Celtic condemns Euro tie banners amid Uefa probe
Crime Reporter CELTIC have been hit with Uefa disciplinary action over an alleged “illicit banner” which was displayed during their Champions League victory over Linfield at Parkhead.
Following their 4-0 win on Wednesday night, the club have been hit with three charges on the same day that two earlier cases were being heard by Uefa’s disciplinary body.
A Uefa spokesman said: “The ‘illicit banner’ charge relates to the banner portraying a person in a paramilitary uniform.”
Celtic also face action over a “kit infringement” and “blocked stairways”. The case will be dealt with on Friday, July 28.
In a statement on the club’s website, it read: “Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park. The club has been consistent in condemning such conduct on the very few occasions in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park. It is unfortunate that such a small minority of the crowd at Celtic Park last night behaved in such a way.
“We know that the Celtic support will join us in condemning such behaviour. Events last night have resulted in charges from Uefa in relation to the paramilitary banners and unsafe behaviour in a section of the Celtic support. The Club has commenced an inquiry and will take appropriate action.”
It came as police launched a probe into the behaviour of both Celtic and Linfield fans during the game. It is understood officers will investigate a number of incidents which occurred during the match at Parkhead.
The force, however, only made four arrests thanks to a large police operation which involved specialist units including the Mounted Branch.
Supporters were met with dozens of officers lined along London Road and Springfield Road.
The Lisbon Lion away stand where the Linfield support sat was lined with cops who formed a barrier to keep the Celtic fans separate.
Superintendent Alan Murray said: “Although there were only four males arrested in and around the stadium during the match, Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the behaviour of a small section of supporters of both teams.”
Two of the men arrested will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with alleged alcohol related offences. They are aged 20 and 22-years-old.
On Monday, Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was charged with provoking spectators during the first leg clash in Belfast, while the Scottish champions also faced an improper conduct charge for picking up five cards or more. Previously, Celtic were hit with a £42,000 fine after fans displayed an “illicit banner” at a match.
Uefa took action against the club over the images which were shown ahead of their Champions League home defeat by AC Milan back in 2013. Fans displayed pictures of Bobby Sands and William Wallace at the match.