GREEN LIGHT FOR 9,000 EURO FANS

CELTIC will be permitted to allow around 9,000 fans into Parkhead for Tuesday’s Champions League second round first leg qualifier against FC Midtjylland.

The Hoops had hoped to be able to have a crowd of double that number for the crucial tie against the Danes, but the local Safety Advisory Group have decided to peg the crowd to what they believe is more acceptable.

New chief executive Dominic McKay had lodged a special request with the authorities requesting a section of the support to be given access following the government’s announcement that up to 2,000 followers can return from next week.

Now Ange Postecoglou’s side will be roared on by 9,000 supporters which will be one of the smallest followings in the ground in living memory for a vital European tie, but will still be most welcome in the circumstances.

Celtic said in a statement: “Clearly, we have worked tirelessly in this area, we had pushed for many more fans to be given access and of course we are disappointed that more supporters will not be able to attend.

PARADISE…new chief executive Dominic McKay is eager to welcome the fans back to Celtic Park.

“However, we really look forward to welcoming our fans for the match on Tuesday, as we do on Saturday when we meet Preston North End.

“We can assure our supporters we will be doing all we can to work closely with the relevant authorities and welcome our fans back in even greater numbers in the coming weeks.

“Details on match ticket balloting will be shared in the next 24 hours, but in the meantime we ask that you continue to familiarise yourself with our new protocols for reduced capacity matches at Celtic Park – full details of which can be found on the Celtic website here.

“We want nothing more than to welcome as many fans back to the stadium as quickly as possible, and therefore appreciate your patience as we continue to work behind the scenes to make that happen.”

The return leg is in Denmark in eight days’ time.