Celtic have shared their concerns and blasted new government supporter bus proposals as "demonising" towards football fans.
Last week, the Traffic Commissioners of Great Britain opened a consultation on changes to voluntary guidance which would include buses carrying fans not being allowed to stop within 10 miles of a stadium before or after a match without police permission, buses not being allowed to stop at pubs unless a “substantial meal” is being served and fans forced to arrive between one and two hours before a game and leave within 30 mins of the end.
The proposals drew the ire of Scottish football clubs, their governing bodies and politicians, with a joint statement from the Scottish Professional Football League, the Scottish Women’s Premier League and the Scottish FA describing them as “unnecessary and heavy-handed”.
The Scottish Premiership champions have now had their say in a lengthy statement, which detailed discussions with supporter groups across the country.
It read: "Celtic Football Club have today made the following statement regarding recent proposals announced by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, the government body which regulates bus travel across Britain, in relation to coaches taking football supporters to matches.
"Celtic FC are closely monitoring the proposed new rules for fans travelling to matches on public hire vehicles, which have been issued by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain.
"Celtic has discussed these proposals with groups representing the interests of supporters travelling to matches, including the Celtic Supporters’ Association, the Affiliation of Registered Supporters' Clubs and our supporters' groups in Ireland.
"The Club shares our supporters' serious concerns that these proposed measures would do nothing more than demonise football fans, unnecessarily targeting one particular sport and its supporters.
"Supporters are the lifeblood of the game, with thousands each weekend contributing positively to the sport in Scotland, yet these proposals would negatively affect a large proportion of supporters travelling to matches.
"Celtic will engage robustly with the consultation process, outlining the Club’s deep concerns with the proposals consulted upon."
