By Alan Hutton

8th Nov, 2023 | 7:00am

Alan Hutton drops verdict on Green Brigade controversy after 'huge' Celtic development

The Green Bridage’s absence from Parkhead is “not helpful” and a “distraction” for Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton admitted he understands both sides’ frustrations but a resolution is “obviously” needed.

The Hoops banned the supporters’ group after consistent failure to adhere to the stadium’s rules, including bringing pro-Palestine flags to games, using pyrotechnics and illegal entry into the ground before the Lazio clash.

The club faced fresh criticism after the Green Brigade accused them of charging them for tickets to games they are banned from.

Hutton admitted the situation is “difficult” but it is in no one’s interest for the suspension to continue.

“It’s a real difficult one,” he told Football Insider.

“I understand that Celtic as a football club have the right to decide how they want to proceed in this situation.

“They’ve taken a hard stance when you consider what’s happened and it’s not just for one reason, it’s been a build-up.

“Obviously the pyrotechnics, the banners, the flags. There are all these different issues so it might take a bit of time to be resolved.

“I don’t think it’ll happen overnight. Ultimately you want your supporters to come in and support the club and if they’re not there, we all know how good it can be at Celtic Park.

“To not have that there is a huge distraction, it’s not helpful for them moving forward and they obviously want to resolve it.

“I understand both sides.”

In other news, Multiple Celtic stars set to quit after confirmed news according to a Hoops expert.