Martin O’Neill has confirmed that progress has been made in talks aimed at ending the long-running ban on the Green Brigade, as efforts continue behind the scenes to restore unity at Celtic Park.
The Green Brigade have been absent since November, with what was initially described as a six-game suspension, later extended to an indefinite ban.
With the season entering a crucial phase, the issue has become increasingly prominent, particularly given the impact supporters have had during recent matches.
It is understood that a meeting is taking place this afternoon between Celtic and representatives from the Celtic Fans Collective, as dialogue continues in an attempt to find a resolution.
Brian Wilson, who has repeatedly called for unity between the club and its support, is expected to be involved in the discussions.
Speaking on Wednesday, ahead of the talks, Martin O’Neill made clear just how important a full and united Celtic Park is, drawing on his own memories of European nights in Glasgow.
“Yes, I’m agreeing with you. I think that a full house here at Celtic Park is something special,” O’Neill said to Celtic TV. “Every European night that I’ve had in the past, way back then, was just full of special moments.
Teams, and I’m talking about really major sides, were still very, very concerned about coming here. The passion, the drive, the noise that’s made.
“I remember our game here against Liverpool in that UEFA run. John Robertson, my old friend, was standing beside me and speaking to me. I couldn’t hear what he was saying for the first 10 or 15 minutes. It was so, so loud.
“So, yes, little bits have been lost from that, and that’s regrettable
“I’m hoping that… I think there has been some discussions, of which I obviously wasn’t party to. But I hear that there might be some progress made.
“As I’ve been saying, the sooner there is unity at Celtic Park, the better for all concerned.
“I have no doubt at all that the crowd behind the goal on Sunday contributed greatly to us fighting back in the game. No question about that.”
With talks now underway and acknowledgement from the manager that progress has been made, attention turns to whether the club and supporter groups can finally bridge the gap. For many, the hope is that unity can be restored sooner rather than later, with Celtic Park once again becoming the intimidating, unified arena O’Neill remembers so vividly.