Celtic face UEFA charge for Zagreb ‘crowd trouble’
Celtic fans set off fireworks and reportedly clashed with riot police during the 4-3 loss in the Croatian capital last Thursday.
And Celtic had warned fans over the use of flares at the match with a statement on the club’s website, which read: “We stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics which are considered a serious safety issue.
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Hide Ad“The discharge of such items, not only creates a hazard to spectators but will expose Celtic FC to disciplinary action by UEFA.”
UEFA has confirmed its disciplinary panel will judge the case on February 19 - the same day Celtic host Inter Milan in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie.
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It is the fifth time in three years that Celtic have been slapped with charges as a result of their supporters’ behaviour during European matches.
The club was fined £42,000 after fans displayed an ‘illicit’ banner at a Champions League clash with AC Milan in 2013, while Celtic was also fined £4221 after supporters set off fireworks during the Champions League qualifier with Cliftonville.
And the club was hit with two charges during the 2011/12 Europa League campaign - a £21,000 fine for an offensive banner and flares at an away match with Udinese and a £13,000 fine for ‘illicit chanting’ during a match against Rennes.
Celtic now face a sweat over possible sanctions - due to the high volume of supporter-related incidents, the Hoops could face action including future matches being played behind closed doors, or fans being prevented from travelling to future away matches.
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