When you see Club Statement on the official Celtic FC website you know straight away that something serious has happened…
And it’s another fine from UEFA, this time for €20,000, in relation to the lighting of fireworks in the recent Champions League match at the Westfalenstadion against Borussia Dortmund. These fines are usually taken on the chin by The Celtic support and the club appeals for it to stop, pays up and we all move on. Until the next time.
However UEFA appear to be losing patience now and have therefore imposed another sanction on Celtic. If this offence is repeated at a UEFA match over the next two years then Celtic will be prevented from selling tickets to away fans for the next UEFA match.
It certainly looks like the punishments are going to ramp up if Celtic Supporters don’t cut out the pyros and the smoke. The Scottish FA don’t seem to mind so keep this for Hampden or whatever other domestic game tickles your fancy but from no on Europe is a no-go for the Flare Bhoys.
Here’s the Celtic statement in full…
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.
Time for some plain old common sense, folks. Enough is enough. In the Champions League NO MORE FLARES!
