By Frank McAvennie

4th Nov, 2023 | 5:00pm

'They're not supporters' - McAvennie rips into Green Brigade after new Celtic development

The Green Brigade are “not supporters” of Celtic and their ban won’t impact Parkhead’s atmosphere.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie admitted the group have been a welcome addition to the Celtic Park atmosphere but fumed at them for causing repeat fines for the club.

Celtic issued bans for season ticket-holding members of the Green Brigade after repeat incidents of poor behaviour, including gate-rushing and illegal entry into the ground.

The ban followed the group unfurling pro-Palestine flags in their 2-2 Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid after the club asked them to refrain from banners relating to the Middle Eastern conflict.

Despite their impact, McAvennie claimed that the atmosphere at Parkhead would be unaffected by the Green Brigade’s absence.

“Celtic have been voted the best-supported fans in Europe on numerous occasions before the Green Brigade were ever born,” he told Football Insider.

“I get what they do, I get the atmosphere, but they keep getting the club fined. To me, that’s not supporters. The guy that bangs the drum never watches the game, so he’s not even a Celtic supporter obviously. He’s got his back to the game!

“The group have done so much good, some of the songs they’ve come out with are brilliant. But there’s a limit that you can’t cross. The club’s going to kick back on it and that’s what they’re doing.”

In other news, Celtic fans have reacted after another Hoops ultras group walked out in solidarity with the Green Brigade.