Celtic have been fined around £10,000 after being found guilty of breaching UEFA rules on fireworks at a recent match. (STV)
The incident occurred prior to the Europa League win over Cluj earlier this month. The North Curve section of the stadium saw flares involved in a pre-match tifo with Europe’s governing body coming down on the club for the offence.
It’s the second time the club have been found guilty of breaching UEFA rules this season. Back in September we were punished with a similar fine after fans lit flares at the away qualifier against Swedish side AIK.
Celtic fans follow UEFA rules
With the fines coming so close together, and Celtic releasing a strongly worded statement just last week, a crunch time has now arrived for the Hoops support.
The use of flares may add to the visual spectacle on European nights. It may also help fuel an atmosphere that roars the team onto momentous victories. But the truth is that UEFA don’t want them at the game – and the club will be punished until the offences stop.
We can disagree with the UEFA policy all we want but that’s all irrelevant in the end. The pertinent point is that the governing body make and apply the rules – and we must abide.
It will be interesting to see if the Hoops support take a different approach to flares after the most recent charge. A pre-match tifo is almost certain before next Thursday’s clash against Lazio but extra security is likely to be in place around the stadium.
Fans often have a habit of digging their heels in when they feel an injustice has occurred. It would be best for the Celtic support if everyone just rose above pyro and cheered the team in ways that are considered legal to UEFA.
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