Celtic’s Europa League opponents Lazio are facing more punishment from UEFA after the governing body opened proceedings on the Italians following their recent clash against Rennes. (Scottish Sun)
The Serie A side have been hit with a racism charge from last Thursday’s encounter. Ironically, the Italians had a partial stadium closure imposed on them for that game too after a similar charged was dished out following a knockout game against Sevilla last season.
UEFA will cast their verdict next Thursday with Neil Lennon taking his side to Rome on November 7th.
UEFA could impose full stadium closure on Lazio
Any punishment dished out to Lazio isn’t likely to hit them too hard. Simeone Inzaghi’s side average under 20,000 in their 70,000 stadium in the Europa League. The competition doesn’t seem to excite supporters and perhaps that is why they feel they can get away with such behaviour.
UEFA should surely look at other ways they could punish the side from the capital. Given that they only fill a percentage of their stadium on Thursday nights, surely the seats that they have closed off should have to come from that section.
Celtic, meanwhile, shouldn’t be affected too heavily by whatever happens. The Hoops have been given an allocation of 9,000 for the Stadio Olimpico clash (The Herald) and that shouldn’t change whatever happens with UEFA.
The only fear could be that European football’s governing body impose a stadium closure on Lazio. Strangely enough, that would punish the Celtic supporters too – although that scenario is unlikely at this stage.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
