In a last-minute decision few expected, Celtic fans were denied access to Ibrox for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby in the SWPL.
The news wasn’t received well by those of a green-and-white persuasion. Celtic labelled the move as ‘hugely disappointing’ in an official statement on the club website.
It came as a blow for the team, but they soldiered on and came away with a 1-1 draw in a game that they were unfortunate not to take three points from.
Post-match, Celtic defender Caitlin Hayes spoke out. She posted a few pictures on Instagram, one of those showing a shirt that read a quote from the legendary Jock Stein, ‘Football without the fans is nothing’.
In the post, Hayes went on to criticise the Ibrox club. She attacked them for their neglect of the Women’s game, and how they damaged young girls’ dreams: “Today women’s football was let down”, she said.
“You simply can’t advertise a fixture based upon the opportunity to see representation on a stage, with the false intent to grow the game, when the same opportunity isn’t there for the opposition.
“Take colours away and you’re denying opportunity for young girls, in particular, to see what they can be, if they dream that dream.
“That dream isn’t exclusive to the colours you wear, but inclusive to all.”
Women’s football as a whole was let down on Sunday. Hayes is rightly furious with the way things unfolded, but she and her teammates battled on to ensure they did the supporters who watched along from home proud.
