Covid passports and the Celtic Park matchday experience

“Vaccine passports ready!” the purple-clad steward shouts toward the masses storming up the Celtic Way. “Make sure you have them out before you get to the barrier.”

With that, she’s quiet again as thousands of supporters stop in their tracks, under the gaze of the Billy McNeill statue, and dig around for the newest addition to the matchday ritual. 

It’s game day at Celtic Park but unlike anyone has ever seen it before. For the first time, fans are having to show proof of being double vaccinated during random spot checks in order to gain entry to the ground. 

That’s why those who’ve braved the wind and the rain are greeted by a small metal fence, which snakes its way around the stadium and sees stewards take it in turns to check phones, certificates, and printed off documents. 

When the Glasgow Times arrives, it all seems to be going smoothly enough and there’s little sign of anyone facing delays to get to their seat in Paradise.

“I’m here to watch the football,” says Dermot Hainey, 21, from Falkirk, who was with a group of friends on Celtic Way. Like some, he admits his concerns about the scheme, especially after a similar one was ditched south of the border. 

“I don’t know why we should have to have one when England and Wales don’t,” he adds.

“I just think it’s a bit unfair.

“I have my Covid passport at the ready, but it’s borderline discrimination.”

While Dermot, like most, had accepted the latest pre-match routine, a small group was gathered to protest against the need for the passes. 

“No vax passports” reads the women’s sign but few, if any, seem to take note. One woman with a child shouts “I agree with you” from across the street but the duo quickly moves on down London Road, not even going to the game. 

But those just about to step inside Parkhead admit knowing people who share similar views. 

“I don’t mind it because I’ve been double vaccinated,” says Ashley Murphy, 35. “But, I go to the football with my brother and my nephew and they’re anti-vaxxers. 

“They’ve paid a lot of money to come and they’re not going to be able to come so that’s a bit rotten.

“It’s meant to be a choice, but really the choice is taken away because if you don’t have the vaccine, you basically can’t go to anything.” 

Ashley stops for a second as the protestors shout at a group of fans passing by. 

“I don’t mind the protestors,” she adds. “See, to be honest, I’m only double vaccinated because I’m going on holiday, so I need it for the holiday aspect.

“I had a really bad experience with the first vaccine and the second vaccine. I wasn’t going to get the second vaccine but I needed it for my holiday. I got it last Sunday and this is the first day I’ve actually felt quite normal.”

Ashley’s friend then comes and joins the conversation, after purchasing his scarf for the game. He seems to be much more positive about the passports. 

“The Covid passport is needed to get back to normality,” he says. “It’s a sacrifice you have to take to help each other out I suppose.”

With that, the pair say goodbye and dash up the Celtic Way, waved through easily by the stewards on a Parkhead matchday unlike any other in the club’s 133 year history. 

The Hoops won the game 2-0 to get their Europa League campaign back on track.