CELTIC face the prospect of their fans being BANNED for one away day in the Champions League.
The Parkhead side have been fined almost £17,000 and warned about the conduct of the travelling followers by UEFA after a pyrotechnic display during the 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Westfalenstadion at the beginning of this month.
The threat of suspension “from selling tickets to its away supporters for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match, for lighting of fireworks” is “suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years.”
The warning shot from Europe’s soccer rulers comes just one week ahead of matchday three in Bergamo when Brendan Rodgers’ side take on Europa League winners Atalanta in Bergamo on Wednesday.
READY FOR ACTION…Celtic and Borussia Dortmund line up before kick-off.
Celtic have issued a statement which reads: “The club has received the decision issued by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body following the match against Borussia Dortmund, in which the club has been sanctioned, again, for the lighting of fireworks by a small number of individuals attending the match.
“The decision provides that, not only has the club received a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour is repeated at a match in the next two years, the club will be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in Uefa club competitions.
“The club has been very clear, over a number of years, that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is prohibited, and presents risks to supporter safety and to the club under the applicable regulations.
“It is hugely disappointing, therefore, that the conduct of a very small minority has led to this decision, which could potentially have such a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wishing to attend an away match to support the team.”
ENDGAME…Celtic players acknowledge the visiting support after the defeat.
Just under a year ago, Celtic were forced to count the cost of fan misbehaviour after the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid at Parkhead when they were hit with £25,240.45 worth of fines by UEFA.
That stinging penalty brought the club’s total financial punishment to a staggering £65,710.94 for their involvement in Europe’s elite competition with two games still to play.
Europe’s governing body had dished out financial punishments of £20,017.18 (23,000 euros) for a pyro display from the visiting fans in the match against Feyenoord which Rodgers’ side lost 2-0.
There were further fines of £17,407.20 (20,000 euros) for illegal banners and £3,046.11 (3,500 euros) for fireworks during the 2-1 home defeat against Lazio.