Dire ticket sales for Newcastle United friendly as Celtic fans think they should get in for free | OneFootball

Newcastle United fans very quickly snapped up the ticket allocation for the first announced friendly of the summer, however, not quite the same reaction from Celtic fans.

United were given 7,200 tickets for the pre-season match in Glasgow on Saturday 19 July, with Newcastle United announcing (see below) all available tickets had sold out by mid-May, almost two weeks before the then current (2024/25) season had ended.

Tickets priced at £25 for adults and less for concessions, pretty standard pricing for friendlies these days, with Newcastle United charging £25 for adults when Atletico Madrid visit St James’ Park in August.

However, Celtic fans thinking that the £25 ticket price is far too much, indeed £25 too much!

Celtic fans thinking the cost is unreasonable because they used to get at least one free friendly match as part of their season ticket.

Up in Glasgow dire ticket sales reported so far during the priority period for season ticket holders.

That priority period has now ended and all Celtic fans will now be able to buy, so no using that excuse for those who aren’t season ticket holders. Interesting to see what kind of crowd there ends up being.

As fans, we all think of getting to the end of the season and then a lengthy break. However, worth noting that this friendly at Celtic is only six weeks on Saturday.

Newcastle United official announcement – 16 May 2025:

‘Tickets for Newcastle United’s pre-season trip to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC are now sold out.

Eddie Howe’s side will travel to Scotland to face Brendan Rodger’s Bhoys at Celtic Park on Saturday, 19th July (kick-off 3pm BST), competing for the first ever adidas Trophy, and tickets initially went on sale to season ticket holders with 35 and above away points on Tuesday, 6th May.

Points were reduced daily at 2pm (BST), excluding weekends and subject to availability, before selling out on Friday, 16th May.

Following supporter consultation there will be a limited allocation open to season ticket holder ballot for those who do not meet the away points threshold. This ballot will go live at 2pm BST on Monday, 19th May and will close at 2pm BST on Tuesday, 20th May.

Supporters will be asked to input card details. If they are successful in the ballot, payment will be taken and the season ticket holder will be notified by email. Those that are unsuccessful in the ballot will also be notified as such and will not be charged.

Safeguarding

Anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18 at Celtic Park.

Due to the size of the allocation, the club will be offering sale to seat instead of the usual travel groups for this fixture. If you are in a different points threshold to a junior and wish to sit together, please contact the Box Office and arrangements can be made to ensure juniors are not sat separately.

Tickets will be in paper format.

There are 1,200 restricted view tickets within the allocation, these are to be sold once the full view allocation has sold out.

Celtic Park is a cashless stadium.

No visitor tickets will be available on the day at Celtic Park, all tickets should be purchased in advance from Newcastle United.

Ticket spot checks