Stalybridge Celtic fans to boycott this weekend's match

Fans of Stalybridge Celtic are set to boycott this weekend's away trip to Avro, after previous crowd troubles in their last meeting.

Celtic are to face the team from Oldham this Saturday (23 September) in the FA Trophy, in a repeat of the league game that took place back in August, where a number of Celtic supporters were subjected to acts of violence from a section of the home supporters.

As a result, a large number of fans will not be making the trip to the Vestacare Stadium this weekend, for fears of this reoccurring. The Stalybridge Celtic Supporters Association were a big factor in this decision, and they have released the following statement:

"Following a vote amongst members, the SCSA has decided to boycott the Avro game this weekend and we would encourage all Celtic fans to do the same.

"The welcome, or lack of, in August, followed by violence in which several Bridge fans were injured has determined this. The vote was 75% in favour of a boycott.

"No fan should feel unsafe going into a football ground and, unfortunately, a minority of Avro fans leave Celtic fans feeling this way. 

"Of course, some fans will want to travel and we do not want to put any pressure on them to not attend, but we feel, as an association, we need to represent fan welfare and deem it necessary to make a stand. We would like to invite all fans that were planning to go to the game to join us at the Celtic Social Club.

"The bar will be open, with all funds going to the club, while you can also donate your ticket fee via the SCSA website, again, with all funds going to the club.

"If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that non-league football is about community, and we strive to make it a great one.

"Up the Bridge!"