Celtic have been sanctioned by UEFA for the fans’ use of pyrotechnics in the Champions League fixture with Borussia Dortmund this month.
The Hoops fans travelled to Germany buoyed by Celtic’s opening day win over Slovan Bratislava in the hope of getting a positive away Champions League result.
However, Celtic suffered a heavy defeat to Dortmund despite having the backing of a large travelling support.
The attending Celtic fans certainly made themselves seen and heard, aided by the use of pyro, but yesterday, UEFA hammered the club for the fans’ use of fireworks
The ruling released by UEFA states, “The CEDB has decided: To fine Celtic FC €20,000 and to ban Celtic FC from selling tickets to its away supporters for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match, for lighting of fireworks. Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years, starting from the date of the present decision.”
Celtic addresses ‘hugely disappointing’ fan behaviour
Celtic have addressed the ruling by UEFA and sent a message to the supporters noting their disappointment’ at the fine after making their stance on the use of pyro ‘very clear’ previously.
In a statement released on the official website, Celtic said, “The Club has received the decision issued by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body following the match against Borussia Dortmund, in which the Club has been sanctioned, again, for the lighting of fireworks by a small number of individuals attending the match.
“The decision provides that, not only has the Club received a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour is repeated at a match in the next two years, the Club will be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.
“The Club has been very clear, over a number of years, that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is prohibited, and presents risks to supporter safety and to the Club under the applicable regulations.
“It is hugely disappointing, therefore, that the conduct of a very small minority has led to this decision, which could potentially have such a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wishing to attend an away match to support the team.”
Celtic fans and pyro
The Celtic fans have long used pyro to generate atmosphere at some of the club’s biggest games.
Celtic’s 2023 League Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock at Hampden produced this huge display from the fans:
And who can forget the amazing Bertie Auld tribute Celtic fans created in the 2021 League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone?
It is clear not just from Celtic fans but with supporters all around Europe that there is an appetite to use pyro at football matches and just last season the Belgian Pro League put forward an interesting proposal about the safe use of pyro inside football grounds.
But as it stands right now, their use is banned and Celtic fans could face a Champions League away lockout if they are used within the next two years in UEFA’s flagship tournament.
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