UEFA hit Celtic with a €15,000 fine for the illicit banner and illicit chants at the Celtic v Lazio Europa League match at Celtic Park on Thursday 24 October. Please note that UEFA refer to a banner (singular) and there were options at either end of the ground that this charge and subsequent fine relates to.

Indeed you could argue that the banner at the other side of the ground was more vulgar and probably more illicit that the one the Green Brigade displayed with the upside down “World War Two Italian Leader” – copyright Chris McLaughlin at BBC Scotland.

Here’s what the UEFA website announced:

“Match: UEFA Europa League match between Celtic FC and S.S. Lazio (2-1), played on 24 October in Scotland

Charges against Celtic FC:
– Illicit banner – Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)
– Illicit chants – Art. 16 (2) DR

Decision:
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to fine Celtic FC €15,000.

Charges against S.S. Lazio:
– Illicit chants – Art. 16 (2) DR

Decision:
The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to fine S.S. Lazio €10,000.”

Meanwhile Ibrox will NOT be completely closed for the Rangers’ final Europa League match against Young Boys. UEFA have not charged them with racist and sectarian singing following the behaviour of their support in Rotterdam last week. It seems to be a very lucky escape for the Ibrox club that was founded in 2012.

UEFA announced charges against them for setting off fireworks so they can expect a fine when UEFA sit down to decide on this on 27 February and by that time the former Rangers owner Craig Whyte’s book will be out. It is being released on Valentine’s Day to co-incide with the anniversary of the old Rangers going into Administration.

Here’s what the UEFA Disciplinary update says about the Feyernood v the Rangers match.

“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA European League group stage match between Feyenoord and Rangers FC (2-2), played on 28 November in the Netherlands.

Charges against Feyenoord:
– Setting off of fireworks – Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)
– Stairways blocked – Art. 38 of the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations

Against Rangers FC:
– Setting off of fireworks – Art. 16 (2) DR

The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case at its meeting on 27 February.”

The Green Brigade raised over £15,000 for two refugee charities in Rome and Glasgow to counter any UEFA fine.