Leading Celtic supporters group issue statement calling for change | OneFootball

The Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs have released a statement amid the ongoing crisis at the club. The Scottish Champions were beaten yesterday after Rangers came from behind to go level on points with Wilfried Nancy’s side.

Nancy, whose future remains untenable, cut a dejected figure at full time. However, the Celtic support responded poorly to the result, especially as it was clear that the trajectory under Nancy was not going to bring positive results.

In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, The Affiliation revealed that they had been attempting to meet with the club for some time to no avail. In light of this and the evidence on the park and apparent breakdown of the relationship between club and fans, they are calling on change at the club.

The Affiliation calls for a new manager, a recruitment strategy that reflects the clubs size and expectations, fresh perspectives and strengthened governance on the board, a modern, ambitious footballing structure, a youth system capable of developing players who can contribute at the highest level, a leadership team that communicates openly and respects the voice of the supporters.

The lack of engagement from the club is no surprise, the Green Brigade were locked out of Celtic Park while Rangers were allowed to bring a flags into the ground. The club have also blanked fan media access to the club, further creating a divide with the support.

The scenes outside Celtic Park yesterday were not spontaneous; instead, supporters have had concerns about the trajectory of the club for some time. Domestic success quelled any serious opposition to the club’s strategy; however, the lack of progression in Europe, a number of failings in the transfer market and the briefings against Brendan Rodgers, resulting in his exit, increased pressure on the Celtic Board.