Celtic have been granted a 'safe standing' section at Celtic Park

Initial plans could see room for 2,600 fans

(Getty Images)

Scottish champions Celtic have been given the go ahead to introduce a 'safe standing' section at Celtic Park.

The club confirmed on their website that proposals for the rail seating system will see the stadium in Glasgow initially accommodate around 2,600 supporters and could potentially be introduced in 2016-17.

Ronny Delia's team won the Scottish title for the fourth season in a row, as well as the Scottish League Cup this term.

Celtic have been in consultation with authorities for around five years to see safe seating introduced in the UK - it is permitted in all Bundesliga grounds, including at Borussia Dortmund's famed 'Yellow Wall' at the Westfalenstadion, where 25,000 stand in the South Stand.

25,000 people safely stand at Borussia Dortmund's Westfalenstadion (Getty Images)

"Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that this permission has finally been granted," said Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

"The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches. This is something we must accept and manage and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches.

"Celtic’s primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters – this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches."