Celtic striker Griffiths banned for fan provocation

GLASGOW: Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has been banned by UEFA for his side’s Champions League third round first-leg qualifier against Rosenborg next week.

The Scotland international was issued with a one-match European ban on Thursday for “provoking spectators” at the end of Celtic’s 2-0 second round first-leg win over Linfield last Friday.

The 26-year-old tied a Celtic scarf to a post at Belfast’s Windsor Park and UEFA have upheld their decision to punish the striker. The 1967 European Cup winners have been

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fined 4,500 (RM22,440) for Griffiths’ actions and also for picking up five bookings in the match.

The Scottish champions also face three separate charges by UEFA after beating the Northern Irish side 4-0 in the return leg at Celtic Park on Wednesday.

Celtic supporters unfurled an alleged “illicit banner” while the Glasgow club are also being charged for “kit infringement” and “blocked stairways”.

The “illicit banner” charge relates to the banner portraying a person in a paramilitary uniform,” according to a UEFA spokesman.

Meanwhile, Celtic have released a club statement condemning the actions of “a small minority” of their supporters.

“Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park. The club have been consistent in condemning such conduct on the very few occasions in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park.

“It is unfortunate that such a small minority of the crowd at Celtic Park last night behaved in such a way,” the club said on their website.

“We know that the Celtic support will join us in condemning such behaviour. Events last night have resulted in charges from UEFA in relation to the paramilitary banners and unsafe behaviour in a section of the Celtic support.

“The club have commenced an inquiry and will take appropriate action.”

Celtic have been punished 10 times in the past six years for supporters’ misconduct during European ties.

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Linfield were hit with a fine of 10,000 (RM49,878) after home fans threw objects onto the pitch during the first leg in Belfast before a group of supporters attempted to invade the pitch at the final whistle.

They were also ordered to close a section of their ground for the club’s next match in European competition.