Celtic fans have slammed the club – after they offered supporters the chance to buy virtual sections of the Parkhead pitch.
The Hoops faithful were left in disbelief after a post on the club’s official X account invited them to, “be part of Celtic history by claiming your spot at Celtic Park in collaboration with Sportli Virtual Pitch” – with the programme dividing the Bhoys’ playing surface into hundreds of tiny squares, each priced at £29.99 for a year – or £49.99 for three years. Anyone who buys a section will receive a PDF certificate confirming their ownership, with every sale involving a donation to the Celtic FC Foundation (understood by Glasgow Live to be £1).
Sportli, who are behind the sale, also run similar schemes at Hampden Park, as well as for Dundee United and Livingston supporters looking to purchase sections of the pitch at Tannadice or Almondvale. With their website explaining: “We would be thrilled to welcome you into this special group of Celtic FC supporters.
“Your decision to become an owner of a ‘Piece of Paradise’ would reflect your deep passion for Celtic Football Club, a club with a rich history filled with iconic matches and legendary managers, captains, and players. From Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson to Scott Brown and Callum McGregor, the Celtic Park pitch has witnessed greatness, both domestically and in Europe – and now, your ‘Piece of Paradise’ could be part of that legacy.”
It continued: “Your ‘Piece of Paradise’ symbolises your dedication to the club and your place within our ever-growing family of global supporters. Whether you are cheering from the stands, following the Bhoys & Ghirls from afar, or watching every goal, save, tackle and trophy win at Celtic Park, your ‘Piece of Paradise’ will make you feel part of it all.”
However Celtic supporters were far from impressed, with the project labelled “a disgrace” and “atrocious” by wound up Hoops fans, who took to social media to hit out at the club. One posted: “Give us money to own nothing is quite the marketing ploy” whilst another added: “This is equivalent to me saying to Celtic fans do you want to purchase virtual beers on match day from Broony’s bar. This is very poor from the club IMO.”
Sportli’s Virtual Pitch was met with a similarly lukewarm reaction from Dundee United fans earlier this year when they invited supporters to buy virtual sections of the Tannadice turf. One United supporter said: “This might be one of the most bizarre things we have done, and that’s saying something.” United’s Head of Commercial and Sponsorship, Mark Cunningham, said at the time: “We are excited to collaborate with Sportli on this pioneering project! Not only does this enhance our fan engagement, but also it allows supporters to become a part of the club’s story in a new and innovative way.”
The offer is listed as “official merchandise sold under license” and more information can be found online here.