UEFA: Celtic Handed €20k Fine and Suspended Away Day Ban Following Lighting Of Flares

lpUEFA has handed Celtic a one-match away fan ban, following the lighting of flares by supporters during their recent Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund. The governing body acted after Hoops fans defied repeated warnings, setting off fireworks in the lead-up to their 7-1 defeat in Germany.

The club and supporters will surely be concerned about the sentence, although the suspension has been put on hold for two years. This implies that Celtic supporters can still go to Bergamo the following week to watch their team play Atalanta in the Champions League. But, if there are any more incidents during this time, the ban might be enforced, making it impossible for supporters to go to a future away game.
Celtic has been fined €20,000 in addition to the suspended suspension. According to UEFA’s official statement:

“Charges against Celtic FC: Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR

The CEDB has made the following decision: Celtic FC will be fined €20,000 and will not be allowed to sell tickets to away fans for a single (1) UEFA Club Competition fixture due to fireworks. Beginning on the date of the current ruling, the aforementioned prohibition on selling tickets to its away fans is suspended for a two-year probationary term.

Celtic has previously been sanctioned by UEFA for using pyrotechnics; the club’s ultras frequently disobey fireworks regulations, particularly when they are on away property. Although supporters are permitted to go to Italy the next week, if they behave in the same way again, they risk having their ban imposed before the season ends, which would be devastating for the traveling Celtic supporters.

The club will need to address the ongoing issue with its support, as further breaches of UEFA regulations could result in heavier fines and potentially more severe sanctions down the line. For now, though, all eyes will be on Bergamo to see if Celtic’s away fans heed the warnings or risk triggering the ban this season.