Celtic head to Livingston today knowing that a win against David Martindale’s Livingston will propel them back to the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The lunchtime kick-off in West Lothian will be the destination where Brendan Rodgers fulfils his one-match SFA ban but it will also be the place where Celtic will welcome back key players before next weekend’s Glasgow Derby.
But it wasn’t the returning Celtic players that was on David Martindale‘s mind this weekend as Rodgers’ side comes rolling into town.
It was the Celtic fans and the atmosphere that they bring to his stadium as the Livingston manager shares what he really thinks about the allocation his club gives to the travelling Hoops support.
David Martindale welcomes Celtic ticket allocation
As well as the much-needed funds the Celtic travelling support brings in for Livingston, Martindale lauded the Hoops fans for the atmosphere they bring whenever they visit his home ground.
Martindale said [The Sunday Post print edition page 73], “As a professional sportsman, you want to be involved in games like this.
“The atmosphere the Celtic fans bring is great and that works in our favour also.
“I get the argument, people say they don’t want to come to a mini-Parkhead but I’m the opposite of that.
“I would much rather have a full stadium even if it means having 80% Celtic or Rangers fans.
“I think it adds to the atmosphere. Me personally, I buzz off it and I imagine the players are very similar.
“All day long I would rather play with 8,000 Celtic or Rangers fans in the stadium.”
To be fair to Livingston, they have always been accommodating to the Celtic supporters and have consistently delivered a generous allocation every season.
This is refreshing compared to other clubs in the league like Hearts and St Mirren who so seem intent on locking out the away Celtic support.
Hearts reduced Celtic’s allocation last season to just under 600 fans as the Tynecastle club looked to build on improving their home support. I think we all saw enough empty seats in the capital recently which shows that idea hasn’t really gone to plan.
St Mirren also implemented the same stance as well as Kilmarnock as Scottish clubs take a bizarre stance on away allocations which is having a detrimental effect on the atmosphere produced at Scottish games.
Livingston’s stadium will be close to full capacity this afternoon with Celtic fans getting the lion’s share of the tickets.
At least the atmosphere generated by the travelling fans will not only boost Rodgers’ team, it will also make today’s live TV showing a much better viewing experience.