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: Tofiq Bahramov Stadium

City: 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