Celtic fans left gutted after club ban on fan autographs at training ground

CELTIC fans have been left gutted after the club posted an unusual sign at their training ground seemingly banning autographs going forward.

The sign, which was erected yesterday, caught the attention of supporters for its simple instruction that players will no longer be stopping at the Lennoxtown base for pictures or autographs.

The large notice reads: “Please note, unfortunately players or management are not able to stop for photographs or autographs at this site.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience.”

Many fans were quick to suggest the reason the club have taken the action is because of the amount of adults who wait for players to autograph shirts, before selling them on auction sites.

The practice, known as ‘autograph scalping’, sees someone procure a large amount of goods before selling them for a much higher price online.

Signed Celtic shirts are on the market for as much as £300 including post and packaging, but are not officially licensed products from the club and as such authentication cannot be guaranteed.

The image of the notice was shared to Twitter by a Celtic collectibles page yesterday, who wrote: “Sign at Lennoxtown today.

“I am wondering if the Club has had enough of the folks with dozens of tops etc wanting signed. Or something to do with school holidays?”

Social media users were quick to flock to the comment section to vent their frustrations at those who have allegedly spoiled the fun for everyone.

One said: “With the amount of one’s [sic] wanting shirts signed I’d say it was only a matter of time. The number of them on eBay at the moment is unreal.”

Another replied: “It is probably due to all the resellers, rather than a few kids wanting a top signed.”

A third added: “Probably because it’s not a handful of kids wanting shirts signed but grown men demanding loads of strips and merch gets signed so they can flog them on eBay.”

Some joked that the club had taken the action following the viral Valentine’s video the club posted yesterday where fans confessed their feelings to their idols.

Celtic players including Jota, Greg Taylor and Joe Hart were inundated with offers of dinner and marriage proposals.

One creative fan hoped that the “postie would do their stuff and bring them Joe Hart in the buff”.

Celtic have not yet commented on the new sign at Lennoxtown.