UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Celtic for fans' 'fireworks'

[ian1964 10,563]

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic for their supporters' use of fireworks during their recent game with Cliftonville.

 

The club are accused of breaching article 16.2 of the governing body's regulations during the Champions League tie at Parkhead on Tuesday.

 

UEFA will consider the case on August 22.

 

In a statement, Celtic admitted the fireworks were used during the game in a section housing the Green Brigade supporters group, causing the referee to ask the club's safety officers to intervene.

 

The club said: "Three fireworks were exploded within Section 111, causing the Match Referee to require a stadium announcement to be made instructing such behaviour to stop.

 

"As a result of this unprecedented step by a match official, Celtic FC will now be the subject of a disciplinary action for contravention of the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations."

 

Celtic supporters also used flares in their recent friendly with Brentford, leading to manager Neil Lennon asking them to reconsider their use.

 

He said: "The Celtic fans were a little over-exuberant. The heat, a few beers but it was a carnival atmosphere. I would like them to maybe leave the flares out."

 

The club were last punished by UEFA in March 2012, fined £21,000 after supporters displayed an offensive banner and set off flares during a UEFA Europa League tie away to Udinese in December 2011.

 

At the time, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and manager Neil Lennon deplored the actions of what they deemed to be a "rogue element" of the club's support.

 

Celtic were also fined £13,000 for "illicit chanting" in the same competition during a match with Rennes.

 

In contrast, their fans were widely praised for a "party atmosphere" by the Italian football media after their UEFA Champions League last 16 away to Juventus earlier this year.

 

Article 16.2 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations state: "All associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match.

 

"[This includes] the invasion or attempted invasion of the field of play, the throwing of objects, the lighting of fireworks or any other objects, the use of laser pointers or similar electronic devices, the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature, acts of damage, the disruption of national or competition anthems, or any other lack of order or discipline observed inside or around the stadium."

 

http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/234053-uefa-open-disciplinary-proceedings-against-celtic-for-fans-fireworks/

[Darthter 542]

UEFA obviously don't understand that these are the "best fans in the world" & their only having a bit of fun/craic....

 

In truth, they should be absolutely hammered!!!! They were fined for letting off flares previously during a CL game....they have only gone & done it again - repeat offenders. Whether the Brentford games behaviour will come into it, I don't know.

[der Berliner 3,425]

No illegal and terrorist-minded chanting throughout the game then?

[Darthter 542]

No illegal and terrorist-minded chanting throughout the game then?

 

nope...only harmless leprechaun banter...

[ian1964 10,563]

Another wee video that the Scottish meHdia missed!

 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/AiYmiCnzlFw

[ian1964 10,563]

Celtic fans urged to light up Parkhead with colour and song after UEFA launch fireworks inquiry

Friday 26 July 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged supporters to light Parkhead up through colour and song alone after the club received their latest UEFA charge for breaching rules over fireworks.

 

Celtic face disciplinary action after fans were accused of letting off fireworks during the Champions League visit of Cliftonville on Wednesday, less than 18 months after being fined over a similar offence during a Europa League tie against Udinese in Italy.

 

The club responded with a strong statement warning that numerous safety issues might prompt them to close section 111 of Celtic Park, which houses the Green Brigade fans group.

 

And Lennon today appealed to the supporters to provide backing within the stadium guidelines.

 

"It's disappointing and it's not for the first time," Lennon said of the UEFA charge.

 

"Our motivation on this is health and safety - the safety of supporters.

 

"People look as though they enjoy themselves and they do add a lot to the stadium, I have been very vociferous in my support of that section in particular. But there are things they cannot do.

 

"We are not being over-critical but there are lines to be drawn and they can't cross them any more."

 

Lennon added: "I'm not a big fan of fireworks. I'm not a big fan of flares being let off in a crowded area. It doesn't do the players any good, it stops the game.

 

"It's just not necessary. You can still go to the game and enjoy it without having to light the place up as it were.

 

"They can light the place up in many ways, and they normally do that through colour and singing their songs."

 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-fans-urged-to-light-up-parkhead-with-colour-and-song-after-uefa-launch-fireworks-inquiry.1374856965