EU Loophole for Celts travelling to Milan

Last updated : 01 March 2007 By Jack Kennedy
After doing a bit of research on behalf of fans travelling to Milan and perhaps trying to gain entry into the San Siro with tickets other than the official Celtic ones we have came up with a word that might just help, The word is SHENGEN.


The right to free movement means that every EU citizen is entitled to travel freely around the Member States of the European Union, and settle anywhere within its territory. No special formalities are required to enter an EU country. This fundamental right extends to members of the EU citizen's family, and applies regardless of their situation or the reason for travel or residence. This has also been informally extended to ensure that membrs of EU countries are extended the same right and privilidges while travelling inside a member country as that countries citizens and that includes the right of entrance to places AND events.


Italy has signed up to the "Shengen convention" which promises that police and judicial controls are kept the same for All EU citizens and that "should" include entry into stadia.


Although we have looked into this and taken advice on it we are a website and not experts on international law but word coming from a few people who are versed in Euro conventions is that technically it could be used to allow entry into the San Siro (provided you SAY you are a Milan supporter). Local Italian authorities do have the right under local safety regulations to deny entry to supporters "OF VISITING TEAMS" However trying to tell a gun toting Italian Polis that you want entry under the terms of the Shengen convention might not be too clever. We hope their may be someone out there that this information is useful to and it has been passed onto the club, its travel partners and the relevent members of the European parliament to try to come up with a quick solution


Hail Hail and see you in Milan