When Celtic play in Europe, one of the aspects we enjoy covering most is how respected the club and its supporters are around Europe. It makes a nice change.
Of course, things don’t always go swimmingly and sometimes there’s trouble, and troublemakers, but there’s generally a good feeling towards the travelling Celtic fans.
That was very much the case with Valencia this time around, and was further encouraged by a great atmosphere between fans of both clubs at Celtic Park.
Incidents on Wednesday obviously saw some of the coverage change. Whilst the Spanish media really aren’t prone to criticising their own police when heavy handed tactics are used against football fans, they’re quick to criticise the fans.
And after the fire at a Rangers bar in Benidorm, trouble on a train coming from Madrid, and skirmishes in Valencia which left five Celtic fans arrested and police officers and a passer-by injured, there was certainly enough to cover.
Still the Valencia media haven’t completely turned. Super Deporte have made the point repeatedly that those causing trouble are a minority, and Las Provincias reports that Thursday has seen only good news so far.
There’s a ‘festive’ atmosphere on the streets of Valencia and the bars are bringing in much welcomed cash. They’re enjoying the sunny day and can be seen ‘all over the city’ as they wait to watch Brendan Rodgers’ men in action tonight.
It’s explained Celtic fans arriving in the city ‘surely felt at home when getting off the bus and listening to the songs of their own. With one difference: the spring temperature.’
Ten thousand fans are expected.
