It’s fortunate the Spanish media and authorities in the Valencia area seem to have a relatively good opinion of Celtic fans.
Upwards of 7000 are expected in the area this week for the second leg of the Europa League match, which Brendan Rodgers’ men are losing 2-0.
Often when teams from around Europe take big followings to Spain there’s talk of trouble and ‘hooligans’ and the benefit of the doubt can be hard to find.
Spanish newspaper AS report the Celtic following will largely be making the trip for ‘sun, beer and good atmosphere’ given only 2500 will have tickets officially for the match.
The ones that do get to Valencia are expected to meet in Plaza de la Reina, and whilst the police don’t have any special plans, it is labelled a ‘high risk’ match.
AS note that not only will fans be travelling from Glasgow, but there’s also ‘many’ coming from around Spain.
Some of the supporters who will be in the Mestalla are from the Celtic Submarí fan group, which was formed after a match against Villarreal.
It all dates back to a 2004 UEFA Cup quarter final between the the clubs. ‘Such a good aftertaste’ was left between both Celtic and Villarreal fans that ‘powerful links were created’.
Something called Celtic Submarí was formed, and the group now has more than 600 members in Spain. The motto is ’90 minutes of rivalry and a lifetime of friendship’.
