How about a Villa v Celtic charity game ?

[cdbearsfan]

They won't. It would be a friendly to raise money for one of their former players who is stricken by cancer. Even Small Heath and Leeds wouldn't kick off in those circumstances.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It's a great idea and think it would be very well received at Parkhead. As for their fans, I'd imagine they'd be looking to prove a point to one and all, especially on hearing about the Rangers episode.

Having been up there in the mid 80's to see us play them in a friendly, plus the numerous times they've played over here in Lisbon, I think there'd be nothing to worry about, they know how to behave. Ideally the best situation would be to play two games, home and away, thus raising more money and giving more fans the opportunity to pay their respects to Stan.

[Billy Walker]

Celtic have played quite a few friendlies in England and I don't think they've caused too many problems.  Limit them to five thousand of their season ticket holders and it should be fine.  The only way there would be trouble is if people actually go with the intention of causing it - and I reckon we've as many idiots to worry about on that score as them.

The focus of such a game would be Petrov - anyone trying to cause trouble under such conditions would have to be bordering on insane/inhuman.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Having just read a thread on a Celtic forum, some of their fans have already written to the Villa about the idea of a friendly. The biggest threat will be from Celtic fans wanting to kiss and hug Villa fans, eager to show their appreciation of the love and respect shown yesterday to Stan.

[stubbsyandy]

Its a great idea, and think what it would mean to Stan and his family!

[Percy McCarthy]

Celtic's travelling fans are nowhere near as bad as Rangers' and anyone who says otherwise is, I suspect, motivated to do so by their own prejudice or, at best, clueless about the reality.

[The Laughing Policeman]

I too was at THAT 'friendly' and it's something I never want to see again.
However times have changed and we shouldn't let the scars of history dictate our thoughts now. I'm all for this match being played at Villa Park but if the two clubs decided it would be better to hold it at Celtic Park (bigger crowd equals more money for charity)
then I'm up for that too. And believe me Glasgow has some excellent nightlife that I have sampled on occasion.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Vile,horrible,reptiles,they need keeping as far away from Villa Park as possible

Are these the "Vile, horrible, reptiles" you are referring to ?

[martin o`who??]

Really??, those of us with long memories still shudder when recalling previous "friendlies" with the Glasgow clubs, the idea might be a noble one but i`de rather it wasnt played down here, a neutral venue maybe, like the moon for instance.

[The Laughing Policeman]

Vile,horrible,reptiles,they need keeping as far away from Villa Park as possible

Are these the "Vile, horrible, reptiles" you are referring to ?

My god, now Ive seen that I'm not so sure about having them inside Villa Park. All that noise they make will disturb the cathedral like atmosphere in Villa Park that we have all come to love.

[Percy McCarthy]

Yeah, those 'Glasgow clubs' eh?

They're a bit like the 'Birmingham clubs', and the notorious 'south-east London clubs', Millwall and Charlton.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I cannot remember a Scottish team visiting us since the infamous 1970s game with Rangers, so it is long overdue.

Nearly 40 years later I'm still scarred from that game. I'd imagine many who were there that day would feel the same and would think twice about attending any match against either of the Glasgow clubs, regardless of the charitable reasons.

This

Liverpool and Manchester United have links with Celtic - we do not.

I admire the sentiment but I still recall the hordes descending on Brum two to three days before the game - it wasn`t an enjoyable experience and I was a Rangers "follower" at the time.

[Risso]

Celtic's travelling fans are nowhere near as bad as Rangers' and anyone who says otherwise is, I suspect, motivated to do so by their own prejudice or, at best, clueless about the reality.

You should have seen Manchester city centre the last time Rangers came to town. 

[VillaBobby]

Vile,horrible,reptiles,they need keeping as far away from Villa Park as possible

Are you denying that the Celtic fans do not sing pro-IRA songs?

Do you think that a city that had its people murdered by such a cowardly terrorist organisation should welcome supporters of such an abominable sect?

Personally I only see trouble and from those who have been victims of such monsters then I could not condemn them.

Keep the bigotry away from Villa Park.
Are these the "Vile, horrible, reptiles" you are referring to ?

[VillaBobby]

Are people in denial about Celtic supporters?

They sing pro-IRA songs, this city has innocent dead because of the cowardly murdering terrorist organisation called te IRA.

So if they promise to behave then that's ok?

Villa Park should not be the home to bigotry nor should we entertain idiots who glory in my fellow Brummies deaths.