Celtic have been boosted by the news they can return to a packed Parkhead after being given the green light for capacity crowds.
Hoops chiefs, along with rivals Rangers, have been granted permission by Glasgow City Council safety bosses for a full stadium going forward – just as Record Sport earlier this week exclusively revealed would happen.
It’s huge news for season ticket holders who were locked out for the whole of last season due to the Covid pandemic. The first game every season book holder will be able to attend is against Jablonec next week.
The last time Celtic were allowed a full house was for the home rout of St Mirren last March – just as Covid brought the world to a halt.
Neil Lennon’s men were later crowed champions as the season was ended but suffered a disastrous last campaign in front of an empty stadium.
Celtic chief executive Dom McKay said: “I would like to thank our fans for all the fantastic support they have given us in reaching these levels. I would especially like to thank our staff for their tireless efforts and hard work in getting us to this stage.
"Our team have been a leading force in Scottish sport, writing and exercising protocols and procedures to allow us to return to train and play. Now, through their hard work and leadership, we are finally welcoming you, our fans, back where you belong.
"I must also thank the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the Safety Advisory Group for all their co-operation.”
Celtic host Dundee on Sunday but so-called Freedom Day kicks in 24 hours later with the Hoops return leg of their Europa League qualifier against FK Jablonec the first potential full house.
That is followed by a Premier Sports last-16 tie against Hearts at Parkhead with the first home league game the visit of St Mirren on August 21 - the weekend before they travel to Ibrox.
New boss Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to experience his first capacity crowd in the east end of Glasgow.
And he said previously: “Football has realised without fans there's an emptiness to what happens there.”
