CELTIC’S Europa League rivals Lazio have appealed to UEFA to overturn their partial stadium closure for their clash with the Hoops next month.
The Serie A outfit contacted Europe’s ruling body after banning 20 of their own fans.
UEFA ordered the Italian side to close their Curva Nord section of their Stadio Olimpico ground – where their notorious Ultras gather – for the game against Neil Lennon’s men after been found guilty of their fans making fascist salutes during their game against Rennes.
Their supporters criticised the punishment because they insist it hands the Parkhead side and their expected 10,000 supporters an unfair advantage.
The Roman team handed the case over to Italy’s General Investigations and Special Operations Division – a law enforcement agency charged with investigating terrorism and organised crime.
And they responded by pinpointing 20 of their fans, with six of them under 16 years of age and have dished out bans.
Now Lazio will appeal to UEFA to reverse the decision because they have taken decisive action to root out the culprits.
Lazio have also revealed they will closely be monitoring 1,500 of their own fans who will travel to Parkhead for Thursday night’s encounter against the Scottish champions.
UEFA have warned the Italians that any repeat of misbehaviour will see their entire stadium shut in future.
