Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told the club's fans that; "Celtic is not a political arena for any supporters to come into and display any sort of political element."
Rodgers was speaking on Tuesday ahead of the team's Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg, when he was asked about the recent ban handed out to the Green Brigade.
A group of Celtic's most fervent fans, the Green Brigade, unfurled an "illicit banner" in the game against Linfield, which resulted in the club being charged by UEFA.
The club subsequently released a statement, criticising the action of the fans, and have decided to close the section for two matches.
Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park.
The Club has been consistent in condemning such conduct on the very few occasions in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park.
Rodgers has been a heroic figure with the club's fans since joining last summer, but his comments will anger some of the fans. With a negative atmosphere built up already among the vocal group of supporters, Rodgers may be in for a difficult season off the field.
The [Green Brigade] add the energy and youthfulness which is absolutely amazing.
There are forums, platform for that outside of football. Take that somewhere else.
It is not for inside Celtic Park. It is not what the values are, the ethos is and it is certainly not what I’m about as a manager.
I have huge admiration for the support they give but my honest feelings is that I’m not with it, I am very much aligned with the thinking of the board and the people that run the club, the people that have to pay the fines.
The section of Celtic Park that houses the Green Brigade will be closed for the next two games. It will be interesting to see their response to Rodgers and the club in the coming weeks.
