Celtic fans locked out of Real Betis clash
The Spanish local authority have blocked away fans from attending the match
Last updated 14th Sep 2021
Celtic fans will not be allowed into their Europa League clash away to Real Betis next week.
Ange Postecoglou travel to Spain for their opening group clash but no Hoops supporters will be let in to see it.
Tickets for the match went on sale on Thursday night with fans making travel arrangements.
However, Celtic have now released a statement saying it has been blocked by local authorities.
It read: "We regret to announce that we have in the last 30 minutes been informed by Real Betis that they are no longer allowed to accept away fans for the match against Celtic next week, Thursday 16th September.
"Betis have indicated to Celtic that the local authority in Spain has now stated that visiting fans will not be permitted to attend the match.
"Responsibility for advising away clubs on ticketing and acceptance of fans travelling lies with the home club in UEFA competitions. Since the draw was made we have asked Betis to confirm whether they will be accepting Celtic fans at this fixture.
"Early on Wednesday afternoon Betis confirmed that they would be accepting Celtic fans for this match and the Club has been working hard to try and find a way to comply with the requirements laid down to admit Celtic fans for this fixture.
"It is therefore extremely disappointing to be told moments ago that Betis will no longer be able to admit Celtic fans to this match.
"Whilst this matter is totally outwith Celtic’s control we fully understand the disappointment which will be felt by Celtic fans planning on attending. Wherever we play we are backed by the best support in huge numbers and it is a disappointment to all involved at Celtic and the team that we will not be able to have our fans with us as we visit the city of Seville again.
"Clearly, any match tickets purchased online, which went on sale last night, will be refunded.
"We remain in contact with Betis to see if anything can be done but thought it important to get this update out immediately and would advise our fans not to travel. We are speaking to Leverkusen and Ferencvaros to understand the position with away fans and will update in due course".