Travel Advice for Azerbaijan Qarabag FK v Celtic FC 5 August 2015 Kick Off, 2130hrs (local time UK +4 hours) About Qarabag FK Qarabag FK commonly known as Qarabag is an Azerbaijani football club from Agdam but based in Baku since 1993 due to the Nagorno-Karabakh war, playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League. Formed in 1951, Qarabag were founding members of the Azerbaijan Premier League in 1992. A season later they won their first league championship, becoming the first non-baku based club to win the Azerbaijan Premier League title. Qarabag is one of the 2 teams in Azerbaijan, along with Neftchi Baku which has participated in all Azerbaijan League Championships so far. Qarabag plays its matches at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku which also serves as the venue for Azerbaijan national football team matches. In 2014, the club won the Premier League, their first title for 21 years. Qarabag have won the Premier League and Azerbaijan Cup 3 times. In the same year, Qarabag became the second Azerbaijani team to advance to the group stage of a European competition beating FC Twente in the play off round of the 2014-2015 UEFA Europa League. The Stadium Stadium: City: Tofiq Bahramov Stadium Baku Capacity: 31,200 Tickets and Stadium Access At this time, Celtic FC have received sufficient tickets for all fans wishing to attend this match. John Paul Taylor, the clubs Supporter Liaison Officer will manage the distribution of tickets for fans travelling to Baku and to those currently residing in Azerbaijan.
John Paul has also made every effort to assist fans in obtaining the necessary visa to enter the country. Please do not travel if you have not already obtained the necessary entry visa. Celtic fans are located in Sector 28 which is accessed by 2 gates. A traditional ticket system is in use at the stadium. All spectators can expect to be searched prior to entry. Please give sufficient time to enter the stadium. Alcohol is prohibited within the stadium, however smoking is allowed. Spectator Safety Qarabag FK and the British Embassy are aware of the good reputation enjoyed by Celtic supporters. We are advised that the Police will be tolerant, however care should be taken to follow the advice of police and stewards. Banners and flags positively supporting the team will be welcome. The stadium regulations are similar to those at Celtic Park. Again we stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics which are considered a serious safety issue. The discharge of such items not only creates a hazard to spectators but will expose Celtic FC to disciplinary action by UEFA. It is likely that Celtic fans will be asked to remain in the stadium for approximately 15 minutes after the final whistle. The British Embassy, Baku The British Embassy in Baku is aware of the forthcoming fixture and the number of Celtic supporters attending the match. Around 7000 British nationals visit Azerbaijan every year, mainly on business. Most visits are trouble free. We are grateful to the British Embassy for the following travel advice for Celtic fans; Introduction Visit the FCO s travel advice for Azerbaijan for information, news and updates, to ensure you stay safe, avoid problems, and make informed decisions when travelling abroad. Road Safety The travel advice has recently been updated to highlight road safety risks in Azerbaijan. Pedestrians should be vigilant at all times when crossing roads, use the underpasses where available. Red traffic lights do not necessarily mean a car will stop. Local laws & Customs Most of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim. Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they don t offend other cultures or religious beliefs.
Travel Arrangements The British Embassy would strongly advise all those intending to visit Baku to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-insurance The Heydar Aliyev International Airport is located 20km to the North-East of the city. The journey time to the centre is about 30 minutes. Stadium The home ground of FK Qarabag is the Tofiq Bahramov stadium in Baku. The nearest metro station to the ground is Genclik. Consular Assistance If there is a genuine emergency during your visit to Baku (e.g. one involving accident, injury or loss/theft of your passport) please call +994 437 7878, and follow the instructions to be put through to a Consular Officer. Lost or Stolen Passport If your passport is lost or stolen report the loss to the local police as soon as possible and obtain a copy of the police report. You will need this to apply to the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Baku, for an Emergency Travel Document. https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document to allow you to return to the UK. Detention or Arrest If you are arrested British consular officials can visit you in prison (if you request it) and can put you in touch with local lawyers, if you need one. We cannot get you out of prison, represent you in court or pay your bills. If you wish to see a consular official please make this request clear to the local police authorities. Responsible Irish Consulate Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No.88 MNG Binasi B Blok Kat 3 Gaziosmanpasa 06700 Ankara Turkey Phone+90-312-4591000 Fax+90-312-4591022 Website URLwww.embassyofireland.org.tr
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THIS FIXTURE, HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY AND ENJOY THE MATCH