CELTIC FANS ‘AMBUSH’ WARNING

THERE have been alarming reports Lazio thugs are planning revenge on Celtic fans in Rome on Thursday night.

A figure of around 9,000 Hoops supporters has been quoted as travelling to back Neil Lennon’s men in the Europa League Group E confrontation at the Olympic Stadium.

It has been said the Italian followers, who marched through Glasgow city centre giving fascist salutes, are enraged at a banner at Parkhead in the game last month that depicted Italy’s fascist leader Benito Mussolini hanging after his 1945 execution.

The banner read: ‘Follow Your Leader’.

The Hoops won a tense encounter 2-1 with goals from Ryan Christie and Christopher Jullien, but UEFA later charged both sides for “illicit chants” while Celtic face an extra charge over the “illicit” banner.

Sources have allegedly told the Scottish Sun the Lazio louts intend to “ambush” the travelling support.

An insider told the paper: “Intelligence suggests Lazio supporters will be intent on seeking reprisals.

“There is a very real threat of violence. The possibility of pre-planned attacks is a real issue.

“They will know where Celtic fans plan to gather ahead of the match.”

The newspaper also reports that specialist Police Scotland officers will fly out to assist their Italian colleagues.

A spokesperson for the force told the paper: “Support being provided in Rome is that which is routinely deployed for matches overseas.”