Kieran Maguire: Celtic may be forced to pull plug on marquee deal after ‘enormous’ reveal
Celtic will only be forced to drop their sponsorship deal with Magners as a “last resort as a result of political pressure from the Scottish government”.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential ban on alcohol sponsorship in Scottish football.
The Scottish government confirmed earlier this month (17 November) that they had launched a consultation as they explore the possibility of banning alcohol advertising.
The Scottish FA and SPFL responded the next day warning of the “unintended consequences” of the ban.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster insisted there would be “enormous consequences” for Scottish clubs playing in Europe.
Celtic would be majorly effected as Magners are a ‘principal partner’ and feature prominently on the back of the club’s kit.
“Alcohol and gambling are two of the biggest stakeholders in terms of football club sponsorship is concerned,” Maguire told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“Therefore you can see why clubs would be loathed to sever that particular relationship, despite the association with socioeconomic harm and distress that they cause.
“Therefore it’s no surprise that the Scottish football authorities have come to the defence of those industries.
“You can expect to see a decision made to reduce that relationship only as a last resort as a result of political pressure from the Scottish government.”
The Magners logo has featured on Celtic’s shirts since the 2013-14 season.
The Hoops return to league action next month (17 December) when they travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen.
In other news, an expert has claimed Ange Postecoglou is furious with his Celtic players after what he’s just seen.