BLAMING CELTIC MERCHANDISE BACKLASH ON TRANSFER INACTIVITY IS MISSING THE POINT
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17
By the time you read this, Celtic will have, in all likelihood already unveiled their new away kit. This is the same kit that we've already known about for several months, thanks in no small part to the ongoing incompetence of Celtic’s media operation.
Celtic dropped a teaser image for the new black and green away kit on social media yesterday, and a lot of fans reacted angrily.
However, I think this anger has, in many cases, I think, been mis-categorized.
Celtic Merchandise Overload is Too Much, Regardless of Signings
There’s a growing contingent of Celtic fans who, suddenly, aren't quite as happy with our new, highly publicized, extended deal with Adidas as they were when we initially linked up with the German sports kit manufacturer back in 2020.
First it was the annual 4th kit, which the players will never actually wear in a competitive match. Then, from this season, there is the new divide between “replica” and “authentic” kit.
Thanks Adidas, I’ll just go and order all my future Celtic tops and other Celtic merchandise from a dodgy Chinese website then, shall I?
After all, if the new Hoops I paid 75 quid for this year isn't, in your own words, “authentic” then I might as well just buy the one on DH Gate for a tenner. That isn't authentic either, yet somehow looks practically identical to the “authentic version” jersey you want me to pay 120 quid for.
A lot of fans are, indeed, angry that such a deluge of product marketing comes at us from the club on a weekly basis, yet there’s precious little communication about things that actually matter. And I’m not just talking about incoming signings.
Remember the independent investigation into how Police Scotland treated fans the last time the spawn of Ibrox came to visit Celtic Park?
Well I do, but it seems the club doesn't. Not a word on it in months.
Our main stand is too small, and our waiting list is in 5 figures. Yet the only upgrades you’ll see there this season are to the corporate boxes.
Can’t get Celtic TV to work on Matchday? Good luck getting a response on the same day let alone in time for you to see the game.
“Oh, but what’s that, you want to buy some overpriced tickets for our upcoming training match against Newcastle? No problem, here’s the direct link now for an instant response.”
The problem with overpriced and all too quickly obsolete kits is just one symptom of a far, far wider problem with Celtic as a business. It’s all one way traffic. The club takes and takes and takes from fans, yet offers very little in return.
Season tickets continue to lose value as prices go up but the number of games included decreases. Kits cost more than ever, but have a shorter shelf life than they’ve ever had in the club’s history.
And yet, you’ll be called “entitled” or “not a true fan” if you dare to raise any of these issues.
We are at the breaking point now. This cannot continue. Celtic’s board need to remember that it is us, the fans, who make this football club what it is. Not them, not Adidas, and certainly not whoever approves the constant barrage of commercialism seeping out of the club.
I don't write this from a position of anger, but from one of hope. Please Celtic, reign this in. Don’t keep milking the fans for all we are worth. We should be better than that.
Ultimately, you will make more money from a dedicated and happy fanbase who feel appreciated.
