Motherwell chief executive Brian Caldwell has detailed the exceptionally bad damage caused by Celtic supporters at Fir Park last season. The incident occurred after the penultimate Premiership fixture, a 3-2 Celtic victory sealed by a late Kelechi Iheanacho penalty that set up a final-day title showdown with Hearts.
Caldwell's comments were reported by the Daily Record this week. He confirmed Celtic have agreed to cover the costs, but repairs to the South Stand are still not complete four months after the match. This news comes as the current Celtic squad, sitting first in the Premiership with 12 points from four wins, prepares for its next challenge. The team leads the table by two points over St Mirren, having scored 11 goals and conceded just two so far this campaign.
What damage did Celtic fans cause?
The damage was concentrated in the South Stand at Fir Park. Brian Caldwell described it as quite considerable, stating it was exceptionally bad compared to the usual wear and tear after matches. Motherwell had to use black bags to cover the damaged seats initially. While the club managed a temporary fix on the upper tier from row JJ to the back to accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 supporters for subsequent games against Falkirk and Dundee United, the lower tier presented a bigger problem.
Exposure to the Scottish weather has worsened the damage in the lower section. Caldwell expressed hope that new seats could be installed within the next week or two, finally resolving an issue that has lingered since the end of the previous campaign. The club's full upcoming schedule, including the next away fixture against Aberdeen on December 19th, is available on our fixtures page.
How is Motherwell dealing with the costs?
Celtic have taken responsibility for the incident. The club agreed to cover the cost of the damaged seats and the associated repairs in the South Stand. This financial commitment from Celtic is a standard procedure for clubs when their supporters cause damage at away grounds.
However, this is not the only financial hit Motherwell have faced recently from fan behaviour. The club was fined £12,800 by UEFA after an advertising board was damaged during a Conference League qualifier against HJK Helsinki. Caldwell voiced his disappointment about that sanction, noting its direct impact on the club's operating budget. He also mentioned recent disappointment with pyrotechnic usage by fans.
Where does this leave Celtic currently?
While dealing with the aftermath of last season's events, Brendan Rodgers' side is focused on the present. The team is in strong form, leading the Premiership with a perfect record. Their defensive solidity, with only two goals conceded, is a key factor in their early dominance.
This strong start is all the more impressive given several key absences. The current injuries list includes Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Jota, Kasper Høgh, and Kieran Tierney. Navigating these absences while maintaining their position at the top of the standings has been a significant achievement for the squad.
What happens next for both clubs?
For Motherwell, the immediate task is completing the physical repairs at Fir Park. The club aims to have new seats installed soon, closing a frustrating chapter that began in May.
For Celtic, attention turns to maintaining their league momentum. The next test is an away trip to face Aberdeen, who currently sit 10th in the table, on the 19th of December. The team will look to extend their winning run and preserve their two-point cushion at the summit.
