“Playing with Fire: The Risky Moves That Could Lead to Devastating Consequences”
Celtic have been fined nearly £17,000 by UEFA and issued a stern warning regarding the behavior of their travelling fans following a pyrotechnic display during their 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion earlier this month.
UEFA has also threatened the club with a suspension from selling tickets to away supporters for one Champions League match, should a similar incident occur. This potential ban is suspended for a probationary period of two years, meaning any future violations could activate the punishment.
This warning from UEFA arrives just one week before Celtic’s crucial Champions League matchday three clash in Bergamo, where Brendan Rodgers’ side will face Europa League winners Atalanta on Wednesday. With the threat of a potential fan ban looming, the pressure is on both the team and its supporters to avoid further sanctions in Europe.
Celtic have responded with a statement following UEFA’s disciplinary decision, saying: “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 statement reflects the club’s concern over repeated incidents involving a minority of fans, which have resulted in fines and warnings.
Celtic’s statement continued: “The decision means that not only has the club received a fine of €20,000, but if this behavior is repeated within the next two years, the club will be banned from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA competitions.“
The club has been very clear for years that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is prohibited and poses risks to supporter safety as well as to the club under UEFA regulations.
“It is hugely disappointing that the actions of a very small minority have led to this decision, which could have a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wanting to attend future away matches.”
Just under a year ago, Celtic were hit with a hefty £25,240.45 fine by UEFA following fan misconduct during their 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid at Parkhead. This penalty brought the club’s total fines in the Champions League to a staggering £65,710.94, with two group stage games still remaining.
Earlier punishments included a £20,017.18 (€23,000) fine for a pyrotechnic display by Celtic fans during their 2-0 loss to Feyenoord. UEFA also issued further fines of £17,407.20 (€20,000) for illegal banners and £3,046.11 (€3,500) for fireworks during the 2-1 home defeat to Lazio. These repeated incidents have placed a growing financial burden on the club.