Punters continue protests against the Parkhead board by not singing for first 29 minutes of Braga game

16:19, 01 Oct 2025Updated 07:19, 02 Oct 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during a press conference

Brendan Rodgers is hoping peace can break out at Parkhead after Celtic fans called off their vows of silence planned for Braga.

The Celtic Fan Collective group announced late on Wednesday they will pause the 29 minute protest at the start of tonight’s Europa League clash after Parkhead chiefs agreed to a sit down with supporter groups.

A fan statement said: “We welcome the club’s decision to meet and engage directly on the issues raised.

“However we remain under no illusions about the scale of change still required at board level.

“As a result of this development, the planned continuation of this three match silence has been postponed, in good faith, in the hope and expectation that supporters will now receive full and honest communication from the club.”

Rodgers wants supporters raise the roof as his side bid to bag three points against Braga and build on last week’s point in Belgrade.

And the Hoops gaffer is hoping it’s the start of Celtic uniting on and off the pitch.

Rodgers said: “I think that obviously Celtic Park is renowned for its atmosphere and what it can do to the opponent.

“It’s probably something, in all fairness, you would have to ask the other team.

“But I suppose my message is, probably for the longer term, is that hopefully both parties can sit down and respect the differences and find a solution so that we can all pull together again.

“Because that’s what’s always key here for Celtic.

“Our approach is the same, it’s to start fast, get on the front foot and really impose our style in the game straight away. “Always, whatever the reaction is to that, we have to control on the pitch, really, what it is we have to do.

“Our focus is pretty much on the performance on the pitch. That is the s the only thing that we can control.

“I really hope that the stadium is full, because that’s what Celtic is about for me.

“It’s an incredible club, and our history is based around our supporters and what they bring.

“I understand frustrations, but I hope that we still have a full stadium here backing the team.”

(Image: SNS Group)

Rodgers is preparing to throw everything at the Europa League after the disappointment of crashing out of the continent’s premier competition at the play-off stage.

The Hoops gaffer said: “It’s very important. We didn’t earn the right as a club to be in the Champions League.

“We wanted to be there, but we weren’t. We’re now in a prestigious competition. For us as a team and coaches, and players, we really look forward to this challenge.

“We’ll come up against some really, really good teams. For us, it’s still a great tournament to be involved in.

“We’re all in, in the competition, we want to go as far as we possibly can.

“We had a good result and the second half performance last week, and if we can take that into this game at home. We want to be really strong, particularly at home. Of course, you need to have strength and resilience, which we’ve shown all season in all the competitions.

“But if you’re going to do well in this competition, you want to do well in your home games for sure.”

Rodgers wanted Braga will be tough on the back of their opening win against Feyenoord.

He said: “Braga started the competition with a good victory against Feyenoord. Like most Portuguese teams, they are very well organised. They’ll play, we think, 3-4-3. They are maybe not in the best form domestically, but it’s irrelevant.

“It’s a cup competition, and obviously, their last result demonstrated that. They’re a team of good players, a good young manager, and it’ll be a good test for us.”

Rodgers revealed defenders Alistair Johnston and Auston Trusty are just weeks away from a comeback.

He said: “Auston Trusty’s back training, which is great. Reo is back training, which is good. “So we’ve really only got Alistair Johnston out.

“Ali will join us probably the week leading into Dundee, after the international break. But he’s working really well. The other two guys I mentioned will be close to the squad.”