THE BREAKING news this morning is this morning is that the ten thousand plus Celtic fans heading to Rome for the eagerly awaited match between Lazio and Celtic will be allowed to attend the Europa League match.
There were fears that UEFA were set to order a full stadium closure after further fascist and racists incidents were reported at the Lazio v Rennes match a few weeks ago. And after the increased profile for tackling racism in football after the Bulgaria v England match in the Euro qualifying match this week, fears grew that the governing body would make an example of the Italian club and that over 10,000 innocent Celtic supporters would have been left in Rome but with no access to the game.
Various news outlets are now reporting the actual decision from UEFA, rather than the speculation that has been riff over the past week or so as fears that a full stadium ban was on the cards.
“UEFA order Lazio to have a partial stadium closure for their next home Europa League match next month due to ‘racist behaviour’ from supporters. It means Celtic fans will still be allowed in the Stadio Olimpico for the game,” Clyde’s Superscoreboard tweeted.
While STV’s Raman Bhardwaj expanded on this by including details on the fine imposed on the Italian club.
“UEFA ruling re racist behaviour of Lazio fans (ahead of Celtic match): partial closure of Lazio’s stadium – sectors 46, 47, 48 and 49. Lazio ordered to display Equal Game banner. One match to be played behind closed doors (suspended for a year) plus €20,000 fine,” the STV man wrote.
BREAKING: UEFA order Lazio to have a partial stadium closure for their next home Europa League match next month due to ‘racist behaviour’ from supporters.
It means Celtic fans will still be allowed in the Stadio Olimpico for the game.
— Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) October 16, 2019
UEFA ruling re racist behaviour of Lazio fans (ahead of Celtic match):
partial closure of Lazio’s stadium – sectors 46, 47, 48 and 49. Lazio ordered to display Equal Game banner. One match to be played behind closed doors (suspended for a year) + €20,000 fine
— Raman Bhardwaj (@STVRaman) October 16, 2019
So the threat to Celtic fans missing the game has been lifted and this will probably result in even more Hoops fans making their way to the Rome for what could be Celtic biggest game of the year.
UEFA have forced Lazio to close the lower and upper areas of sections 46, 47, 48 and 49 for racist behaviour in their last group game.
However, the section of the Stadio Olimpico hosting travelling Celtic fans will still be open.
— celticbible (@celticbible) October 16, 2019
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Watch French Eddie bag a hat-trick for the French Under 21s last night, simply sensational!…see HERE.
James Forrest admits that the Celtic players have been stung by losing top spot in the Scottish Premiership and plan to do something about it starting on Saturday against Ross County…see HERE.
