Strict Entry Rules See Frustrated Celtic Fans Held Outside Atalanta Stadium

Celtic fans travelling to Bergamo for tonight’s UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta are being hit with strict entry conditions at the Gewiss Stadium. Reports have emerged that supporters whose ticket names don’t match their identification are being denied entry, causing frustration among the travelling support. This has put additional pressure on fans, many of whom may have borrowed tickets from others, only to find themselves in a holding area outside the ground.

The clampdown seems to be particularly harsh for fans without proper name matches between their tickets and pasSports.

It’s a massive night for Celtic on the pitch as well, as they prepare to face Atalanta, a side currently in strong form in Europe. Celtic come into the Game needing to bounce back after a devastating 7-1 hammering at the hands of Borussia Dortmund. That result highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to address tonight.

If name doesn’t match ticket they are sending Celtic fans to a holding area. If you are in that position I’d hold off outside until see what happens pic.twitter.com/igNvNUiOUY

— RaisedOnCeltic (@Raised_OnCeltic) October 23, 2024

Rodgers has been urged to opt for a more cautious, defensively solid set-up to avoid another heavy defeat. Callum McGregor will lead the midfield, tasked with controlling the Game’s tempo and providing stability in a match that could see Celtic under a lot of pressure. With the Italians boasting a solid defence, breaking through will require creativity and speed on the counter-attack.

Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi, with their blistering pace and quick movement, will be crucial in exploiting Atalanta’s backline when Celtic get their chances to counter.  Atalanta’s 3-0 dismantling of Shakhtar Donetsk in their last Champions League match has to give the Celtic coaching staff food for though.

The fans who do make it through the turnstiles will be hoping to see the Hoops turn things around, but it won’t be easy in what’s expected to be a hostile atmosphere in Italy. We hope that as we get nearer kick off, those who have been denied immediate access will be afforded the chance to get into the ground.