The influential fan group won't be present at Thursday night's Europa League showdown against Celta Vigo

Frank McAvennie insists the Green Brigade are wrong to boycott Celtic's Europa League fixtures.

And the Centenary season hero has accused the stayaway ultras of hampering the team's chances of progressing.

Celtic face Celta Vigo in Thursday night's must-win clash at Parkhead but the North Curve section will be empty after the Green Brigade announced a boycott of all European and Scottish Cup home games. The influential fan group have also pulled out of the club's Home Cup Ticket scheme in protest against the club's board. And while the decision will ultimately divide opinion among the Hoops fanbase, Macca believes the ultras have scored a major own goal.

Speaking on Let Me Be Frank, he said: "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."

As Celts look to salvage their European adventure after losing their opening two games, McAvennie insists Martin O'Neill's players will need the backing of the Parkhead support more than ever.

He added: "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."

However, Celtic legend Chris Sutton has thrown his support behind the Green Brigade's boycott and claims they are right to sit out the showdown. He told Record Sport: “The Green Brigade should stick to their guns. I don’t always agree with the way they go about things but I can understand their frustration and the feeling supporters are being ignored.

“They are taking the kind of action they feel will force Celtic to take note. They are not alone either. I speak to a lot of Celtic fans who feel angry and frustrated at the lack of ambition shown in terms of Europe."

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