Celtic are reportedly holding “emergency talks” with Lazio and UEFA amid real fears over the safety of supporters going to Rome for next week’s Europa League clash.
Neil Lennon’s men travel to the Eternal City for matchday four of their group stage campaign next Thursday and they’re expected to be backed by a vast travelling support. The Scottish Sun reported earlier this month that the club had been allocated 9,000 tickets for the fixture.
While it is not clear whether Celtic fans will fulfil that full allocation, there will be thousands of Hoops supporters descending on the Italian city.
Celtic hold talks with Lazio and UEFA
The Daily Mail report in their print edition (30/10/2019, page 87), that Hoops chiefs are holding talks with Lazio and UEFA amid fears for those travelling supporters. The paper understands that “hardcore Lazio fans” will target Celtic supporters after sections of Parkhead unfurled banners in last Thursday’s clash in Glasgow.
Both Lazio and the European governing body were in touch with Celtic on Monday as the three parties try to avoid any further incidents in an already heated double-header.
On Tuesday the club released an statement informing supporters of what they should avoid doing in Rome. Among other things, there was a clear message that supporters shouldn’t march to the stadium as that is prohibited in the city. There were also directions for Hoops fans on where they should and shouldn’t go.
Trouble looks inevitable at the game
It’s a real shame that this clash in Rome looks like being tarnished by some thugs on the Lazio side. The Italians have a real reputation for misbehaviour in Europe, both in and out of the stadium, and that looks set to continue.
We can only hope that the Celtic supporters travelling over to Italy take on board the advice they’ve been given and stay as safe as possible. Rome is one of the biggest tourist cities in the world so you doubt any trouble would happen in safe parts. The worry will be if some Celtic fans find themselves in the rougher areas.
Sadly, some sort of trouble seems inevitable at the game. We can only hope that it’s limited as much as possible.
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