The real reason Celtic banned fan media from Parkhead

Celtic’s relationship with sections of its supporter base has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, and the club’s decision to bar fan media from Parkhead has only deepened the sense of unease among supporters.

While much of the public attention has focused on the ban imposed on the Green Brigade, it has now emerged that fan-led media platforms have also been denied access to Celtic press conferences. Unlike the ultras ban, which was accompanied by an official explanation from the club, the decision affecting fan media has been met with prolonged silence — until now.

That silence was finally broken when A Celtic State of Mind (ACSOM) contributor Paul John Dykes revealed what Celtic’s legal representatives told him regarding the reasoning behind the ban.

Fan Media Access Quietly Removed

For years, Celtic had allowed accredited fan media outlets to attend press conferences involving both the men’s and women’s teams. This access gave supporters a voice within official club settings, allowing questions to be asked from a fan perspective rather than purely through the lens of traditional media.

That arrangement has now ended.

According to Paul John Dykes, fan media were informed through legal channels that they are no longer permitted to attend press conferences at Parkhead. Crucially, this decision was not accompanied by any public explanation from the club at the time, fuelling speculation and frustration among supporters.

‘It’s That Simple’: The Open Letter Fallout

Speaking on the A Celtic State of Mind podcast, Paul John outlined what he believes is the real reason behind the ban — retaliation for signing an open letter calling for change at the football club.

“We all want what’s best for Celtic,” he explained. “But everybody is now being treated as the enemy. We’re seeing collective punishment.”

Dykes referenced incidents surrounding a recent match in Falkirk, which are still subject to legal proceedings. He stressed that the full facts have yet to emerge and pointed to concerns raised by supporters over stewarding practices, including alleged heavy-handed behaviour in areas where families and children were present.

Rather than addressing those concerns directly, Dykes argues the club has instead taken an adversarial stance.

“So why have we, as a platform, been banned from press conferences?” he asked. “Because we had the audacity to sign the open letter. Let’s not beat around the bush — that’s the reason.”

He was clear that the ban had nothing to do with threats, misinformation, or irresponsible reporting.

“We qualify everything we say,” he continued. “If we have information, we qualify it. If it’s speculation, we say it’s speculation. We’re not rabble-rousing. We simply signed a letter asking for change.”

AGM Protests and ‘Collective Punishment’

Another factor believed to have influenced the club’s decision is the fallout from Celtic’s most recent Annual General Meeting, which descended into disorder amid protests organised by the Celtic Fans Collective.

Dykes suggested the club has taken a broad-brush approach in response.

“They’ve looked at the AGM and what happened there,” he said. “They’ve said, ‘Everybody involved in that racket — ban them all.’ And we’ve fallen under that banner because we signed a letter.”

He described the move as collective punishment, adding that while dialogue with Celtic’s legal team is ongoing, the position remains unchanged: fan media are not currently permitted inside the building.

Celtic’s Official Explanation Questioned

Celtic’s stated justification for the ban — that it forms part of a wider review of communications — has been met with scepticism.

Dykes dismissed the explanation outright.

“That’s nonsense,” he said. “Absolute nonsense. We’re not in there because we signed the open letter, and anyone looking at this objectively can see that.”

The lack of transparency has only amplified concerns among supporters who feel increasingly disconnected from decision-making at boardroom level.

A Growing Divide Between Club and Supporters

For many fans, the issue goes beyond media access. It reflects a deeper breakdown in trust between Celtic’s hierarchy and sections of its supporter base.

Supporters argue that fan media platforms have played a crucial role in modern football culture — providing analysis, debate, and accountability while strengthening the bond between club and community. Removing those voices from official spaces risks widening an already fragile divide.

There is also concern about the long-term consequences. Alienating engaged supporters and independent fan media could damage the club’s image, reduce goodwill, and create a more hostile atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

What Happens Next?

As things stand, Celtic fan media remain excluded from press conferences, with no clear indication of when — or if — that decision will be reversed.

For a club that prides itself on its history, identity, and supporter culture, many fans believe this is a moment that requires reflection rather than retrenchment.

Whether Celtic choose to rebuild bridges or continue down a more confrontational path may define not just this season, but the club’s relationship with its supporters for years to come.