnic displays, he now accepts that supporters have reasons to question Celtic’s transfer business.

That admission could resonate with fans who believe criticism of the hierarchy should not automatically be dismissed because the team continues to win trophies.

At the same time, Stewart’s reminder of Celtic’s domestic success provides an important counterargument. The club has continued to collect silverware despite disagreements surrounding recruitment and board decisions.

The challenge for Celtic is finding a way to preserve that winning culture while addressing concerns from supporters. The Green Brigade boycott demonstrates that frustration has reached a point where some fans are prepared to withdraw their support from European home fixtures.

For now, Stewart appears to occupy a position somewhere between the two sides. He does not endorse the negativity surrounding Celtic, but he accepts that the supporters’ complaints cannot simply be ignored.

His comments therefore add another voice to an increasingly significant debate about Celtic’s recruitment, leadership and relationship with their supporters.