Fans up in arms as Celtic abandon hoops - February 13, 2001
'Abandon hoop all ye who enter here' will be the new message over the gates of Paradise - despite widespread opposition from fans.
Officials supporters groups - including the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs - are up in arms over the clubs' new strip, which spells the end for the famous green-and-white hoops. To add insult to injury, the new strip is due to be launched St. Patrick's Day!
The combined supporters groups issued a joint statement describing the new strip as "totally unacceptable" and claiming that " the most beloved symbol of the club, the world famous and universally recognised green and white hoops, have been sacrificed at the alter of commercial greed. This abomination is not the jersey worn by Quinn, McGrory, Tully, Johnstone, McNeill, McStay and Larsson."
But the club are sticking to their guns. They say the launch will go ahead regardless of supporters' plans to boycott it - and they say orders for the new strip are 'outstripping' sales of the old by a thousand units a month.
A statement from the club said: "Celtic Football Club regret the activities of certain supporters' groups in attempting to mount a negative campaign and we are sorry not to have their support at this point in the season."