Celtic lift suspension of Green Brigade fans group

Celtic have lifted the suspension of the Green Brigade supporters group "with effect from Saturday's home game against St Mirren".

An initial six-game ban was imposed on around 200 people in early November following "violent and threatening behaviour" at a home match against Falkirk in late October and the suspension was extended at the start of December because of "safety incidents".

Manager Martin O'Neill said in February "some progress" had been made between the club the the Green Brigade.

And Celtic said on Tuesday evening: "On 27 March, at a meeting of Glasgow City Council Safety Advisory Group, the club again addressed the suspension on the Green Brigade. The SAG confirmed that it did not object to the suspension being lifted, subject to three conditions being satisfied.

"These were that all applicable policies will be adhered to, including season ticket terms and conditions; agreement that members will comply with the safety and security operations; recognition that a match-by-match report will be submitted to the Safety Advisory Group, for as long as they deem it necessary.

"We communicated this to the Green Brigade and asked for their unconditional acceptance. They have today responded positively by accepting these conditions, as outlined."

After Saturday's match with St Mirren, Celtic will have three more fixtures at home this season, against Falkirk (25 April), Rangers (10 May) and Hearts (16 May).

And a "pleased" interim chairman Brian Wilson commented: "A full and united Celtic Park can get behind the team at this crucial point in the season."