Celtic fans: Maybe one of the most gushing collections of praise we’ve seen
The Spanish press have really pushed the boat out with their praise of Celtic fans and Celtic Park ahead of Barcelona’s match against the club. Brendan Rodgers’ team may not be a match for Barcelona on the pitch, but off it is another story altogether.
On a daily look through the Spanish media today, we’ve found several articles with huge praise of Celtic’s fans, and so we thought those same fans would enjoy reading about how good they are.
And it really is gushing.
Let’s start with Marca who, being Madrid leaning, don’t have page after page previewing the match, but still make room for Celtic.
‘In an era in which globalisation and the huge money have changed the face of football in just a few years, we should look back and remember a time when money wasn’t everything in the sport. An era that now seems romantic and very far away, but really isn’t that long ago.
‘From that football in black and white, when fans identified with their club not so much for the players they had, but for the values espoused, a good example is Celtic, the rival of Barcelona.’
Marca then go over the history of the club and Celtic Park, even Rod Stewart gets a mention. And, of course, they bring up the derby with ‘Glasgow Rangers’. Whether it be at Ibrox or Celtic Park, Marca say the ‘old firm’ game is still one of the biggest around.
Next up is Catalan newspaper Sport who also take time to praise Celtic fans: ‘There are football stadiums that are so strong that they are capable of winning games on their own.’
Sport say that whilst Rodgers’ team may not be very good, Barcelona should not underestimate the power of Celtic fans.
One article wasn’t enough for Sport, they’ve managed two on Celtic fans.
‘A ‘boiler’ will receive the azulgranas – Loyalty, tradition and a football culture that makes them cheer regardless of the outcome. The stands will be overflowing… and they will not be lacking the ‘estelades’.’
The estelada is the Catalan flag which Celtic fans flew at the Camp Nou match.
Sport go on to say Barcelona ‘will be greeted by 60,000 throats who will not stop cheering their team all through the match, whatever the result’ and the Catalan club’s players will ‘feel it in their flesh’.
You want some more? Ah, go on then: ‘The Celtic fans are unique and unbeatable for their firm convictions, that make them support, regardless of the consequences, things they consider fair. Thus, it will not be strange that today, in addition to a multitude of Irish-style flags, also seen in Celtic Park will be a good number of ‘estalades’ in solidarity with the Barça fans in front of the uncompromising football body (UEFA). This is the Celtic fan.’
Still not finished, Sport, have an article on how Celtic and Barcelona fans get on so well, explaining: ‘Following the local tradition, the majority of Barça followers will have an appointment almost forced this afternoon in the pub. It will be the meeting point fixed before enjoying the excellent local beer ahead of the short journey to Celtic Park. A ritual for rivals.’
And it’s then explained there won’t be huge security and segregation: ‘The Scottish fan base is not rated as violent and there are even clear signs of brotherhood between followers of Celtic and Barça.’
For our match preview, Sport’s Pol Ballús told us: “Celtic Park’s atmosphere is really famous in Barcelona, as well as everywhere in the world.
“Moreover, Barcelona has some great European memories in that stadium, and that makes it even more special. The 2-3 in 2008 was a fantastic game. I think visiting Celtic Park is a good opportunity for Barça fans to enjoy a unique football atmosphere in the world.”
Told you it was gushing.
