Chris Sutton has taken aim at the media narrative that the Celtic fans provoked the Italian supporters during the tie in Glasgow – which has resulted in two Celtic fans being stabbed in Rome.
The ex-Celtic striker and BT Sport commentator took to Twitter to lambast the rhetoric coming from certain media outlets prior to the game tonight saying that Celtic fans ‘had painted a target on their backs’.
Lots of stuff being said about the banners displayed by a section of Celtic fans the other week and whether they were justified or not. The bottom line is no football fan deserves to be stabbed going to watch their team play…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) November 7, 2019
9,000 Celtic fans are expected to be in the Stadio Olimpico for tonight’s match as the Group E leaders face the Rome side, two weeks after defeating them at Celtic Park.
Despite claims that the Celtic fans had been looking for trouble, one fan that was inside the pub that the first stabbing occurred spoke to Clyde 1 about the experience.
🎥 Our senior sports reporter @AlisonGConroy is speaking to Celtic fan Dennis Connelly from Kilmarnock. He was in The Flann O’Brien last night when another supporter was stabbed in the leg… pic.twitter.com/oKOE5GEW7N
— Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) November 7, 2019
Meanwhile, Celtic have released a statement after the stabbings and urged fans to take care – especially given Lazio fans tendency to use knives against visiting fans.
Celtic can confirm that 2 fans have been injured after being stabbed last night. Both are now in hospital and will receive every support from the Club and the British consulate in Rome. Again we would strongly advise supporters to closely follow all guidance issued by the Club.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 7, 2019
#Celtic Connections: the College was delighted this morning to welcome a delegation from @CelticFC for Mass and a brief reception, including manager Neil Lennon. The Club presented the College with a quaich as a gesture of friendship pic.twitter.com/eZ7Jtxon9h
— Scots College, Rome (@ScotsCollegeIT) November 7, 2019
