He believes the protest by the fan group risks hurting the team. The Green Brigade announced that they would not support European and Scottish Cup fixtures due to frustration with how the club is being run.

However, McAvennie insists these are the matches where the players most need the Parkhead crowd's backing. Speaking on Let Me Be Frank, he said: "I think it’ll be good. Listen, it’s Europe. This is what they play all year for.

"People forget about it. It’s, 'We don’t need it.' We do need it. That’s what players want, to play in Europe."

He believes the players will be motivated for Thursday's Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, but says the Green Brigade's presence would be crucial.

"I think it’s wrong that they’re doing it because it’s not the right way, because it’s going against the team.

"Everyone keeps raving about the atmosphere, and this Green Brigade keep talking about it, the best atmosphere in club football and all that.

"People rave about it. You can’t do that [boycott] because it’s going against the team."