CELTIC fans have been told not to travel to Spain for Thursday's Europa League group stage curtain-raiser with Real Betis following an intervention from the local authority.

In a statement released on the Parkhead club's website, the Glasgow club claim that Betis had last week reassured them that visiting supporters would be allowed to attend the match. 

However, the local authority has proclaimed that no away fans will be allowed to attend the game as the country responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement read: "We regret to announce that we have in the last 30 minutes been informed by Real Betis that they are no longer allowed to accept away fans for the match against Celtic next week, Thursday 16th September.

"Betis have indicated to Celtic that the local authority in Spain has now stated that visiting fans will not be permitted to attend the match.

"Responsibility for advising away clubs on ticketing and acceptance of fans travelling lies with the home club in UEFA competitions. Since the draw was made we have asked Betis to confirm whether they will be accepting Celtic fans at this fixture.

"Early on Wednesday afternoon Betis confirmed that they would be accepting Celtic fans for this match and the club has been working hard to try and find a way to comply with the requirements laid down to admit Celtic fans for this fixture.

"It is therefore extremely disappointing to be told moments ago that Betis will no longer be able to admit Celtic fans to this match.

"Whilst this matter is totally outwith Celtic’s control we fully understand the disappointment which will be felt by Celtic fans planning on attending. Wherever we play we are backed by the best support in huge numbers and it is a disappointment to all involved at Celtic and the team that we will not be able to have our fans with us as we visit the city of Seville again.

"Clearly, any match tickets purchased online, which went on sale last night, will be refunded.

"We remain in contact with Betis to see if anything can be done but thought it important to get this update out immediately and would advise our fans not to travel. We are speaking to Leverkusen and Ferencvaros to understand the position with away fans and will update in due course."