Celtic to Play Down Under This Summer

Celtic have announced that they will play a friendly match in Australia this summer, against Queensland based Brisbane Roar on Sunday 12 July at Suncorp Stadium. Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said the club was delighted to accept the invitation to play in Australia.

“Celtic are fortunate to enjoy the support of millions of people worldwide,” he said, “and it will be a great privilege to ensure that many of our Australian supporters have the chance to see the team play in their own country. As well as playing in the match we are hoping to stage a number of other supporter events and we are sure we will make this a trip to remember for Celtic and our fans.”

The Queensland Government were delighted to announce the ‘coup’ of getting Celtic to play there, and Premier Anna Bligh also said that the game against Brisbane Roar would constitute the annual ‘Queensland Roars Against Racism’.

“The ‘world game’ is surely the best vehicle to send the important message that racism will not be tolerated in Queensland,” she said. “And given the enormous fan base Celtic has throughout the world, we are expecting their game against the Roar to be a sell-out. This game will bring thousands of people to Brisbane and will not only boost the game’s profile in Queensland but it will provide a much-needed economic boost as well.”

Among the stars of the Brisbane Roar side are two names familiar to Celtic fans. Former Rangers players Craig Moore, who captains the side, and Charlie Miller, the Hyundai A-League Player of the Year are set to play in the game. Brisbane Roar general manager Peter McLennan said, “This is a contest that should excite every football fan in Queensland, not just those who follow the famous green and white Hoops.”

And the Queensland Government’s Sport Minister Phil Reeves said it was another example of how the decision to build the world-class Suncorp Stadium was attracting world-famous sporting teams.

“If there is any doubt Queensland is home to world-class sporting stadiums, then this should put that to rest,” he said. “Brisbane benefits economically from such events and football fans get to see one of the world’s greatest and most popular teams play in their own backyard. The thousands of jobs generated from such an event and the spin-offs for tourism and hospitality is enormous.”

Source: Celtic FC Official website