It may be March but Celtic have unveiled a new kit for the current season much to the fury of the club's supporters. The new ‘origins' kit is part of an entire new collection released by the club to celebrate the club's proud Irish history.
Celtic have said that the release is due to the “phenomenal response” they received to a similar Irish-inspired kit they released last year to mark the club's 135-year anniversary. Unlike last season's ‘origins' release, though, the one released today isn't going to be used in matches but will still set supporters back £55.
Alongside the launch, the club said:
“An Irish identity is strongly woven into the fabric of Celtic Football Club since Brother Walfrid – himself an Irishman – founded the club back in 1887. Thousands upon thousands have sailed the Irish Sea to support the Bhoys over the years.
“Their passion and that of the proud Irish players who have pulled on the Hoops for Celtic, alongside the managers and coaches who have been written into the club’s illustrious history, ensure that our Celtic connections are celebrated worldwide – then, now and always!”
The kit features a shamrock in place of the Celtic badge and is predominantly dark green with white and orange piping. Effectively, it is a classic Republic of Ireland home kit being sold by Celtic.
☘ Celebrating our Irish Origins!
The new #CelticFC x @adidasfootball collection is here 🇮🇪🍀
Available to shop now ⤵
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 12, 2024
Celtic fans respond to new kit release
The design or reasoning behind the release isn't the cause of disappointment and anger among the Celtic supporters, but rather the timing and expense. Most supporters see it as nothing more than a cash grab in a year where money hasn't been readily available for the club to make moves in the transfer market.
Mocking Celtic's inactivity in the January transfer window, one supporter took to X to say “March is a tough time of the season to buy shirts. I tried, but couldn't get the deal over the line.” Meanwhile, another Celtic fan posted: “I’ve got the money in the bank. More than enough to buy it. But the selling shops don’t want to sell and I can’t convince them to take my money.”
Other fans were less subtle. One said: “This should be free to season ticket holders as compensation for the absolute s*** we’ve had to endure this season.” While another Bhoys fans said: “Really nice stuff but the timing is woeful. Asking the fans to spend more money when there is such scepticism over the running of the club is taking the mick.”